KR20120121125A - Sorting system for returing goods using image information - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A recalled goods classification system using image information is provided to classify recalled goods transferred by a conveyor in a short time and to increase a transferring speed of the conveyor. CONSTITUTION: A recalled goods classification system(100) using image information comprises a conveyor(110), a camera(120), an image processing unit(130), a distance measuring unit(140), a classifying unit(150), and a controlling unit(160). The conveyor loads recalled goods on trays(121), thereby transferring the same. The camera obtains signs(122) of each tray and images of the recalled goods at the same time. The image processing unit processes each image, thereby extracting ID(Identification) information for each tray and recall information. The distance measuring unit measures a moving distance of the tray based on a position(P) of the images of the recalled goods and signs of the trays. The classifying unit classifies the recalled goods to a plurality of classifying boxes(180) in preset positions. The controlling unit classifies moving distance and the information of the trays and recalled goods information, thereby classifying desired recalled goods. [Reference numerals] (130) Image processing unit; (160) Controlling unit

Description

Returns classification system using image information {SORTING SYSTEM FOR RETURING GOODS USING IMAGE INFORMATION}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a return classification system, and more particularly, to a return classification system using image information for capturing an image of a return delivered to a conveyor and classifying the corresponding return quickly and accurately using the information of the captured image. will be.

If a product is not sold for a period of time after it is shipped from the factory to the store, the product is returned to the factory as a return. As such, returns from the store to the factory will go through a series of tasks, such as picking and sorting, for re-shipment to other areas as needed. Recently, the use of a conveyor (conveyor) for the sorting of returns is increasing.

Conveyor is a mechanical device that is installed in the production line or loading dock of a factory to automatically transfer goods or parts in one direction by mechanical power to reduce manpower and improve work efficiency. These conveyor devices play a major role in factory automation facility lines.

In addition to the ability to transfer goods to conveyors, modern automated equipment production lines have added the ability to sort the transferred goods according to a predetermined position. To this end, an automatic classifier is installed at a specific position in the conveyor apparatus to discharge the goods placed on the tray of the conveyor so as to be classified into a predetermined position.

The conventional return sorting system puts a return on a conveyor and transports the sorting to a fixed position, and thus it is not possible to sort according to a plurality of conditions for various returns. In order to sort and re-ship even the same return recently, it is often necessary to classify the same return in different positions according to the demand of the demand. For example, the same returns are often classified according to shape, color, size, and the like. Therefore, in the past, it was difficult to classify returns in accordance with these various needs.

Therefore, in the related art, a worker checks the returned goods transported by a conveyor and sorts the returned goods manually according to various demands of demand. As a result, there is a problem in that an error occurs in the return classification and the labor cost of the worker. Recently, in order to solve such a conventional problem, a bar code has been introduced at the time of return classification. This is classified by identifying the return information such as the shape, color, size, number of returned goods transported by attaching a barcode to the return to the conveyor and reading the barcode information.

However, even in this case, if the barcode falls on the return or the barcode is wrinkled, it is difficult to accurately read it and there is a limit to increase the conveying speed of the conveyor to read the barcode. If it is not easily exposed, it is a hassle for the operator to read the barcode correctly.

Therefore, in the technical field, there has been a demand for a technology development for a return classification system capable of accurately classifying returns according to the conditions of re-shipment from a conveyor.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems of the prior art, by capturing an image of the returned goods transported on the conveyor and using the information of the captured image to classify the returned goods according to a predetermined condition accurately The purpose is to provide a return classification system using information.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a return classification system using image information capable of quickly classifying a return without prior information such as a barcode or a radio identification code (RFID).

Furthermore, the present invention has an additional object to provide a return classification system using image information that can accurately classify desired returns in a designated box according to preset conditions.

According to an aspect of the present invention,

A conveyor for transporting returns on a plurality of trays; A camera for acquiring an image of a return attached on each tray and a mark attached to each tray; An image processor which processes each image acquired from the camera and extracts unique number (ID) information and return information for each tray; A distance measuring unit measuring a distance that each tray is moved based on a point (P) at which the camera acquires an image of a mark and a return of the tray; A sorting unit for sorting the returned goods on the moving tray into a plurality of sorting machines at preset positions; And receiving unique number (ID) information and return information of each tray from the image processing unit, receiving a moving distance of each tray from the distance measuring unit, mapping each of the trays, and classifying each of the trays at a predetermined distance. It provides a return classification system using the image information including a control unit for controlling the operation of the classification unit to classify the returned goods.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the image processing unit encodes the combination of the unique number (ID) information of each tray and the returned information on the tray.

At this time, the image processing unit generates a code by mapping the unique number (ID) information of each tray and the return information on the tray by mapping the preset unique number (ID) and the basic code corresponding to the returned information.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the return information preferably includes information on the shape, color, and size of the return.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the return sorting system may further include a plurality of counting units for counting the number of returns sorted into the plurality of sorting boxes.

In this case, the control unit may stop the operation of the classification unit so that returns are not classified by the corresponding classification unit when the number of returns in the sorting box counted by each counting unit is compared with a preset reference value for each sorting box. have.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit previously stores the distance to each sorting box based on the point P at which the marker of the tray and the returned image of the tray are acquired by the camera.

In this case, the control unit compares the moving distance for each tray received from the distance measuring unit and the distance to each pre-stored sorting box and controls the operation of the sorting unit corresponding to the sorting unit when the match is matched with each other. Classify with classifier.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting unit includes sorting means for sorting the returned goods by tilting the tray from side to side so that the returned goods on the tray are separated from the tray.

According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately classify the return according to a preset condition using only image information of the return conveyed by the conveyor.

In addition, according to the present invention can be sorted in a large amount of time with respect to the return conveyed by the conveyor, it is possible to increase the conveying speed of the conveyor.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a return classification system using image information according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an illustration showing the coding of the return according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a schematic view of a classification unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a schematic view of a classification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a return classification system using image information according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the return classification system 100 using the image information according to the present invention includes a conveyor 110, a camera 120, an image processing unit 130, a distance measuring unit 140, and a classification unit 150. ) And the controller 160. In addition, the return classification system 100 of the present invention may further include a counting unit 170.

Conveyor 110 serves to transport the return in order to sort the return (123). A plurality of trays 121 are provided at the top of the conveyor 110 so as to place the return 123, and the conveyor 110 substantially transfers the tray 121 to return the returned goods 123. To transport. At this time, in the embodiment of the present invention, preferably, each tray 121 is formed with a marker 122 including identification information (ID: identification) information. The marker 122 is attached to one side to be exposed to the outside of the tray 121 and may be formed in various ways such as a sticker, a barcode, an LED, and the like. The unique number (ID) information included in the marker 122 is for distinguishing each tray 121.

The camera 120 simultaneously acquires images of the markers 122 formed on the trays 121 and the returns 123 on the trays 121. In other words, the camera 120 preferably simultaneously captures an image of a marker 122 attached to the tray 121 and an image of a return on the tray 121 as each tray 121 passes. do. Since the image of the marker 122 and the return are simultaneously acquired by one shot, the image of the marker 122 and the return 123 is included in one image.

The image processor 130 processes the image of the marker 122 and the return 123 of the tray 121 acquired by the camera 120 to extract unique number (ID) information and return information for each tray 121. . In particular, the image processing unit 130 encodes the combination of the extracted unique number (ID) information and the returned information. This encoding means generating a unique code that matches the ID and return information. At this time, the return information includes information such as the shape, color, size of the return. Image processing in the present invention is a series of processes for processing a picture or a video according to the purpose includes the process of grasping the characteristics of the image and extracting specific information. Since such image processing technology is well known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Using the unique number (ID) information and the returned information of each tray 121 extracted from the image processing unit 130, it is possible to know which return 123 is loaded in which tray 121. In this case, when size information cannot be extracted through image processing according to the type of return, a separate mark may be set in advance so that the user can visually distinguish the image in advance. For example, in the case of a T-shirt, since the size is difficult to distinguish through image processing, a sticker or the like that can distinguish the size is attached to the return 123 in advance. In particular, it is possible to distinguish the size by changing the sticker color by size or by changing the sticker size. Such a sticker is an example, and any one can be used to distinguish the size or the like through image processing.

The distance measuring unit 140 measures the distance that the tray 121 moves. More specifically, the distance measuring unit 140 measures the distance that the tray 121 moves from the point P at which the camera 120 acquires the image of the marker 122 and the return 123 of the tray 121. Measure This is for calculating in real time the current position of the return 123 when the return 123 is transported in a state placed on the tray 121. As a result, it is possible to determine which position the desired return 123 is located in, and classify it into the sorting box 180 at a preset position. Here, the sorting box 180 contains returns 123 which are sorted from the conveyor 110 by being located in a line along the conveyor 110 at both lower end portions in some sections of the conveyor 110. The distance measuring unit 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention calculates the moving distance of the tray 121 by using the preset moving speed of the tray 121 and the elapsed time from when the reference point P passes. .

The sorter 150 sorts the returned goods 123 on the moving tray 121 into a plurality of sorters installed at preset positions. To this end, the classification unit 150 serves to separate the return 123 from the tray 121 so that the return 123 placed on the tray 121 is classified into a preset sorting box 180. As a result, the return 123 is separated from the tray 121 and enters the desired sorting box 180 to be sorted. The sorting unit 150 may be formed for each tray 121 or may be formed for each sorting box 180. In addition, the classification unit 150 operates according to an operation control signal of the control unit 160, and may be implemented in various forms.

The controller 160 receives the unique number (ID) information and return information of each tray 121 from the image processor 130 and receives the moving distance of each tray 121 from the distance measuring unit 140. As a result, the control unit 160 has a unique number (ID) for each tray 121 as shown in Table 1 below, which is a return 123 loaded on the tray 121, and is currently being moved from a reference point P to a certain position. Acknowledgment can be confirmed at the same time.

Tray ID Number Goods Information The tray's current position T1 Shoes / white / 255 mm 4.0m T2 T-shirt / blue / XL 3.5m ㆍ
ㆍ
ㆍ ㆍ
ㆍ
ㆍ ㆍ
ㆍ
ㆍ

In addition, the controller 160 controls the operation of the classification unit 150 to map the information to each tray 121 and classify 180 to classify the desired return 123. For example, the controller 160 compares the moving distances of the trays 121 received from the distance measuring unit 140 with the distances to the pre-stored sorting box 180, and if they match, classify corresponding to the sorting box 180. By controlling the operation of the unit 150 to classify the return 123 to the sorting box (180). As a result, the return 123 may be separated from the tray 121 by the operation of the sorting unit 150 and may enter the sorting box 180.

In this case, the control unit 160 may be classified into the sorting box 180 according to the information of the return 123, that is, the shape, the color, the size, and the like. It may be classified as the classifier 180 according to. As such, it is preferable to control the operation of the classification unit 150 to set the classification criteria in advance and determine the classification 180 according to the classification criteria and classify the desired return 123 into the classification box 180 corresponding thereto. Do.

To this end, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Table 2, the control unit 160 may set the return 123 to be classified for each of the plurality of sorting boxes 180 and information of the return 180 in advance. Therefore, in the present invention, the information set as shown in Table 2 is used to determine which sort of return 123 to which category 180 to classify.

article Information Quantity Classified No. shoes Yellow / 260mm 10 3 T-shirt White / XL 20 7 T-shirt Blue / XXL 30 10 hat Black / 70 mm 40 12

As shown in Table 2, yellow / 260mm shoes are set to be classified into 10 sorting bins and white / XL t-shirts are classified into 20 sorting bins. In accordance with these classifications, each return must be correctly classified in the appropriate bin.

On the other hand, the return classification system 100 of the present invention may further include a plurality of counting unit 170 for counting the number of returns 123 classified into a plurality of sorting box 180. The counting unit 170 is for counting the number of returns 123 to be entered into the sorting unit 180 by the sorting unit 150. As a result, it is possible to check how many returns 123 enter the sorting box 180. The count information of the returned goods 123 counted by each counting unit 170 is input to the control unit 160. In this case, the controller 160 compares the number of returns 123 classified into each sorting box 180 with a preset reference value for each sorting box 180, and returns the same to the sorting box 123 if the same is the same. The operation of the classification unit 150 may be stopped to prevent the classification. This is to determine that the target number has entered all of the sorting box 180 so that the sorting box 180 no longer classifies the return 123. For the classified sorter 180, a separate warning sound may be generated to allow a worker to process and reinstall another sorter. However, in another embodiment, the operation of the classification unit 150 may be controlled to be classified in an overflow classification box (not shown) separately provided without stopping the operation of the classification unit 150.

Figure 2 is an exemplary view showing the coding of the return according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the example of FIG. 2, in the present invention, unique number (ID) information is previously set for each tray 121. In addition, in the present invention, the basic codes for the shape, color, and size of the returned product 123 are set in advance. 2 is an example and the return information may be further included, and the item and the basic code of each return information may be set differently.

As shown in the example of FIG. 2, if the unique number (ID) of the tray 121 extracted from the image processing unit 130 is T2, and the shape is a T-shirt, the color is blue, and the size is M, the mapping is the basic code corresponding thereto. Then, T2, T, B, and M01 are extracted and combined to generate a new unique code called T2TBMO1.

As a result, the controller 160 checks which tray 123 is loaded on which tray 121 using the generated code information, and returns the return 123 of the corresponding code to the classification box 180 corresponding to each code. The classification unit 150 is controlled to classify.

3 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sorting unit 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure branches the tray 121 from side to side so that the return 123 on the tray 121 is separated from the tray 121, thereby returning the return 123. It may include a classification means 130a for classification. Referring to Figure 3 (a), the sorting means (130a) of the present invention is in contact with the lower surface of the tray 121, the roller 131 to rotate around the rotation axis, the support member 132 connected to the roller 131 And a driving unit 133 for moving the support member 132 up and down. The sorting means 130a may be provided on at least one side of the tray 121. Reference numeral 31 denotes a chute for guiding the return 123 separated from the tray 121 to the sorting box 180.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the driving unit 133 moves the support member 132 up and down when a predetermined control signal is received from the controller 160. When the support member 132 moves upward, the tray 121 is tilted to one side by the roller 131 in contact with the tray 121, thereby returning the return 123 placed on the tray 121 to the right to separate It goes into the box 180.

3 shows an example of the classification means 130a, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the sorting means 130a according to the present invention may be various embodiments capable of tilting the tray 121 left and right. For example, the tray 121 may be tilted left and right due to the rotation of the driving motor (not shown) attached to the tray 121.

4 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sorting unit 150 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a central portion of the tray 121 as the rotary shaft at both ends such that the return 123 on the tray 121 is separated from the tray 121. It may include a rotating means 130b for rotating. Referring to FIG. 4 (a), the rotating means 130b according to the present invention includes a cylinder 134 coupled to one surface of the tray 121 and a driving unit 135 connected to the cylinder 134. At this time, the tray 121 of the present invention is preferably made of two separate flat plates (111a, 111b) in which the center portion rotates with both ends as the rotating shaft (136).

As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the driving unit 135 drives the cylinder 134 when a predetermined control signal is received from the control unit 160. When the cylinder 134 is driven, the tray 121 rotates down about each rotation shaft 136, thereby returning the return 123 placed on the tray 121 to be separated downward to sort 180. Will enter. In this case, the sorting box 180 is preferably located below the conveyor 110.

4 shows an example of the rotating means 130b, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the rotating means 130b according to the present invention may be various embodiments capable of rotating the left and right flat plates of the tray 121 downward. For example, a rotating motor (not shown) may be attached to both ends of the tray 121, and the left and right flat plates of the tray 121 may be rotated downward by the rotating motor.

5 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sorter 150 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may push the return 123 to one side such that the return 123 on the tray 121 is separated from the tray 121. It may also include a push) means (130c). Referring to FIG. 5 (a), the push means 130c according to the present invention drives at least one push part 137 and the push part 137 contacting the return 123 on the upper surface of the tray 121. It includes a drive unit (138).

As shown in FIG. 5B, the driver 138 drives the push unit 137 when a predetermined control signal is received from the controller 160. When the push unit 137 is driven, the return 123 on the tray 121 is pushed to one side. As a result, the return 123 on the tray 121 is separated to one side and enters the sorting box 180.

In FIG. 5, an example of the push means 130c is illustrated, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the push means 130c according to the present invention may be modified in any form as long as it can push the return 123 of the tray 121 to one side. For example, the return 123 may be pushed to one side from the top or the bottom of the tray 121.

6 is a schematic diagram of a classification unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sorting unit 150 according to another example of the present invention drives a predetermined conveyor to return the return 123 so that the return 123 on the tray 121 is separated from the tray 121. It may also include a conveying means (130d) for. Referring to FIG. 6 (a), the transfer means 130d according to the present invention moves the return 123 perpendicular to the traveling direction of the tray 121 so that the return 123 is separated from the upper surface of the tray 121. Another conveyor 139 and a drive unit 139-1 for driving the conveyor 139.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the driver 139-1 drives the conveyor 139 when a predetermined control signal is received from the controller 160. When the conveyor 139 is driven, the return 123 is moved to one side and finally separated to the sorting box 180.

6 shows an example of the conveying means 130d, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the conveying means 130d according to the present invention may be various embodiments capable of conveying the return 123 of the tray 121 in one direction.

Hereinafter, the operation of the return classification system using the image information according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, the marker 122 attached to the tray 121 by the camera 120 at the specified reference point P while the returns 123 placed on the plurality of trays 121 are transported by the conveyor 110. And an image of the returned goods 123 placed on the tray 121 at the same time. Such image acquisition is performed continuously for each tray 121.

The marker 122 and the returned image thus obtained are transmitted to the image processor 130. The image processor 130 extracts the unique number (ID) information and return information of the tray 121 from each image by using a known image processing technique and codes the same. This code information is input to the controller 160. Through this process, the controller 160 can determine which tray 121 has which return 123 is loaded.

In addition, the distance measuring unit 140 measures the distance traveled by each tray 121 from the specified reference point (P). The movement distance measured as described above is transmitted to the controller 160. Therefore, the controller 160 can know in real time which tray 121 is currently moving what kind of return 123. As a result, the control unit 160 may classify the returned goods 123 into the sorting box 180 placed at a preset position by using the moving distance of each tray 121 according to the preset return classification criteria. Control the operation of In this case, the counting unit 170 counts the number of returns 123 classified as the sorting box 180 according to the driving of the sorting unit 150, and when the number of the returning 123 is a preset number, the controller ( 160 stops the operation of the classification unit 150 to classify only the desired number. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the operation of the classification unit 150 may be controlled to be classified in an overflow classification box (not shown) separately provided without stopping the operation of the classification unit 150.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the appended claims, The genius will be so self-evident. Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

In general, conveyors are widely used as one of the important facilities in the automation line. These conveyors are recently added with sorting functions as well as transfer of goods. In particular, attempts have been made to quickly and accurately classify articles according to the type, number, etc. of the conveyor to meet various demands of demand.

In view of this, the present invention can quickly and accurately classify large quantities of returned goods transported from the conveyor according to a specific classification criteria, which can reduce the preparation period for re-shipment and the effort of checking and sorting manually. have.

Therefore, these advantages and features will make the present invention very useful for the industrial field of sorting returns using a conveyor.

110: conveyor 120: camera
130: image processing unit 140: distance measuring unit
150: classification unit 160: control unit
170: counting unit 180: classification unit

Claims (12)

A conveyor for transporting returns on a plurality of trays;
A camera for acquiring an image of a return attached on each tray and a mark attached to each tray;
An image processor which processes each image acquired from the camera and extracts unique number (ID) information and return information for each tray;
A distance measuring unit measuring a distance that each tray is moved based on a point (P) at which the camera acquires an image of a mark and a return of the tray;
A sorting unit for sorting the returned goods on the moving tray into a plurality of sorting machines at preset positions; And
Receive the desired number (ID) information and return information of each tray from the image processing unit, receiving the moving distance of each tray from the distance measuring unit and mapping each other for each tray to return desired to classify located at a predetermined distance A control unit controlling an operation of the classification unit to classify the classification unit; Return classification system using the image information including a. The method of claim 1, wherein the image processing unit,
Return classification system using the image information, characterized in that for combining the identification number (ID) information of each tray and the returned information on the tray. The method of claim 2, wherein the image processing unit,
Return by using the image information, characterized in that for generating a code by mapping the unique number (ID) information of each tray and the return information on the tray corresponding to a preset unique number (ID) and the return code information Classification system. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The return information is a return classification system using the image information, characterized in that the information of the shape, color, size of the return. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of counting units for counting the number of returns classified into the plurality of sorting boxes. 6. The apparatus of claim 5,
Image information, characterized in that to stop the operation of the sorting unit so that the return is not classified by the corresponding sorting if the number of returns in the sorting box counted by each counting unit and the reference value preset for each sorting box is the same. Return sorting system using
The apparatus of claim 1,
And a distance to each sorting box is stored in advance on the basis of a point (P) at which the marker of the tray and the image of the returned product are acquired by the camera. 8. The apparatus of claim 7,
Classifying the returned goods into the classifier by controlling the operation of the classifying unit corresponding to the classifier when comparing the moving distance for each tray received from the distance measuring unit with the distance to each pre-stored sorting box. Return classification system using the image information characterized by. The method of claim 1, wherein the classification unit,
And sorting means for sorting the returned goods by tilting the tray from side to side so that the returned goods on the tray are separated from the tray. The method of claim 1,
The tray is composed of two separate flat plates rotating at both ends of the rotating shaft, and the sorting unit includes rotating means for rotating the central portion of the tray about the rotating shaft of the both ends such that a return on the tray is separated from the tray. Return classification system using the image information, characterized in that. The method of claim 1,
And the sorting unit includes push means for pushing a return on the tray to one side such that a return on the tray is separated from the tray. The method of claim 1,
The sorting unit includes transfer means for transferring the returned goods to one side by using a conveyor driven perpendicular to the traveling direction of the tray so that the returned goods on the tray are separated from the tray. Return sorting system.

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