Biodecontamination Load Verification Using Digital Vision Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the proper arrangement of items within a biodecontamination chamber are manual, subjective, and prone to errors, lacking a reliable record of load configuration, which is critical for ensuring effective biodecontamination and compliance with regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A digital vision system using sensors such as cameras and LiDAR to capture images of a load and apply predefined rules to verify that items are correctly positioned within the chamber, providing a standardized record of load quality and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual comparison is used to verify load configuration, then the process is simple to implement, but it is subjective and error-prone with low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image recognition system using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system captures images of the load configuration and automatically analyzes them against validated configurations, eliminating human subjectivity and improving verification accuracy without requiring complex manual checking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the load configuration and compares them against stored validated configuration images. This copying approach allows for objective, repeatable verification by analyzing visual representations rather than requiring direct manual inspection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining system simplicity.
2Loss of information
If photographs or video are used to record chamber loading, then a record can be obtained, but the images are often obstructed, blurry, or of insufficient resolution for effective analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies and controls imaging parameters such as resolution, lighting conditions, and camera positioning to ensure high-quality images are captured. By optimizing these parameters, the system produces clear, unobstructed images that maintain sufficient detail for effective analysis, overcoming the limitations of standard photographs or video.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs imaging of the load configuration before the biodecontamination process begins, capturing the arrangement while it is still in a known, controlled state. This preliminary action ensures that images are obtained under optimal conditions with proper lighting and positioning, preventing the obstruction and blurriness that occur during or after the process.
3Reliability
If a second person is required to check load placement, then verification reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-verification system where the automated image recognition software independently validates load configurations against stored validated configurations. The system performs its own verification without requiring a second human operator, thereby maintaining high reliability through objective automated checking while eliminating the time and labor costs associated with manual second-person verification.
4Stability of the object's composition
If items are placed in identical positions to ensure same level of kill, then biodecontamination consistency is improved, but the complexity of tracking and verifying positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and stores digital copies of validated load configurations as reference images. During verification, the system automatically compares current load images against these stored references, providing a simple and objective method to ensure consistent item positioning. This approach maintains biodecontamination consistency while simplifying verification compared to manual tracking and measurement of individual item positions.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate load arrangement, increasing efficiency by minimizing time spent on load preparation and validation, and eliminating the need for a second person to check the load, thus enhancing the reliability of the biodecontamination process.
Implementation Method 1
Using one or more images from one or more sensors, such as any combination of a camera, cameras, LiDAR sensors, or other vision system
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR sensors, or other vision system
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a system comprising a load comprising at least a first object in a first region and a second object in a second region. The system further includes one or more sensors and a computing device configured to control the one or more sensors to capture one or more images of the load including at least the first region and the second region. For a first area in the one or more images that includes the first region, the computing device applies a first set of rules to verify that the first object is properly arranged and, in response to determining that the first object violates at least one rule in the first set of rules, outputs an indication that the first object is not properly arranged. The computing device may repeat this process for the second area in the one or more images.