Vision-enhanced photocell system for package sorting

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 11911799
APP PUB NO 20230211381A1
SERIAL NO

18182680

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Abstract

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A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyze a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE475 L'ENFANT PLAZA #6443 WASHINGTON DC 20260-1135

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Coupar, George Leesburg, US 6 17
Difurio, Gabriel Stevenson, US 3 8
Fox, Jeffrey A Alexandria, US 10 110
Whipple, James Greenbelt, US 3 8

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