Conveyor Belt Mounted Camera for Lost Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor belt monitoring systems fail to detect objects that have fallen off, leading to time-consuming, costly, and potentially dangerous manual searches.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system comprising a camera mounted on a conveyor belt that captures images of its surroundings while moving, transmitting these images to a data processing device for real-time object recognition, using machine learning or AI to locate fallen objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static camera is used to monitor the conveyor belt, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect lost objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by mounting the camera on the conveyor belt itself, making it move together with the belt. This dynamic positioning allows the camera to continuously scan the entire conveyor area as it moves, significantly improving the ability to detect lost objects compared to a static camera, while avoiding the complexity of a large stationary camera system covering the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounted on the conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it monitors the conveyor belt surface, detects lost objects, and provides continuous coverage of the entire conveyor area. This multi-functionality improves detection reliability without requiring separate monitoring systems for different sections.
2Productivity
If manual searching is used to locate fallen objects, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual searching process with an automated optical detection system. The camera mounted on the conveyor belt captures images, and image processing algorithms automatically identify lost objects, eliminating the need for manual inspection and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-detection of lost objects through the mounted camera and automated image processing, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. The conveyor belt system essentially monitors itself for lost objects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If personnel manually search for lost objects, then the device complexity is reduced, but the harmful factors increase due to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual personnel searching with an automated camera-based detection system, eliminating the safety risks associated with personnel working near moving conveyor belts. The camera mounted on the belt performs detection without exposing humans to hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the conveyor belt system and the monitoring function. Instead of personnel directly observing and searching for lost objects near the moving belt, the camera captures images that are then processed to identify lost objects, removing humans from the hazardous area.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system for locating a lost object fallen from a conveyor belt includes a conveyor belt, a camera and a data processing device. The conveyor belt is configured for moving the object placed on the conveyor belt. The camera is configured for being arranged on the conveyor belt, for capturing an image of a surrounding of the conveyor belt while being moved by the conveyor belt, and for transmitting the captured image to the data processing device for recognizing the lost object in the transmitted image.