Patent ID: 6694220
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: B65G,G06Q

Abstract:
An apparatus for handing individually packaged goods, which are fed and discharged lying beside and/or behind one another by transport means, having at least one input, at least one output and at least one image processing device (3) for determining handling information classifying the individually packed goods (1) from recorded images of the individually packaged goods (1), said apparatus comprising:a plurality of conveying means (7) which are arranged in the manner of an array in one plane and move the individually packaged goods (1) in the plane, in each case at least in four directions at right angles to one another, each of the individually packaged items (1) within the array area always being located on at least three conveying means (7), and by at least one control device (6) for the independent activation of each individual conveying means (7), at least with regard to conveying direction and period, in order to move the individually packaged goods (1) without collision in accordance with a handling plan, which links the handling to be carried out with the handling information about the individually packaged goods (1), for this purpose the location and orientation of each classified item (1) being determined online by tracking the recorded images or outlines with the aid of the image processing device (3) and/or further sensor devices.