Container Imaging Automation for Contamination and Product Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container operations in warehouses are labor-intensive and inefficient, with manual handling and limited automation, particularly in detecting contamination and identifying products within containers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a control unit with imaging and machine-learning capabilities to automatically detect contamination and identify products, directing containers to cleaning or filling units as needed, and optimizing container handling through a grid-patterned rail system with transporting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for container handling and contamination detection, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor requirements are high and processing speed is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical handling with an automated imaging system. An imaging unit captures images of containers, and a control unit processes these images to detect contamination and identify products, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the imaging and control units independently perform contamination detection and product identification without human intervention. The control unit automatically directs containers to appropriate locations based on image analysis, creating an autonomous operation loop.
2Measurement precision
If manual contamination detection is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but labor intensity is high and accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Manual contamination detection is replaced with an automated imaging system that uses optical sensors and image processing algorithms. The imaging unit captures detailed images of containers, and the control unit analyzes these images to identify contamination with high precision, surpassing human capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging unit that acts as a mediator between the container and the control system. This imaging unit captures visual information and transfers it to the control unit for analysis, enabling precise contamination detection without direct human involvement.
3Productivity
If automated imaging and control systems are implemented, then processing speed and accuracy improve, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an imaging unit for capturing container images, a control unit for processing images and making decisions, and directing mechanisms for container movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high processing speed and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is disclosed to control an imaging unit to perform imaging of a tray/container. The control unit can cause the performance of actions on the container using automated machines and/or directing humans to perform an action. For example, the presence of contamination in a container can be detected based on an image of the container captured by an imaging unit. The control unit can receive an image of the container from the imaging unit, determine whether the container is contaminated, and direct the container to a cleaning unit. Moreover, the control unit can detect a product based on an image of the product, determine an identity of the product based on the received image, and command an indicating unit to indicate a failure to determine the identity of the product.