Method and Apparatus for Position Determination When Moving Transportation Objects on Conveyors

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This patent describes a method and apparatus for determining the position and orientation of objects (such as packages or pallets) as they move on conveyor systems. The system uses one or more sensors mounted on the moving object itself to detect unique features of conveyor components in a contactless way. By comparing the detected signals from the sensors with previously stored calibration data, the current position and orientation of the object can be determined accurately, without needing extra sensors or modifications to the conveyor infrastructure.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Real-time tracking and monitoring of packages or pallets in automated warehouses and logistics centers.
• Positioning of products in manufacturing lines for precise processing or assembly.
• Automated sorting and distribution systems, where knowing the exact location of items on conveyors improves efficiency.
• Upgrading existing conveyor systems with advanced tracking without requiring major hardware changes.
• Detecting bottlenecks or misalignments on conveyors by monitoring the orientation and movement of objects.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces installation and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for additional position sensors on conveyor infrastructure.
• Increases system reliability and accuracy through contactless and wear-free detection methods.
• Enables easy retrospective upgrade of existing conveyor systems without significant downtime or modifications.
• Provides multi-parameter data (position, orientation, speed) for enhanced automation and process optimization.
• Works with various types of conveyor designs, including belt, roller, and chain conveyors, making it broadly applicable.
• Improves operational flexibility by allowing the sensor system to adapt to different conveyor layouts or object types.

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Patent Abstract

The inventions relate firstly to a method for position determination when moving transportation objects on conveyors, in which method at least one signal sequence from at least one sensor is detected during the movement of the transportation object, signal parameters of the said signal sequence directly or indirectly reflecting design features of the conveyors and/or their arrangement in relation to one another, with the signal sequences detected during transportation runs of the transportation objects continuously being compared with typical signal sequences which were obtained during calibration runs of a transportation object over all of the conveyors of a conveyor system, and in which method current information regarding the position of the moved transportation objects is finally obtained from the results of the comparisons of the signal sequences. The inventions also relate to an apparatus for position determination when moving transportation objects on conveyors, which apparatus has at least one sensor, which is arranged on the moved transportation object and detects the assemblies of conveyors, which are present for design-related reasons, in a contactless fashion, and has means for evaluating the signal sequence or sequences detected by the sensor or sensors when the transportation object is moved over the conveyors.