Storage Cabinet Foreign Object Detection via Multi-Frame Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent storage cabinets often experience frequent, false, and missed alarms due to misjudgments of items belonging to the cabinet as foreign objects or vice versa, leading to inconvenience in management and increased workload for staff.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing storage cabinets that acquire multiple frames of image data upon opening, analyze them using feature information and a preset library to determine the presence of foreign objects, and only transmit alarm information if the object's presence is confirmed multiple times within a specified timeframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the intelligent cabinet immediately transmits alarm information upon detecting a potential foreign object, then the response speed is improved, but the number of false alarms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple frames of image data before making a final determination. Instead of immediately alarming upon single detection, the system collects and analyzes multiple images to confirm whether an item is truly foreign, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining timely response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing detected items against the preset library of legitimate items and using the results to determine whether to trigger an alarm. This feedback loop ensures that only confirmed foreign objects result in alarms, improving reliability while maintaining speed through efficient processing.
2Device complexity
If the intelligent cabinet uses simple detection methods, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of foreign object detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (preset library) of legitimate items stored in the image recognition device. By comparing detected items against this digital library rather than using complex physical measurement systems, the patent achieves high detection precision while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or sensor-based detection systems with an image recognition system that uses cameras and digital processing. This substitution maintains or improves measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity through software-based solutions.
3Measurement precision
If the intelligent cabinet performs comprehensive image analysis, then the foreign object detection accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial action by analyzing only the necessary portions of image data - specifically capturing multiple frames at key moments (when door opens/closes) rather than continuously processing all possible data. This selective analysis achieves sufficient accuracy without excessive processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by capturing images at specific periodic moments (door opening and closing events) rather than continuously. This timing-based approach ensures comprehensive detection coverage while significantly reducing processing time compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a storage cabinet is provided. The method includes: in response to opening the storage cabinet, acquiring frames of image data of inside of the storage cabinet at a current time; if a time interval between the current time and a first time is greater than a preset duration, and a number of times the storage cabinet is opened between the current time and the first time is greater than a first preset number of times, determining, according to the frames of image data, whether there exists a foreign object, the first time being a time when alarm information is transmitted before the current time; and if there exists the foreign object, and a number of times existence of the foreign object is determined between the current time and the first time is greater than a second preset number of times, transmitting the alarm information.