US 12,275,551 B2 · Robotic systems with multi-purpose labeling systems and methods

Abstract

A multi-purpose labeling system can include a conveyor, a visual analysis module, and a labeling assembly. The conveyor can move an object in a first direction. The visual analysis module can include an optical sensor directed toward the conveyor to generate image data depicting the object. The labeling assembly can be spaced from the conveyor in a second direction and include a printer, a labeling module, and an alignment assembly. The printer can print a label based on the image data, and the labeling module can have a labeling plate for receiving the label. The alignment assembly can include a lateral-motion module, a vertical-motion module, and a rotary module for moving the labeling module along or about the first, the second, and a third direction, and can place the labeling plate adjacent to an object surface.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A multi-purpose labeling system, comprising:

a printer configured to print a label based on image data of an object;
a labeling assembly having a labeling plate configured to receive the label from the printer;
a label flipping assembly between the printer and the labeling assembly, the label flipping assembly configured to fold the label by flipping a first portion of the label while a second portion of the label contacts the labeling assembly;
and
an alignment assembly, the alignment assembly having:
a lateral-motion assembly configured to move the labeling assembly along a lateral direction,
a vertical-motion assembly configured to move the labeling assembly along a vertical direction, wherein the vertical and lateral directions are orthogonal to each other, and
a rotary assembly configured to rotate at least a part of the vertical-motion assembly and to rotate the labeling assembly about the vertical direction,
wherein the alignment assembly is operable to place the labeling plate adjacent to a placement location on the object, the placement location being based on the image data of the object.

6 more elements

A method for placing a label on an object using a multi-purpose labeling system, comprising:

obtaining two-dimensional (2D) image data representing visual features of an object and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) image data representing physical features of the object, wherein the visual features include available labeling space and an object identifier reading, and wherein the physical features include dimensions of the object;
identifying a target labeling location from the available labeling space, wherein identifying the target labeling location is based on the 2D image data and includes identifying and avoiding (1) surface damages on the object and (2) one or more labels, images, or logos on the object based on the visual features and the physical features;
preparing, based on the object identifier reading, an object label on a labeling assembly carried by an alignment assembly;
folding the object label on the labeling assembly, wherein folding the object label comprises flipping a first portion of the object label while a second portion of the object label is in contact with the labeling assembly;
aligning, based on the physical features, the labeling assembly with the target labeling location using the alignment assembly;
and
applying, based on the physical features, the object label to the object using the alignment assembly.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Robotic systems with multi-purpose labeling systems and methods

Life of this patent

Robotic systems with multi-purpose labeling systems and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17