Article Estimation Using Hand-Article Positional Relationship
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for detecting articles in environmental spaces, such as homes or offices, face challenges when parts of objects are concealed or when multiple articles with similar shapes are present, leading to inaccurate identification.
Innovation Solution
An article estimating apparatus comprising an article sensing unit, a hand sensing unit, and a holding-state determination processing unit that detects and determines the positional relationship between articles and hands to accurately estimate the held article using a holding-state registering database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image sensor is used to detect articles in environmental space, then article detection capability is provided, but one portion or entire portion of object article is concealed by another article or furniture and cannot be identified properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image sensor detection to three-dimensional detection by incorporating depth information through time-of-flight measurement. This dimensional change allows the system to distinguish articles from furniture and detect concealed objects by measuring the time for light to travel to and from the target, providing depth data that overcomes the limitations of flat image capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluorescent marker) that enhances the detectability of articles. The marker absorbs light at one wavelength and emits it at another, creating a distinctive signal that allows the detection system to identify articles even when partially concealed, by detecting the fluorescent emission rather than relying solely on reflected light.
2Ease of operation
If conventional technique recognizes article based upon movements of fingers trying to grab object article, then recognition is possible, but when there are a large number of articles having the same shape, many candidates for the object article are inevitably present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the article's position and characteristics before the user actually grasps it. By detecting the article's location, shape, and fluorescent marker presence in advance using the depth camera and image sensor, the system can pre-identify the target article, eliminating the ambiguity that would otherwise exist when multiple similar articles are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescent color changes to distinguish the target article from others. The fluorescent marker on the article absorbs light at one wavelength and emits it at a different wavelength, creating a distinctive optical signature that allows the detection system to identify the correct article even when multiple articles have the same shape or appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus is provided with a holding-state registering database in which an article and a holding state at the time of transporting the article are registered in association with each other, holding-state determination processing device that determines, when a person is transporting an object article, how the object article is held, and first article candidate extraction device that extracts, among articles registered in the holding-state registering database, an article whose holding state, determined by the holding-state determination processing device, is registered therein, as a candidate article.