Aerial Pickup Support Device Using Visual Appearance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerial vehicle-based pickup systems require attaching identification signs to packages, which is inconvenient and may not be feasible in all scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A pickup support device that determines whether an object is a pickup target based on its appearance, using imaging data and comparison with the requested package's appearance, allowing identification without pre-attached identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If identification signs are attached to packages for pickup, then pickup target identification accuracy is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepickup target identification accuracyVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses imaging data (visual copy) of the package appearance instead of physical identification signs. The system captures images of the package and uses image recognition to identify the pickup target, eliminating the need for workers or requesters to attach physical signs while maintaining accurate identification through digital image processing and comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If identification information is printed on packages or pickup slips, then pickup target identification accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepickup target identification accuracyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces printed identification information with digital image copies. Instead of printing ID numbers, barcodes, or two-dimensional codes on packages or pickup slips, the system captures and processes images of the package appearance, using image recognition algorithms to identify and match packages with pickup requests automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of printing and attaching identification information with an automated imaging and image processing system. The mechanical printing operation is substituted by digital image capture, storage, and recognition processes that automatically identify packages without physical marking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If aerial vehicles are used for pickup, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image data (visual copies) captured by aerial vehicles to identify pickup targets. Instead of requiring complex onboard identification systems, the aerial vehicle captures images and transmits them to a server for processing, simplifying the vehicle's onboard equipment while maintaining high productivity through automated image-based identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20230306713A1Pickup support device, pickup support method, and program recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 NEC CORP

AI summary

A pickup support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: at least one memory configured to store instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: determine whether an object is a pickup target, based on information regarding appearance of the pickup target and information regarding appearance of the object at a position indicated in a pickup request, and output a determination result.