KR102020675B1 - Camera with auto-focusing function and high-speed cargo scanner including the camera - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a camera with an auto-focusing adjustment function and a high-speed cargo scanner including the same. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera comprises: a lens collecting and transmitting light; a sensor converting the received light into an image signal; a mirror located in a light path in which rays pass between the lens and the sensor to reflect the light transmitted from the lens to the sensor; a mirror drive unit adjusting a focusing distance between the lens and the sensor by moving the mirror; and a location adjustment unit adjusting a location of the mirror to set a focus to the center of the sensor when adjusting the focusing distance through the mirror drive unit.

Description

Camera with auto-focusing function and high-speed cargo scanner including the camera}

The present invention relates to a camera technology for photographing an object moving at high speed.

A line scan camera or an area scan camera is used to photograph a moving object. For example, to photograph a cargo moving through a mobile platform such as a conveyor belt, the cargo is illuminated and then image data is detected by detecting light reflected from the cargo by a line scan camera or an area scan camera. Acquire.

Image acquisition technology using a line scan camera or an area scan camera can be applied to the automation of logistics, factory automation (FA), inspection process, etc. depending on the purpose, and the location, size, shape of cargo, reading of recognition marks or characters, There are many applications such as defect inspection. However, even if the object moves at high speed, the camera needs the ability to focus at high speed to obtain high quality images.

According to an embodiment, a camera having an autofocusing function and a high-speed cargo scanner including the same, which can autofocus at high speed while simplifying the device configuration, so as to obtain images at a high speed for cargo moving at high speed. Suggest.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera collects and transmits light through a lens, a sensor that converts received light into an image signal, and a light that is transmitted from the lens by being positioned on an optical path through which a ray passes between the lens and the sensor. A mirror that reflects the light, a mirror driver that moves the mirror to adjust the focal length between the lens and the sensor, and a position adjuster that adjusts the position of the mirror so that the focus is centered on the sensor when adjusting the focal length through the mirror driver. do.

The position adjusting unit may adjust the angle of the mirror such that a light ray passing vertically through the center of the lens is reflected by the mirror to form the center of the sensor when the mirror moves.

The position adjusting unit includes a first curved body having a curved surface in which the surface contacting the extension line of the mirror is convex downward, so that the mirror moves along the path of the downwardly convex portion of the first curved surface when the mirror moves through the mirror driving unit. You can do that.

The position adjusting unit calculates a reflection angle of a light beam to be formed at the center of the sensor when the mirror moves, calculates a mirror angle according to the calculated light reflection angle, obtains a mirror surface extension line formed according to the calculated mirror angle change, The curved surfaces of the first curved body may be previously designed by connecting vertices intersecting between the obtained mirror surface extension lines.

The position adjusting unit may include a second curved body formed of a convex curved surface connected to an extension line of the mirror, and a fixing member fixedly formed in contact with one surface of the second curved body to allow the second curved body to move along the fixing member.

The position adjusting unit calculates a reflection angle of a light beam to be formed at the center of the sensor when the mirror moves, calculates a mirror angle according to the calculated light reflection angle, obtains a mirror surface extension line formed according to the calculated mirror angle change, The curved surfaces of the second curved body may be previously designed by connecting vertices intersecting between the obtained mirror surface extension lines.

The position adjuster may include an elastic member that prevents the mirror from swinging or reflecting on the reflective surface through an operation of opening the mirror angle or pulling the mirror toward the sensor.

The mirror drive unit includes a motor that generates a driving force, an exercise device that is driven by the driving force of the motor, and a joint that connects the mirror and the exercise device so that the mirror can be moved by the motion of the exercise device. Can move along the axis.

The motor is a linear motor in a linear form, and as the exercise device linearly moves along a predetermined rail, when the exercise device is moved left and right along the rail by the motor, the mirror connected through the exercise device and the joint may move linearly. The motor is a rotary motor, and as the exercise device rotates, when the exercise device is rotated by the motor, the mirror connected through the exercise device and the joint can linearly move.

The exercise device can be controlled to adjust the focal length between the lens and the sensor by moving the mirror at a constant speed of the motor when the distance between the camera and the plane of imaging of the load increases or decreases linearly.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-speed cargo scanner may be configured to adjust the focal length between the lens and the sensor by moving the mirror between the lens and the sensor with respect to the moving cargo, and to adjust the focal point to the center of the sensor when the mirror moves. Automatically focus the camera by controlling the movement of the mirror based on the camera that recognizes the cargo by adjusting its position and scans the image, the measuring unit that measures the size, position or distance of the cargo, and the information measured by the measuring unit. And a control unit for adjusting.

The camera includes a lens for condensing and transmitting light received from a moving cargo, a sensor for converting received light into an image signal, and a light beam positioned between a lens and the sensor on a light path through which the light passes. A mirror reflecting to the sensor, a mirror driving unit for moving the mirror to adjust the focal length between the lens and the sensor, and a position adjusting unit for adjusting the position of the mirror so that the focus is centered on the sensor when adjusting the focal length through the mirror driving unit. Include.

The control unit determines the movement value that the mirror should move between the lens and the sensor so that the distance from the size, position or distance of the cargo measured by the measuring unit to the linearly changing distance from the camera to the shooting surface of the cargo when the camera is in focus. The control signal may be transmitted to the mirror driving unit according to the calculation result.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera focuses at a high speed in accordance with the speed of the cargo moving at a high speed. Since moving cargoes may have different heights, volumes, etc., and different positions due to movement, it is essential to focus the camera. By moving the mirror of the camera, the focal length is controlled and the mirror movement is performed. Precise control of the viewing mirror position, for example the mirror angle, allows the light beam to be centered in the sensor according to the changing mirror angle.

From a device implementation standpoint, moving lenses and sensors at high speeds within the camera is difficult and complicates the device configuration, which simplifies the configuration of the device by fixing the lens and sensor, placing a mirror between the lens and the sensor but moving the mirrors. You can simply focus on a high speed object. Furthermore, the camera focuses precisely and easily by preparing a curved surface in which the light beam is centered on the sensor in advance and allowing the mirror to slide and move the manufactured curved surface.

The above-described focusing technique can be applied to cargo classification to automatically classify cargo. In this case, it is possible to improve the productivity by reducing the working time while increasing the accuracy, and to reduce the installation space by simplifying the configuration of the device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera focusing using a mirror and a ray path thereof;
FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the camera and its ray path focusing through a mirror moving about a fixed mirror axis; FIG.
3 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera and a ray path thereof for focusing on a center of a sensor according to a change in a mirror angle;
4 is a configuration diagram of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control and a ray path thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control and a ray path thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a block diagram of a high-speed cargo scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
8 is an external view of a high speed freight scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a flowchart illustrating a cargo handling method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various forms, and only the embodiments of the present invention make the disclosure of the present invention complete and the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the following terms are used in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Terms are defined in consideration of the function of the may vary depending on the user or operator's intention or custom. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

Combinations of each block of the block diagrams and respective steps of the flowcharts may be performed by computer program instructions (executable engines), which may be executed on a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment. As such, instructions executed through a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram or in each step of the flowchart.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement functionality in a particular manner, and thus the computer usable or computer readable memory. The instructions stored therein may also produce an article of manufacture containing instruction means for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram or in each step of the flowchart.

And computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, such that a series of operating steps can be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-implemented process that can be executed by the computer or other programmable data. Instructions for performing data processing equipment may also provide steps for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram and in each step of the flowchart.

In addition, each block or step may represent a portion of a module, segment or code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing specific logical functions, and in some alternative embodiments referred to in blocks or steps It should be noted that the functions may occur out of order. For example, the two blocks or steps shown in succession may, in fact, be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks or steps may be performed in the reverse order of the corresponding function, as required.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the following may be modified in many different forms, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the following. Embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

1 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera focusing using a mirror and a ray path thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, the camera 10 includes a lens 100, a sensor 102, and a mirror 104.

The camera 10 acquires an image of the cargo by photographing the cargo. Cargo is a moving object, for example an object moving through a mobile platform such as a conveyor belt. When the camera 10 is in a fixed position, each of the cargo passing on the mobile platform is photographed. The cargo may be an object moving at a high speed, for example 1-4 m per second. Cargoes may differ in size, such as height or volume, and angle on the conveyor belt. In this case, the distance between the photographing surface of the cargo and the camera 10 is different for each cargo. Accordingly, when the camera 10 photographs cargoes having different heights or volumes, the camera 10 should focus at a high speed corresponding to the distance between the cargo and the camera 10 according to the height, volume, or angle of the cargo. The photographing surface of the camera 10 may be an upper surface, a left and right side, a front side, a rear side, or the like of the load. As another example, since the cargo moves, the distance between the camera 10 and the photographing surface of the cargo may be changed for the same cargo. If the camera 10 photographs the side of the cargo and the cargo moves at constant speed, the distance between the camera 10 and the imaging surface of the cargo increases or decreases linearly. Accordingly, the focus should be on high speed in response to the movement of cargo.

The lens 100 constituting the camera 10 collects and transmits light incident from the load. The sensor 102 obtains an image by converting light received through the lens 100 into an image signal. The sensor 10 is located at the point where the light passing through the lens 100 collects, and an image may be obtained through the sensor 102.

The mirror 104 is positioned between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 to reflect light transmitted from the lens 100 to the sensor 102. In this case, the position of the mirror 104 between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 means that the mirror 104 is physically located in the light path through which the light ray passes between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. The camera focal length means the distance from the lens 100 to the sensor 102.

The camera 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is installed at a position where the lens 100 and the sensor 102 are fixed in the camera 10, and a mirror 104 is disposed between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. And the mirror 104 is moved between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 so that the focal length between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 is increased or decreased. The movement of the mirror 104 to increase or decrease the focal length between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 corresponds to the distance between the camera photographing surface and the cargo photographing surface that varies according to the position, height, volume, etc. of each cargo. This is to focus the camera 10. At this time, the mirror 104 is formed at a position where the focal position formed on the sensor 102 does not change or changes to the minimum.

The lens 100 is heavy and physical defects such as wear may occur when the lens 100 is focused by turning the lens 100, and is not particularly suitable for adjusting the focus at high speed. In the case of the sensor 102, since a cable for signal transmission is connected, it is not easy to move the sensor 102 to focus. Accordingly, the camera 10 according to an embodiment fixes the lens 100 and the sensor 102 in the camera 10, and moves the mirror 104 between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. Accordingly, the camera 10 can be focused easily and simply while simplifying the configuration of the device. In particular, it is suitable for focusing on objects moving at high speed.

The camera 10 according to an embodiment is a line scan camera. The line scan camera may be in contact form or in a non-contact form such as a remote or near field scanner. The camera 10 of FIG. 1 corresponds to a non-contact form. The sensor 102 of the line scan camera is a line sensor having a sensing area in the form of a long line. Line scan cameras scan each shipment in line form using a line sensor.

In the case of an area scan camera using an area sensor of two or more areas, the position of the sensor must be changed to focus. For example, the sensor must be tilted at an angle with the mirror. In this case, the sensing area above or below the sensing area of the sensor center is out of focus. However, in the case of a line sensor having a long line shape in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction, only a line-type sensing area is meaningful, so it does not matter even if the focus is not focused in other areas than the sensing area. Thus, camera 10 may be a line scan camera to focus using the movement of mirror 104. However, when using a plurality of mirrors, the camera may be an area scan camera as well as a line scan camera.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the camera and its ray path focusing through a mirror moving about a fixed mirror axis.

Referring to FIG. 2, one side end of the mirror 104, for example, with the upper end fixed to the mirror axis A, the other end of the mirror 104 about the mirror axis A, an example. For example, move the lower end back and forth to focus. Both ends of the mirror 104 each include up to its extension. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the mirror 104 means a point where the extension line of the mirror 104 and the mirror axis A meet. Note that in the following detailed description, both ends of the mirror 104 include their respective extension lines. The position of the mirror axis A sets the point where the position of the mirror 104 changes to the minimum, assuming that the mirror 104 moves about one end of the mirror 104.

When using the mirror 104 to adjust the focus of the camera, the light rays perpendicular to the center of the lens 100 should be concentrated in the center of the sensor 102 via the mirror 104. However, when the mirror 104 is moved about the fixed mirror axis A, it is actually slightly off the center of the sensor 102 as shown in FIG. Although the center of the mirror axis A is minimized where this error is minimized, some errors still occur. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the mirror axis is fixed at the A position, the position where the focus is focused on the sensor 102 is slightly different with respect to the mirror angles formed in Examples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Here, the mirror angle is the tilt angle of the mirror plane.

3 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera and a ray path thereof for focusing on a center of a sensor according to a change in a mirror angle.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, when the mirror 104 is moved about a fixed mirror axis A, a position at which the focal point in the sensor 102 is focused with respect to the changing mirror angle is changed. In order to focus on the center O of the sensor 102 irrespective of the change in the mirror angle, the mirror angles in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 should each have the shapes shown in FIG. 3. The present invention proposes a technique for adjusting the mirror position such that light rays passing vertically through the center of the mirror 104 are concentrated at the center of the sensor 102.

4 is a configuration diagram of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the camera 10 includes a lens 100, a sensor 102, a mirror 104, a mirror driver 106, and a position adjuster 108.

The lens 100 collects and transmits the moving light. At this time, the light is received from the moving cargo, the camera 10 is intended to focus the camera 10 in accordance with the moving speed of the cargo for the cargo moving at high speed. The sensor 102 converts the received light into an image signal. The mirror 104 is positioned on a light path through which the light beam between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 passes and reflects the light transmitted from the lens 100 to the sensor 102. The mirror driver 106 is a module for driving the mirror 104, and moves the mirror 104 to adjust the focal length between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. The position adjusting unit 108 adjusts the position of the mirror 104 so that the focus is centered on the sensor 102 when adjusting the focal length through the mirror driving unit 106. That is, light rays reflected by the mirror 104 and going to the center of the sensor 102 do not leave the center line.

The mirror driver 106 according to an embodiment includes a joint 1060, an exercise device 1062, and a motor 1064. The motor 1064 generates a driving force, and the exercise mechanism 1062 moves by the driving force of the motor 1064. The joint 1060 connects the first side end and the exercise device 1062 such that the first side end of the mirror 104, for example, the lower end of the mirror 104, can be moved by the movement of the exercise device 1062. At this time, the mirror 104 is moved with the joint 1060 as an axis.

The movement mechanism of the mirror drive 106 may be linear or rotational movement. For example, the motor 1064 is a linear motor in a linear form, and the exercise device 1062 linearly moves along a rail defined by the linear motor. When the exercise device 1062 moves left and right along the rail by the motor 1064, the mirror 104 connected through the exercise device 1062 and the joint 1060 moves linearly. An embodiment thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

As another example, the motor 1064 is a rotary motor, and the exercise device 1062 rotates by the rotary motor. At this time, when the exercise device 1062 rotates by the motor 1064, the mirror 104 connected through the exercise device 1062 and the joint 1060 moves linearly. The mirror 104 converts the rotational movement of the exercise device 1062 into a linear movement. The rotary motor may be a step motor that performs a rotary motion.

The exercise device 1062 according to an embodiment moves the mirror 104 at a constant speed of the linear motor or a constant angular speed of the rotary motor when the distance between the camera 10 and the photographing surface of the load increases or decreases linearly. Control to match the focal length between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. For example, the exercise device 1062 adjusts the focal length through a cam. The cam is a plate-shaped device having a contour that performs a rotational movement, and the mirror 104, which is the driven body, can be moved back and forth by the rotational movement of the cam. The cam can be driven by the rotation of the rotary motor. Attaching the cam to the rotating motor and driving the cam converts the rotational movement of the cam into front and rear translation of the mirror 104.

The position adjusting unit 108 adjusts the angle of the mirror 104 so that, when the mirror 104 is moved, a light ray passing vertically through the center of the lens 100 is reflected by the mirror 104 to be formed at the center of the sensor 102. Adjust An embodiment of the position adjusting unit 108 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control and a ray path thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5, the position adjusting unit 108 of the camera 10 includes a first curved body 1080. The first curved body 1080 has a curved surface where the surface contacting the second side end of the mirror 104 (eg, the upper end of the mirror 104) is convex downward. When the mirror 104 is moved through the mirror driver 106, the second side end of the mirror 104 moves along the path of the downwardly convex portion of the curved surface of the first curved body 1080. The shape of the curved surface of the first curved body 1080 may be predesigned to focus on the center of the sensor 102 according to the change of the mirror angle. For example, the position adjusting unit 108 calculates a reflection angle of the light beam to be formed at the center of the sensor 102 when the mirror 104 moves, and calculates the mirror angle according to the calculated reflection angle of the light beam. And the mirror surface extension line is formed according to the calculated mirror angle change. Then, the vertices intersecting the obtained mirror surface extension lines are connected to design the curved surface of the first curved body 1080. Here, the light reflection angle in Example 1 is a, and the mirror angle is b.

Referring to the operation inside the camera, as shown in FIG. 5, the joint 1060 is placed on an extension line of the first side end of the mirror 104 (eg, the lower end of the mirror 104), and the exercise device 1062 is used. Moving the phosphor bar linearly to the left and right moves the mirror 104 along. At this time, the curved surface of the first curved body 1080 is formed according to the mirror angle, and an extension line of the second side end of the mirror 104 (for example, the upper end of the mirror 104) is in contact with the curved surface of the first curved body 1080. It slides and moves.

At this time, the camera 10 is an elastic member that prevents the gap in the mirror 104 shake or reflection surface by the operation of pulling the mirror 104 toward the sensor 102 to open the angle of the mirror 104. Include. The elastic member may be, for example, a spring, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, since the mirror 104 must move in contact with the curved surface of the first curved body 1080, a spring for opening the mirror angle is added or a spring for pulling the mirror 104 toward the sensor 102 is added. Accordingly, the focal length and focus control accuracy of the camera 10 can be improved. In addition, the elastic member also serves to apply a restoring force necessary for restoring the original position according to the linear movement of the exercise device 1062 while the mirror 104 pushed and moved by the exercise device 1062 is in contact with the exercise device 1062. do.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a camera for adjusting focus through mirror position control and a ray path thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 6, the position adjusting unit 108 of the camera 10 includes a second curved body 1082 and a fixing member 1084.

The second curved body 1082 consists of a convex curved surface that is connected to the second side end of the mirror 104 (eg, the top of the mirror 104). The fixing member 1084 is fixed to one surface of the second curved body 1082 to allow the second curved body 1082 to move along the fixing member 1084. The stationary member 1084 may be a bearing wheel with a stationary shaft. The shape of the curved surface of the second curved body 1082 may be predesigned to focus on the center of the sensor 102 according to the change of the mirror angle. For example, the position adjusting unit 108 calculates a reflection angle of the light beam to be formed at the center of the sensor 102 when the mirror 104 moves, and calculates the mirror angle according to the calculated reflection angle of the light beam. And the mirror surface extension line is formed according to the calculated mirror angle change. Then, the vertices intersecting between the obtained mirror surface extensions are connected to design the curved surface of the second curved body 1082. Here, the light reflection angle is a, and the mirror angle is b.

The camera 10 may include an elastic member that prevents play in the shaking or reflecting surface of the mirror 104 by causing the angle of the mirror 104 to be widened or pulling the mirror 104 toward the sensor 102. Can be. The elastic member may be, for example, a spring, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, since the mirror 104 must move in contact with the curved surface of the second curved body 1082, add a spring to open the mirror angle or a spring to pull the mirror 104 toward the sensor 102. Accordingly, the focal length and focus control accuracy of the camera 10 can be improved. In addition, the elastic member also serves to apply a restoring force necessary to restore the original position according to the rotation of the cam while the mirror 104 pushed and moved by the cam is in contact with the cam.

7 is a block diagram of a high-speed cargo scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The camera focusing technique described with reference to the above figures can be applied to a high speed cargo scanner 1 which scans a cargo image to process the cargo at high speed in FIG. 7. At this time, the processing includes cargo registration, reception, sorting, storage, inspection and the like. In the following, the freight classification technique will be described later, but the cargo processing is not limited to the cargo classification. The cargo may be an object for inspection and may be a postal item such as a parcel or a parcel for transport. Hereinafter, although the freight will be described below mainly in the case of mail, the cargo type is not limited to mail.

In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the mail sorting process of the high-speed cargo scanner 1 will be described. First, a bar code is printed or attached to the mail at the time of receiving the mail, and the mail identifier information (ID) is recorded on the bar code. The mail identifier information is a code including a series of numbers such as an invoice number and a reception number uniquely assigned to a mail for mail management when the mail is received. The postal matter identifier information of the barcode is stored in the management server 2 and used as an identifier for tracking or referring to the postal matter. In addition, the sender information and the receiver information input from the sender at the time of mail reception are matched with the cargo identifier information and stored in the management server 2. Sender and recipient information includes name, address and postal code.

The high speed freight scanner 1 then passes over the conveyor belt to the received mails and automatically sorts each mail by recipient. For example, the mail is automatically classified by reading the bar code of the mail as well as the identification code and the address information combining the letters and numbers as an image through the camera 10 and reading the obtained image data. Automatically sorted mail is delivered to the appropriate recipient through the courier. In this case, Hangul information such as product name and address may be recognized by applying Korean character recognition technology.

The process of automatically classifying mails using bar code images will be described in more detail. From the bar code image captured by the high-speed cargo scanner 1, the identifier information of the mail items indicated on the bar code is read, and the identifier information of the read mail items is managed. (2) to send. The management server 2 retrieves the address information for the mail item having the mail item identifier information. The address information is pre-stored information that is matched with the mail identifier information at the time of mail reception and includes a recipient address and a postal code. Since the management server 2 stores the mail classification information on how to classify mail according to the recipient's address, for example, the postal code of the recipient, the management server 2 stores the mail classification information matching the recipient address. It retrieves and sends it to the high speed freight scanner 1. The high speed cargo scanner 1 receives the mail classification information and automatically classifies the mail according to the mail classification information. For example, mails to be sent to Gwangju are classified as 1st box and mails to Daejeon are classified as 2nd box. The sorted mail will then be delivered to the area through the courier.

On the other hand, when the high-speed cargo scanner 1 automatically classifies mails using a destination address such as a photographed recipient address or postal code, a mail item identification process when using an ID barcode is omitted. For example, the high speed cargo scanner 1 transmits the recipient address or the destination code photographed through the camera 10 to the management server 2. The management server 2 retrieves the mail classification information matching the recipient address and transmits it to the fast cargo scanner 1. The high speed freight scanner 1 receives the mail classification information and automatically classifies the mail according to the mail classification information.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the high speed cargo scanner 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, the high speed cargo scanner 1 includes a camera 10, an illumination unit 81, a reflector 82, a measurement unit 83, a communication unit 86, an input / output unit 87, a control unit 88, and the like. The recognition unit 89 is included.

Each of the moving cargoes may have different heights, volumes, and the like, and different positions according to movement. Therefore, it is necessary to focus the camera 10 at each time according to the change in the size, position or distance of the cargo. In particular, because the cargo moves at high speed, it is therefore necessary to focus on each cargo at high speed accordingly. In this case, the focal length is controlled by moving the mirror of the camera 10 to focus, and the mirror position is controlled so that the light beam is aligned with the center of the sensor according to the changing mirror angle when the mirror moves. The mirror position control uses a curved surface structure to move the mirror in contact with the curved surface of the curved surface to control the mirror angle so that the light beam can be centered on the sensor.

The lighting unit 81 irradiates light to the cargo by using lighting. The reflector 82 reflects the light irradiated from the lighting unit 81 onto the cargo. The lighting unit 81 may include a light emitting device such as an LED or a light bulb. The camera 10 receives the light reflected from the cargo and photoelectrically converts it to obtain an image of the cargo. The camera 10 may be a single dog, or a plurality of cameras 10. In the case of a large number of individuals, images can be obtained for cargo at different locations.

The measuring unit 83 measures the size of the cargo or the location of the cargo before the camera 10 photographs the cargo. The size of the cargo includes its height or volume. The position is determined by the distance from the camera 10 to the shooting surface of the load. The measuring unit 83 may be a contact sensor that detects the size, position or distance by contacting the load. Alternatively, the measuring unit 83 may be an optical displacement sensor that irradiates an optical signal to a cargo and finds the size, position or distance of the cargo using the reflected signal. As another example, the measuring unit 83 may be an image sensor that acquires an image of a cargo and finds out the size, location or distance of the cargo using the acquired image. If necessary, the measuring unit 83 may measure the weight of the cargo as well as the size of the cargo.

The control unit 88 controls the entire high speed cargo scanner 1. The controller 88 processes the image photographed by the camera 10 and performs physical control of each component. The control unit 88 outputs the cargo processing result and controls the input / output unit 87 that can receive the various settings and commands from the processor. According to an embodiment, the controller 88 linearly measures the distance from the camera 10 to the photographing surface of the cargo when the camera is in focus from the size, position, or distance of the cargo measured by the measuring unit 83. It calculates the movement value that the mirror should move between the fixed lens and the sensor so as to change, and transmits a control signal for the mirror movement to the motor according to the calculation result. The motor control for adjusting the focus or the control for acquiring the image may be included in the camera 10 or may be configured together with other controllers outside the camera 10.

The recognition unit 89 reads the identifier information or the address information of the cargo represented by a barcode or a character from the image photographed by the camera 10.

The communicator 86 manages the image of the camera 10, the recognition result read through the recognition unit 89, and data such as cargo information and cargo classification information stored in the management server 2. The server 2 and the like send and receive to each other. The communicator 86 according to an exemplary embodiment transmits the image captured by the camera 10 to the recognition unit 89. Communication unit 86 according to an embodiment transmits the identifier information or address information of the cargo obtained through the recognition unit 89 to the management server 2 and obtains the cargo classification information from the management server (2). Specifically, the communication unit 86 transmits the identifier information or the address information of the cargo to the management server 2. The management server 2 retrieves the mail classification information matching the address information. When the management server 2 receives the identifier information of the cargo, the management server 2 searches for address information matching the identifier information of the cargo, and then searches mail classification information matching the retrieved address information. Then, the retrieved mail classification information is transmitted to the high speed freight scanner 1. Then, the communication unit 86 receives the mail classification information from the management server 2, and the controller 88 classifies the cargo according to the obtained mail classification information.

8 is an external view of a high speed freight scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 8, the measuring unit 83, the reflector 82, the camera 10, and the lighting unit 81 are sequentially installed at predetermined heights of the movable table such as the conveyor belt, and the cargo 3 is installed. ) Moves at high speed between them along the line. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the cargo 3 moves at high speed in the right direction. The camera 10 and the lighting unit 81 may be located in the same space as shown in FIG. 8. The camera 10 includes a lens, a sensor, and a mirror, and the mirror moves between the lens and the sensor, and adjusts the mirror angle so that the center of the sensor is in focus. The camera 10 may be installed in the vertical direction for photographing the side or front and back of the cargo 3.

When the moving cargo 3 is located within the measurement coverage of the measuring unit 83, the measuring unit 83 measures the cargo size, position or distance including the height or volume of the cargo 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the measurement unit 83 according to an exemplary embodiment receives and imaged a signal reflected from the light source unit 830 and the cargo 3 that irradiates light such as a laser onto the cargo 3. From the camera unit 832 to measure the size or position of the cargo. If necessary, the measuring unit 83 may measure the weight of the cargo as well. While the cargo size, location or distance is measured, the cargo 3 continues to move, focuses on the measured cargo 3 using the camera 10 and then the barcode or recipient information of the cargo 3. Acquire an image of the back. The acquired image is used to classify the cargo 3.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a cargo handling method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 9, the high speed freight scanner 1 measures the size, position or distance of the moving cargo (900). Then, the focus of the camera 10 is automatically adjusted by controlling the movement of the mirror according to the measured size, position or distance of the cargo (910). For example, in order to focus, the camera 10 adjusts a focal length between the lens 100 and the sensor 102. The mirror 104 is moved back and forth, respectively, between the lens 100 and the sensor 102 fixedly installed. Adjust the focus of the camera by adjusting the focal length. The camera 10 also adjusts the position of the mirror 104 such that the focal point is centered on the sensor 102 as the mirror 104 moves. For example, the angle of the mirror is adjusted so that the light rays passing vertically through the center of the lens 100 are reflected by the mirror 104 to form the center of the sensor 102. To this end, it is possible to design a curved surface having a curve to focus on the center of the sensor 102 in advance, and to adjust the mirror angle by sliding along the curved surface of the designed surface when moving the mirror.

The high speed cargo scanner then classifies the cargo using image data obtained through focused camera photography 930 (940).

So far, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

So far, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

1: high speed cargo scanner 10: camera
81: lighting unit 82: reflector
83: measuring unit 86: communication unit
87: input and output unit 88: control unit
89: recognition unit 100: lens
102: sensor 104: mirror
106: mirror driving unit 108: position adjusting unit
1060: joint 1062: exercise equipment
1064: motor 1080: first curved body
1082: second curved body 1084: fixing member

Claims (14)

A lens for condensing and transmitting light;
A sensor for converting the received light into an image signal;
A mirror positioned on a light path through which the light rays pass between the lens and the sensor to reflect light transmitted from the lens to the sensor;
A mirror driver for moving a mirror to adjust a focal length between the lens and the sensor; And
A position adjuster for adjusting the position of the mirror so that the focus is centered on the sensor when adjusting the focal length through the mirror driver; Including;
The position adjusting unit
Camera using a curved body so that the extension line of the mirror moves in contact with the curved surface of the curved body. The method of claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit
When the mirror is moved, the camera is characterized in that the angle of the mirror is adjusted so that the light rays passing vertically through the center of the lens are reflected by the mirror to form the center of the sensor. The method of claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit
A first curved body having a curved surface where a surface in contact with an extension line of the mirror is convex downward; Including a camera, characterized in that for moving the mirror in contact with the path along the path of the convex downward portion of the first curved surface during the mirror drive. The method of claim 3, wherein the position adjusting unit
Calculates the angle of reflection of the beam to be centered on the sensor during mirror movement, calculates the mirror angle based on the calculated angle of reflection of the beam, obtains the mirror plane extension line formed according to the calculated mirror angle change, and obtains the mirror plane A camera, characterized in that for designing the surface of the first curved body in advance by connecting the vertices intersecting between the extension lines. The method of claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit
A second curved body formed of a convex curved surface connected to an extension line of the mirror; And
A fixing member fixedly contacting one surface of the second curved body;
Including, so that the second curved body to move along the fixing member. The method of claim 5, wherein the position adjusting unit
Calculates the angle of reflection of the beam to be centered on the sensor during mirror movement, calculates the mirror angle according to the calculated angle of reflection of the beam, obtains the mirror plane extension line formed according to the calculated mirror angle change, and obtains the mirror plane Cameras, characterized in that for designing the surface of the second curved body in advance by connecting the vertices intersecting between the extension lines. The method of claim 1, wherein the position adjusting unit
An elastic member which prevents the mirror from shaking or the play on the reflective surface through an operation of opening the mirror angle or pulling the mirror toward the sensor;
Camera comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein the mirror driving unit
A motor generating a driving force;
An exercise device that is exercised by the driving force of the motor; And
A joint connecting the mirror and the exercise device to move the mirror by the movement of the exercise device;
Including a camera, characterized in that for moving the mirror in the axis of the joint. The method of claim 8,
The motor is a linear linear motor, and the exercise device linearly moves along a predetermined rail, so that when the exercise device is moved left and right along the rail by the motor, the mirror connected through the exercise device and the joint moves linearly along the exercise device. Featuring camera. The method of claim 8,
The motor is a rotational motor, the movement mechanism is a rotational movement, the camera, characterized in that the mirror connected through the movement mechanism and the joint linearly moves along the movement mechanism when the movement mechanism is rotated by the motor. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the exercise device is
A camera characterized in that the camera is controlled to adjust the focal length between the lens and the sensor by moving the mirror at a constant speed of the motor when the distance between the camera and the shooting surface of the load increases or decreases linearly. By moving the mirror between the lens and the sensor for moving cargo, it adjusts the focal length between the lens and the sensor and recognizes the cargo by adjusting the mirror position so that the focus is centered on the sensor when the mirror moves. A camera to scan;
A measuring unit for measuring the size, position or distance of the cargo; And
A control unit for automatically adjusting the focus of the camera by controlling the movement of the mirror based on the information measured by the measuring unit; Including;
The camera is a high-speed cargo scanner characterized in that the extension of the mirror to move in contact with the curved surface of the curved surface using a curved body. The method of claim 12, wherein the camera
A lens for condensing and transmitting light received from a moving cargo;
A sensor for converting the received light into an image signal;
A mirror positioned on a light path through which the light rays pass between the lens and the sensor to reflect light transmitted from the lens to the sensor;
A mirror driver for moving a mirror to adjust a focal length between the lens and the sensor; And
A position adjuster for adjusting the position of the mirror so that the focus is centered on the sensor when adjusting the focal length through the mirror driver;
High speed cargo scanner comprising a. The method of claim 13, wherein the control unit
Calculates a shift value that the mirror should move between the lens and the sensor so that the distance from the size, position or distance of the cargo measured by the measurement unit changes linearly from the camera to the shooting surface of the cargo when the camera is in focus; And a control signal for driving the mirror driving unit according to a calculation result.

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