REMOTE CRANE BAR CODE SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method for remotely scanning objects comprising the steps of:
- using an imaging system to display an image of said objects on an interface;
receiving a location input of an identification tag attached to a desired object based on a location in said image;
using said location input to orient said imaging system towards said identification tag;
magnifying said identification tag;
analysing said image using an array of two-dimensional sensors to determine the deviation of said tag within said image with respect to a preferred position;
aligning said tag by adjusting said orientation; and
reading information identifying characteristics of said desired object provided by said tag.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In general terms, the present invention provides a method of automatically scanning an inventory field to allow the selection of a desired item for retrieval. A camera is positioned in the crane trolley located above the field. The camera continuously performs a scan of the field displaying an image to the operator of the items being scanned. This real-time image allows the operator to distinguish between items scanned in the field. The operator can subsequently choose the desired item triggering the camera system to automatically capture desired information from the item which is in turn communicated to an inventory control system. The camera system mitigates the requirement of a second individual to communicate information between the field and the operator.
9 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for remotely scanning objects comprising the steps of:
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using an imaging system to display an image of said objects on an interface; receiving a location input of an identification tag attached to a desired object based on a location in said image; using said location input to orient said imaging system towards said identification tag; magnifying said identification tag; analysing said image using an array of two-dimensional sensors to determine the deviation of said tag within said image with respect to a preferred position; aligning said tag by adjusting said orientation; and reading information identifying characteristics of said desired object provided by said tag. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9)
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8. A method according to claim 8 wherein said system identifier code is provided by a dongle connected to said imaging system.
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10. A system for remotely scanning objects comprising:
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an imaging system positioned remotely from said objects and arranged to image said objects, said imaging system having an adjustable lens for magnifying said image; an interface for displaying an image of said objects and adapted for receiving a location input for an identification tag attached to a desired object based on a location in said image; and a processor connected to said imaging system and said interface; wherein said processor uses said location input to orient said imaging system towards said tag, commands said adjustable lens to magnify said tag, analyses said image using an array of two dimensional sensors to determine the deviation of said tag within said image with respect to a preferred position, aligns said tag by adjusting the orientation of said imaging system, and reads information identifying characteristics of said desired object provided by said tag. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for aligning a tag in an image, said tag being affixed to an object and having indicia thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining an image of said object having at least a portion of said tag visible in said image; arranging an array of two-dimensional sensors on said image; identifying markings in each of said sensors, said at least one marking indicative of the presence of a particular feature of said tag; computing an average position of said markings to determine a deviation of said average position from a preferred position; and aligning said tag in said image according to said deviation.
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Specification