CN109997053B

CN109997053B - Device for acquiring object information, reference object for device and device operation method

Info

Publication number: CN109997053B
Application number: CN201780070574.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.罗斯巴赫; B.施托特; H.法伊尔; M.罗伊特
Original assignee: Osram GmbH
Current assignee: Osram GmbH
Priority date: 2016-11-14
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2023-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-13
Also published as: WO2018087369A1; DE102017102256A1; CN109997053A

Abstract

In various embodiments, an apparatus (100) for learning predetermined information about an object (112) along a conveying path (110) is provided. The device (110) has: -a conveying section (110) having at least one starting position (102) and at least one final position (104) and being set up for conveying the object (112) from the at least one starting position (102) to the at least one final position (104); an object (130) having an optically active transmitting device (120), wherein the transmitting device (120) has at least one luminous structural element (114) and a control device (116), wherein the control device (116) is designed to control the at least one luminous structural element (114) in such a way that it emits a predefined sequence of light pulses (124); and an optically active receiving device (140); wherein the optically active receiving device (140) has at least one photodetector (132) and a detection device (134), wherein the at least one photodetector (132) is designed to detect a sequence of light pulses (124) of light which can be emitted by the light-emitting structural element (114) in at least one position of the transport section (110) between at least one starting position (102) and at least one final position (104) and to convert said sequence into a signal (136), and wherein the detection device (134) is designed to detect predetermined information from the signal (136) of the photodetector (132).

Description

Device for acquiring object information, reference object for device and device operation method

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device, a reference for a device and a method for operating a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport path.

Background

Optical communication (Light Communication-Lcom) involves communication between a light source and a receiver. The receiver is typically a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. In this case, the smart phone has the capability of reading the light emitted in a modulated manner by means of its sensor and decoding the information. The primary task for optical communication for navigation within a building (indoor navigation (indoor navigation)) is to improve accuracy and precision relative to similar technologies like e.g. GPS (global positioning system (global positioning system)) and/or WLAN positioning like e.g. WiFi positioning. The optical communication allows for novel commercially viable solutions like for example guiding customers onto products in shelves.

For the optical communication, each light source has its own identification code associated with an unambiguous location. Mapping (Mapping) -applications can invoke the information so linked and calculate the location of the smart device on the basis of the identification code. In this case, the light source is a transmitter and the smart device is a receiver for locating the position of a user of the object, such as the smart device. This works well for motion tracking (tracking) of the person holding the smart device. However, the investment costs are too high for movement tracking of objects, such as packages in warehouses, because each package must be equipped with intelligent devices in order to track its movement with conventional optical communications.

It is furthermore known to track the movement of an object by means of a bar code which is arranged on the object and passes underneath the scanner. Bar codes are relatively inexpensive and optically ineffective. The scanner can only identify the bar code of an object within a specific scanner-bar code-space, such as within a few centimeters. Such a system for tracking the movement of an object is based on the assumption that: the object follows a predefined path between the scanners. But if an object, such as a package or box, falls from the transport section between two scanners, there is no way to determine where the object has left the transport section, such as fallen down, or is found again.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a comparatively simple device for tracking the movement of an object along a transport section, and a method for operating such a device, and a reference for calibrating such a device. The device can additionally provide further information about the objects along the transport section by means of their identification code, i.e. by means of their specific position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport section. The device has a transport section having at least one starting position and at least one final position and being set up for transporting the object from the at least one starting position to the at least one final position. The object has optically active transmitting means. The transmitting device has at least one luminous structural element and a control device. The control device is designed to control the at least one luminous structural element in such a way that it emits a predefined sequence of light pulses. The device furthermore has an optically active receiving device. The optically active receiving device has at least one photodetector and a detection device. The at least one photodetector is configured to detect and convert a sequence of light pulses of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element into a signal in at least one position of the transport section between at least one starting position and at least one final position. The ascertaining means is designed to ascertain predefined information from the signal of the photodetector.

The light pulses can have different intensities. The intensity can be interpreted by the receiving device as a logical "1" or a logical "0". A logical "0" can be realized, for example, by means of pulse gaps in the sequence of light pulses. A logical "1" can be realized, for example, by means of a pulse amplitude of the light pulse that is greater than a predefined value. The predefined value may depend on the photo sensitivity of the at least one photo detector and/or the distance of the at least one photo detector relative to the object. The predetermined value should be at least so great that the at least one photodetector generates a signal when the light pulse of the illuminated component hits (Auftreffen), which signal differs from noise, including, for example, interference signals due to reflections, for example, having a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 2 to 1 or more. Alternatively or additionally, further information, such as depth information, such as object-photodetector distance, aging status of the illuminated structural elements, energy level of the transmitting device, coordinates with respect to the transport section, can be transmitted by means of the pulse amplitude of the light pulses. For example, for a plurality of luminous structural elements and/or segments, the light pulses emitted in the first direction with respect to the transport segment can have a first pulse amplitude. The light pulses emitted towards a second direction different from the first direction can have a second pulse amplitude. The second pulse amplitude is, for example, greater than the first pulse amplitude such that the at least one photodetector produces a different signal for light pulses having the first pulse amplitude and the second pulse amplitude. Such as the second pulse amplitude being two or more times greater than the first pulse amplitude.

The transport section can be a predefined section of road, a predefined path or a predefined route. For example, the object is transported in a carriage or in a vehicle, for example a walkway conveyor, on the transport section. Such as packages on pallet (pallet) in a warehouse. Alternatively, however, the object can also be a living being, such as an animal or a person (hereinafter referred to as a patient), on a transport device, such as a wheelchair, stretcher, bed, injection support or similar device connected to the patient. The at least one luminous structural element can be arranged on the patient or the transport device. The transport section can, for example, have a path with signs and/or markings along which the object is transported. The path can be one of a number of possible paths, wherein at least one portion of the path has a different final position.

Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor section can, for example, have a conveyor belt, such as a roller belt (roller belt). The transport section is in this case predefined or limited by structural measures.

In other words, the object emits light through a float (beacon) which is attached to the object, for example for position determination or movement tracking. The receiving device, such as a decoding camera, is arranged stationary or substantially stationary with respect to the transport section, such as on a ceiling above the transport section or integrated on the ceiling, such as integrated in a ceiling lighting device or arranged separately. This allows for a cost-effective tracking of the movement of the object and for the transmission or provision of further transport-related information of the object, such as a movement vector of the object with respect to the transport section. The transmission device is technically simpler and less expensive than a smart device.

In one refinement, the transmitting device has a single luminous structural element.

This enables a compact, for example space-saving and cost-effective construction of the transmitting device.

In a further development, the transmitting device has a plurality of luminous structural elements or at least one luminous structural element with a plurality of luminous segments, which can be operated independently of one another.

This enables an optically spatial multi-channel communication. Thus, for example, the orientation of the object and/or a plurality of different state information can be transmitted to the transmitting device simultaneously and/or independently of one another. This enables a high information density and a reduction in the transport time of the object.

Alternatively or additionally, this can be used to transmit the same information redundantly, for example, if the optical path to the receiver device is blocked by the plurality of luminous structural elements or by the segmented parts.

In a further development, the transmitting device has one or more point light sources, such as light-emitting diodes or laser diodes.

This enables the emission of light pulses having a high intensity and thus a high range of action. In addition, the point light source can be less expensive than the surface light source, so that a low-cost transmitting device can be realized.

In a further development, the transmitting device has one or more surface light sources, such as organic light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diodes coupled to a planar light guide (Lichtwellenleiter).

This enables the transfer of a sequence of light pulses even if a portion of the surface light source is darkened. Alternatively or additionally, rolling-shutter-effect (Rolling-atter-Effekt) can be prevented or reduced.

In a further development, the transmitting device has at least one surface light source and/or a plurality of point light sources arranged at a minimum distance from one another, so that light can be emitted by the transmitting device at least partially in spatial directions perpendicular to one another.

This enables to detect the orientation of the position of the object on the transport section, such as to learn the motion vector of the object. Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement of point light sources or a curved, i.e. 2.5-dimensional arrangement of surface light sources can achieve this, namely: the light reaches the at least one photodetector without depending on the position of the object relative to the photodetector.

In a further development, the receiving device has a single photodetector, for example a single camera. The photodetectors can have, for example, stationary or dynamic detection zones. The detection zone of the photodetector is a slice, such as a spatial region along the transport section, within which the photodetector can detect a sequence of light pulses. The dynamic detection zone can be realized by means of a lens group, for example a lens system with a variable focus, and/or a movable holder of the photodetector, for example a holder that can be moved translationally and/or rotationally.

This enables a compact, for example space-saving and cost-effective construction of the receiving device.

In a further development, the receiving device has a plurality of photodetectors, for example a plurality of cameras.

The plurality of photodetectors, that is to say the at least one first and second photodetectors and optionally also the further photodetectors, can have a common or substantially identical detection area. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors can have different detection areas. Redundancy of detection can be achieved by means of a common detection area, for example for compensating for the rolling shutter effect of photodetectors. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors can be used to learn the position, orientation and/or movement of the object with respect to the transport section, for example by means of triangulation. For the triangulation, undisturbed movement of the object along the transport section and/or the intensity of the light pulses can be used, for example for knowledge that one or two photodetectors have been used. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors can be used for multi-channel communication, such as by: the plurality of photodetectors are capable of detecting light having wavelengths, wavelength ranges, and/or spectra that are different from one another. For example, a first photodetector can be set up to detect infrared light and a second photodetector can be set up to detect visible light. Alternatively or additionally, a first photodetector can be set up for detecting blue light and a second photodetector can be set up for detecting red-green light, for example by: the photodetectors each have an optical filter.

In a further development, the predefined information has at least one of the following properties of the object: the identification of the object, the position of the object on the transport section, the orientation of the object on the transport section, the direction vector and the speed vector of the object with respect to the transport section and/or the at least one photodetector.

The identification of the object can for example be transmitted by means of an identification code. The identification code can be, for example, a series of numbers, such as a multi-Bit (also referred to as n-Bit) series of numbers.

By means of the direction vector and/or the speed vector of the object, the motion vector of the object can be known, for example, whereby, for example, the falling of the parcel from the delivery section or even the sign of its falling (Anbahnen) can be recognized. Depending on the identification, a signal can be output by the receiving device to an output device coupled to the receiving device, such as a display or an alarm system, for outputting a corresponding indication and/or the position of the object. Alternatively or additionally, the transport of the object can be slowed or stopped.

In a further development, the receiving device is stationary relative to the transport section.

In a further development, at least a part of the transport section is arranged in a space with ceiling lighting. At least one photodetector is integrated in the ceiling lighting arrangement.

This enables compact, for example space-saving and cost-effective results of the receiving device.

In a further development, the device furthermore has an output device. The output device is coupled to the detection device and is configured such that a further signal is output when the detection device has detected a predetermined message.

For example, a corresponding indication and/or the position of the object can be output by means of the output device, for example, on the basis of the recognition of the direction of movement of the object, which is derived from the transport section.

In a further development, the sequence of light pulses has multichannel information.

The plurality of channels can, for example, differ from one another in terms of the frequency or wavelength of the light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of pieces of information can be transmitted simultaneously or sequentially via one or more channels by means of pulse amplitude modulation.

In a further development, the transmitting device further has a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal which is different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is coupled to the control device. The control device is furthermore designed such that the luminous structural element emits a first sequence of light pulses when the sensor supplies a first sensor signal and emits a second sequence of light pulses, which is different from the first sequence, when the sensor supplies a second sensor signal. This enables a change in the state of the object to be transmitted to the learning device. The state change can be, for example, a position change detected by means of a position sensor. Further state changes can be, for example, temperature changes for the patient or the cooled goods or humidity changes, such as dehydration of the patient or too high humidity for the humidity-sensitive electronic components.

In a further development, the control device is designed such that the at least one luminous structural element emits a first sequence of light pulses associated with first information in a first phase and emits a second sequence of light pulses associated with second information in a second phase, the second information being different from the first information.

The first period can overlap with respect to the second period, that is to say overlap with one another or be completely staggered in time. This enables this to be achieved, namely: two or more pieces of information can be transmitted by means of one channel, whereby the number of luminous structural elements can be reduced.

In a further development, the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

This enables to check whether the sequence of light pulses is completely and/or correctly detected by the receiving means.

In a further development, the transmitting device has a plurality of luminous structural elements and/or a luminous structural element with a plurality of luminous segments, which emit a sequence of light pulses in parallel, wherein the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

This enables to check whether the sequence of light pulses is completely and/or correctly detected by the receiving means. The test values for the first sequence of light pulses can be transmitted to the receiving device, for example, by means of a first luminous structural element or segment. The test values for the second sequence of light pulses can be transmitted to the receiving device, for example, by means of a second luminous structural element or segment which differs spatially and/or temporally from the first luminous structural element or segment. This enables independent examination of the sequence of light pulses and the test values.

In a further development, the transmitting device further has a transmitter and a receiver and is designed to communicate with a further object having an optically active transmitting device with a transmitter and a receiver, so that at least one light-emitting component of the object is actuated in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses, which corresponds to and/or differs from a further object on the transport section, for example a predetermined sequence of light pulses of the further object.

This enables one of a plurality of objects. Such as for example to be able to transport a plurality of objects on said transport section. In various embodiments, the plurality of objects can have the same identification for at least one part of the conveying section, i.e. information associated with a common, same identification can be transmitted by means of the sequence of light pulses. For example, the same identification can be used for the same batch, i.e. the same batch or production unit of objects. Alternatively or additionally, the same information can be used for example for objects having the same destination, for example having the same final position and the same distribution center. For example, in the presence of a given condition, the transmission of the same information can be converted by a plurality of objects to personalized information. For example, the conversion can be performed for the following cases: multiple objects arrive at a distribution center and have different destinations or final positions from the distribution center. Alternatively or additionally, a transition can be made for the following case: a fault or interference condition occurs, such as if a package falls from a shipping bag, the falling package can send an emergency signal that can be received by the receiving device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a reference for calibrating a device for ascertaining predetermined information about an object along a transport section. The reference object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting means has two or more light emitting areas and control means.

The control device is designed to control two or more illuminated regions in such a way that they emit a predefined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light-emitting regions are set up in a manner that they can be operated independently of one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions have radiation characteristics that are predetermined with respect to one another.

The reference object can be, for example, an object having a luminous structural element which has known optical properties, for example, a known spectrum of the light which can be emitted by the light pulse, for example, a known intensity. From the ratio of the sequence of two or more light emitting areas or segmented light pulses, the sensitivity of the device and/or other environmental parameters, such as the ambient illumination of the receiving device, can be detected for calibrating the device. This enables a large amount of different information of the object to be detected.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for operating a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport section. The device can be constructed in accordance with one of the described improvements. The method has the step of detecting a sequence of light pulses emitted by a transmitting device of the object by means of at least one photodetector. Furthermore, the method has the step of converting the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of a photodetector. The method further comprises the step of transmitting a signal to the acquisition device and acquiring predetermined information by means of the acquisition device. The method further comprises the step of providing a further signal associated with the acquired predefined information.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be explained in detail below. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows, in a schematic top view, a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport section, according to various embodiments;

fig. 2 shows a reference object in a schematic top view according to various embodiments;

fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method for operating a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport section, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a luminous structural element;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 8A shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a transmitting device and fig. 8B shows a schematic top view thereof, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments; and is also provided with

Fig. 11A shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a transmitting device and fig. 11B shows a schematic top view thereof, according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as, for example, "above," "below," "front," "rear," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the illustrations being depicted. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used to illustrate the problem and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that the features of the different embodiments described in this connection can be combined with one another as long as no further description is specifically made. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Within the scope of the present specification, the concepts of "connected," "coupled," and "coupled" are used to describe not only direct but also indirect connections, direct or indirect couplings, and direct or indirect couplings. In the drawings the same or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals, if this is appropriate.

The light-emitting component can be a semiconductor component that emits electromagnetic radiation in different embodiments and/or can be configured as a diode that emits electromagnetic radiation, as an organic diode that emits electromagnetic radiation, as a transistor that emits electromagnetic radiation, or as an organic transistor that emits electromagnetic radiation. The radiation can for example be light in the visible range, ultraviolet light or infrared light. In this connection, the electromagnetic radiation-emitting component can be embodied, for example, as a light-emitting diode (Light emitting diode, LED), as an organic light-emitting diode (organic light emitting diode, OLED), as a light-emitting transistor or as an organic light-emitting transistor. The light-emitting structural element can be part of an integrated circuit in different embodiments. Furthermore, a plurality of luminous components can be provided, for example, in a common housing.

The planar light-emitting component has two planar optically active sides, along the connection direction of which the planar light-emitting component can be configured, for example, as a transparent or translucent structure, for example as a transparent or translucent organic light-emitting diode. Planar optoelectronic components can also be referred to as planar optoelectronic components.

The optically active regions of the luminous structural element can have planar optically active sides and planar optically inactive sides, for example organic light-emitting diodes, which are designed as so-called top-emitters or bottom-emitters. The optically inactive side can in different embodiments be transparent or light-transmitting or be provided with a mirror structure and/or an opaque material or material mixture, for example for heat distribution. The optical paths of the optoelectronic components can be aligned, for example, on one side.

The first electrode, the second electrode and the organic (organic) functional layer structure of the organic light-emitting component can be designed accordingly as a large-area structure. The optoelectronic component can thus have a continuous light-emitting surface which is not structured into a functional partial region, for example into a light-emitting surface which is segmented into functional regions or into a light-emitting surface which is formed by a large number of pixels. This enables a large-area radiation of electromagnetic radiation from the optoelectronic component. By "large area" is here meant that the optically active side is a surface, such as a continuous surface, for example, of several square millimeters or more, such as one square centimeter or more, such as one square decimeter or more. For example, the optoelectronic component can have only a single continuous light-emitting surface, which is realized by a large-area and continuous design of the electrodes and the organic functional layer structure.

The light-emitting component configured as a surface light source can in different embodiments have an optical waveguide for planar distribution of the light of the one or more surface light sources and/or point light sources.

The optical waveguide is in different embodiments a conductor for guiding electromagnetic radiation. The optical waveguide is a structural element which is transparent, for example transparent or at least substantially transparent, to electromagnetic radiation and which extends along a longitudinal extension direction. Radiation conduction takes place here inside the optical waveguide, in particular due to internal reflections at the outer wall of the optical waveguide (which can also be referred to as interfaces), for example due to total internal reflections due to the material of the optical waveguide, a refractive index smaller than the medium surrounding the optical waveguide, or by mirroring the outer wall of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide can, for example, have plastic, fibers such as polymers, PMMA, polycarbonate and/or Hard Clad quartz (Hard Clad Silica). Furthermore, the optical waveguide can be configured as a planar optical waveguide structure (PLWL).

Fig. 1 shows, according to various embodiments, a schematic top view of a device 100 for detecting predefined information about an object 112 along a transport section 110.

The device 100 has a transport section 110, an object 130 with an optically active transmitting device 120 and an optically active receiving device 140.

In this way, the described components, such as low-cost, compact and/or solid components, can be used for the optically active transmitting device and the optically active receiving device 140. The optically active transmitting device furthermore brings about the following result, namely: the distance between the object 130 and the optically active receiving device 140 is enlarged relative to conventional optically inactive devices, such as bar codes or QR codes. The radio frequency identification devices, so-called RFID tags, conventionally used have the disadvantage that: the effect of shielding of radio waves is worse than visible light, whereby the spacing between the RFID tag and the scanner is chosen to be relatively small. By means of the optically active transmitting device 120, the number of different messages that can be received by the receiving device along the transport section by means of the transmitting device can be increased. Alternatively or additionally, the number of positions along the transport section can be increased, in which the information can be received, for example because of a larger distance between the transmitting device and the receiving device, which leads to a larger detection zone of the receiving device. The device 100 is thereby able to implement a new application area for optical communication.

In various embodiments, the object 112 is an item, such as a package, an additional package, a container; or an organism such as a human, plant or animal, such as a patient.

The device 100 has a conveying section 110 which has at least one starting position 102 and at least one final position 104 and is designed to convey an object 112 from the at least one starting position 102 to the at least one final position 104.

The object can be transported along the transport section autonomously or automatically. By "autonomous transport" it can be meant following an indication in which the transport device is driven autonomously for the purpose of completing the transport section, such as without spatial restrictions or fencing as in the case of using a transport belt.

The transport section can have, for example, a predefined path section, a predefined path or a predefined route. Such as the object is transported on the transport section in a carriage or vehicle, such as a land transport vehicle. Such as the object to be transported is a package on a pallet in a warehouse. Alternatively, however, the object can also be a living being, such as a patient, on a transport device, such as a wheelchair, stretcher, bed, injection support or similar device connected to the patient.

The at least one luminous structural element can be arranged on the patient or the transport device.

The transport section can, for example, have a path with signs and/or markings along which the objects are transported. The delivery can in this case be an indication of following a predefined path or reaching a predefined destination. The path can be one of a plurality of possible paths, wherein at least one portion of the path has a different final position.

Alternatively or additionally, the transport section can, for example, have a transport belt, such as a rolling belt. The transport section is in this case predefined or limited by structural measures. The transmitting device 120 has at least one luminous structural element 114 and a control device 116.

The control device 116 is designed to control the at least one luminous component 114 in such a way that it emits a predefined sequence of light pulses 124. In one embodiment, fig. 1 shows the light pulses of the predefined sequence in an enlarged manner in the form of light pulses juxtaposed in time t, with an intensity I and a pulse gap.

The light pulses can have different intensities. The intensity can be interpreted by the receiving device as a logical "1" or a logical "0". A logical "0" can be realized, for example, by means of a pulse gap in the light pulses of the sequence. A logical "1" can be realized, for example, by means of a pulse amplitude of the light pulse that is greater than a predefined value. The predetermined value may be dependent on the photo sensitivity of the at least one photodetector and/or the distance of the at least one photodetector relative to the object. The predetermined value should be at least so great that the at least one photodetector generates a signal upon impact of a light pulse from the illuminated structural element, which signal differs from noise, including interference signals, for example due to reflection, for example having a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 2 to 1 or more. Alternatively or additionally, further information, such as depth information, such as object-photodetector distance, aging state of the luminous structural element, energy level of the transmitting device, coordinates with respect to the transport section, can be transmitted by means of the pulse amplitude of the light pulse. For example, for a plurality of luminous structural elements and/or segments, the light pulses emitted in the first direction with respect to the transport segment can have a first pulse amplitude. The light pulses emitted towards a second direction different from the first direction can have a second pulse amplitude. The second pulse amplitude is, for example, greater than the first pulse amplitude such that the at least one photodetector produces a different signal for light pulses having the first pulse amplitude and the second pulse amplitude. Such as the second pulse amplitude being two or more times greater than the first pulse amplitude.

The at least one luminous structural element is designed such that the light of the light pulses has a wavelength in the wavelength range of ultraviolet light, visible light and/or infrared light. In other words: light is not limited to visible light in the sense of this specification, but can also have ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. Thus the radiation of radio frequency is not light in the sense of this specification.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 has a single luminous structural element 114. This enables a simple and cost-effective construction.

In one embodiment, the transmitting device 120 has at least one laser diode. This enables a high range of action of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element and which can be detected by the receiving device. Thereby enabling an increase in the distance between the object 130 and the at least one photodetector 132 of the receiving device 140. The larger spacing allows for a larger detection area of the photodetector. The photodetectors can, for example, have fish-eye lenses for enlarging the detection area of conventional photodetectors.

Alternatively, the transmitting device 120 has a plurality of luminous elements 114, wherein the plurality of luminous elements 114 can be operated independently of one another. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 has at least one luminous structural element 114 with a plurality of luminous segments, wherein the plurality of luminous segments can be operated independently of one another. This enables simultaneous multi-channel communication between the object 130 and the receiving device 140. The motion vector of the object 130 with respect to the transport section 110 can thus be detected by the device 100, for example.

The plurality of luminous structural elements 114 can be arranged at a predetermined minimum distance from one another on the object 112. The luminous structural element can thus be detected by the receiving device as a separate luminous structural element 114. The predefined minimum distance can depend on the number of luminous structural elements, the number of photodetectors, and/or the distance of the object 130 relative to the photodetectors.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 has one or more point light sources, such as at least one light emitting diode or laser diode. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 has one or more surface light sources, such as organic light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diodes coupled to planar light waveguides. For example, the transmitting device 120 has at least one point light source and a surface light source, wherein the point light source can be operated independently of the surface light source. The point light source can be used, for example, as a function status indicator for the surface light source using the continuous wave principle. Alternatively, the point light source can display the beginning and/or end of a sequence of light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, the point light source can provide test values for the sequence of light pulses of the surface light source.

In one embodiment, the transmitting device 120 has at least one surface light source and/or a plurality of point light sources arranged at a minimum distance from one another in such a way that light can be emitted by the transmitting device 120 at least partially in spatial directions perpendicular to one another. This enables a 2.5D or 3D shaping of the luminous structural element, for example, the shape of the luminous structural element can be adapted to the shape of the object. The 2.5D or 3D shaping of the luminous structural element can, for example, have a curvature or a bend in the optically active region.

The control device can be configured as a processor, computer or other data processing device that receives individual signals of the components and modules of the transmission device, evaluates them and controls or adjusts the components or modules of the transmission device.

Furthermore, the transmitting device 120 can have a battery which is set up to supply an operating current for the at least one luminous structural element 114 and the control device 116. The battery can be disposable or rechargeable. The capacity of the battery is sufficient for providing energy for emitting a sequence of light pulses for at least the duration that the object needs for being transported from the starting position 102 to the final position 104.

Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 further has a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is designed to transmit an alternating electromagnetic field. In this case, the transmitting device 120 can, for example, have an antenna device, wherein the antenna device is designed to at least partially detect the alternating electromagnetic field and to generate therefrom electrical energy for operating the control device 116 and the at least one luminous structural element 114. The device 100 can have a rechargeable battery connected to the antenna device for storing at least a portion of the energy collected by means of the antenna device.

The transmitting means 120 are in various embodiments integrated in the object 112. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 is formed in the form of a backing plate or a nameplate (bandroller) and is mounted on the object 112. For example, the transmitting device 120 is fastened to the object 112 above, next to or above it by means of an adhesive connection. The optically active transmitting device 120 is fastened to the object 112, for example, in a reversibly detachable manner.

Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 is designed for multiple use, i.e. for reuse, on top of a plurality of objects 112 in succession.

In a different embodiment, the device 120 further has a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal that is different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is coupled to the control device 116. Furthermore, the control device 116 is designed such that, when the sensor supplies a first sensor signal, the luminous component 114 emits a first sequence of light pulses 124, and when the sensor supplies a second sensor signal, the luminous component 114 emits a second sequence of light pulses that is different from the first sequence.

Thus, for example, a change in the state of the object, such as a rotation or a translation of the object 130 relative to the transport section and/or a change in temperature or humidity, can be transmitted to the receiving device.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 of the (first) object furthermore has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitting device 120 is designed to communicate with a further (second) object having an optically active transmitting device with a transmitter and a receiver, such that at least one luminous structural element 114 of the object 130 is actuated in such a way that it emits a predefined sequence of light pulses 124, which corresponds to the predefined sequence of light pulses 124 of the further object on the transport section 110. The other object can be a second object or a third object on the transport section. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 of the object 130 is different from the predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 of another object on the conveyor section 110.

In these embodiments, the transport section 110 is designed to transport a plurality of objects simultaneously, for example spatially offset on the transport section.

For example, a plurality of objects on the transport section can emit a sequence of light pulses associated with the same, common object-identifying information, which is also referred to as object-group information. For example, the same identification information of a plurality of objects can be transmitted if the objects originate from the same production unit or have the same final position, for example a common distribution position. The plurality of objects can be switched from the transmission of the same information to information specific to the object if this is transmitted to one or more of the other objects, for example by one of the objects or by the device. The information specific to the object can also be the same information as before. In this case, the conversion to other information takes place starting from the object and not by means of an alignment of the signal with the signal of the other object.

Alternatively, the conversion into information specific to the object has a change in information. This can be done, for example, for the case that the object changing the signal arrives at the dispensing position and has other new final positions from now on. Alternatively, the signal can be changed, for example, in the case that the state of the object has previously changed, for example, in the case that the object leaves the transport section, for example, falls off, or has reached a final position.

The optically active receiving device 140 has at least one photodetector 132 and an acquisition device 134.

The at least one photodetector 132 is set up for: in at least one position of the transport section 110 between the at least one starting position 102 and the at least one final position 104, a sequence of light pulses 124 of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element is detected and converted into a signal 136.

In various embodiments, the receiving device 140 has a single photodetector 132, such as a single camera, such as a digital camera or a tracking camera.

Alternatively, the receiving device 140 has a plurality of photodetectors 132, such as a plurality of cameras. A plurality of photodetectors 132 can be disposed along the transport section 110.

The plurality of photodetectors 132 can each have a detection region within which a light pulse can be detected. The plurality of photodetectors 132 can be arranged with respect to the transport section 110 such that at least a portion of the plurality of detection zones do not overlap. In other words: the plurality of photodetectors can be arranged along the transport section at a spacing relative to one another and/or aligned with their respective detection zones. The detection regions of the plurality of photodetectors can be correspondingly different from each other.

The detection device 134 is designed to detect predetermined information from a signal 136 of the photodetector 132.

In various embodiments, the receiving device 140 is configured stationary or substantially stationary with respect to the transport section 110.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one part of the receiving device 140 is configured to be movable at least partially along the transport section 110, for example in the form of a movable photodetector 132 or a handheld device, for example a movable scanner or a smart phone.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the transport section 110 is disposed in a space having ceiling lighting. The at least one photodetector 132 can in such an embodiment be integrated in the ceiling lighting device.

In various embodiments, the device or the receiving device further has an output device. The output device is coupled to the detection device 134 and is configured such that a further signal 138 is output when the detection device 134 has detected the predetermined information. The output device can have a computer network or be connected thereto. The information of the object is transmitted to the network and stored and/or processed by a server or other infrastructure. Alternatively, the output device can be an alarm device, such as a fault or traffic status signal, a fault signal, an emergency stop of the traffic segment, or the like.

In various embodiments, the predetermined information is at least one of the following characteristics of the object 112: an object 112 Identification (ID), a position of the object 112 on the conveying section 110, an orientation of the object 112 on the conveying section 110, a direction vector and/or a velocity vector of the object 112 with respect to the conveying section 110 and/or the at least one photodetector 132.

In various embodiments, the sequence of light pulses has multi-channel information. Such as the sequence of light pulses 124 having a first n-bit information and a second n-bit information. The first n-bit information and the second n-bit information can be transmitted at least partially simultaneously by at least one light-emitting structural element 114 (n represents an integer)

The first n-bit information can be different from the second n-bit information. Alternatively, the first n-bit information can be identical to the second n-bit information.

In various embodiments, the control device 116 is set up in such a way that at least one luminous structural element 114 emits in a first phase a first sequence of light pulses 124 associated with first information and in a second phase a second sequence of light pulses 124 associated with second information, which is different from the first information.

In various embodiments, the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 has a plurality of luminous structural elements 114 and/or the luminous structural elements 114 have a plurality of luminous segments, which emit a sequence of light pulses 124 in parallel. The sequence of light pulses, such as light pulses transmitted in parallel, can have test values, such as for periodic redundancy testing.

Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic top view, a reference for calibrating the device described above, according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, a reference 200 is provided for calibrating a device for learning predetermined information about objects along a transport section. The device can be constructed in accordance with one of the described embodiments.

The reference object has an optically active transmitting device, wherein the transmitting device has two or more light-emitting

regions

202, 204, 206 and a control device. The control device is designed to control two or more

illuminated regions

202, 204, 206 in such a way that the two or more

illuminated regions

202, 204, 206 emit a predefined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light-emitting

regions

202, 204, 206 are set up in a manner that can be operated independently of one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting

regions

202, 204, 206 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting

regions

202, 204 and 206 can have radiation characteristics that are predefined with respect to one another.

By means of the reference, for example, an interactive device calibration can be performed with a predefined position of the transport section or a predefined movement of the reference. For example, the object can be moved as a reference for calibration into a predetermined position within a predetermined time range, and the device can be calibrated at this time and at this position of the transport section. Such a location can be, for example, a charging station for charging the transmitting device with electrical energy.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for operating a device for ascertaining predefined information about an object along a transport section, according to various embodiments.

The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

The method comprises the following steps: detecting S1 a sequence of light pulses emitted by the transmitting device 120 of the object by means of at least one photodetector; converting S2 the sequence of detected light pulses into a signal by means of a photodetector; transmitting S3 said signal to said learning means; the information predefined in S4 is ascertained by means of the ascertaining means; and provides S5 a further signal associated with the learned predefined information.

The predefined information can be derived from a plurality of predefined information. The plurality of predefined information can be stored, for example, in a table, a memory or a database. The predefined information can be derived from a large number of predefined information by means of bit comparison, wherein the predefined information is stored as a bit sequence.

The detection can have the following aspects, namely: whether the signals of the photodetectors are associated with one or more identical and/or different predefined information.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a luminous structural element 1 in the form of a surface light source. The luminous structural element 1 can for example correspond to the luminous structural element 114 described above, that is to say is identical thereto. The luminous construction element 1 has a support 12. The support 12 can be constructed to be light-transmitting or transparent. The support 12 serves as a support element for electronic components or layers, such as light-emitting components. The support 12 can, for example, comprise or consist of plastic, metal, glass, quartz and/or semiconductor material. The support 12 can furthermore have or consist of a plastic film or a laminate with one or more plastic films. The support 12 can be configured to be mechanically dimensionally stable or mechanically flexible.

An electroluminescent layer structure is formed on the support 12. The electroluminescent layer structure has a first electrode layer 14 with a first contact section 16, a second contact section 18 and a first electrode 20. The support 12 with the first electrode layer 14 can also be referred to as a substrate. A first barrier layer, not shown, such as a first barrier layer, can be formed between support 12 and first electrode layer 14.

The first electrode 20 is electrically insulated from the first contact section 16 by means of an electrically insulating barrier 21. The second contact section 18 is electrically coupled to a first electrode 20 of the optoelectronic layer structure. The first electrode 20 can be configured as an anode or as a cathode. The first electrode 20 can be configured to be light-transmissive or transparent. The first electrode 20 has a conductive material, such as a metal and/or a conductive transparent oxide (transparent conductive oxide, TCO) or a stack of layers with layers of metal or TCO. The first electrode 20 can, for example, have a layer stack of metal layer combinations on the TCO layer or vice versa. One example is a silver layer (Ag on ITO) or an ITO-Ag-ITO multilayer applied over an indium-tin-oxide-layer (ITO). Alternatively or additionally to the mentioned materials, the first electrode 20 can have: networks of metallic nanowires or nanoparticles, such as Ag, such as carbon nanotubes, graphite particles and graphite layers, and/or semiconducting nanowires.

Above the first electrode 20, an optically functional layer structure of the optoelectronic layer structure, such as an organic functional layer structure 22, is formed. The organic functional layer structure 22 can, for example, have one, two or more layers. For example, the organic functional layer structure 22 can have a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emission layer, an electron transport layer and/or an electron injection layer. The hole injection layer is used for reducing the energy band gap between the first electrode and the hole transport layer. For the hole transporting layer, hole conductivity is greater than electron conductivity. The hole transport layer is used for transporting holes. For the electron transport layer, electron conductivity is greater than hole conductivity. The electron transport layer is used for transporting electrons. The electron injection layer is used for reducing the energy band gap between the second electrode and the electron transport layer. The organic functional layer structure 22 can furthermore have one, two or more functional layer structure units, which in turn each have the mentioned layering and/or further intermediate layers.

Above the organic functional layer structure 22, a second electrode 23 of the optoelectronic layer structure is formed, which is electrically coupled to the first contact section 16. The second electrode 23 can be configured according to one of the designs of the first electrode 20, wherein the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 23 can be configured identically or differently. The first electrode 20 serves, for example, as an anode or cathode of the photovoltaic layer structure. The second electrode 23 serves as a cathode or anode of the layer structure of the photovoltaic cell corresponding to the first electrode.

The electroluminescent layer structure is an electrically and/or optically active region. The active region is, for example, a region of the luminous structural element 10 in which a current for operating the luminous structural element flows and/or in which electromagnetic radiation is generated or absorbed. An absorbent structure (not shown) can be arranged on or above the active area. The absorber layer can be configured as a light-transmitting, transparent or opaque structure. The absorber layer can have or consist of a material that absorbs and bonds materials that are harmful to the active region.

An encapsulation layer 24 of an electroluminescent layer structure is formed above the second electrode 23 and partially above the first contact section 16 and partially above the second contact section 18, said encapsulation layer encapsulating the electroluminescent layer structure. The encapsulation layer 24 can be configured as a second barrier layer, for example as a second barrier layer. The encapsulation layer 24 can also be referred to as a thin layer encapsulation. The encapsulation layer 24 forms a barrier against chemical contaminants or substances of the atmosphere, in particular against water (moisture) and oxygen. The encapsulation layer 24 can be formed as a single layer, a stack of layers or a layer structure. The encapsulation layer 24 can have or be composed of the following materials: aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, lanthanum oxide, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride (siliziumoxynitrid), indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide (p-phenylene terephthalamide), nylon 66, and mixtures and alloys of these materials. If necessary, a first barrier layer can be formed on the support 12, corresponding to the design of the encapsulation layer 24.

A first recess of the encapsulation layer 24 is formed in the encapsulation layer 24 above the first contact section 16, and a second recess of the encapsulation layer 24 is formed above the second contact section 18. The first contact region 32 is exposed in a first recess of the encapsulation layer 24 and the second contact region 34 is exposed in a second recess of the encapsulation layer 24. The first contact region 32 is used for making electrical contact with the first contact section 16 and the second contact region 34 is used for making electrical contact with the second contact section 18.

An adhesive layer 36 is constructed over the encapsulation layer 24. The adhesive layer 36 has, for example, an adhesive, such as a laminating adhesive, a lacquer and/or a resin. The adhesive layer 36 can, for example, have particles that scatter electromagnetic radiation, such as particles that scatter light.

A cover 38 is constructed over the adhesive layer 36. The adhesive layer 36 is used to secure the cover 38 to the encapsulation layer 24. The cover 38 may be made of plastic, glass and/or metal, for example. For example, the cover 38 can be made of glass and has a thin metal layer, such as a metal film, and/or a graphite layer, such as laminated graphite, on the glass body. The cover 38 serves to protect the conventional luminous construction element 1, for example against mechanical forces from the outside. Furthermore, the cover 38 can be used to distribute and/or conduct away the heat generated in the conventional optoelectronic component 1. For example, the glass of the cover 38 can be used as a protective element to prevent external effects, and the metal layer of the cover 38 can be used to distribute and/or remove heat generated during operation of the conventional luminous construction element 1.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to various embodiments. The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

The transport section has multiple input locations 102 and/or multiple output locations 104 in various embodiments. The input locations 102 are correspondingly arranged at a distance from the output locations 104. The input location 102 and the output location 104 are entry and exit points at which one or more objects 112 arrive at or leave the transport section 110.

In various embodiments, the object 112 can be, for example, a person, such as a patient or hospital personnel, or a good, such as a package.

The luminous structural element 114 can be, for example, a low-cost infrared LED or a laser diode incorporated into a bracelet. In other words, the transmitting device 120 can be configured in the form of a belt or a tag, such as in the form of a bracelet or necklace.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 is set up in a warehouse. The receiving device 140 has three cameras as photodetectors 132, which are arranged stationary on the ceiling of the warehouse. Information along the conveying section 110 should be known from the object 112, which can be, for example, a container, a package or a box, such as a pallet. Each object 130 or a portion of the plurality of objects 112 in the warehouse is capable of transmitting an identification code from one or more locations on the object. The identification code is transmitted by placing a pulsed light 114 on the object 112. The camera 132 is then able to recognize and track the location and identity of the object 130.

The exact position of each object 130 can be calculated because the object 130 is present in one or more detection zones of the camera 132 and the exact position of the camera 132 in the warehouse is known. A pair of data points is needed for a location in two dimensions. The method comprises the following steps: the object 130 is detected by two or more cameras 132 or two or more illuminated structural elements 114 are positioned on the object 112. Three-dimensional position determination can be carried out in a similar manner, for which purpose the object 130 is detected by three or more cameras 132 or two or three or more luminous structural elements 114 are arranged on the object 112. A higher accuracy of the position determination can be achieved by more cameras 132 and/or by more luminous structural elements 114 on the object 112.

The luminous structural element 114 can be temporarily or permanently placed next to or on the object 112 in any desired manner. An advantage of the sequence of light pulses over other techniques, such as QR codes or bar codes, is that the spacing between the light-emitting structural element 114 or the

objects

112, 130 and the photodetector 132 can be enlarged, for example because the light pulses propagate far more than the light reflected by the bar code or QR code. Thus, for example, the spacing between the light-emitting structural element 114 and the photodetector 132 can be increased by a factor of 100 or more compared to conventional spacing.

The device with the optically active transmitting device 120 has the following advantages compared to radio frequency transmitters for position determination, such as in RFID technology: light may be easier to shield than radio frequency radiation. In other words, due to the larger range of action of the radio frequency source, it may be easier for the RFID technology for the interference signal to be superimposed with the position determination. Furthermore, shielding electromagnetic radiation with radio frequencies is more cumbersome than shielding of light, as the radio frequencies of electromagnetic radiation in warehouses are reflected more strongly and multiple times.

For radiation at radio frequencies, it is more difficult for the receiving device to accurately determine the position of the object by means of triangulation, since radio frequency radiation is reflected more frequently than light.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a cut-out of the device according to various embodiments. The device can be constructed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 has a plurality of

luminous elements

610, 612, 614, 616 or at least one luminous element 114 with a plurality of

luminous segments

610, 612, 614, 616, which can be operated independently of one another (also referred to as different luminous regions).

The

illuminated regions

610, 612, 614, 616 are capable of emitting the same sequence of light pulses 124 or different sequences of

light pulses

602, 604, 606, 608. For different sequences of light pulses, the sequences have different duty cycles, different amplitudes, different phases and/or different frequencies from each other. In other words: the

different sequences

602, 604, 606, 608 of light pulses of the illuminated

regions

610, 612, 614, 616 can, for example, have light of different wavelengths and intensities from each other and/or other conventional light modulation. The different sequences of

light pulses

602, 604, 606, 608 of the illuminated

regions

610, 612, 614, 616 can be known by the receiving device as identical or different information, for example as identical or different bit sequences and/or information associated therewith.

This enables optical spatial multi-channel communication. The orientation of the object and/or a plurality of different status information can thus be transmitted to the transmitting device, for example, simultaneously or independently of one another. This enables a high information density of the object and a reduction in the transport time.

Alternatively or additionally, this enables redundant transmission of the same information, for example, if the optical path to the receiving device is blocked by a plurality of luminous structural elements or parts of the segments.

The device can be configured such that it has or supports a mobile terminal 600 (also referred to as a mobile, portable or mobile receiving device 600). The portable receiving device 600 can be, for example, a smart device, such as a smart phone, a notebook computer, or a tablet computer.

The portable receiving device 600 can have one or more photodetectors 132, such as one or more cameras 132, which are set up to receive a sequence of

light pulses

124, 602, 604, 606, 608.

The portable receiving device 600, by means of computer hardware, knows one or more pieces of predefined information from the sequence of

light pulses

124, 602, 604, 606, 608, converts them into further signals 138, and outputs them by means of the portable receiving device 600 output devices, such as a display.

By means of the portable receiving device 600, it is possible to detect different flexibly selectable positions along the transport section, such as one or more pieces of predefined information of the object, such as the state of the object as already described above.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device according to various embodiments. The apparatus 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the examples described above.

In various embodiments, the device has a plurality of photodetectors 132, such as a large number of photodetectors. The photodetectors can, for example, each have one or a large number of photodiodes or phototransistors, such as one or more CCD sensors. In various embodiments, the device has at least a first photodetector 702 and a second photodetector 704, which have different detection zones, i.e., for example, the transport sections are aligned in different directions or from different directions, at different spacings, and/or at different angles. This makes it possible to ascertain the same or different information of one or more objects 706, 708, each having one or more illuminated regions 114, which are simultaneously located on the transport section and/or are transported, i.e. moved, differently in time and/or in space. That is, some of the plurality of objects that are simultaneously on the transport section can be transported or moved while other objects are not moved. The non-moving object can be suspended, for example, at a charging station for charging the transmitting device or at a dispensing location.

A luminous structural element or luminous receiving elements can be applied to the object 112 next to or on the object in a permanent or reversible manner. The luminous structural element can represent visually a float (beacon) which enables identification and/or status display of the object.

The luminous structural element can be informed of the identification code, for example, by means of a sequence of light pulses. At least one photodetector, such as a camera, is capable of tracking position by: the identification code is read out in a specific camera matrix element.

The accuracy of the position determination and knowledge of the direction of movement of the object 112 can be improved by means of more than one photodetector, such as more than one camera, and/or more than one luminous structural element on the object 112.

In the device, for example, a plurality of cameras 702, 704 are provided for detecting the movement of one or more objects 706, 708 along the transport section 110 and other predefined information. For this purpose, the objects 706, 708 with the luminous structural elements 114 each emit a sequence of light pulses, wherein the sequence is associated with an identification code or a sequence of bits, respectively. In other words, each object can have at least one luminous structural element which emits a sequence of light pulses on the transport section, which sequence is associated with the identification code of the respective object.

With respect to one or more photodetectors each having an image sensor with a plurality of individual pixels, the individual pixels of the image sensor can be used for detecting, detecting and knowing in parallel the data flow of all the luminous structural elements the exact position of the respective object 112 along the conveying path. The plurality of photodetectors 702, 704, 132 are used to accurately track the movement of an object in three dimensions, such as by means of angular information, such as by means of triangulation of the information of the object with a plurality of cameras. In other words: the plurality of photodetectors can evaluate the predefined information detected by means of the sequence of light pulses and transmit it to a central evaluation unit, which then knows the correct position and/or direction of movement of the object 112 along the transport section 110.

Such as by triangulating the object 112 through observation of the object by two or more photodetectors having different viewing angles or detection regions. The strength of the conveying section or a known course can additionally be used in the triangulation. The position and orientation of each luminous structural element on the object can thus be triangulated.

To increase the accuracy still further, each light-emitting structural element of the object 112 can emit a sequence of light pulses, which is associated with an identification code or a multi-bit sequence, respectively, which is identical or different. In other words: different luminous structural elements or different luminous segments of luminous structural elements on the object are able to learn the same or different optical identification codes. An optical identification code or number is in this sense information associated with a sequence of optical pulses.

By means of the identification of all illuminated points of the object by means of the optical identification code, the orientation of the object can be calculated, for example, in three dimensions.

By means of the different optical identification codes of the individual luminous structural elements or luminous segments, the orientation of the object with respect to the transport segment can be calculated in three-dimensional space. Alternatively or additionally, the stability of the system can be increased by means of identical optical identification codes of the individual illuminated structural elements or segments, for example by redundancy of the identical information detected. Furthermore, this enables the following results to be achieved, namely: the object can be oriented in any arbitrary direction or orientation on or along the transport section without all the illuminated areas being covered as is the case for a single point light source.

In one embodiment, a plurality of luminous structural elements of the object or luminous segments of the luminous structural elements can be switched between different modes with respect to the sequence of light pulses.

In a first mode, all luminous structural elements or luminous segments each emit a sequence of light pulses associated with the same or identical information.

In the second mode, the respective luminous structural elements or luminous segments each emit a sequence of light pulses which differ from one another and are thus associated with different information.

Thus, for example, a plurality of objects of a production unit can be marked as an identification group for a plurality of objects.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, in the case of an unintentional rotation of an object on the transport section or a face of a deviation from a predefined transport section, for example, a transition between the first mode and the second mode can be made dynamically within the detection group or within a structural element having a plurality of luminous structural elements or luminous segments.

Such a rotation or deviation can be detected, for example, by means of a sensor provided in the transmitting device and used as or as a carrier for the dynamic switching from the first mode to the second mode.

Alternatively or additionally, the device can be operated in the first mode and in the second mode, staggered in time and/or space, for example in different sections of the transport section.

For example, in the case of a plurality of objects having the same destination, the plurality of objects can be operated in the first mode as an identification group for a section of the transport section. In this way, the range of a table or database in which predefined information is stored or deposited can be reduced for this section, so that the processor time for processing the sequence of light pulses in the learning device can be reduced.

Alternatively or additionally, the luminous component can emit sequences of light pulses associated with the same or different information only in specific time windows, for example, gaps having a predetermined duration can be provided between the sequences of light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a gap for the sequence of emitted light pulses can be provided for a predefined section of the conveying section, for example, a straight section of the conveying section that is free of branches.

Table 1 shows an example of an identification group based on a sequence of 8-bit light pulses by means of which, for example, 16 different objects each having 16 different light-emitting regions (i.e. light-emitting structural elements or light-emitting segments) can be addressed explicitly. The light points of each sequence of objects of this identification group can have other significance here.

When using multi-channel information, identification, orientation or other information can be transmitted by means of different pulse sequences of the light pulses, for example in parallel or consecutively. This information can be used, for example, for controlling objects along the transport section, such as switches for switching the transport section, for transporting the objects to a predetermined end position.

The word width used for recognition (4 bits in table 1) can have any value, for example, by: the number of bits of the light emitting structural element and/or the word width of the sequence of light pulses is reduced to more than 8 bits.

Table 1:

ID	object	Numbering of luminous structural elements
			0000 0000	1	1
0000 0001	1	2
			0000 0010	1	3
0000 0011	1	4
			0001 0000	2	1
0001 0001	2	2
			0001 0010	2	3

In various embodiments the device has a receiving device with one or more cameras as photodetectors mounted in the environment and used to track the movement of one or more objects 706, 708. The object transmits the identification code (respectively) by means of at least one luminous structural element 114 of the transmitting device.

The image sensor of the camera, i.e. the individual pixels, is used for detecting the data flow of all the illuminated structural elements in parallel and calculating the position of one or more objects 706, 708.

Multiple or different cameras 702, 704 can be used to improve position determination and position tracking with additional angular information.

Fig. 8A shows a schematic side view and fig. 8B shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a transmitting device according to various embodiments. The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

Multiple and/or different light emitting

structural elements

114, 610, 612, 614 on an object can transmit the same or different information in one or more sequences of light pulses.

By means of different information or identification codes (see table 1), the orientation of the object in three dimensions can be known to the object. For this purpose, a plurality of light-emitting regions of the transmitting device can be arranged at a minimum distance from one another and in a predetermined arrangement relative to one another.

Additionally or alternatively, the stability of the system can be increased by means of redundancy of data in different luminous components for the same identification code on the object. That is, the object can be oriented along the transport section in any direction and/or orientation, without all luminous structural elements being obscured.

As an addition or alternative, the same and different combinations of identification codes can be made, for example, by means of the use of identification groups (see above), dynamic adjustment of the identification groups, for example, after rotation of the object is detected by means of an internal sensor, for example, from one object from a large number of objects on the transport section.

Alternatively or additionally, the same or different information can be transmitted with a time delay. For example, the same or different information can only be emitted at specific predefined times or in specific predefined sections of the transport section in the form of different sequences of light pulses of the respective object or of the luminous structural element.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device according to various embodiments. The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

In different embodiments, the sequence of light pulses can have a test value or be associated therewith. By means of the test values, for example, a periodic redundancy test (cyclic redundcany check-CRC) can be implemented. This allows for the detection of bit-errors during the transmission of light from the light-emitting structural element 124 or the light-emitting structural elements 602, 604, 606 to the photodetector 132.

By means of the use of more than one light-emitting structural element (up to N light-emitting structural elements, where N is an integer), a parallel periodic redundancy test with N bits can be achieved, where N can be equal to N.

This provides data security by virtue of the spatial distribution of the plurality of luminous structural elements relative to one another over a common object and data losses can be avoided or reduced. The spatial distribution is here the distance between the luminous structural elements or segments of the transmitting device 120 of the object 130 and their arrangement relative to one another.

If several luminous structural elements or segments of the object emit the same sequence of light pulses, for example in parallel and/or staggered in time, the same data stream can be detected and/or evaluated by the photodetector several times. With this technique, data losses, for example due to the so-called rolling shutter effect, can be avoided or reduced. For rolling shutter effect, the photodetectors scan individual pixels of the image sensor 902 in columns or rows continuously as the object 130 moves. Otherwise, a single light pulse may not be detected by the movement of the object 130, the continuous scanning process of the luminous structural element and the pulsed light emission.

For example, in the case of surface light sources, which are composed of one or more LEDs, OLEDs or OLEDs coupled to a light guide, the shading or rolling shutter effect of the illumination surface can be reduced or avoided by using a larger illumination surface, i.e. an optically active surface.

Furthermore, flexible OLEDs can be used to provide three-dimensional objects with surface light sources as luminous components.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the device according to various embodiments. The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device has a luminous structural element 1004 (shown in fig. 10 as a first state 1000) as an indicator light source. The indicator light source can be, for example, a point light source, a segment of a luminous construction element with two or more luminous segments, and/or one luminous construction element of a plurality of luminous construction elements. The indicator light source can emit light, for example, periodically flashing during continuous wave operation or in other predefined ways, in order to indicate the function of the transmitting device if available. Such a display is advantageous, for example, in pulse gaps of a sequence of light pulses, when the object is in a stationary position on the transport section or when the transmitting device is remote from the transport section, for example, for indicating the state of charge of a battery of the transmitting device.

Additionally or in the case of a time shift (shown in fig. 10 as a second state 1002), the transmitting device can have a surface light source 1006, by means of which a sequence of light pulses is emitted and transmitted to at least one photodetector. The use of a surface light source can prevent the entire light emitting surface from being obscured by small objects, such as cables, between the photodetector 132 and the light emitting structural element 1006. During the transport of the object, the rolling shutter effect can furthermore be reduced by using a surface light source as a luminous structural element of the transmitting device, since in general more and more pixels of the image sensor 902 of the photodetector 132 are activated, that is to say a sequence of light pulses is detected, at any detection angle or observation angle of the photodetector towards the surface light source 1006.

In other words, for a surface light source (a structural element that emits light as a transmitting device), a photodetector having a large number of optically active pixels detects multi-channel information having a plurality of mutually identical data streams, whereby data correction can be achieved.

Fig. 11A shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a transmitting device according to various embodiments, and fig. 11B shows a schematic top view 27 thereof. The device 100 can be constructed in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

For the transmitting device, different luminous components can be used. For example, the at least one light-emitting structural element can be a point light source, such as an LED having a chip size in the range of about 5 μm to about 50 μm. The point light source can, for example, emit light in the visible or invisible wavelength range, such as infrared light or ultraviolet light. The point light source has the advantages of low energy consumption and small position space requirement.

Surface light sources, such as organic light-emitting diodes or a plurality of LEDs coupled to planar light guides, have the advantage that: high aspect ratio between thickness and large emission surface (Aspekt-Verhaeltnis). Furthermore, OLEDs can be produced flexibly and applied to objects. As a result, OLEDs can be used as luminous components for curved or bent objects, which, as shown in fig. 11A, are adapted to the contour of the object.

The plurality of luminous

structural elements

610, 612, 614, 616 can be arranged adjacent to one another and/or the luminous structural elements can have a plurality of

luminous segments

610, 612, 614, 616.

Embodiment 1 described with reference to fig. 1 to 11 is an apparatus for learning predetermined information of an object along a conveying section. The device has a transport section having at least one starting position and at least one final position and being set up for transporting the object from the at least one starting position to the at least one final position. The object has optically active transmitting means. The transmitting device has at least one luminous structural element and a control device. The control device is designed to control the at least one luminous structural element in such a way that it emits a predefined sequence of light pulses. Furthermore, the device has an optically active receiving device. The optically active receiving device has at least one photodetector and a detection device. The at least one photodetector is configured to: in a position of at least one of the transport sections between at least one starting position and at least one final position, a sequence of light pulses of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element is detected and converted into a signal. The learning device is set up to: the predetermined information is derived from the signals of the photodetectors.

In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has a single luminous structural element.

In example 3, the subject matter of example 1 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has a plurality of luminous structural elements or at least one luminous structural element with a plurality of luminous segments which can be operated independently of one another.

In example 4, the subject matter of examples 1 to 3 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has one or more point light sources, such as light emitting diodes or laser diodes.

In example 5, the subject matter of examples 1 to 4 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has one or more surface light sources, such as organic light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diodes coupled to planar light guides.

In example 6, the subject matter of examples 1 to 5 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has at least one surface light source and/or a plurality of point light sources arranged at a minimum distance from one another in such a way that light can be emitted by the transmitting device at least partially in spatial directions perpendicular to one another.

In example 7, the subject matter of examples 1 to 6 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the receiving device has a single photodetector, for example a single camera.

In example 8, the subject matter of examples 1 to 6 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the receiving device has a plurality of photodetectors, such as a plurality of cameras.

In example 9, the subject matter of examples 1 to 8 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the predetermined information has at least one of the following characteristics of the object: the identification of the object, the position of the object on the transport section, the orientation of the object on the transport section, the direction vector and/or the velocity vector of the object with respect to the transport section and/or the at least one photodetector.

In example 10, the subject matter of examples 1 to 9 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the receiving device is configured stationary relative to the transport section.

In example 11, the subject matter of examples 1 to 11 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: at least one portion of the transport section is disposed in a space having a ceiling lighting device. At least one photodetector is integrated in the ceiling lighting arrangement.

In example 12, the subject matter of examples 1 to 11 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the device furthermore has an output device. The output device is coupled to the detection device and is configured to output a further signal when the detection device has detected the predetermined information.

In example 13, the subject matter of examples 1 to 12 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the sequence of light pulses has multi-channel information.

In example 14, the subject matter of examples 1 to 13 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device further has a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is coupled to the control device. The control device is furthermore designed such that the luminous component emits a first sequence of light pulses when the sensor supplies a first sensor signal and emits a second sequence of light pulses, which is different from the first sequence, when the sensor supplies a second sensor signal.

In example 15, the subject matter of examples 1 to 14 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the control device is configured such that at least one luminous structural element emits a first sequence of light pulses associated with first information in a first phase and emits a second sequence of light pulses associated with second information in a second phase, the second information being different from the first information.

In example 16, the subject matter of examples 1 to 15 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

In example 17, the subject matter of examples 1 to 16 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device has a plurality of luminous structural elements and/or a luminous structural element (with a plurality of luminous segments which emit a sequence of light pulses in parallel), wherein the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

In example 18, the subject matter of examples 1 to 17 can furthermore have the following aspects, namely: the transmitting device further has a transmitter and a receiver and is designed for communication with a further object, which has an optically active transmitting device with a transmitter and a receiver, so that at least one light-emitting component of the object is actuated in such a way that it emits light pulses of a predetermined sequence, which correspond to and/or differ from a further object on the transport section, for example a predetermined sequence of light pulses of the further object.

Embodiment 19 is a reference for calibrating a device that knows predetermined information about objects along a transport section. The reference object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting means has two or more light emitting areas and control means. The control device is designed to control the two or more illuminated regions in such a way that the two or more illuminated regions emit a predefined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light-emitting regions are set up to be able to operate independently of one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions have radiation characteristics that are predefined with respect to one another.

Embodiment 20 is a method for operating a device for learning predetermined information about objects along a transport section. The device can be constructed according to the described development. The method has the step of detecting the sequence of light pulses transmitted by the transmitting device of the object by means of at least one photodetector. Furthermore, the method has the step of converting the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of a photodetector. The method further comprises the step of transmitting a signal to a learning device and learning the predefined information by means of the learning device. The method further comprises the step of providing a further signal which is associated with the acquired predefined information.

List of reference numerals:

100. device and method for controlling the same

102. Start position

104. Final position

110. Conveying section

112. Object

114. Luminous structural element

116. Control device

118. Control signal

120. Optically active transmitting device

124. Sequence of light pulses

126. Transporting

130. Object with optically active transmitting means

132. Photoelectric detector

134. Learning device

136. Signal signal

138. Additional signals

140. Receiving device

200. Reference object

202. 204, 206 are illuminated by a light emitting region

300. Method of

S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 method steps

1. Luminous structural element

12. Support seat

16. A first contact section

18. A second contact section

20. First electrode

21. Electrically insulating barrier

22. Organic functional layer structure

23. Second electrode

24. Encapsulation layer

32. A first contact region

34. A second contact region

36. Adhesive layer

38. Cover body

600. Portable receiving device

602. 604, 606, 608 light pulse sequence

610. 612, 614, 616 luminous structural element/segment

702. 704 photoelectric detector

706. 708 object

902. Image sensor

1000. 1002 state

1004. Indicator light source

1006. Surface light source

Claims

1. Device (100) for learning predetermined information about an object (112) along a transport section (110), the device (100) having:

-the transport section (110) having at least one start position (102) and at least one end position (104) and being set up for: -transporting the object (112) from the at least one starting position (102) to the at least one final position (104);

an object (112) having an optically active transmitting device (120);

wherein the transmitting device (120) has at least one luminous structural element (114) and a control device (116),

wherein the at least one luminous structural element (114) has at least one surface light source and/or a plurality of point light sources arranged at a minimum distance from one another such that light can be emitted by the transmitting device (120) at least in part in spatial directions perpendicular to one another,

wherein the control device (116) is designed to control the at least one luminous structural element (114) in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) associated with predetermined information; and

-an optically active receiving device (140);

wherein the optically active receiving device (140) has at least one photodetector (132) and a detection device (134),

Wherein the at least one photodetector (132) is set up for: in at least one position of the transport section (110) between the at least one starting position (102) and the at least one final position (104), a sequence of light pulses (124) of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element (114) is detected and converted into a signal (136) which is associated with predefined information, and

wherein the learning device (134) is set up for: the predetermined information is determined from the signal (136) of the photodetector (132).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has a single luminous structural element (114).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has a plurality of luminous structural elements or at least one luminous structural element (114) with a plurality of luminous segments which can be operated independently of one another.

4. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has one or more point light sources.

5. The device (100) according to claim 4,

Wherein the transmitting device (120) has a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has one or more surface light sources.

7. The device (100) according to claim 6,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has an organic light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode coupled to a planar optical waveguide.

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the receiving device (140) has a single photodetector (132).

9. The device (100) according to claim 8,

wherein the receiving device (140) has a single camera.

10. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the receiving device (140) has a plurality of photodetectors (132).

11. The device (100) according to claim 10,

wherein the receiving device (140) has a plurality of cameras.

12. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the predefined information is at least one characteristic of the object (112) from the following group of characteristics: -identification of the object (112), -location of the object (112) on the conveying section (110), -orientation of the object (112) on the conveying section (110), -a direction vector and/or a speed vector of the object (112) with respect to the conveying section (110) and/or at least one photodetector (132).

13. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the receiving device (140) is configured stationary with respect to the conveying section (110).

14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein at least a portion of the transport section (110) is arranged in a space having a ceiling lighting device, and wherein at least one photodetector (132) is integrated in the ceiling lighting device.

15. A device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an output device,

wherein the output device (100) is coupled to the detection device (134) and is configured such that a further signal is output when the detection device (134) has detected a predetermined message.

16. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the sequence of light pulses (124) has multi-channel information associated with a plurality of predefined information.

17. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the transmitting device (120) furthermore has a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal which is different from the first sensor signal, wherein the sensor is coupled to the control device (116), and the control device (116) is furthermore designed such that, when the sensor provides the first sensor signal, the luminous structural element emits a first sequence of light pulses (124) and, when the sensor provides the second sensor signal, the luminous structural element emits a second sequence of light pulses which is different from the first sequence.

18. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the control device (116) is set up in such a way that at least one luminous structural element (114) emits in a first phase a first sequence of light pulses (124) associated with first information and in a second phase a second sequence of light pulses (124) associated with second information, which is different from the first information.

19. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the sequence of light pulses (124) has a test value for a periodic redundancy test.

20. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the transmitting device (120) has a plurality of luminous structural elements and/or the luminous structural elements (114) have a plurality of luminous segments which emit a sequence of light pulses (124) in parallel, wherein the sequence of light pulses (124) has test values for a periodic redundancy test.

21. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the transmitting device (120) further has a transmitter and a receiver and is designed to: in communication with a further object having an optically active transmitting device (120) which has a transmitter and a receiver, so that at least one luminous structural element of the object (112) is actuated in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124), which corresponds to a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) of the further object on the conveying section (110) and/or which differs from a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) of the further object on the conveying section (110).

22. A reference object (200) for calibrating a device (100) which is set up for ascertaining predefined information of an object (112) along a transport section (110), said reference object having:

optically active transmitting means (120),

wherein the transmitting device (120) has two or more light-emitting regions (202, 204, 206) and a control device (116),

wherein the control device (116) is designed to control two or more illuminated regions (202, 204, 206) in such a way that the two or more illuminated regions (202, 204, 206) emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124);

wherein the two or more light-emitting regions (202, 204, 206) are configured to be able to operate independently of one another, are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and/or have radiation characteristics that are configured to be predetermined with respect to one another, wherein the light can be emitted by the transmitting device (120) at least in part in spatial directions that are perpendicular to one another.

23. A method (300) for operating a device (100) which is set up for ascertaining predefined information about an object (112) along a transport section (110), the device (100) having:

-said transport section (110) having at least one starting position (102) and at least one final position (104) and being set up for transporting objects from said at least one starting position (102) to said at least one final position (104);

an object (112) having an optically active transmitting device (120),

wherein the control device (116) is set up for: the at least one luminous structural element (114) is controlled in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) associated with predetermined information; and

-an optically active receiving device (140);

Wherein the at least one photodetector (132) is set up for: in at least one position of the transport section (110) between at least one starting position (102) and at least one final position (104), a sequence of light pulses (124) of light which can be emitted by the luminous structural element is detected and converted into a signal which is associated with predefined information, and

wherein the learning device (134) is set up for: from the signals of the photodetectors (132) predefined information is known,

the method (300) has the following steps:

-detecting (S1) by means of the at least one photodetector (132) a sequence of light pulses emitted by the transmitting device (120) of the object (112);

-converting (S2) the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of the photodetector (132);

-transmitting (S3) the signal to the learning device (134);

-learning (S4) the predefined information by means of the learning device (134); and is also provided with

Providing (S5) a further signal which reacts to the acquired predefined information.