Conveyor Image Capture for Open Container Content Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to provide conclusive proof of the contents within a container during closure and transit without human error, lack irrefutable quality proof of order preparation, and do not allow for the identification of contents without opening or altering the container.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures images of open containers on a conveyor using an image-capturing device, barcode reader, and data processing module, which includes unique identification of containers and contents through RFID, blockchain, or barcode, and associates time information with image data, enabling automatic proof of container closure and content identification without altering the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a barcode reader is used to trace container movements, then container identification is improved, but proof of contents is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function into two parts: barcode reading for container identification and image capturing for contents verification. This allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to provide comprehensive proof.
Solution Approach 2:
The image-capturing device acts as an intermediary between the barcode reader and the final proof system. It captures visual evidence of contents that bridges the gap between container identification and content verification.
2Reliability
If manual verification of contents is performed, then proof of content presence is improved, but human error and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images of contents and storing them with container data. This eliminates the need for manual verification while providing reliable proof of content presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical verification process is replaced with an automated optical system (image-capturing device) that records contents without human intervention, eliminating both time loss and human error.
3Loss of information
If containers are opened to verify contents, then content identification is improved, but container integrity and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly accessing and opening containers to verify contents, the system creates a visual copy (image) of the contents through the image-capturing device. This copy serves as proof without requiring physical access that would compromise integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image-capturing device serves as an intermediary that allows content identification without direct physical interaction with the container. It mediates between the need to know contents and the need to preserve container integrity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple identification systems (RFID, barcode, blockchain) are integrated, then tracking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple identification systems (barcode reader, RFID, blockchain) into a universal platform that handles different identification methods through a common data processing architecture. This allows the system to be multi-functional while managing complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to capture images of an open container moving on a conveyor. The system includes a conveyor, an open container, and an image-capturing device located above the open container. A barcode reader is configured to read a barcode located on an external face of the container. A display device is configured to display or store at least one captured image and the barcode of the container. A processing unit, including a database, is configured to associate time information with the captured image data. The system triggers an image capture when the open container is proximal to the image-capturing device during the movement of the conveyor.