DE102017102256A1 - DEVICE, REFERENCE OBJECT FOR A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A PRESENTED INFORMATION OF AN OBJECT ALONG A TRANSPORT TRACK - Google Patents

Abstract

In various embodiments, a device (100) for determining a predetermined information of an object (112) along a transport path (110) is provided. The apparatus (100) comprising: the transport path (110) having at least one initial position (102) and at least one end position (104) and configured to move the object (112) from the at least one initial position (102) to the at least one final position (104) to transport; the object (130) having an optically active transmitting device (120), the transmitting device (120) having at least one light-emitting component (114) and a control device (116), wherein the control device (116) is set up, the at least one light-emitting component ( 114) so as to emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124); and an optically active receiving device (140); wherein the optically active receiving device (140) comprises at least one photodetector (132) and a detection device (134), the at least one photodetector (132) being arranged, the sequence of light pulses (124) of the light which can be emitted by the light emitting device (114) in at least one position between the at least one initial position (102) and the at least one end position (104) of the transport path (110) to detect and convert into a signal (136), and wherein the determining device (134) is arranged, the predetermined information from the signal (136) of the photodetector (132) to determine.

Description

The invention relates to a device, a reference object for a device and a method for operating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path.

Light communication (Lcom) refers to communication between a light source and a receiver. Typically, a receiver is a smart device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. In this case, the smartphone has the characteristics of modulating read light by its sensors and decoding a message. The primary task of indoor navigation light communication is to provide precision and accuracy over comparable technologies, such as a GPS (global positioning system) and / or WLAN localization, such as WiFi localization; to improve. Light communication allows new commercial opportunities, such as directing customers to a product on a shelf.

In light communication, each light source has its own identification number, which is correlated with a unique position. A mapping application can retrieve such linked information and calculate the position of the smart device based on the identification number. In this case, the light source is the transmitter and the smart device is the receiver for locating the positions of the object, for example the user of the smart device. This works very well for tracking people with smart devices. However, for tracking objects such as packs in warehouses, the investment cost is too high because each package would need to be equipped with a smart device to track its movement with conventional light communication.

It is also known to track the movement of an object by means of a bar code which is attached to the object and passed under a scanner. A barcode is relatively inexpensive and optically passive. The scanners can only detect the barcodes of objects within a certain scanner barcode distance, for example within a few centimeters. Such a system for tracking the movement of an object is based on the assumption that the objects follow a predetermined path between the scanners. However, if an object, such as a parcel or box, falls off the transport route between two scanners, there is no way to determine where the object left the transport route, for example, dropped down or where it was retrieved.

The object of the invention is to provide a simpler device for tracking a movement of an object along a transport path, and a method for operating such a device and a reference object for calibrating such a device. In addition, the device may be identified by the identification number of an object, i. Beyond the concrete position of the object, provide even more information about the object along the transport route.

The object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention by a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The device has a transport path which has at least one initial position and at least one end position and is set up to transport the object from the at least one initial position to the at least one end position. The object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting device has at least one light-emitting component and a control device. The control device is set up to control the at least one light-emitting component in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses. The device further comprises an optically active receiving device. The optically active receiving device has at least one photodetector and a detection device. The at least one photodetector is set up to detect the sequence of light pulses of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component in at least one position between the at least one initial position and the at least one end position of the transport path and to convert it into a signal. The determination device is set up to determine the predetermined information from the signal of the photodetector.

The light pulses may have different intensities. The intensities may be interpreted by the receiving device as logical "1" or logical "0". A logical "0" can be realized for example by means of a pulse pause in the sequence of light pulses. A logical "1" can for example be realized by means of a pulse amplitude of the light pulses, which is greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be dependent on the photo-sensitivity of the at least one photodetector and / or the distance of the at least one photodetector to the object. The predetermined value should be at least so large that the at least one photodetector generates a signal when a light pulse from the light-emitting component is detected, which differs from the noise, including, for example, interference by reflections, for example a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 2 -to-1 or more. Alternatively or additionally, further information can be transmitted by means of the pulse amplitude of the light pulses, for example a depth information, for example an object-photodetector distance; an aging state of the light-emitting device, an energy level of the transmitting device, a coordinate with respect to the transport path. For example, in the case of a plurality of light-emitting components and / or segments, light pulses which are emitted in a first direction with regard to the transport path can have a first pulse amplitude. Light pulses that are emitted in a different direction to the first direction, a second direction having a second pulse amplitude. The second pulse amplitude is, for example, greater than the first pulse amplitude, so that the at least one photodetector generates different signals for the light pulses with first pulse amplitude and second pulse amplitude. For example, the second pulse amplitude is twice or more times greater than the first pulse amplitude.

The transport route may be a predetermined route, a predetermined path or a predetermined route. For example, the object is transported on a carriage or vehicle, for example an industrial truck on the transport route. For example, the object to be transported is a package on a pallet in a warehouse. Alternatively, however, the object may also be an animal, such as an animal or human (hereafter patient), on a transport device such as a wheelchair, stretcher, bed, infusion holder, or similar device connected to a patient. The at least one light-emitting component can be attached to the patient or the transport device. The transport route can, for example, have a path with information signs and / or markings along which the object is transported. The path may be a path of a plurality of possible paths, with at least a portion of the paths having different end positions.

Alternatively or additionally, the transport path may for example comprise a conveyor belt, for example a roller conveyor. The transport route is predetermined or restricted in this case by structural measures

In other words, the object emits light through a kind of bucon (beacon) added to the object, for example, for position determination or motion tracking. The receiving device, for example a decoding camera, is arranged statically or substantially statically with respect to the transport path, for example integrated on a ceiling over the transport path or in the ceiling, for example integrated in the ceiling lighting or separately. This allows cost-effective tracking of the movement of objects and the transmission or provision of further, transport-relevant information of the object, for example a motion vector of the object with respect to the transport route. The transmitting device is technically simple and less expensive than a smart device.

In a development, the transmitting device has a single light-emitting component.

This allows a compact, for example, space-saving, and cost-effective design of the transmitting device.

In a further development, the transmitting device has a plurality of light-emitting components or at least one light-emitting component with a plurality of light-emitting segments which can be operated independently of one another.

This enables optical, spatial multi-channel communication. As a result, for example, the orientation and / or a plurality of different status information of the object can be transmitted to the transmitting device simultaneously and / or independently of one another. This allows a high information density and a reduction of the transport time of the object.

Alternatively or additionally, this allows a redundant transmission of the same information, for example in the event that the optical path to the receiver device is blocked by a part of the plurality of light-emitting components or segments.

In a further development, the transmitting device has one or more point light sources, for example a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

This enables emission of light pulses with high intensity and thus high range. In addition, point sources of light can be less expensive than area light sources, so that a cost-effective transmitting device is made possible.

In a further development, the transmitting device has one or more surface light sources, for example an organic light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode coupled to a planar optical waveguide.

This allows a transmission of the sequence of light pulses, even if a part of the area light source should be shaded. Alternatively or additionally, a rolling-sutter effect can be prevented or reduced.

In yet another development, the transmitting device has at least one area light source and / or a plurality of point light sources arranged at a minimum distance from one another in such a way that light from the transmitting device is at least partially emitted in mutually perpendicular spatial direction.

This makes it possible to detect the orientation of the position of the object on the transport path, for example a determination of a motion vector of the object. Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement of point light sources or the curved, i. 2.5 dimensional arrangement of the surface light source that light independent of the position of the object to the at least one photodetector, reaches the photodetector.

In a further development, the receiving device has a single photodetector, for example a single camera. The photodetector may include a static or dynamic detector array. The detector field of the photodetector is the field, for example a spatial area along the transport path, within which the photodetector can detect a sequence of light pulses. A dynamic detector field can be realized by means of optics, for example a lens system with variable focus, and / or a movable holder of the photodetector, for example a translationally and / or rotationally movable holder.

This allows a compact, for example, space-saving, and cost-effective design of the receiving device.

In a further development, the receiving device has a plurality of photodetectors, for example a plurality of cameras.

The multiple photodetectors, i. At least one first photodetector and a second photodetector and optionally also further photodetectors may have a common or substantially identical detector array. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors may have different detector fields. By means of a common detector field, a redundancy of the detection can be achieved, for example, to compensate for the rolling shutter effect of a photodetector. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors can be used to determine the position, orientation and / or movement of the object with respect to the transport path, for example by means of triangulation. For the triangulation undisturbed assumed movement of the object along the transport path and / or the intensity of the light pulses can be used, for example, to determine this information already with one or two photodetector (s). Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of photodetectors may be used for multi-channel communication, for example by the plurality of photodetectors being able to detect light of mutually different wavelengths, wavelength range and / or spectra. For example, a first photodetector may be configured to detect infrared light and a second photodetector may be configured to detect visible light. Alternatively or additionally, a first photodetector can be set up to detect a blue light and a second photodetector can be configured to detect red-green light, for example by the photodetectors each having an optical filter.

In a further development, the predetermined information has at least one property of the object of the following properties: an identity of the object, a position of the object on the transport path, an orientation of the object on the transport path; a directional and / or velocity vector of the object with respect to the transport path and / or at least one photodetector.

The identity of the object can be transmitted, for example, by means of an identity number. The identity number may be, for example, a sequence of numbers, for example a multi-bit (also referred to as n-bit) sequence of numbers.

By means of the direction and / or velocity vector of the object, for example, the motion vector of the object can be determined. As a result, it is possible to detect, for example, a drop of a parcel from a transport route or even only a drift of a fall-off. Upon detection, a signal for outputting a corresponding indication and / or the position of the object can be output by the receiving device to an output device coupled to the receiving device, for example a display or an alarm system. Alternatively or additionally, the transport of the object can be slowed down or stopped.

In a further development, the receiving device is formed statically with respect to the transport route.

This allows a compact, for example, space-saving, and cost-effective design of the receiving device.

In a further development, at least part of the transport route is arranged in a room with a ceiling lighting. At least one photodetector is integrated in the ceiling lighting.

This allows a compact, for example, space-saving, and cost-effective design of the receiving device.

In a further development, the device also has an output device. The output device is coupled to the determination device and configured such that a further signal is output when the determination device has determined the predetermined information.

For example, upon detection of a direction of movement of the object which guides the object from the transport path, a corresponding indication and / or the position of the object can be output by means of the output device.

In a further development, the sequence of light pulses has multi-channel information.

The plurality of channels may differ, for example, in the frequency or wavelength of the light of the light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of information (s) can be transmitted by means of a pulse amplitude modulation simultaneously or successively via one or more channels.

In a further development, the transmitting device further has a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is coupled to the control device. The control device is further configured such that the light-emitting component emits a first series of light pulses when the sensor provides the first sensor signal and the light-emitting component emits a second sequence different from the first sequence when the sensor provides the second sensor signal. This allows a transmission of a state change of the object to the determining device. A change of state can be, for example, a change in position which is detected by means of a position sensor. Further changes in state may be, for example, a change in temperature, for example in a patient or a refrigerated product, or of moisture, for example a dehydration of a patient or too high a humidity in a moisture-sensitive electronic component.

In a further development, the control device is set up such that at least one light-emitting component emits a first sequence of light pulses in a first period, which is correlated with a first information, and in a second period a second series of light pulses is emitted second information different from the first one.

The first period may be partially, i. overlapping, or being completely offset in time from the second period. This allows two or more pieces of information to be communicated via one channel. Thereby, the number of light emitting devices can be reduced.

In a further development, the sequence of light pulses has a test value for a cyclic redundancy check.

This makes it possible to check whether the sequence of light pulses has been completely and / or correctly detected by the receiving device.

In a further development, the transmitting device has a plurality of light-emitting components and / or a light-emitting component with a plurality of light-emitting segments which emit a series of light pulses in parallel, the sequence of light pulses having a test value for a cyclic redundancy check.

This makes it possible to check whether the sequence of light pulses has been completely and / or correctly detected by the receiving device. The test value for a first sequence of light pulses can be transmitted to the receiving device, for example, by means of a first light-emitting component or segment. The test value for a second sequence of light pulses can be transmitted, for example, to the receiving device by means of a second light-emitting component or segment spatially and / or temporally different from the first light-emitting component or segment. This allows independent testing of the sequence of light pulses and test value.

In a further development, the transmitting device further comprises a transmitter and a receiver and is adapted to communicate with another object with optically active transmitting device with transmitter and receiver, so that the at least one light emitting device of the object is driven such that it has a predetermined sequence emitted by light pulses which corresponds to the predetermined sequence of light pulses of another object, for example the further object, on the transport path and / or which is different from the predetermined sequence of light pulses of a further object, for example the further object, on the transport path.

This allows an object to be transported by several objects. For example, several objects can be transported on the transport route. In various embodiments, the plurality of objects may have the same identity for at least a portion of the transport path, i. transmit information by means of the sequence of light pulses, which is correlated with a common, identical identity. For example, the same identity can be used for objects of the same lot, i. the same batch or production unit. Alternatively or additionally, the same information may for example be used for objects having a same destination, for example a same end position or a same distribution center. The transmission of the same information by a plurality of objects can, for example, be switched to individual information in the presence of a predetermined condition. For example, a switch can be made in the event that the multiple objects reach a distribution center and have different destination or end positions from the distribution center. Alternatively or additionally, switching may occur in the event that an error or incident occurs, for example, if a packet falls from a conveyor, the dropped packet may send an emergency signal that can be received by the receiving device.

The object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a reference object for calibrating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The reference object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting device has two or more light-emitting areas and a control device.

The control device is configured to drive the two or more light-emitting regions such that the two or more light-emitting regions emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light emitting areas are independently operable. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions have preset radiation characteristics relative to each other.

The reference object can be, for example, an object with a light-emitting component with known optical properties, for example a known spectrum, for example a known intensity of the emitable light of the light pulses. From the ratio of the sequence of light pulses of the two or more light-emitting region or segments, the sensitivity and / or other environmental parameters of the device, for example the ambient light from the receiving device can be detected by the Calibrate device. This allows to capture a variety of different information of the objects.

The object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a method for operating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The device may be designed according to a described development. The method comprises detecting a sequence of light pulses emitted by the transmitting device of an object by means of the at least one photodetector. Furthermore, the method comprises converting the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of the photodetector. Furthermore, the method comprises a transmission of the signal to the determination device and a determination of a predetermined information by means of the determination device. In addition, the method comprises providing a further signal, which is correlated with the determined, predetermined information.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

• 1 in einer schematischen Aufsicht eine Vorrichtung zum Ermitteln einer vorgegebenen Information eines Objektes entlang einer Transportstrecke gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 2 in einer schematischen Aufsicht ein Referenzobjekt gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Vorrichtung zum Ermitteln einer vorgegebenen Information eines Objektes entlang einer Transportstrecke gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 4 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines lichtemittierenden Bauelements;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 8A eine schematische Seitenansicht und 8B eine schematische Aufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Sendevorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen; und
• 11A eine schematische Seitenansicht und 11B eine schematische Aufsicht auf Ausführungsbeispiele von Sendevorrichtungen gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen.

Show it:

• 1 in a schematic plan view of a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path according to various embodiments;
• 2 in a schematic plan view of a reference object according to various embodiments;
• 3 a flowchart of a method for operating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path according to various embodiments;
• 4 an embodiment of a light emitting device;
• 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments;
• 6 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments;
• 7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments;
• 8A a schematic side view and 8B a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a transmitting device according to various embodiments;
• 9 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments;
• 10 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments; and
• 11A a schematic side view and 11B a schematic plan view of embodiments of transmitting devices according to various embodiments.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "front", "rear", etc. is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure (s). Because components of embodiments may be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is illustrative and is in no way limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

For the purposes of this description, the terms "connected,""connected," and "coupled" are used to describe both a direct and indirect connection, a direct or indirect connection indirect connection and direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals, as appropriate.

In various embodiments, a light-emitting component may be a semiconductor device emitting electromagnetic radiation and / or a diode emitting electromagnetic radiation, a diode emitting organic electromagnetic radiation, a transistor emitting electromagnetic radiation or a transistor emitting organic electromagnetic radiation. The radiation may, for example, be light in the visible range, UV light and / or infrared light. In this context, the electromagnetic radiation emitting device may be formed, for example, as a light emitting diode (LED) as an organic light emitting diode (OLED), as a light emitting transistor or as an organic light emitting transistor. The light emitting device may be part of an integrated circuit in various embodiments. Furthermore, a plurality of light-emitting components may be provided, for example housed in a common housing.

A planar light-emitting component, which has two flat, optically active sides, can be transparent or translucent in the connecting direction of the optically active sides, for example as a transparent or translucent organic light-emitting diode. A planar optoelectronic component can also be referred to as a planar optoelectronic component.

The optically active region of a light-emitting component may have a planar, optically active side and a flat, optically inactive side, for example an organic light-emitting diode which is set up as a so-called top emitter or bottom emitter. The optically inactive side may be transparent or translucent in various embodiments, or be provided with a mirror structure and / or an opaque substance or mixture of substances, for example for heat distribution. The beam path of the optoelectronic component can be directed, for example, on one side.

The first electrode, the second electrode and the organic functional layer structure region of an organic, light-emitting component can each be formed over a large area. As a result, the optoelectronic component can have a coherent luminous area which is not structured into functional subareas, for example a luminous area segmented into functional areas or around a luminous area which is formed by a large number of picture elements (pixels). As a result, a large-area radiation of electromagnetic radiation from the optoelectronic component can be made possible. "Large area" can mean that the optically active side has an area, for example a contiguous area, for example greater than or equal to a few square millimeters, for example greater than or equal to one square centimeter, for example greater than or equal to one square decimeter. By way of example, the optoelectronic component can have only one coherent luminous surface, which is brought about by the large-area and continuous formation of the electrodes and of the organic functional layer structure.

A light-emitting component which is designed as a surface light source may, in various embodiments, comprise an optical waveguide for the areal distribution of light from one or more surface and / or point light sources.

An optical waveguide is a conductor for conducting the electromagnetic radiation in various embodiments. The optical waveguide is a component which is transmissive to the electromagnetic radiation, for example translucent or transparent or at least substantially transparent, and which extends in an elongated extension direction. The beam conduction takes place internally in the optical waveguide, inter alia due to internal reflection on an outer wall of the optical waveguide, which can also be referred to as an interface, for example due to internal total reflection due to a lower refractive index of the material of the optical waveguide than the medium surrounding the optical waveguide or by mirroring the outer wall of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may, for example, comprise plastic, such as, for example, polymeric fibers, PMMA, polycarbonate and / or hard clad silica. Furthermore, the optical waveguide can be designed as planar optical waveguide structures (PLWL).

1 illustrates a schematic plan view of a device 100 for determining a predetermined information of an object 112 along a transport route 110 according to various embodiments.

The device 100 indicates the transport route 110 , the object 130 with optically active transmitting device 120 and an optically active receiving device 140 on.

As a result, specialized components, for example, inexpensive, compact and / or robust, components for the optically active transmitting device and the optically active receiving device 140 be used. An optically active transmitting device also causes the distance between the object 130 and the optically active receiving device 140 can be increased compared to conventional, optically passive devices, such as barcodes or QR codes. Conventionally used radio frequency identification devices, so-called RFID tags, also have the disadvantage that radio waves can shield better than visible light, whereby the distance between RFID tag and scanner is chosen to be relatively low. By means of the optically active transmitting device 120 On the other hand, the number of different pieces of information that can be received along the transport route by the transmitting device from the receiving device is increased. Alternatively or additionally, the number of positions along the transport path in which the information (s) can be received can be increased, for example because the greater distance between transmitting device and receiving device causes a larger detector field of the receiving device. Thus, the device allows 100 become new fields of application for light communication.

In various embodiments, the object is 112 an article, for example a package, an outer packaging, a container; or a living being, for example a human, a plant or an animal, for example a patient.

The device 100 indicates the transport route 110 on which at least one starting position 102 and at least one end position 104 has and is set up the object 112 from the at least one starting position 102 to the at least one end position 104 to transport.

The object can be transported autonomously or automatically along the transport route. An autonomous transported can be understood as a follow an instruction, the drive of a transport device for covering the transport route is autonomous, for example, without physical boundary or fencing as a conveyor belt.

The transport path may be, for example, a predetermined distance, a predetermined path or a predetermined path. For example, the object is transported on a carriage or vehicle, for example an industrial truck on the transport route. For example, the object to be transported is a package on a pallet in a warehouse. Alternatively, however, the object may also be an animal, such as a patient, on a transporter, such as a wheelchair, stretcher, bed, infusion holder, or similar device connected to a patient.

The at least one light-emitting component can be attached to the patient or the transport device.

The transport route can, for example, have a path with information signs and / or markings along which the object is transported. The transport in this case can be an instruction to follow a given path or to reach a given destination. The path may be a path of a plurality of possible paths, with at least a portion of the paths having different end positions.

Alternatively or additionally, the transport path may for example comprise a conveyor belt, for example a roller conveyor. The transport route is predetermined or restricted in this case by structural measures

The sending device 120 has at least one light-emitting component 114 and a control device 116 on.

The control device 116 is set up, the at least one light emitting device 114 such that it is a predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 emitted. A predetermined sequence of light pulses is in 1 in an example shown enlarged in the form of light pulses strung together in time t with an intensity I and pulse pauses.

The light pulses may have different intensities. The intensities may be interpreted by the receiving device as logical "1" or logical "0". A logical "0" can be realized for example by means of a pulse pause in the sequence of light pulses. A logical "1" can for example be realized by means of a pulse amplitude of the light pulses, which is greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be dependent on the photosensitivity of the at least one photodetector and / or the distance of the at least one photodetector from the object. The predetermined value should be at least so large that the at least one photodetector generates a signal when a light pulse from the light-emitting component is detected, which differs from the noise, including, for example, interference by reflections, for example a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 2 -to-1 or more. Alternatively or additionally, further information can be transmitted by means of the pulse amplitude of the light pulses, for example a depth information, for example an object-photodetector distance; an aging state of the light-emitting device, an energy level of the transmitting device, a coordinate with respect to the transport path. For example, in the case of a plurality of light-emitting components and / or segments, light pulses which are emitted in a first direction with regard to the transport path can have a first pulse amplitude. Light pulses that are emitted in a different direction to the first direction, a second direction having a second pulse amplitude. The second pulse amplitude is, for example, greater than the first pulse amplitude, so that the at least one photodetector generates different signals for the light pulses with first pulse amplitude and second pulse amplitude. For example, the second pulse amplitude is twice or more times greater than the first pulse amplitude.

The at least one light-emitting component is set up such that the light of the light pulses has a wavelength in the wavelength range of an ultraviolet light, a visible light and / or an infrared light. In other words: light is not limited to visible light in the sense of this description but may also have ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. radiofrequency radiation is therefore not light in the sense of the description.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 a single light emitting device 114 on. This allows a simple and inexpensive construction.

In one embodiment, the transmitting device 120 at least one laser diode. This enables a high range of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component and which can be detected by the receiving device. This allows the distance between the object 130 and the at least one photodetector 132 the receiving device 140 be enlarged. The greater distance allows a larger detector field of the photodetector. For example, the photodetector may include a fisheye lens to enlarge the detector array of a conventional photodetector.

Alternatively, the transmitting device 120 several light-emitting components 114 on, wherein the plurality of light-emitting components 114 are independently operable. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 at least one light-emitting component 114 with a plurality of light-emitting segments, wherein the plurality of light-emitting segments are operable independently of each other. This allows for simultaneous multi-channel communication of the object 130 with the receiving device 140 , This can be done by the device 100 for example, the motion vector of the object 130 regarding the transport route 110 be determined.

The multiple light emitting devices 114 can be at a given minimum distance to each other on the object 112 be arranged. As a result, the light-emitting components are separate, light-emitting components 114 detectable by the receiving device. The predetermined minimum distance may be dependent on the number of light emitting devices, the number of photodetectors, and / or the distance of the object 103 to the photodetector (s).

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 one or more point light sources, for example at least one light emitting diode or a laser diode. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 one or more surface light sources, for example, an organic light emitting diode or coupled to a planar optical waveguide light emitting diode. For example, the transmitting device 120 at least one point light source and one area light source, wherein the point light source is operable independently of the area light source. The point light source can be used, for example, as a status light for the functionality of the area light source, for example in the continuous wave principle. Alternatively, the point light source may indicate the beginning / and / or the end of a sequence of light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, the point light source may provide a check value for the sequence of light pulses of the area light source.

In one embodiment, the transmitting device 120 at least one area light source and / or a plurality of spaced apart at a minimum distance point light sources in such a way that light from the transmitting device 120 at least partially in mutually perpendicular spatial direction is emitted. This enables a 2.5D or 3D shaping of the light-emitting component, for example an adaptation of the shape of the light-emitting component to the shape of the object. A 2.5D or 3D shaping of the light-emitting component has, for example, a curvature or a kink, for example in the optically active region.

The control device can be set up as a processor, a computer or another data processing device which receives, evaluates and controls the individual signals of the components and modules of the transmitting device.

The sending device 120 may further comprise a battery, which is configured, an operating current for the at least one light emitting device 114 and the control device 116 provide. The battery can be reusable or rechargeable. The capacity of the battery is sufficient to provide energy for emitting the train of light pulses, at least for the duration the object requires from the initial position 102 to the final position 104 to be transported.

Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit an alternating electromagnetic field. In this case, the transmitting device 120 For example, have an antenna device, wherein the antenna device is adapted to at least partially receive the alternating electromagnetic field and to generate therefrom an electrical energy, which the control device 116 and the at least one light emitting device 114 operates. The device 100 may include a rechargeable battery connected to the antenna device to store at least a portion of the energy received by the antenna device.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device is 120 in the object 112 integrated. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 formed in the form of a pad or a band and on the object 112 appropriate. For example, the transmitting device 120 by means of an adhesive connection on, on or over the object 112 fixed. The optically active transmitting device 120 is, for example, reversibly removable on the object 112 fixed.

Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting device 120 for multiple use, successively on multiple objects 112 set up, ie reusable.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is connected to the control device 116 coupled. The control device 116 is further arranged such that the light emitting device 114 a first sequence of light pulses 124 emitted when the sensor provides the first sensor signal and the light-emitting device 114 a second sequence different from the first sequence emits when the sensor provides the second sensor signal.

As a result, for example, a state change of the object can be transmitted to the receiving device, for example a rotation or translation of the object 130 with respect to the transport route and / or a change in temperature or humidity.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 a (first) object further comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The sending device 120 is configured to communicate with another (second) object with optically active transmitting device with transmitter and receiver, so that the at least one light emitting device 114 of the object 130 is driven such that it is a predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 emitted, the predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 another object on the transport route 110 equivalent. The further object may be the second object or a third object on the transport route. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 of the object 130 to the predetermined sequence of light pulses 124 another object on the transport route 110 differently.

The transport route 110 is set up in these examples, several objects simultaneously, for example, transported spatially offset on the transport route.

For example, the plurality of objects on the transport path may emit sequences of light pulses that are correlated with the same common object identification information, also referred to as object group information. For example, the same identification information can be transmitted to several objects if the objects originate from a same production unit or have the same end position, for example a common distributor position. The plurality of objects may switch from emission of the same information to object-specific information when, for example, transmitted from one of the objects or from the device to one or more of the other objects.

The object-specific information may still be the same information as before. Switching to another information takes place in this case, starting from the object and not by means of a comparison of the signals with the signals of the other objects

Alternatively, switching to object-specific information includes changing the information. For example, this can be done in the event that the object which changes the signal reaches a distributor position and now has a different, new end position. Alternatively, the signal may be changed, for example, in the event that the state of the object has previously changed. For example, in the event that the object leaves the transport route, for example falls down, or has reached the end position.

The optically active receiving device 140 has at least one photodetector 132 and a detection device 134 on.

The at least one photodetector 132 is set up, the series of light pulses 124 of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component in at least one position between the at least one initial position 102 and the at least one end position 104 the transport route 110 to detect and in a signal 136 convert.

In various embodiments, the receiving device 140 a single photodetector 132 on, for example, a single camera, such as a digital camera or tracking camera.

Alternatively, the receiving device 140 several photodetectors 132 on, for example, several cameras. The multiple photodetectors 132 can along the transport route 110 be arranged.

The multiple photodetectors 132 can each have a detector field within which light pulses can be detected. The multiple photodetectors 132 can so with respect to the transport route 110 be arranged that at least a portion of the plurality of detector fields is non-overlapping. In other words, the plurality of photodetectors can be arranged at a distance from one another along the transport path and / or be directed to this with their respective detector field. The detector fields of the plurality of photodetectors may be different from each other.

The investigative device 134 is set up, the given information from the signal 136 of the photodetector 132 to investigate.

In various embodiments, the receiving device 140 static or substantially static with respect to the transport route 110 educated.

Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the receiving device 140 at least partially movable along the transport route 110 set up, for example in the form of a mobile photodetector 132 or a handheld device, such as a mobile scanner or smart phone.

In various embodiments, at least part of the transport route 110 arranged in a room with a ceiling lighting. At least one photo detector 132 may be integrated in the ceiling lighting in this embodiment.

In various embodiments, the device or the receiving device further comprises an output device. The output device is connected to the detection device 134 coupled and set up so that another signal 138 is issued when the determining device 134 has determined the predetermined information. The output device may include or be connected to a computer network. In this case, the information of the object is forwarded to the network and stored and / or processed by a server or other infrastructure. Alternatively, the Output device be an alarm device, such as a disturbance or transport status traffic light, a fault signal, an emergency stop of the transport route or the like.

In various embodiments, the predetermined information is at least one property of the object 112 from the following properties: an identity (ID) of the object 112 , a position of the object 112 on the transport route 110 , an orientation of the object 112 on the transport route 110 ; a directional and / or velocity vector of the object 112 regarding the transport route 110 and / or at least one photodetector 132 ,

In various embodiments, the sequence of light pulses comprises multi-channel information. For example, the sequence of light pulses 124 a first n-bit information and a second n-bit information. The first n-bit information and the second n-bit may at least partially simultaneously from the at least one light emitting device 114 be sent (with n of an integer).

The first n-bit information may be different than the second n-bit information. Alternatively, the first n-bit information is equal to the second n-bit information.

In various embodiments, the control device 116 set up such that at least one light-emitting component 114 in a first period, a first series of light pulses 124 emitted, which is correlated with a first information, and in a second period, a second sequence of light pulses 124 emitted, which is correlated with a second information different from the first one.

In various embodiments, the sequence of light pulses has a check value for a cyclic redundancy check.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 several light emitting device 114 and / or a light emitting device 114 a plurality of light-emitting segments which in parallel receive a train of light pulses 124 emit. The sequence of light pulses, for example light pulses transmitted in parallel, may have a test value, for example for a cyclic redundancy test.

2 FIG. 4 illustrates, in a schematic plan view, a reference object for calibrating a device described above according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, a reference object 200 for calibrating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The device may be designed according to one of the described embodiments.

The reference object has an optically active transmitting device, wherein the transmitting device has two or more light emitting areas 202 . 204 . 206 has and has a control device. The control device is configured to have two or more light-emitting areas 202 . 204 . 206 to drive so that the two or more light emitting areas 202 . 204 . 206 emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light-emitting regions 202 . 204 . 206 can be independently operable. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions 202 . 204 . 206 be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions 202 . 204 . 206 having predetermined predetermined radiation characteristics.

By means of the reference object, an interactive device calibration is possible, for example at predetermined positions of the transport path or a predetermined movement of the reference object. For example, an object can be moved as a reference object for calibration in a predetermined time range in a predetermined position and the device can be calibrated at this time and at this position of the transport path. Such a position may be, for example, a charging station for charging the transmitting device with electrical energy.

3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path according to various embodiments.

The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

The method comprises detecting S1 one from the transmitting device 120 an object emitted sequence of light pulses by means of the at least one photodetector, a converting S2 the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of the photodetector, a transmitting S3 the signal to the determining device; a determination S4 a predetermined information by means of the determination device; and providing S5 a further signal that is correlated with the determined, predetermined information on.

The predetermined information can be determined from a multiplicity of predetermined information. The plurality of predetermined information can be stored for example in a table, a memory or a database. The predetermined information can be determined from the plurality of predetermined information by means of a bit comparison, wherein the predetermined information is stored as a bit sequence.

The determining may include whether the signal of the photodetector is correlated with one or more identical and / or different predetermined information.

4 shows an embodiment of a light emitting device 1 in the form of a surface light source. The light emitting device 1 For example, the above-described light-emitting device 114 correspond, ie be identical, the light-emitting device 1 has a carrier 12 on. The carrier 12 can be translucent or transparent. The carrier 12 serves as a carrier element for electronic elements or layers, for example light-emitting elements. The carrier 12 For example, plastic, metal, glass, quartz and / or a semiconductor material can have or be formed from it. Furthermore, the carrier can 12 comprise or be formed from a plastic film or a laminate with one or more plastic films. The carrier 12 can be mechanically rigid or mechanically flexible.

On the carrier 12 an electroluminescent layer structure is formed. The electroluminescent layer structure has a first electrode layer 14, which has a first contact section 16 , a second contact section 18 and a first electrode 20 having. The carrier 12 The first electrode layer 14 may also be referred to as a substrate. Between the carrier 12 and the first electrode layer 14 may be formed a first, not shown, barrier layer, for example a first barrier thin layer.

The first electrode 20 is from the first contact section 16 by means of an electrical insulation barrier 21 electrically isolated. The second contact section 18 is with the first electrode 20 the optoelectronic layer structure electrically coupled. The first electrode 20 may be formed as an anode or as a cathode. The first electrode 20 can be translucent or transparent. The first electrode 20 has an electrically conductive material, for example, metal and / or a conductive conductive oxide (TCO) or a layer stack of several layers comprising metals or TCOs. The first electrode 20 For example, a layer stack may comprise a combination of a layer of a metal on a layer of a TCO, or vice versa. An example is a silver layer deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (Ag on ITO) or ITO-Ag-ITO multilayers. The first electrode 20 may alternatively or in addition to the materials mentioned include: networks of metallic nanowires and particles, for example of Ag, networks of carbon nanotubes, graphene particles and layers and / or networks of semiconducting nanowires.

Above the first electrode 20 is an optically functional layer structure, for example an organic functional layer structure 22 , the optoelectronic layer structure formed. The organic functional layer structure 22 For example, it may have one, two or more sublayers. For example, the organic functional layer structure 22 a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emitter layer, an electron transport layer and / or an electron injection layer. The hole injection layer serves to reduce the band gap between the first electrode and hole transport layer. In the hole transport layer, the hole conductivity is larger than the electron conductivity. The hole transport layer serves to transport the holes. In the electron transport layer, the electron conductivity is larger than the hole conductivity. The electron transport layer serves to transport the electrons. The electron injection layer serves to reduce the band gap between the second electrode and the electron transport layer. Furthermore, the organic functional layer structure 22 one, two or more functional layer structure units, each having said sub-layers and / or further intermediate layers.

Over the organic functional layer structure 22 is a second electrode 23 of the optoelectronic layer structure, which is electrically connected to the first contact section 16 is coupled. The second electrode 23 may according to one of the embodiments of the first electrode 20 be formed, wherein the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 23 may be the same or different. The first electrode 20 serves, for example, as the anode or cathode of the optoelectronic layer structure. The second electrode 23 serves corresponding to the first electrode as the cathode or anode of the optoelectronic layer structure.

The electroluminescent layer structure is an electrically and / or optically active region. The active region is, for example, the region of the light-emitting component 10 in which electrical current flows for operation of the light-emitting component and / or in which electromagnetic radiation is generated or absorbed. On or above the active area, a getter structure (not shown) may be arranged. The getter layer can be translucent, transparent or opaque. The getter layer may include or be formed of a material that absorbs and binds substances that are detrimental to the active area.

Above the second electrode 23 and partially over the first contact portion 16 and partially over the second contact portion 18 is an encapsulation layer 24 the electroluminescent layer structure is formed, which encapsulates the electroluminescent layer structure. The encapsulation layer 24 may be formed as a second barrier layer, for example as a second barrier thin layer. The encapsulation layer 24 can also be referred to as thin-layer encapsulation. The encapsulation layer 24 forms a barrier to chemical contaminants or atmospheric substances, in particular to water (moisture) and oxygen. The encapsulation layer 24 may be formed as a single layer, a layer stack or a layer structure. The encapsulation layer 24 may include or be formed from: alumina, zinc oxide, zirconia, titania, hafnia, tantalum lanthania, silica, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), nylon 66, and mixtures and alloys thereof , Optionally, the first barrier layer on the carrier 12 corresponding to a configuration of the encapsulation layer 24 be educated.

In the encapsulation layer 24 are above the first contact section 16 a first recess of the encapsulation layer 24 and over the second contact portion 18 a second recess of the encapsulation layer 24 educated. In the first recess of the encapsulation layer 24 is a first contact area 32 exposed and in the second recess of the encapsulation layer 24 is a second contact area 34 exposed. The first contact area 32 serves for electrically contacting the first contact section 16 and the second contact area 34 serves for electrically contacting the second contact section 18 ,

Above the encapsulation layer 24 is an adhesive layer 36 educated. The adhesive layer 36 has, for example, an adhesive, for example an adhesive, for example a laminating adhesive, a lacquer and / or a resin. The adhesive layer 36 For example, it may comprise particles which scatter electromagnetic radiation, for example light-scattering particles.

Over the adhesive layer 36 is a cover body 38 educated. The adhesive layer 36 serves to fasten the cover body 38 at the encapsulation layer 24 , The cover body 38 has, for example, plastic, glass and / or metal. For example, the cover body 38 may be formed essentially of glass and a thin metal layer, such as a metal foil, and / or a graphite layer, such as a graphite laminate, on the glass body. The cover body 38 serves to protect the conventional light-emitting device 1 , for example, from mechanical forces from the outside. Furthermore, the cover body 38 serve for distributing and / or dissipating heat, which in the conventional optoelectronic device 1 is produced. For example, the glass of the cover body 38 serve as protection against external influences and the metal layer of the cover body 38 can be used for distributing and / or discharging during operation of the conventional light-emitting device 1 serve arising heat.

5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 100 according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the transport path has a plurality of input positions 102 and / or multiple home positions 104 on. The entry positions 102 are each at a distance too the starting positions 104 arranged. The entry positions 102 and the starting positions 104 are access points where one or more objects 112 enter or leave the transport route 1106.

In various embodiments, the object 112 for example, a person, such as a patient or hospital staff; or a commodity, such as a parcel.

The light emitting device 114 For example, it may be a low cost infrared LED or a laser diode incorporated in, for example, a wristband. In other words: the sending device 120 may be in the form of a band or a band, for example in the form of a bracelet or collar.

In one embodiment, the device is 100 set up in a warehouse. The receiving device 140 has three cameras as photodetectors 132 which are statically attached to the ceiling of the warehouse. The objects 112 of which one is information along a transport route 110 can be determined, for example, containers, packages or boxes, such as pallets. Every object 130 or a portion of the plurality of objects 112 in the warehouse may issue an identification number of one or more positions on the object. The identification number is transmitted in which a pulsed light 114 on the object 112 is appropriate. The cameras 132 then can the position and identification of the object 130 recognize and track.

The exact position of each object 130 can be calculated as the object 130 in one or more detection fields of the cameras 132 appears and the exact position of the cameras 132 in the warehouse is known. For the positions in a two-dimensional space, a few of data points are required. For example, by the object 130 from two or more cameras 132 is detected or two or more light emitting devices 114 on an object 112 are attached. In a similar way, a three-dimensional position determination can be carried out, for which purpose the object 130 through three or more cameras 132 is detected, or three or more light emitting devices 114 on the object 112 are arranged. A higher accuracy of the position determination can be achieved by more cameras 132 and / or by more light emitting devices 114 on an object 112 be achieved.

The light-emitting components 114 can in any way temporarily or permanently on or on the object 112 to be appropriate. The advantage of the sequence of light pulses over other technologies, such as QR codes or bar codes, is that the distance between the light emitting device 114 or the object 112 . 130 and the photodetector 132 can be increased, for example, because the light pulses propagate further than reflected by the bar code or QR code light. As a result, for example, the distance between the light emitting device 114 and the photodetector 132 be increased by a 100 times or more compared to a conventional distance.

Compared to radio frequency transmitters for position determination, such as in RFID technology, the device with optically active transmitting device 120 has the advantage that light is easier to shield than radiofrequency radiation. In other words, by the fact that the range of radio frequency sources is greater, in the RFID technology more easily interference signals can superimpose the position determination. Furthermore, the shielding of electromagnetic radiation with radio frequency is more expensive than the shielding of light, since radio frequency electromagnetic radiation is reflected more strongly and multiple times in a warehouse.

With radiofrequency radiation, it would have been more difficult for the receiving device to accurately determine the position of an object by triangulation, since the radiofrequency radiation is reflected more frequently than light.

6 shows an embodiment of a section of a device according to various embodiments. The device may be designed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device 120 several light-emitting components 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 or at least one light emitting device 114 with several light-emitting segments 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 which are independently operable (also referred to as different light-emitting areas).

The light emitting areas 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 can be an equal sequence of light pulses 124 or different sequences of light pulses 602 . 604 . 606 . 608 emit. With different consequences of Light pulses may have the consequences of different duty cycles, different amplitudes, different phases and / or different frequencies. In other words, the light pulses of the different sequences 602 . 604 . 606 . 608 the light emitting areas 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 For example, light may have mutually different wavelengths, intensity, and / or other conventional light modulation. The different consequences of light pulses 602 . 604 . 606 . 608 the light emitting areas 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 can be determined by the receiving device as the same or different information, for example, as the same or different bit sequence and / or correlated information.

This enables optical, spatial multi-channel communication. As a result, for example, the orientation and / or a plurality of different status information of the object can be transmitted to the transmitting device simultaneously and / or independently of one another. This allows a high information density and a reduction of the transport time of the object.

Alternatively or additionally, this allows a redundant transmission of the same information, for example in the event that the optical path to the receiver device is blocked by a part of the plurality of light-emitting components or segments.

The device may be arranged such that the receiving device is a mobile terminal 600 (Also referred to as a mobile, portable or mobile receiving device 600 ) or supported. The portable receiving device 600 For example, it may be a smart device, such as a smart phone, a laptop, or a tablet computer.

The portable receiving device 600 can have one or more photodetectors 132 have, for example, one or more cameras 132 that is to record the consequences of light pulses 124 . 602 . 604 . 606 . 608 is set up.

The portable receiving device 600 determined from the sequence (s) of light pulses 124 . 602 . 604 . 606 . 608 By means of a computer hardware one or more predetermined information (s), this converted into further signals 138 transmits by means of an output device, such as a display of the portable receiving device 600 out.

By means of the portable receiving device 600 can be detected different, flexibly selectable positions along the transport path one or more predetermined information of an object, such as a state of the object, as described above.

7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the device has a plurality of photodetectors 132 on, for example, a variety of photodetectors. For example, the photodetectors may each comprise one or a plurality of photodiodes or phototransistors, for example one or more CCD sensors. In various embodiments, the device has at least one first photodetector 702 and a second photodetector 704 on, have the different detector fields, that are directed, for example, in or out of different directions, different distances and / or different angles to the transport route. This allows temporally and / or spatially different determination of the same or different information of one or more objects 706 . 708 - each with one or more light emitting area (s) 114 - Which are at the same time on the transport path and / or transported, ie moved, be. That is, some of the multiple objects that are simultaneously on the transport route can be transported or moved while other objects are not moved. The non-moving objects may, for example, be paused at a charging station for electrically charging the transmitting device or at a distributor position.

A light emitting device or multiple light emitting devices may be in a permanent or reversible manner on or on the object 112 be upset. The light-emitting component (s) can illustratively represent a buoy (beacon), which enables an identification and / or status representation of an object.

The light-emitting component can emit, for example, an identification number by means of the sequence of light pulses. At least one photodetector, such as a camera, can track the position by reading out the identification number on a particular camera matrix element.

With more than one photodetector, for example more than one camera, and / or more than one light emitting device on the object 112 , it is possible to improve the precision of positioning and the direction of movement of the object 112 to investigate.

For example, there are several cameras 702 . 704 provided in the device to the movements and / or other predetermined information of one or more objects 706 . 708 along the transport route 110 to investigate. The objects 706 . 708 with light-emitting component (s) 114 each emit a sequence of light pulses, the sequences being correlated with an identification number or bit sequence. In other words, each object can have at least one light-emitting component which emits a sequence of light pulses on the transport path which is correlated with an identification number of the respective object.

Based on one or more photodetectors, each with an image sensor having a plurality of separate pixels, the separate pixels of the image sensor can be used to identify the data stream of all the light-emitting components in parallel, and from this determine the exact position of the respective object 112 along the transport route. With several photodetectors 702 . 704 . 132 For example, the movement of an object can be tracked accurately in a three-dimensional space, for example by means of the angle information, for example by means of triangulation of the information of an object by means of several cameras. In other words, the plurality of photodetectors can evaluate the predetermined information, which has been detected by means of a sequence of light pulses, and transmit them to a central evaluation device, which then determines the correct position and / or direction of movement of the object 112 along the transport route 110 determined.

The triangulation of an object is possible, for example, by viewing the object 112 by means of two or more photodetectors with different viewing angles or detection fields. In addition, the intensity or the known course of the transport route can be used in the triangulation. Thereby, the position and orientation of each light emitting device on the object can be triangulated.

In order to increase the accuracy even further, each light emitting device of an object 112 emit the same or a different sequence of light pulses correlated with each identification number or multi-bit sequence. In other words, various light emitting devices or light emitting segments of a light emitting device on an object may emit the same light identification code or different light identification codes. A light identification code or an identification number is in this sense the information correlated with a sequence of light pulses.

By means of identifying all the light-emitting points of an object by the light identification codes, the orientation of the object can be calculated, for example in three-dimensional space.

By means of different light identification codes of the individual light-emitting components or light-emitting segments, it is possible to calculate the orientation of the object with respect to the transport path in three-dimensional space. Alternatively or additionally, by means of the same light identification code of the individual light-emitting components or segments, the stability of the system can be increased, for example due to the redundancy of the detected, identical information. In addition, this allows the object to be oriented in any direction or orientation on or along the transport path without obscuring all light emitting areas, as may be the case, for example, with a single point light source.

In one embodiment, the plurality of light emitting devices or light emitting segments of a light emitting device of an object may be switched between different modes with respect to the sequence of light pulses.

In a first mode, all the light-emitting components or light-emitting segments each emit a sequence of light pulses, which is correlated with identical or identical information.

In a second mode, the respective light-emitting components or light-emitting segments each emit a sequence of light pulses which are different from one another and are thus correlated with different information.

As a result, for example, several objects can be marked as an identification group, for example for several objects of a production unit.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, within an identification group or within a component with a plurality of light-emitting components or light-emitting segments, dynamically switched between the first and second modes, for example, in the event that an object on the transport route has unintentionally rotated or threatens the deviate from the specified transport route.

Such a rotation or deviation may, for example, be detected by means of a sensor provided in the transmitting device and used as a carrier for the dynamic switching from the first mode to the second mode.

Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the device in the first mode and in the second mode can be temporally and / or spatially offset, for example in different sections of the transport route.

For example, in the case where several objects have the same destination, these multiple objects can be operated as an identification group in the first mode, for example for a section of the transport route. As a result, the scope of the table or the database in which the predetermined information is stored or stored can be reduced for this section, so that the processor time for processing the sequence of light pulses in the determination device can be reduced.

Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting components can emit sequences of light pulses which are correlated with the same or different information only in certain time windows, for example, pauses of a predetermined period of time can be provided between the sequences of light pulses. Alternatively or additionally, pauses may be provided for emitting the sequence of light pulses, for example for predetermined sections of the transport path, for example straight sections of the transport path without a branch.

Table 1 shows an example of an identification group based on a sequence of 8-bit light pulses, by means of which, for example, 16 different objects each having 16 different light-emitting areas, i. light-emitting components or light-emitting segments, can be addressed uniquely. Each sequence of light points of an object of this identification group can have a different meaning.

When using multi-channel information, for example, the identification, the orientation or any other information can be transmitted in parallel or sequentially by means of the different pulse sequence of light pulses. This information can be used for example for the control of the object along the transport route, for example, for switching a switch of the transport route to transport the object to a predetermined end position.

The word width for identification (in Tab. 1: 4-bit) can have any desired value, for example by reducing the number of bits of the light-emitting components and / or in which the word width of the sequence of light pulses is greater than 8 bits. Tab.l: ID object No. of the light-emitting device 0000 0000 1 1 0000 0001 1 2 0000 0010 1 3 0000 0011 1 4 0001 0000 2 1 0001 0001 2 2 0001 0010 2 3

In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a receiving device having one or more cameras as a photodetector (s) installed in an environment and used to move one or more objects 706 . 708 to pursue. An object sends (in each case) an identification code by means of at least one light-emitting component 114 the transmitting device.

The image sensor of the camera (s), ie the separated pixels, are used to detect in parallel the data stream from all the light emitting devices and the position of the one or more objects 706 . 708 to calculate.

Several or different cameras 702 . 704 can be used to improve position determination and tracking using the additional angle information.

8A shows a schematic side view and 8B shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a transmitting device according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

Several and / or different light-emitting components 114 . 610 . 612 . 614 on an object may send the same or different information in the form of one or more sequences of light pulses.

By means of different information or identification codes (see Table 1), it is possible for an object to determine the orientation of the object in three-dimensional space. For this purpose, a plurality of light-emitting regions of the transmitting device should be arranged at a minimum distance from each other and in a predetermined arrangement to each other.

Additionally or alternatively, with the same identification codes for an object, it is possible to increase the stability of the system by means of the redundancy of the data in different light-emitting components. That is, the object may be oriented in any direction and / or orientation along the transport path without shadowing all the light emitting devices.

Additionally or alternatively, a combination of identical and different identification codes is possible, for example by using identification groups (see above), a dynamic adaptation of the identification groups, for example after detecting the rotation of the object by means of an internal sensor, for example of an object of a plurality of Objects on the transport route.

Alternatively or additionally, the same or different information may be sent out of time. For example, identical or different information can only be emitted at specific, predetermined times or sections of the transport path in the form of different sequences of light pulses of the respective objects or light-emitting components.

9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the sequence of light pulses may have a check value or be correlated therewith. By means of the test value, for example, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) can be realized. This allows bit errors during the transmission of the light from the light-emitting device 124 or the light-emitting components 602 . 604 . 606 to the photodetector 132 to investigate.

By using more than one light-emitting device (up to N light-emitting devices, with N an integer), it is possible to implement a parallel, n-bit cyclic redundancy check, where n can be equal to N.

This increases data security by means of a spatial distribution of the plurality of light-emitting components relative to one another on a common object and can avoid or reduce data loss. The spatial distribution is the distance between the light-emitting components or segments of a transmitting device 120 an object 130 and their arrangement to each other.

If a plurality of light-emitting components or segments of an object emit the same sequence of light pulses, for example offset in parallel and / or in time, the same data stream can be detected and / or evaluated several times by the photodetector. With this technique, a loss of data, for example, due to a so-called rolling-shutter effect can be avoided or reduced. With the rolling shutter effect, the photodetector scans the individual pixels of the image sensor 902 serially in rows or rows while the object is 130 emotional. Through the movement of the object 130 , the serial scanning and the pulsed light emission of the light-emitting components otherwise it could happen that the individual light pulses could not be detected.

As the illumination area, i. optically active surface, for example, in the case of a surface light source, for example of one or more LEDs, which are coupled to an optical waveguide; OLEDs or OLECs, it is possible to reduce the shading of the illumination surface or the rolling shutter effect or avoid.

With flexible OLEDs, it is also possible to equip three-dimensional objects with a surface light source as a light-emitting component.

10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

In various embodiments, the transmitting device may be a light-emitting component 1004 as an indicator light source (in 10 as first condition 1000 illustrated). The indicator light source may be, for example, a point light source, a segment of a light emitting device having two or more light emitting segments, and / or a light emitting device of a plurality of light emitting devices. The indicator light source can, for example, in continuous wave mode, periodically flashing or in any other, predetermined manner emit light to represent the operation of the transmitting device determinable. Such a representation is advantageous, for example, during a pulse break in the sequence of light pulses, while the object is in a rest position on the transport route, or when the transmitting device is off the transport route, for example, to illustrate a state of charge of the battery of the transmitting device.

Additionally or temporally offset (in 10 as second state 1002 illustrated), the transmitting device, a surface light source 1006 by means of which the sequence of light pulses is emitted and transmitted to the at least one photodetector. The use of a surface light source can prevent the entire light-emitting surface from passing through small objects, such as a cable, between the photodetector 132 and the light-emitting device 1006 is shadowed. During the transport of the object, the rolling shutter effect can also be reduced by the use of a surface light source as the light emitting device of the transmitting device, since at any detection or viewing angle of the photodetector on the surface light source 1006 usually always several pixels of the image sensor 902 of the photodetector 132 are activated, ie detect the sequence of light pulses.

In other words, the photodetector having a plurality of optically active pixels, in a surface light source as the light emitting device of one of the transmission apparatus, detects multichannel information having a plurality of data streams which are identical to each other, thereby enabling data correction.

11A shows a schematic side view and 11B shows a schematic plan view of embodiments of transmitting devices according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

Various light-emitting components can be used for the transmitting device. For example, at least one light-emitting device may be a point light source, such as an LED having a chip size in a range of about 5 μm to about 50 μm. For example, the point light source may emit light in a wavelength range that is visible or non-visible, such as infrared or ultraviolet. Advantages of a point light source are a relatively low energy consumption and small footprint.

Area light sources, for example organic light-emitting diodes or a plurality of LEDs coupled to a planar optical waveguide, have the advantage of a high aspect ratio between the thickness and the large emission area. OLEDs can also be flexibly produced and applied to the object. Thus, OLEDs for curved or kinked objects can be used as light emitting devices that conform to the contour of the object, as in FIG 11A is illustrated.

Several light-emitting components 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 may be arranged next to one another and / or a light-emitting component may have a plurality of light-emitting segments 610 . 612 . 614 . 616 exhibit.

Example 1, with reference to 1 to 11 is described, is a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The device has a transport path which has at least one initial position and at least one end position and is set up to transport the object from the at least one initial position to the at least one end position. The object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting device has at least one light-emitting component and a control device. The control device is set up to control the at least one light-emitting component in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses. The device further comprises an optically active receiving device. The optically active receiving device has at least one photodetector and a detection device. The at least one photodetector is set up to detect the sequence of light pulses of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component in at least one position between the at least one initial position and the at least one end position of the transport path and to convert it into a signal. The determination device is set up to determine the predetermined information from the signal of the photodetector.

In Example 2, the subject of the example 1 furthermore, that the transmitting device has a single light-emitting component.

In Example 3, the subject matter of the example 1 Furthermore, that the transmission device has a plurality of light-emitting components or at least one light-emitting component having a plurality of light-emitting segments, which are operable independently of one another.

In Example 4, an article of Examples 1-3 may further include the transmitter device having one or more point light sources, such as a light emitting diode or a laser diode.

In Example 5, an article of Examples 1-4 may further include the transmitter device including one or more surface light sources, such as an organic light emitting diode or a light emitting diode coupled to a planar optical waveguide.

In example 6, an object of examples 1-5 may further comprise that the transmitting device has at least one area light source and / or a plurality of spaced apart point light sources such that light from the transmitting device is at least partially emissive in mutually perpendicular spatial direction.

In Example 7, an article of Examples 1-6 may further include the receiving device having a single photodetector, such as a single camera.

In Example 8, an article of Examples 1-6 may further comprise the receiving device having a plurality of photodetectors, for example a plurality of cameras.

In Example 9, an object of Examples 1-8 may further comprise the predetermined information comprising at least one property of the object of the following properties: an identity of the object, a position of the object on transport path, an orientation of the object on transport path; one Direction and / or velocity vector of the object with respect to the transport path and / or at least one photodetector.

In Example 10, an object of Examples 1-9 may further include that the receiving device is statically formed with respect to the transportation route.

In Example 11, an object of Examples 1-11 may further comprise arranging at least a part of the transportation route in a room having ceiling lighting. At least one photodetector is integrated in the ceiling lighting.

In Example 12, an article of Examples 1-11 may further comprise the device further comprising an output device. The output device is coupled to the determination device and configured such that a further signal is output when the determination device has determined the predetermined information.

In Example 13, an article of Examples 1-12 may further include the sequence of light pulses comprising multi-channel information.

In Example 14, an article of Examples 1-13 may further comprise the transmitter further comprising a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal different from the first sensor signal. The sensor is coupled to the controller. The control device is further configured such that the light-emitting component emits a first series of light pulses when the sensor provides the first sensor signal and the light-emitting component emits a second sequence different from the first sequence when the sensor provides the second sensor signal.

In Example 15, an object of Examples 1-14 may further include the controller configured such that at least one light emitting device emits a first series of light pulses correlated to a first information in a first period and a second period in a second period second sequence of light pulses correlated to a second information different from the first one.

In Example 16, an article of Examples 1-15 may further include the sequence of light pulses for a cyclic redundancy check test value.

In Example 17, an article of Examples 1-16 may further comprise the transmitter device including a plurality of light emitting devices and / or a light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting segments that emit in parallel a train of light pulses, the train of light pulses having a check value for a cyclic one Has redundancy check.

In Example 18, an article of Examples 1-17 may further comprise the transmitter apparatus further comprising a transmitter and a receiver and configured to communicate with another transmitter-receiver-optically active transmitter apparatus so that the at least one light-emitting device of the Object is driven such that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses, which corresponds to the predetermined sequence of light pulses of another object, such as the other object on the transport path and / or to the predetermined sequence of light pulses of another object, for example the other Object, on the transport route is different.

In Example 19, a reference object for calibrating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The reference object has an optically active transmitting device. The transmitting device has two or more light-emitting areas and a control device. The control device is configured to drive the two or more light-emitting regions such that the two or more light-emitting regions emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses. The two or more light emitting areas are independently operable. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the two or more light-emitting regions have preset radiation characteristics relative to each other.

Example 20 is a method for operating a device for determining a predetermined information of an object along a transport path. The device may be described in accordance with one Be trained. The method comprises detecting a sequence of light pulses emitted by the transmitting device of an object by means of the at least one photodetector. Furthermore, the method comprises converting the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of the photodetector. Furthermore, the method comprises a transmission of the signal to the determination device and a determination of a predetermined information by means of the determination device. In addition, the method comprises providing a further signal, which is correlated with the determined, predetermined information.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

contraption

102

starting position

104

end position

110

transport distance

112

object

114

light-emitting component

116

control device

118

control signal

120

optically active transmitting device

124

Sequence of light pulses

126

transport

130

Object with optically active transmitting device

132

photodetector

134

detecting device

136

signal

138

another signal

140

receiving device

200

reference body

202, 204, 206

light emitting areas

300

method

S1, S2, S3, S4, S5

steps

1

light-emitting component

12

carrier

16

first contact section

18

second contact section

20

first electrode

21

electrical insulation barrier

22

organic functional layer structure

23

second electrode

24

encapsulation

32

first contact area

34

second contact area

36

Adhesive layer

38

covering

600

portable receiving device

602, 604, 606, 608

Sequence of light pulses

610, 612, 614, 616

light emitting device / segment

702, 704

photodetectors

706, 708

objects

902

image sensor

1000, 1002

conditions

1004

Indicator light source

1006

Area light source

Claims (20)

Device (100) for determining a predetermined information of an object (112) along a transport path (110), comprising the device (100): The transport path (110) having at least one initial position (102) and at least one end position (104) and arranged to transport the object (112) from the at least one initial position (102) to the at least one final position (104); The object (130) having an optically active transmitting device (120), Wherein the transmitting device (120) has at least one light-emitting component (114) and a control device (116), Wherein the control device (116) is arranged to drive the at least one light-emitting component (114) in such a way that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124); and An optically active receiving device (140); Wherein the optically active receiving device (140) has at least one photodetector (132) and a determining device (134), Wherein the at least one photodetector (132) is arranged, the sequence of light pulses (124) of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component (114) in at least one position between the at least one initial position (102) and the at least one end position (104) Detecting transport path (110) and converting it into a signal (136), and Wherein the determining device (134) is arranged to determine the predetermined information from the signal (136) of the photodetector (132). Device (100) according to Claim 1 wherein the transmitting device (120) comprises a single light emitting device (114). Device (100) according to Claim 1 wherein the transmitting device (120) comprises a plurality of light emitting devices or at least one light emitting device (114) having a plurality of light emitting segments operable independently of each other. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the transmitting device (120) comprises one or more point light sources, in particular a light emitting diode or a laser diode. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 wherein the transmitting device (120) has one or more surface light sources, in particular an organic light emitting diode or a light emitting diode coupled to a planar optical waveguide. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the transmitting device (120) has at least one surface light source and / or a plurality of spaced apart point light sources such that light from the transmitting device (120) is at least partially emissive in mutually perpendicular spatial direction. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 wherein the receiving device (140) comprises a single photodetector (132), in particular a single camera. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 wherein the receiving device (140) comprises a plurality of photodetectors (132), in particular a plurality of cameras. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , wherein the predetermined information is at least one property of the object (112) from the group of properties: an identity of the object, a position of the object (112) on transport path (110), an orientation of the object (112) on transport path (110) ; a direction and / or velocity vector of the object (112) with respect to the transport path (110) and / or at least one photodetector (132). Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein receiving device (140) is formed statically with respect to the transport path (110). Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 wherein at least a part of the transport path (110) is arranged in a room with a ceiling lighting, and wherein at least one photodetector (132) is integrated in the ceiling lighting. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , further comprising an output device, wherein the output device (100) is coupled to the determining device (134) and arranged to output a further signal when the determining device (134) has determined the predetermined information. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 wherein the sequence of light pulses (124) comprises multi-channel information. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 wherein the transmitting device (120) further comprises a sensor for providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal different from the first sensor signal, wherein the sensor is coupled to the control device (116) and the control device (116) is further arranged such that the light emitting Component emits a first sequence of light pulses (124) when the sensor provides the first sensor signal and the light emitting device emits a second sequence different from the first sequence when the sensor provides the second sensor signal. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 wherein the control device (116) is arranged such that at least one light emitting device (114) is emitted in a first period a first series of light pulses (124) correlated with a first information, and in a second period a second sequence is emitted from light pulses (124) correlated with second information different from the first one. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 15 wherein the sequence of light pulses (124) comprises a cyclic redundancy check check value. Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 16 wherein the transmitting device (120) comprises a plurality of light-emitting components and / or a light-emitting component (114) having a plurality of light-emitting segments emitting a series of light pulses (124) in parallel, the sequence of light pulses (124) having a cyclic redundancy check test value , Device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 17 wherein the transmitting device (120) further comprises a transmitter and a receiver and is adapted to communicate with another object with optically active transmitting device (120) with transmitter and receiver so that the at least one light emitting device of the object (112) is driven in such a way in that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) which corresponds to the predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) of a further object on the transport path (110) and / or to the predetermined sequence of light pulses (124) of a further object on the transport path Transport distance (110) is different. Reference object (200) for calibrating a device (100) for determining a predetermined information of an object (112) along a transport path (110), the reference object comprising: an optically active transmitting device (120), • wherein the transmitting device (120) two or more light emitting regions (202, 204, 206) and having a control device (116), wherein the control device (116) is arranged to drive the two or more light emitting regions (202, 204, 206) such that the two or more light emitting Regions (202, 204, 206) emit a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124); Wherein the two or more light-emitting regions (202, 204, 206) are independently operable, the two or more light-emitting regions are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and / or have preset radiation characteristics. A method (300) for operating a device (100) for determining a predetermined information of an object (112) along a transport path (110) comprising the device (100): The transport path (110), which has at least one start position (102) and at least one end position (104) and is arranged to transport the object from the at least one start position (102) to the at least one end position (104); The object with an optically active transmitting device (120), Wherein the transmitting device (120) has at least one light-emitting component (114) and a control device (116), Wherein the control device (116) is arranged to drive the at least one light-emitting component such that it emits a predetermined sequence of light pulses (124); and An optically active receiving device (140); Wherein the optically active receiving device (140) has at least one photodetector (132) and a determining device (134), Wherein the at least one photodetector (132) is arranged, the sequence of light pulses (124) of the light which can be emitted by the light-emitting component in at least one position between the at least one initial position (102) and the at least one end position (104) of the transport path (110 ) and to convert it into a signal, and Wherein the determining device (134) is arranged to determine the predetermined information from the signal of the photodetector (132); the method (300) comprising: Detecting (S1) a sequence of light pulses emitted by the transmitting device (120) of an object by means of the at least one photodetector (132), Converting (S2) the detected sequence of light pulses into a signal by means of the photodetector (132), Transmitting (S3) the signal to the determining device (134); • determining (S4) a predetermined information by means of the determining device (134); and • providing (S5) another signal correlated with the determined predetermined information.

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