WO2011030042A1 - Method of aiding the identification of non-compliant products sorted manually and installation for the implementation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method for aiding the manual sorting of objects according to at least one predetermined criterion, said method comprising the following steps: - a step consisting in taking charge of the unsorted objects (3), said unsorted objects (3) comprising objects which comply and/or which do not comply with said predetermined criterion, - a step consisting in analyzing each of said objects (3) so as to obtain at least one item of information (7) specific to each of said objects (3), - a step consisting in comparing said item of information (7) obtained for each object with said predetermined criterion, - a step consisting in assigning each object (3) an identifier of compliance "1" or of non‑compliance "0" as a function of a result provided on completion of the comparison step, - a step of placing a visual indicator on each object identified as non‑compliant. The method is noteworthy in that the step of placing a visual indicator consists in positioning on the object or in the vicinity of the non‑compliant object a visual indicator which does not mark said object, said method furthermore comprising a step consisting in manually picking out said objects (3) identified as non‑compliant.

Description

 The invention relates to a method of assisting in the identification of non-compliant products sorted manually by an operator.

 More specifically, the invention relates to a method and an installation for manual sorting of objects in sorting and grouping of products according to at least one predetermined criterion.

 A "predetermined criterion" will be understood to mean a criterion relating to the shape of the products, their colors, materials, marks, decorations or other distinctive signs.

 In the field of sorting and grouping objects, given the wide variety of categories of objects, such as returnable bottles for example, facilities often combine manual sorting operations and grouping operations of said objects according to criteria. predetermined selection using automated inspection systems (eg with cameras ...). The criteria used vary according to the objects: thus for the containers, the criteria can be related to their shapes, to their dimensions, to their colors, to the nature of the materials of which they are constituted etc.

 Conventionally, between 30,000 and 60,000 objects can be controlled per hour and, at such a rate, the control system is essential.

In the context of a visual inspection of objects by operators, objects that do not match the selected criteria are removed manually. Such visual control must however be reliable and performed quickly, so as not to disturb the rates.

 The objective of the invention is to provide these operators with means to accelerate their visual control while ensuring reliability in this visual control at the origin of the removal of certain objects deemed not to meet the criteria.

 To this end, the invention relates to a method of assisting the manual sorting of objects according to at least one predetermined criterion, said method comprising the following steps:

 a step of supporting unsorted objects, said unsorted objects comprising objects conforming and / or non-compliant with said predetermined criterion,

 a step of analyzing each of said objects so as to obtain at least one information specific to each of said objects,

 a step of comparing said information obtained with said predetermined criterion,

 a step of assigning each object a conformity identifier "1_" or non-compliance "0_" according to a result provided at the end of the comparison step,

 the method comprising a step of setting up a visual indicator on each object identified as non-compliant.

 Processes of this type, described for example in GB 1 402 857 and DE 26 53 000, are known.

The methods described in these two documents provide for physically marking the objects identified as non-compliant. Such a method offers the advantage of being able to automate the sorting, by providing a downstream station which detects the physical marks on the objects and which evacuates by mechanical means the objects detected as being marked.

 Such a method, however, has certain disadvantages. For example, physical marking can damage objects. In addition, the marking of certain objects can be difficult, especially because of the geometry of the object. Finally, the marking can be a source of problems when it is necessary to recycle the objects: the product used (ink or other) can generate pollution in the recycling chain.

 The invention overcomes all these disadvantages. It relates for this purpose to a method as defined above, which is remarkable in that the step of setting up a visual indicator consists in positioning on the object or in the vicinity of the non-compliant object an indicator visual that does not mark said object, said method further comprising a step of manually picking the identified objects as non-compliant.

 According to a first embodiment of the invention, the step of setting up a visual indicator consists in projecting a light beam onto the objects identified as non-compliant.

The use of light beams facilitates the action of the operator who must remove the non-compliant products: in fact, the light beams make it possible to make non-compliant objects more easily visible, unlike a simple marking, since the operator is able to distinguish the beam or beams directed to the non-conforming object or objects. For example, marking may be difficult to identify if it is made in one color close to that of the object. The use of a light beam makes it possible to overcome this type of problem.

 In addition, a simple marking may be difficult to see because of the lighting conditions or the shape (or geometry) of the object: it may be difficult to achieve because of the shape or geometry, so that some objects can not be marked correctly.

 According to a second embodiment of the invention, the step of setting up a visual indicator consists in positioning indicator fingers above the objects identified as non-compliant.

 Such an embodiment makes it possible to designate non-compliant objects without, however, touching them, so that it also overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

 The invention also aims at a facility for manual sorting of objects according to at least one predetermined criterion, which installation comprises:

 at least one support station for unsorted objects, said unsorted objects being compliant or non-compliant with said predetermined criterion,

 means for analyzing each of said objects so as to obtain at least one information specific to each of said objects,

 an identification station for each of said unsorted objects, which identification station comprises:

 means for comparing said information obtained for each object with the predetermined criterion, and

means for assigning to each object a conformity or non-conformity identifier, said installation also comprising

visual indication means for visually indicating to said operator, among said objects to be sorted, the objects recognized as non-compliant. The installation according to the invention is remarkable in that the sampling station is arranged to allow manual removal by an operator of the objects identified as non-compliant, in that said visual indication means are disposed in said sampling station. and in that the visual indication means does not physically mark the objects.

 Still, according to the invention, the unsorted objects are arranged in boxes and are marked in a matrix, and the visual indication means comprise indicators arranged according to the same matrix that the unsorted objects are identified, each indicator being associated with an object and being substantially in front of the object when said objects are opposite said visual indication means.

 Still, according to the invention, the sampling station comprises a compartment in which the identified objects are brought, said compartment defining a volume in which the brightness is reduced, and this compartment comprises visual identification means comprising indicators arranged according to the same pattern as the objects in the box to point to each object identified as non-compliant a light beam.

 According to another embodiment of the invention, the visual indication means comprise indicator fingers arranged opposite each object and means for moving said fingers vertically facing objects identified as non-conforming.

To be able to be executed, the invention is set forth in a sufficiently clear and complete manner in the following description which is, in addition, accompanied by drawings in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an installation for manual sorting of objects, according to the invention, in side view,

 FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a manual sampling station according to a first embodiment, seen in perspective and from the side, the operator being shown from behind,

 FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an installation according to the invention, seen in perspective, comprising an alternative embodiment of the manual sampling station;

 and Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of implementing the method according to the invention.

 The installation illustrated in Figure 1 shows a conveyor 100, such as a conveyor belt, on which are arranged boxes 2 which have been filled with objects 3 to be sorted.

 The installation makes it possible to assist in the manual sorting of the objects 3 according to one or more predetermined criteria. Such criteria may relate to the shape of the objects, their colors, the materials of which they are made, the presence or absence of features on these objects, the various decorations they must present, etc.

 To do this, the installation comprises a support station 4 which is illustrated schematically by an upstream end of the conveyor 100 at which the boxes 2 are loaded.

The boxes 2 can be manually loaded by an operator, or come from an automated loading station, located upstream of said installation. The objects 3 contained in the boxes 2 are unsorted objects, that is to say that they are either compliant or not in accordance with said predetermined criteria.

 The installation comprises an analysis station 5 which makes it possible to analyze the objects 3 contained in the boxes 2.

 The station 5 is for example made by a device placed above the conveyor 100, at a sufficient distance to let the boxes 2 filled with objects 3 to sort.

 In order to analyze the objects 3, the analysis station 5 comprises analysis means such as one or more cameras 6 which make it possible to generate an image of the objects 3 contained in a box 2.

 From this image, and in a manner known to those skilled in the art, are generated information 7 specific to each object 3 contained in a box 2.

 The sorting aid installation also comprises, downstream of the station 5, a sampling station 8 which is arranged to allow the manual removal of objects 3 which do not comply with the predetermined criteria.

 The manual sampling station 8 is connected to a third station 9 for identifying non-compliant objects.

 The identification station 9 communicates with means 10 for visual indication of non-compliant objects, the visual indication means 10 being provided in the manual sampling station 8 in the context of this embodiment.

For practical reasons, the identification station 9 has been shown as being located on the manual sampling station 8. It should be understood, however, that this identification post could be placed at any other place in the installation that complies with the invention, provided that this station 9 is connected to the station 5 of analysis. Another embodiment of an installation according to the invention will be exposed later, with an identification station 9 which is not in the station 8 sampling.

 The identification station must also be connected to the analysis station because it is from the information 7 specific to each object 3 that the identification station triggers the means of visual indication.

 To do this, the identification station 9 comprises a first module 11 which compares the information 7 specific to each object 3 of a box 2 with said predetermined criteria.

 The identification station 9 also comprises a second module 12 which is capable of assigning an identifier to each object 3, as a function of the result of the comparison made by the comparison module 11.

 The identifier assigned to each object 3 is an identifier of conformity or non-compliance with the predetermined criteria.

 The second module 12 is also able to transmit to the visual indication means 10 the identifiers that it has assigned to the objects, in order to control the triggering of these visual indication means.

 The identification station 9 finally comprises a control module 13 which makes it possible to transmit a message 108 to the analysis station 5, the message 108 indicating to the analysis station 5 that the identification station 9 is ready to receive information. 7 concerning the objects 3 of the following box 2.

The means 10 of visual indication are means which make it possible to directly indicate to the operator which objects 3 in the box 2 are to be taken manually (by example to be moved on another conveyor or discarded ...), that is to say the objects 3 which were recognized as not meeting the criteria predetermined by the station 9 identification.

 The crates 2 of objects containing the objects 3 to be sorted are brought into the sampling station 8 by the conveyor 100.

 To enable the visual indication means to clearly signal to the operator which objects are to be removed, and to allow the operator sufficient time to pick up the objects reported as non-compliant, the box 2 is stopped. when it arrives in a predetermined area of the sampling station 8.

 To do this, the sampling station 8 is equipped with means 14 for detecting the presence of a box 2, which control its stop.

 The detection means 14 have been represented symbolically in FIG. 1 by a square. It should be understood, however, that this representation does not limit the scope of the invention to one or the other of the above-mentioned examples of detection means.

 To prevent the movement of the body 2 during the implementation of the visual indication means 10, and during the eventual removal of the objects 3 by the operator, the installation comprises tabs 15 which, in the active position, are projecting on the conveyor 100.

 These cleats 15 ensure a good positioning of a box 2 relative to the visual indication means 10 to correctly report the objects 3 non-compliant

(that is, in this way, non-compliant objects are actually reported to the exact spot where they are hold, so that the operator can have no doubt about the object identified as non-compliant).

 These tabs 15 are retracted under the conveyor 100, for example, which is generally in motion except in case of prolonged stoppage of the line related to a malfunction or for the sake of saving energy when the cycle times are too long.

 The active position of the cleats 15 can be actuated by a pedal 25 accessible to the operator's foot (Figure 1).

 In the context of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the objects 3 which are in the boxes 2 are marked according to a matrix.

 This matrix comprises, for example, two rows and four columns: the box thus comprises eight objects. It should be understood that the boxes could contain more than eight objects, arranged in a matrix that could have more rows and / or columns.

 In the context of this example, the objects 3 are bottles, which can have different shapes, be made of glass or PET, be transparent or substantially green in color, blue, brown, etc.

 Still in the context of this example, the visual indication means 10 comprise indicators 18 which are arranged according to the same matrix as that according to which the bottles are arranged in the boxes 2. This arrangement is particularly visible in FIG.

Also, each indicator 18 of the indication means 10 is associated with the location of an object 3 in a box 2, and each indicator 18 is in front of an object 3 (or vice versa) when the box is positioned in front of the indicating means, in the sampling station 8. The visual indicators 18 are, in the context of the embodiment shown, able to emit light beams 16. The visual indicators 18 are thus lamps or light spots.

 Each light beam 16 is projected onto the object 3 with which it is associated when the object 3 is identified as non-compliant (FIGS. 1 and 2).

 In order to enable the operator to clearly see the light beam 16 and to clearly distinguish the non-compliant object in the box, provision is made to arrange, at the level of the manual sampling station 8, a compartment 17 into which the boxes are brought. 2 filled with objects 3.

 The compartment 17 is partially closed to make its content dark. It defines a volume in which the brightness is reduced.

 The compartment 17 may comprise light concealing means which close at least partially and which are transverse to the conveyor 100. The concealment means may be curtains 19 formed of flexible strips, able to pass to the boxes 2 entering and / or leaving the sampling station 8.

 It is therefore understood how the installation makes it possible to indicate to the operator directly (that is to say on the object itself), unambiguously, the object or objects to be taken from the box 2.

This indication being made directly on the object, the operator does not need to make any effort of reflection, as is the case in installations where the operator must compare the matrix of real objects that he before him to an image on a screen, this image indicating him the nonconforming objects. In this way, the invention saves time and minimizes the risk of confusion of the operator.

 It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and extends to any other installation implementing the essential means of the invention.

 For example, in Fig. 3, the visual indicators are made differently: they consist of retractable indicator fingers, which point to the non-conforming object (s) to be sampled.

 In the context of this embodiment, each finger 20 is associated with an object and is arranged opposite each object 3.

 Furthermore, each finger 20 is associated with vertical displacement means facing the object identified as non-compliant.

 In the context of the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the analysis station 5 is connected by cables to the identification station 9, the cables being protected in a trunking 21.

 The information specific to each object 3 is represented symbolically by an arrow 7.

 We will now describe the method of manual sorting aid according to the invention, which is implemented by each of the facilities according to the invention described above, with reference to Figure 3.

 First, the objects 3 to be sorted, placed in boxes 2 in a matrix arrangement, are loaded onto the conveyor 100 of the installation, either manually or mechanically. Objects 3 are thus supported in the installation.

The crates 2 of objects 3 enter the analysis station 5: here, according to a step 101, the objects 3 are analyzed one by one, and the station 5 generates for each of them one or more information 7 of their own.

 This information 7 is transmitted to the identification station 9, and in particular to the comparison module 11.

 According to a step 102, the information 7 specific to each object 3 is compared with one or more predetermined criteria 200, for example a minimum size for the bottles.

 The predetermined criterion or criteria 200 have been previously transmitted to the comparison module 11.

 At the end of step 102, the comparison module 11 delivers, for each object, an identifier. For example, if the result of comparing the value of information 7 with the predetermined criterion results in a compliance result, then the identifier assigned to this object is "1_" (the identifier with the value "1_" defines conforming objects). On the other hand, if the result of the comparison of the value of an information item 7 with the predetermined criterion results in a nonconformity result, then the identifier assigned to this object is "_0" (the identifier carrying the value "0_ Defines nonconforming objects).

 The comparison module 11 then transmits the identifiers "1_" and / or "_0" to the assignment module 12.

 In a step 103, the assignment module 12 assigns each visual indicator 18 20 the corresponding identifier. The value "0_" is at the origin of the transmission of a command 104 for triggering the visual indicator 18, 20.

The triggering command 104 transmitted to the visual indicators 18, 20 results in the implementation 105 of these indicators that then light up, or move in the case of mechanical manipulation.

 At the same time as the assignment module 12 transmits the trigger commands 104 to the visual indicators 18, 20, it also transmits to the control module 13 a signal 106 indicating that the information 7, initially received from the analysis station 5, have been treated.

 The control module 13 then generates, in a step 107, a message 108 indicating that the identification station 9 has finished processing the information it has received, and that it is ready to receive other information concerning the objects 3 of the following box 2.

 It will be understood from the foregoing description that the invention allows operators to save time during the inspection of cases 2 by optically signaling non-compliant objects (ie using optical means such as light, which does not physically mark the object but illuminates it or designates it) or by designating the objects, without touching them, so as not to damage them.

 It should however be understood that the examples shown are not limiting for the invention, and that the latter extends to the implementation of any equivalent means.

Claims

 1. A method of assisting manual sorting of objects according to at least one predetermined criterion (200), said method comprising the following steps:  a step of taking care of objects (3) unsorted, said unsorted objects (3) comprising objects conforming to and / or not conforming to said predetermined criterion (200),  a step (101) of analyzing each of said objects (3) so as to obtain at least one information (7) specific to each of said objects (3),  a step (102) of comparing said information (7) obtained for each object with said predetermined criterion (200),  a step (103) of assigning each object (3) a conformity identifier "1_" or non-conformity "_0" according to a result provided at the end of the comparison step,  a step (105) of setting up a visual indicator on each object identified as non-compliant,  characterized in that the step (105) of setting up a visual indicator consists in positioning on the object or in the vicinity of the non-conforming object a visual indicator which does not mark said object, said method further comprising a step of manually taking said objects (3) identified as non-compliant.  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step (105) of setting up a visual indicator consists in projecting a light beam (16) on objects (3) identified as non-compliant 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step (105) of setting up a visual indicator consists in positioning indicator fingers (20) above the objects (3) identified as non-compliant.  4. Installation for manual sorting of objects (3) according to at least one predetermined criterion (200), which installation comprises:  at least one item (4) for supporting unsorted objects (3), said unsorted objects (3) being compliant or non-compliant with said predetermined criterion,  means (5) for analyzing each of said objects (3) so as to obtain at least one information (7) specific to each of said objects (3),  an identification station (9) for each of said unsorted objects (3), which identification station comprises:  means (11) for comparing said information (7) obtained for each object with the predetermined criterion (200), and  means (12) for assigning each object (3) a conformity identifier "1_" or a non-conformity identifier "_0",  said installation further comprising  visual indicating means (10) for visually indicating to said operator, among said objects (3) to be sorted, the objects (3) recognized as non-compliant,  characterized in that  the sampling station (8) is arranged to allow the manual removal by an operator of objects (3) identified as non-compliant,  in that said visual indication means (10) are arranged in said sampling station (8), and in that the visual indication means does not physically mark the objects. 5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the unsorted objects (3) are arranged in boxes (2) and are marked in a matrix, and in that the means (10) of visual indication include indicators. (18; 20) arranged in the same matrix as that in which unsorted objects (3) are marked, each indicator (18; 20) being associated with an object (3) and being substantially in front of the object ( 3) when said objects (3) are opposite said visual indication means (10). 6. Installation according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sampling station (8) comprises a compartment (17) in which the objects (3) identified are brought, said compartment (17) defining a volume in which the brightness is reduced, and that said compartment (17) comprises means (10) for visual identification comprising indicators (18) arranged in the same pattern as the objects in the box (2) to point to each object identified as non-compliant a light beam (16).  7. Installation according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said means (10) for visual indication comprise indicator fingers (20) arranged opposite each object (3) and means for moving said fingers (20) vertically. next to objects (3) identified as non-compliant.