ACQUISITION DEVICE FOR A PARTIALLY AUTOMATED ACQUISITION OF MULTIPLE OBJECT DATA SETS OF AT LEAST ONE OBJECT

Abstract

An acquisition device for the at least partially automated acquisition of multiple object data sets of at least one object. The acquisition device includes at least one object data acquisition unit for the acquisition of object data, at least one object carrier unit for arranging the object, and at least one reference unit that is at least provided to output, in particular optically output, a reference element for a size classification of the object.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. An acquisition device for the at least partially automated acquisition of multiple object data sets of at least one object, comprising: at least one object data acquisition unit configured to acquire object data of the object; and at least one object carrier unit configured to arrange the object; at least one reference unit configured to optically output a reference element for a size classification of the object.

11. The acquisition device as recited in claim 10, wherein the reference unit is configured to output the reference element at least dependent on at least one characteristic variable of the object.

12. The acquisition device as recited in claim 10, wherein using the reference unit, the reference element can be output at least at different positions on the object carrier unit and/or at different positions in an object data set including the acquired object data.

13. The acquisition device as recited in claim 10, wherein the reference unit is configured to output at least one further reference element, the reference element and the further reference element being able to be output at different positions from each other on the object carrier unit and/or at different positions from each other in an object data set including the acquired object data.

14. The acquisition device as recited in claim 10, wherein the reference unit is a projection unit that is configured to output the reference element by a projection.

15. The acquisition device as recited in claim 10, wherein the reference unit at least assigns the reference element to the object data set after acquisition of the object data set.

16. A method for acquiring multiple object data sets of at least one object using an acquisition device including at least one object data acquisition unit configured to acquire object data of the object, and at least one object carrier unit configured to arrange the object; at least one reference unit configured to optically output a reference element for a size classification of the object, the method comprising: outputting, by the reference unit, the reference element.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the outputting includes: projecting the reference element onto the object carrier unit and/or at least partially outputting the reference element in the object data set.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising: storing the reference element in a file different than a file storing the acquired object data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate two embodiments of the present invention. The figures and the description contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to form useful further combinations, in view of the disclosure herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an acquisition device according to the present invention in a schematic representation in a first variant.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sequence of a method according to the present invention for the acquisition of multiple object data sets using the acquisition device according to the present invention in the first variant.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an acquisition device according to the present invention in a schematic representation in a second variant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an acquisition device 10a with a guide unit 14a for guiding at least one object data acquisition unit. The guide unit 14a includes a guide element 20a that takes the form of an at least partially curved rail. The acquisition device 10a includes at least two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a for the acquisition of object data of an object 12a, these object data acquisition units being arranged on the guide unit 14a. The two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a are arranged on the guide element 20a on sides that face away from each other. It is possible for further acquisition units 32a to be arranged on the guide unit 14a, in particular on the guide element 20a, these further acquisition units possibly taking the form for example of additional object data acquisition units, illumination units, contrast units, and/or the like. The two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a are arranged movably on the guide element 20a, the guide element 20a being at least provided to guide the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a upon movement. The guide element 20a includes at least two main guide tracks, with a defined path of movement of the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a arranged on the guide element 20a running at least parallel to one of the two main guide tracks. One object data acquisition unit 16a of the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a is arranged on the main guide track of the guide element 20a, and a further object data acquisition unit 18a is arranged on a further main guide track of the two main guide tracks of the guide element 20a. The main guide track and the further main guide track are arranged on the guide element 20a on sides that face away from each other, with the main guide track running parallel to the further main guide track.

[0035] The acquisition device 10a includes an object carrier unit 22a that is provided to position the object 12a in the object data acquisition region of the acquisition device 10a. A main plane of extent of the guide element 20a runs at right angles to a positioning plane of the object carrier unit 22a, and intersects an axis of rotation 28a of the object carrier unit 22a.

[0036] The two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a are movable relative to each other, in particular independently of each other, and can be arranged on the guide unit 14a simultaneously and in particular separately from each other at the same acquisition height, at least viewed along one main guide track of the two main guide tracks of the guide element 20a. The acquisition device 10a comprises at least one drive unit (not illustrated in greater detail) that is at least provided to produce a defined relative movement between the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a and the object 12a. The drive unit is provided at least to produce a defined relative movement between the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a and the object carrier unit 22a. The drive unit is provided to move the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a in an automated manner along the defined path of movement specified by the guide unit 14a. Object data can be acquired from multiple perspectives using the defined path of movement produced by the drive unit. The drive unit may for example be an electromechanical one, the drive unit having at least one electric motor. Alternatively, it is possible for the drive unit to be a pneumatic or hydraulic one. The object data acquisition units 16a, 18a are each mounted on a guide carriage (not illustrated in greater detail) of the guide unit 14a, the guide carriages being configured separately from each other and arranged movably on the guide unit 14a. It is possible for the guide carriages, to enable multidimensional movability, to be configured with a movable receiving body that, in particular using a ball and socket joint or the like, is arranged movably on a base body that cooperates with the guide element 20a.

[0037] The guide unit 14a includes at least one delimiting element 24a for dividing the main guide track of the guide element 20 into at least two movement regions along the main guide track that are separate from each other. The delimiting element 24a is fastened to the main guide track of the guide element 20a. It is possible for the delimiting element 24a to be able to be arranged variably at least along the main guide track of the guide element 20a. It is additionally possible for the guide unit 14a to include further delimiting elements that can be arranged on the guide unit 14a.

[0038] The acquisition device 10a includes at least one reference unit 26a that is at least provided to output, in particular optically output, a reference element 38a for size classification of the object 12a. The reference unit 26a is at least provided, using the reference element 38a, to enable at least one operator to estimate an object size, at least starting from an object data set. The reference unit 26a takes the form of a projection unit. The reference element 38a may be represented in particular as a scale, an object of comparison, for example a coin, or the like. The reference element 38a, at least upon the acquisition of the object data, can be acquired using the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a, and can be added to the object data set. The reference unit 26a is at least provided to optically output the reference element 38a in an object data acquisition region of the object carrier unit 22a, preferably on the object carrier unit 22a, particularly preferably on the surface of the object carrier unit 22a, and/or on the object 12a.

[0039] The reference element 38a can be output by the reference unit 26a at least dependent on at least one characteristic variable of the object 12a. Preferably, at least one characteristic of the reference element 38a can be set dependent on the characteristic variable 12a of the object. The characteristic of the reference element 38a may for example be a position, a color, a shape, an intensity, or the like. The characteristic variable of the object 12a may for example be a position, a dimension, a color, or the like. It is possible for the characteristic of the reference element 38a to be able to be set automatically using the main computing unit and/or the reference unit 26a, it alternatively also being possible for the characteristic of the reference element 38a to be able to be set manually by an operator. The reference element 38a can be output at least dependent on a dimension and/or positioning of the object 12a. A characteristic variable of the object 12a can be acquired prior to acquisition of the object data and/or outputting of the reference element 38a, in particular automatically. For example, at least one characteristic variable of the object 12a can be acquired at least using a dimension acquisition unit (not illustrated in greater detail) and/or an identification unit (not illustrated in greater detail). Preferably, the identification unit is provided at least for prior acquisition of at least one characteristic variable of the object 12a, the identification unit taking the form for example of a scanning unit for reading in an identification element. The identification element may take the form for example of an EAN, a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, or the like. Preferably, at least the characteristic variable of the object 12a can be retrieved from a database with the aid of the identification element. The identification element is preferably arranged on the object 12a and/or integrated in the object 12a. It is however also possible for the identification element to be arranged separately from the object 12a, for example on packaging and/or a datasheet. A “dimension acquisition unit” is to be understood to mean in particular a unit that can acquire at least an extent and/or positioning of an object 12a. Preferably, the dimension acquisition unit includes a movably borne laser module for a time-of-flight measurement. Alternatively, it is possible for an extent of an object 12a to be able to be calculated, using a structure-from-motion method, with the main computing unit with the aid of the object data and movement data of the object carrier unit 22a acquired using the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a, in particular a speed of rotation. It is also possible for the “dimension acquisition unit” to comprise an illumination unit and a detection unit in order to obtain an extent from a transmitted light and/or incident light method. Preferably, at least the dimension acquisition unit and/or the identification unit are/is able to be connected by a data link to the main computing unit. It is also possible for a plurality of methods to be combined. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for at least the characteristic variable of the object 12a to be able to be input manually by an operator.

[0040] The reference element 38a can be output at least at different positions on the object carrier unit 22a using the reference unit 26a. The reference element 38a can be output at any position whatsoever on the object carrier unit 22a, in particular on the surface of the object carrier unit 22a. An output direction of the reference unit 26a can be set, with the position of the reference element 38a being able to be set by setting the output direction of the reference unit 26a. The output direction of the reference unit 26a can be set at least by a relative movement, preferably tilting, of the reference unit 26a relative to the object carrier unit 22a. The relative movement between the reference unit 26a and the object carrier unit 22a is controllable at least using the main computing unit and/or the reference unit 26a, with at least the relative movement between the reference unit 26a and the object carrier unit 22a being able to be produced at least using the drive unit. It is also possible for the relative movement to be able to be produced by an operator. The reference unit 26a is arranged movably, preferably pivotably, on the guide element 20a of the guide unit 14a.

[0041] The reference unit 26a is at least provided to output at least one further reference element 40a, with the reference element 38a and the further reference element 40a being able to be output at different positions from each other on the object carrier unit 22a. All the reference elements can be output on the object carrier unit 22a and/or on the object 12a. The reference unit 26a is at least provided to output the reference element 38a on the object carrier unit 22a or on the object 12a. The reference unit 26a is at least provided to output the further reference element 38a on the object carrier unit 22a or on the object 12a. Preferably, at least the reference unit 26a is at least provided to output the reference element 38a and the further reference element 40a on two different sides, particularly preferably on two sides that face away from each other, of the object 12a. It is additionally possible for the reference unit 26a to be provided to output additional reference elements, with preferably in each case a reference element 38a being able to be output at least using the reference unit 26a on at least two different sides, particularly preferably on at least four different sides, and most preferably on at least five different sides, of the object 12a. It is possible for the reference unit 26a developed as a projection unit to include at least one projector, preferably a plurality of projectors, that is/are at least provided to output all the reference elements. The projectors may for example be arranged, preferably movably, at different positions on the guide unit 14a, or at least be arranged on the acquisition device 10a partially spaced apart from the guide unit 14a. Alternatively, it is at least also possible for the reference unit 26a to take the form of a laser unit.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows schematically a sequence of a method for the acquisition of multiple object data sets of the object 12a with the acquisition device 10a.

[0043] In at least one method step 30a, the reference element 38a that is provided for an order of magnitude (size classification) of the object 12a is output using the reference unit 26a. At least in the method step 30a, the reference element 38a is output for a qualitative size classification of the object 12a or a quantitative size classification of the object 12a. At least in the method step 30a, the reference element 38a is output at least dependent on at least one characteristic variable of the object 12a. It is possible, at least in the method step 30a, for at least one characteristic to be set automatically, in particular dependent on at least one characteristic variable of the object 12a, using the main computing unit and/or the reference unit 26a. It is possible, at least in the method step 30a, for a plurality of reference elements to be output by the reference unit 26a. At least in the method step 30a, at least the reference element 38a and the further reference element 40a are output and projected onto the object carrier unit 22a. Particularly preferably, the reference element 38a, at least in the method step 30a, is positioned automatically at least dependent on a dimension and/or a positioning of the object 12a on the object carrier unit 22a and/or on the object 12a. At least the reference element 38a and the further reference element 40a, at least in the method step 30a, are output at different positions, preferably at different positions on the object 12a and/or on the object carrier unit 22a.

[0044] It is alternatively or additionally possible for, at least in the method step 30a, the reference element 38a to be stored in a file, in particular one different than the acquired object data set.

[0045] In at least one method step 34a, the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a are moved on the guide element 20a along the guide element 20a on sides that face away from each other. In the method step 34a, the object data acquisition unit 16a is moved in one of the movement regions delimited by the delimiting element 24a for acquisition of a multiple object data set. Using the main computing unit, in particular based on advance acquisition of object parameters, operating parameters are automatically established at least for the drive unit and at least the two object data acquisition units 16a, 18a in at least one method step 36a. In the method step 36a, a list is drawn up with positions at least for the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a and the object carrier unit 22a at which acquisition of object data takes place using the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a. In the method step 34a, at least the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a and the object carrier unit 22a are controlled to the positions of the list, with object data of the object 12a being acquired at the respective position in the method step 34a at least using one of the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a. The reference element 38a is at least partially acquired upon the acquisition of the object data using the object data acquisition units 16a, 18a.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are restricted essentially to the differences between the embodiments, with, regarding components of identical designation, in particular in relation to components with identical reference numerals, it also being generally possible to make reference to the drawings and/or the description of the other embodiments, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is appended to the reference numeral of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the letter a is replaced by the letter b. In particular, the methods relating to the further embodiments take place analogously to the method described hitherto, the methods being able to be distinguished by the described differences from the embodiment described hitherto in relation to technical configurations of the acquisition devices of the further embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an acquisition device 10b for the at least partially automated acquisition of multiple object data sets of at least one object 12b, including at least one object data acquisition unit 16b for the acquisition of object data, and including at least one object carrier unit 22b for arranging the object 12b. The acquisition device 10b includes at least one reference unit 26b that is at least provided to output a reference element 38b for size classification of the object 12b. The reference unit 26b takes the form of an augmented reality unit that is at least provided to output the reference element 38b as an augmented reality element. The reference unit 26b is formed at least partially by the object data acquisition unit 16b. The object data acquisition unit 16b is at least provided to acquire the object data acquisition region for outputting the reference element 38b in the object data set. In the object data acquisition region acquired using the object data acquisition unit 16b, a reference element 38b can be produced using the main computing unit and/or a computing unit of the augmented reality unit. Preferably, the reference element 38b can be produced independently of a position of the object data acquisition unit 16b on a guide unit 14b. The reference element 38b can at least be adapted to a position of the object data acquisition unit 16b relative to the object carrier unit 22b using the main computing unit and/or the computing unit of the augmented reality unit.

[0048] The reference unit 26b comprises an output element 42b that takes the form of a monitor. It is also possible for the output element 42b to take the form of a smartphone, a spectacle lens, or the like. The output element 42b of the reference unit 26b that takes the form of an augmented reality unit may be arranged for example on the acquisition device 10b, preferably on an outer side of the housing unit of the acquisition device 10b. It is also possible for the output element 42b to be configured separately from the acquisition device 10, and to be arranged as an external element, the output element 42b being able to be connected in particular at least by a data link, by cable, or wirelessly, at least to the object data acquisition unit 16b and/or the main computing unit. The output element 42b is preferably at least provided to display the object data acquisition region acquired using the object data acquisition unit 16b. The augmented reality unit is at least provided to produce the reference element 38b at least in the object data acquisition region output on the output element 42b.

[0049] The reference element 38b can be output using the reference unit 26b at least at different positions in the object data set, in particular in the object data acquisition region acquired using the object data acquisition unit 16b. The reference unit 26b is at least provided to output at least one further reference element 40b, with the reference element 38b and the further reference element 40b being able to be output at different positions from each other in the object data set. It is also possible for the reference unit 26b to assign the reference element 38b to the object data set after acquisition of the object data set, with the reference element 38b being able to be stored in particular in a file that is separate from the acquired object data.

[0050] Alternatively, it is at least also possible for the reference unit 26b to take the form of a computing unit. The reference unit 26b assigns a reference element 38b to the object data set after the acquisition of the object data set. The reference unit 26b is at least provided, starting from at least one characteristic variable of the object 12b, to produce the reference element 38b, the reference element 38b possibly taking the form of an item of information on a size classification of the object 12b in a file. Further, it is possible for the reference unit 26b to be at least provided to assign the reference element 38b to the acquired object data set, with the reference element 38b preferably being stored in a file that is separate from the object data.