Camera-Based Food Package State Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recycling technologies are not cost-efficient and versatile enough to handle all types of packages, particularly food packages, and often require significant hardware investments, limiting their applicability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method using a camera to identify the state of a food package by capturing image data, processing package features such as printed codes and opening devices, and determining if the package is in a food holding or emptied state, which can be done using a camera-equipped mobile phone or recycling bin, allowing for cost-efficient recycling and fraud detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional bar code reading machines are used to identify packages, then package type identification can be achieved, but the system cannot determine whether the package is empty or full, requiring additional hardware and increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is used for multiple purposes: capturing package images for state determination, reading printed codes for package identification, and potentially tracking position data. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for separate bar code reading machines and specialized sensors, reducing hardware investment while achieving both package type identification and state determination
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex specialized hardware to detect package state, the system captures optical images (copies) of the package and analyzes them through image processing algorithms. The camera creates a visual copy of the package appearance, which is then processed to determine if the package is empty or full, replacing physical sensors with optical information processing
2Reliability
If a comprehensive recycling system with multiple sensors and processors is implemented, then accurate package state determination can be achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera-equipped mobile phone or recycling bin performs the identification function itself through integrated image processing capabilities. The system uses the device's own camera and processor to analyze package images and determine state, eliminating the need for external specialized sensors and complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic sensor-based detection systems with an optical system using a camera. Image processing algorithms substitute for physical sensors, and software-based analysis replaces hardware-based detection, significantly simplifying the system while maintaining or improving identification reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional recycling machines are used, then some predetermined package types can be identified, but the system lacks versatility to handle different types of food packages effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The camera provides a universal interface for capturing images of any package type, regardless of shape, size, or material. The image processing system can be programmed to recognize various package features and determine states across different package types, making the system adaptable to diverse food packages without requiring specialized hardware for each type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from physical contact (sensors) to optical imaging (camera). This parameter change allows the system to capture visual information about various package types and their states without requiring physical interaction, thereby increasing versatility across different package formats while using a single unified hardware platform
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a state of a food package by using a camera can include capturing image data depicting a section of the food package by using the camera. The section includes at least one package feature, The method can further include identifying a package feature sub-set of the image data depicting the at least one package feature provided in the section, and determining the state of the food package based on the package feature sub-set of the image data. The state is selected from a food holding state and an emptied state.