DE102017120179A1 - Procedure for product stock determination - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the product inventory of a plurality of products (4) and / or a product quantity of at least one product receiving device (5) using at least one light source (1) which emits UV light of a predetermined first wavelength range (λ10), wherein the product receiving device (5) comprises a layer (2) having fluorescent properties that emits light having a predetermined second wavelength (λ2) within a predetermined second wavelength range (λ20), and using at least one optical sensor (3) having a filter device (33), by means of which only light of the predetermined second wavelength range (λ20) is detected, and using a control unit, wherein the optical sensor (3) records image data of the at least one product receiving device (5) and its products (4) and / or their product quantity, and wherein the control unit from the image data of the optical Sensor (3) determines the product inventory of at least one product receiving device (5). In particular, the invention relates to a method for product counting and more particularly to a product receiving device suitable for a method according to the invention, a suitable product automaton and a suitable product counter.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for product inventory determination, and more particularly to an optical method for product inventory determination. The invention also relates in particular to a method for product counting. The invention more particularly relates to a product receiving device suitable for carrying out a method above, a suitable product automaton and a suitable product counter.

For many applications, and in particular for intelligent stock management or the operation of a product vending machine, it is desirable to collect information about the stock of products and, in particular, about the product stock, the product quantity or the number of products.

So is out of the DE 10 2012 102 942 a vending machine is known which has a plurality of goods shafts, each having its own vacancy sensor. If the goods are running low in a goods shaft, a signal is issued in good time, so that even before an imminent vacancy, the relevant stock shaft can be replenished. However, the vending machine requires a separate sensor for each individual goods shaft, which is correspondingly expensive. In addition, the individual shafts must always be filled with the same types of goods, so that a control unit can link the vacancy information with a particular product, which significantly limits the flexible operation of the vending machine.

The object of the present invention is therefore to specify a cost-effective, flexibly applicable and yet reliable method for determining product stock, which should also be suitable for a large number of applications. It is also an object of the invention to provide a suitable for a method according to the invention product receiving device, a suitable product vending machine and a suitable product counter.

The object is achieved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the features of the subclaims and / or the following description.

In particular, the present invention relates to a method for determining the product inventory of a plurality of products and / or a product quantity of at least one product receiving device using at least one light source that emits UV light of a predetermined first wavelength range, wherein the product receiving device comprises a layer with fluorescent properties, the light is emitted with a predetermined second wavelength within a predetermined second wavelength range, and using at least one equipped with a filter device optical sensor by which only light of the predetermined second wavelength range is detected, wherein the optical sensor image data of the at least one product receiving device and its products and / or records their product quantity.

The light source is preferably a narrow-band light source, for example a laser or an LED lamp. The optical sensor is advantageously a line detector.

In addition, by means of the use of a control unit, the product data of the at least one product receiving device can be determined in a particularly simple, reliable and cost-effective manner from the image data of the optical sensor.

This is the case in particular because a product arranged on the layer with fluorescent properties can be detected particularly reliably by a suitable optical sensor. Namely, a desirable high contrast occurs between the light reflected by the product and the light emitted by the fluorescent layer.

In this case, the control unit can determine from the image data of the optical sensor in a particularly simple and reliable manner color and / or brightness curves which have a pulse progression with advantageously digital character. For this reason, it is then possible to carry out a stock determination of the products and / or a product quantity and thus in particular also a product count by means of a software routine from the determined brightness curves also particularly simple and thus cost-effective and also very reliable.

The optical sensor may suitably be a camera which is equipped with a suitable filter device. Cameras can be purchased cheaply and easily retrofitted. A suitable filter device can also be provided reliably and inexpensively by means of a software routine. It is particularly advantageous in this case if, in a simple manner, a wavelength range smaller than the predetermined second wavelength range detected by the sensor is masked out.

It is particularly advantageous if the second predetermined wavelength range detected by the sensor comprises light with a wavelength of greater than 600 nm, after not only UV light but also light in the visible range is masked out and the greatest possible distance between the light detected by the sensor and the light emitted from the light source. As a result, undesirable disturbances are minimized in particular.

Namely, the layer having fluorescent properties may also exhibit variations in its thickness and / or its constituent materials and thus in its optical properties, after which complete suppression of light having a wavelength less than 600 nm and thereby completely detecting light having a wavelength greater than 600 nm is possible to minimize this Disturbing effects is particularly advantageous. In this connection, it is clear that a suitable fluorescent material is selected for a material of the layer having fluorescent properties.

A particularly strong protruding contrast can be achieved if essentially light of a predetermined discrete first wavelength of the first wavelength range in the UV spectral range is emitted by means of the light source, the predetermined first wavelength being in particular between 350 nm and 400 nm and in particular approximately 375 nm. In addition, a radiated first wavelength of this range is desirably widely spaced from the above detected second wavelength range.

In addition, an above inventive method for determining product stock can also be used in a simple and reliable manner as a method for product counting, as stated above.

Suitably, the layer having fluorescent properties may be formed on a surface of the product receptacle for receiving the plurality of products and / or the amount of product. As a result, the possibility is created to provide product receiving devices, for example, by means of a suitable coating with individual layers adapted to them, so that their functional scope is not hindered. In addition, product receiving devices can be inexpensively retrofitted in this way.

By means of a layer which is provided on a, in particular also formed as an independent element, measuring strips, this can alternatively be created a way to retrofit a product receiving device in a simple way individually and flexibly. Such a measuring strip may also comprise optically detectable information, such as a scaling, which in particular enables a desirably accurate determination of a product quantity. Such a measuring strip can be provided, for example, by means of a metal or plastic element provided with a layer having fluorescent properties.

The present invention accordingly also relates, in particular, to a product receiving device suitable for an above method for receiving a multiplicity of products and / or a product quantity. A projecting product receiving device according to the invention is particularly suitable for operation in a product vending machine.

The present invention also relates to a product counter with at least one UV light source and to at least one optical sensor, which comprises a filter device, and to a control unit for determining a product inventory. The UV light source and / or the optical sensor can be arranged to be movable. The control unit can control the entire processes of the product counter. In particular, the UV light source and / or the optical sensor can be pivoted and / or brought into a suitable position by means of the control unit. The control unit is able to carry out further evaluations and calculations with the appropriate software. The control unit also comprises a memory or a memory module, on which different information can be stored.

In this way, the product counter is suitably designed to count the number of products and / or the product quantity, in particular of a product vending machine, with at least one product receiving device according to the invention, after which the product counter is additionally designed to carry out a method according to the invention.

In this case, an advantageous product counting device particularly advantageously comprises an optical filter device which is provided by means of software and which blocks out a wavelength range smaller than the predetermined second wavelength range.

To carry out an individual product count of different products, at least one reference image of at least one product can be stored, in particular on the control unit of the product counting device. To perform a product count of a plurality of products in a variety of product receptacles In addition, at least one reference image of at least one product receiving device can be stored on the control unit of the product counting device.

• 1a, 1b, 1c jeweils schematische, erläuternde Darstellungen eines grundlegenden Gedankens einer Ausführung der Erfindung;
• 2a jeweils unterschiedlich befüllte Produktaufnahmevorrichtungen nach einer Ausführung der Erfindung;
• 2b, 2c, 2d jeweils eine Helligkeitskurve des von den Produktaufnahmevorrichtungen von 2a emittierten und entsprechend detektierten Lichts;
• 3a, 3b eine jeweils unterschiedlich befüllte Produktaufnahmevorrichtung nach einer Ausführung der Erfindung;
• 3c, 3d jeweils eine Helligkeitskurve des von den Produktaufnahmevorrichtungen von 3a und 3b emittierten und entsprechend detektierten Lichts;
• 4a, 4b eine jeweils unterschiedlich befüllte Produktaufnahmevorrichtungen nach einer Ausführung der Erfindung;
• 4c, 4d jeweils eine Helligkeitskurve des von den Produktaufnahmevorrichtungen von 4a und 4b emittierten und entsprechend detektierten Lichts;
• 5a eine unvollständig befüllte Produktaufnahmevorrichtung nach einer Ausführung der Erfindung;
• 5b eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Elements der Produktaufnahmevorrichtung von 5a;
• 5c eine Helligkeitskurve des von der Produktaufnahmevorrichtung von 5a emittierten und entsprechend detektierten Lichts; und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer Produktaufnahmevorrichtung nach einer weiteren Ausführung der Erfindung mit auf ihr angeordneten Produkten.

Further embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to schematic drawings. This shows:

• 1a . 1b . 1c in each case schematic, explanatory illustrations of a basic idea of an embodiment of the invention;
• 2a each differently filled product receiving devices according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 B . 2c . 2d each a brightness curve of the product receiving devices of 2a emitted and correspondingly detected light;
• 3a . 3b a differently filled product receiving device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 3c . 3d each a brightness curve of the product receiving devices of 3a and 3b emitted and correspondingly detected light;
• 4a . 4b a differently filled product receiving devices according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 4c . 4d each a brightness curve of the product receiving devices of 4a and 4b emitted and correspondingly detected light;
• 5a an incompletely filled product receiving device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 5b an enlarged view of an element of the product receiving device of 5a ;
• 5c a brightness curve of the product receiving device of 5a emitted and correspondingly detected light; and
• 6 a schematic representation of a product receiving device according to another embodiment of the invention with arranged on her products.

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, identical reference numerals are used for the same but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

1a shows a schematic, explanatory representation of a basic idea of an embodiment of the invention, which means by means of a UV light source 1 Light of a predetermined first wavelength range λ10 and in particular light of a wavelength λ1 on a product receiving device 5 is broadcast on a product 4 is arranged. The product receiving device 5 includes a layer on your surface 2 with fluorescent properties, being part of the layer 2 from the product 4 is covered. That of the product 4 reflected light is also in the first wavelength range λ10 , On the other hand, that's from the layer 2 the product receiving device 5 emitted light according to the in 1b shown Stokes shift to a wavelength λ2 within a lower energy wavelength range λ20 postponed.

That of the product 4 reflected light and that of the layer 2 emitted light is emitted by an optical sensor 3 detected, wherein the optical sensor 3 a filter device 33 includes the light of the first wavelength range λ10 and in particular the first wavelength λ1 fades. Thus, the optical sensor 3 only from the layer 2 the product receiving device 5 reflected light of the second wavelength range λ20 detected while a desirable high contrast between product 4 and product receiving device 5 achieved. The light source 1 and the optical sensor 3 are at appropriate positions above the product receiving device 5 arranged.

1c For this purpose, one of a control unit from image data of the sensor 3 determined brightness curve 30 along a profile in the longitudinal direction of the product receiving device 5 , The brightness curve 30 has an advantageous pulse-shaped course with a digital character with two distinct brightness maxima 32 that the layer 2 and a minimum brightness 31 that of the product 4 is caused. Based on the brightness curve 30 may therefore be the number of the product receiving device 5 recorded products 4 be determined.

2a shows three differently filled product receiving devices 5 according to an embodiment of the invention with a layer formed on its surface 2 with fluorescent properties in perspective from a not quite vertical view from above.

The product receiving devices 5 are each formed as a spindle holder and extending from, for example, a product vending machine or a product storage device starting substantially horizontally. The left product receiving device 5 carries a product 4 , and the right level product receiving device formed at the same level 5 carries five products 4 ,

The central product receiving device 5 is empty and arranged at a comparatively lower level.

The products 4 are each provided in the usual way with similar packaging, which interact in a known manner with the spindle holders.

An in 2a Unillustrated UV light emitting light source may be to the product receiving devices 5 from 2a be arranged at a position approximately in a position of the light source described above 1 from 1 corresponds, and a, in 2a Also not shown, suitable optical sensor may also be arranged at a position which is approximately at a position of the sensor described above 3 from 1 equivalent. The positions of the light source 1 and the optical sensor 3 are suitable, the three product receiving devices 5 from 2a with the products 4 by means of only one light source 1 to irradiate and by means of only one sensor 3 capture.

The 2 B . 2c and 2d each show a brightness curve 30 a profile of the product receiving devices 5 from 2a emitted and corresponding from the optical sensor 3 detected light in the longitudinal direction of the product receiving devices 5 , The curves of the brightness gradients 30 the product receiving devices 5 all have an advantageous pulse-shaped course with a digital character between a detected maximum 32 that the layer 2 denotes, and minimum 31 according to the number of existing products 4 , The two ends of the layer 2 the product receiving devices 5 in profile direction are also by a respective minimum 31 characterized. Depending on the perspective of the products covered 4 on the product receiving devices 5 can thereby minimize the minima of the products 4 have correspondingly different pulse widths and are still to determine the number of products 4 suitable.

3a shows an empty product receiving device 5 according to an embodiment of the invention in a highly schematic perspective view obliquely from the front. The product receiving device 5 is designed as a frame of a product shaft of a product vending machine or a product storage device.
The product receiving device 5 has a fillable height H5 and is open to the front and to the top. To the product receiving device 5 For example, a product dispenser may be connected downwardly. The product receiving device 5 is also inside with a layer on the front of its frame and on the back wall of its frame 2 provided with fluorescent properties.

3b shows the product receiving device 5 from 3a with three of her similar products 4 , The products 4 have a level H4 , Besides, the products obscure 4 according to their dimensions or the level H4 the inside layer 2 on the back wall.

A suitable for the application of the method for product inventory determination light source 1 and a suitable sensor 3 according to 1 can in front of the open shaft of the product receiving device 5 be arranged at respectively suitable positions, so that by means of the sensor 3 that of the shift 2 emitted light can be detected.

3c shows the brightness curve 30 a profile of the fillable height 5 of the empty product receiving device 5 from 3a emitted light, which is substantially the brightness curve described above 30 from 2c corresponds, which is why reference is made to the description in this regard.

3d shows the brightness progression 30 a profile of the fillable height H5 of the product receiving device 5 from 3b emitted and from the sensor 3 detected light with a corresponding to the level H4 opposite the maximum 32 from 3c reduced pulse width whose maximum brightness 32 , From the determination of the pulse width of the brightness maximum 32 can therefore the level H4 the product receiving device 5 from 3a and b, and then the number of recorded products 4 be determined.

In addition, a variety of different, in particular juxtaposed product receiving devices 5 be detected by analyzing a brightness curve of a corresponding cross-profile from the respective maximum brightness of the frame or from comparisons with stored reference images.

4a shows an empty product receiving device 5 according to an embodiment of the invention in a highly schematic perspective view obliquely from above. The product receiving device 5 is, for example, a cylindrical vessel made of a transparent material and particularly suitable, a liquid product 4 take.
The product receiving device 5 is on one side along its fillable height H5 with a strip-shaped layer 2 a fluorescent material, due to the transparency of the Can be provided both inside and outside the vessel.

4b shows the product receiving device 5 from 4a with one to one level H4 recorded product quantity 40 a liquid product 4 that the layer 2 according to its optical properties and according to its level H4 can obscure or attenuate the emitted light, which in each case by the sensor described below 3 is recognized.

A suitable for the application of the method for product inventory determination light source 1 and a suitable sensor 3 according to 1 can be in any suitable positions in front of the product receiving device 5 be arranged so that by means of the sensor 3 that of the shift 2 emitted light can be detected, which is also the case for the following 5a to c described embodiment applies.
4c and 4d each show brightness curves 30 that of the product receiving devices 5 from 4a and 4b emitted and correspondingly detected light, which essentially respectively the brightness curves 30 from 3c and 3d which is why reference is made to their description.

5a shows a product receiving device 5 a further embodiment of the invention, which is substantially the product receiving device 5 from 4a and 4b corresponds, so reference is made to their description here.
The product receiving device 5 from 5a is like the product receiving devices 5 from 4b up to a level H4 with a product quantity 40 a product 4 filled. The strip-shaped layer 2 along the fillable height H5 the product receiving device 5 from 5a unlike 4a a measuring strip 20 on which a scale of fluorescent material can be provided.

5b shows an enlarged view of the in 5a exposed measuring strip 20 with its layer applied as a scaling 2 , By means of the advantageous scaling, a level H4 the fillable height H5 be detected particularly accurately.

5c shows a brightness curve 30 a profile along the line P - P from 5b of the product receiving device 5 from 5a emitted and correspondingly detected light, with two brightness maxima 32 that from the profile P be recorded.

Both the measuring strip 20 from 5a and 5b as well as the corresponding strip-shaped layer 2 the execution of 4a and 4b can thereby directly on the respective product receiving device 5 be provided, as well as be designed as an independent element. For example, you may be formed as a suitably coated metal or plastic element, with the product receiving device in a simple manner 5 according to 5a and 4a and 4b but also according to 3a and 3b can be equipped.

6 shows a schematic representation of a product receiving device 5 according to a further embodiment of the invention with products arranged on it 4 , wherein the product receiving device 5 is a conveyor belt, for example, a product warehouse. At appropriate positions above the product receiving device 5 are each other side of the product receiving device 5 oppositely arranged light sources 1 according to 1 arranged, which has a detection area 50 irradiate and illuminate particularly well, avoiding unwanted shadows. Above the detection area 50 is an optical sensor provided with a filter device 3 according to 1 arranged. On the corresponding drawing of the filter device was omitted here.

The products 4 cover the fluorescent layer on the surface of the product receiving device 5 and are from the sensor 3 recognized as a dark floor plan. By means of stored reference pictures of the products 4 can be the recognized products 4 assign and count by means of a suitable software routine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

light source

2

layer

20

gauges

3

Optical sensor

30

Brightness gradient, brightness curve

31

minimum

32

maximum

33

filter

4

product

40

product Quantity

5

Product Cradle

50

detecting area

I

intensity

S

Stokes shift

P

profile

H5

Fillable height

H4

level

λ10, λ20

Wavelength range

λ, λ1, λ2

wavelength

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012102942 [0003]

Claims (12)

Method for determining the product inventory of a plurality of products (4) and / or a product quantity (40) of at least one product receiving device (5), using at least one light source (1) which emits UV light of a predetermined first wavelength range (λ10), wherein the product receiving device (5) comprises a layer (2) having fluorescent properties that emits light having a predetermined second wavelength (λ2) within a predetermined second wavelength range (λ20), and using at least one optical sensor (3) having a filter device (Fig. 33), by means of which only light of the predetermined second wavelength range (λ20) is detected, wherein the optical sensor (3) records image data of the at least one product receiving device (5) and its products (4) and / or their product quantity (40), and Using a control unit, wherein the control unit determines from the image data of the optical sensor (3) the product inventory of the at least one product receiving device (5). Method according to Claim 1 , wherein from the control unit from the image data of the optical sensor (3) color and / or brightness curves (30) are determined which have a pulse course. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the second predetermined wavelength range (λ20) detected by the optical sensor (3) comprises light having a wavelength greater than 600 nm. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the light source (1) emits substantially light of a predetermined first discrete wavelength (λ1) of the first wavelength range (λ10); and wherein the predetermined first wavelength (λ1) is between 350nm and 400nm and more particularly at about 375nm. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the method of product inventory determination is a product counting method. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the layer (2) is formed on a surface of the product receiving device (5) for receiving the plurality of products (4) and / or the amount of product (40). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the layer (2) is formed on a measuring strip (20), and the measuring strip (20) is arranged on the product receiving device (5), and wherein the measuring strip (20) can comprise optically detectable information. Product receiving device (5) for receiving a plurality of products (4) and / or a quantity of product (40) suitable for a method of Claims 1 to 7 is suitable, wherein the product receiving device (5) comprises a layer (2) with fluorescent properties. Product machine with at least one product receiving device (5) according to Claim 8 , A product counter comprising at least one UV light source (1) and at least one optical sensor (3) comprising a filter device (33) and a product inventory determining unit, the product counter being adapted to measure the number of products (4 ) and / or the product quantity (40) of a product vending machine Claim 9 and wherein the product counter is also adapted to perform a method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 perform. Product counter according to Claim 10 wherein the filter means (33) is provided by means of software which fades out a wavelength range smaller than the predetermined second wavelength range (λ20). Product counter according to one of Claims 10 and 11 , wherein on the control unit a reference image of at least one product (4) and / or at least one reference image of at least one product receiving device (5) are stored.

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