Beacon and Camera Position Tracking for Rack-less Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcode and RFID systems are inefficient for tracking articles in rack-less placement zones due to the inability to mount tags, requiring manual input of storage location, which reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a beacon with a wide radio signal range and a position tag with a narrower range, along with a terminal that acquires and associates position and identification information, allowing for automated tracking and improved efficiency in rack-less placement zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If barcode or RFID is mounted on shelf for automatic position tracking, then automation efficiency is improved, but it cannot be applied to rack-less placement zones where tags cannot be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of articles in rack-less placement zones. The image processing system then extracts position information from these images, serving as a mediator between the physical article position and the digital tracking system, enabling automatic tracking without requiring direct mounting of tags on articles or shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/tagging system (barcode or RFID tags physically mounted on shelves) with an optical system (camera-based image capture and processing). This substitution allows position tracking in environments where physical tags cannot be mounted, such as rack-less placement zones, by using visual information instead of physical tags.
2Productivity
If manual input of storage location is required for rack-less zones, then system complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automatic position tracking by using cameras to automatically capture and process images of articles. The image processing system automatically extracts position information without requiring manual intervention or input from workers, thereby improving operational efficiency while the added automation components increase system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If wide radio signal range beacon is used for rack-less zones, then tracking coverage is improved, but measurement precision for detailed locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into two distinct components: a beacon with wide radio signal range for broad area coverage and rough location identification, and a camera-based image processing system for precise location determination. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its specific function while working together to provide both wide coverage and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the tracking system. The beacon provides low-precision but wide-area location information, while the camera system provides high-precision location information for specific zones. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize overall performance by matching the precision level to the specific operational requirements of each area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances operational efficiency by enabling automated tracking of articles in rack-less placement zones without manual input of position information, while also allowing for more detailed tracking on shelves and small storage areas.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitter having a first radio signal range, being mounted at a first location, and transmitting first position information relating to the first location
Implementation Method 2
a second transmitter having a second radio signal range, being mounted at a second location, and transmitting second position information relating to the second location
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of an article according to an embodiment includes a first transmitter having a first radio signal range, being mounted at a first location, and transmitting first position information relating to the first location, a second transmitter having a second radio signal range, being mounted at a second location, and transmitting second position information relating to the second location, the second radio signal range being narrower than the first radio signal range, an acquirer acquiring the first position information and the second position information, and a memory part, information relating to the article is associated with the first position information or the second position information and stored in the memory part.