Automated Feedstock Identification via Image Annotation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual data entry in recycling facilities for quality control is time-consuming, prone to errors, and limits the processing and analysis of data, preventing effective statistical evaluation and visualization of historical data, and lacks the ability to tag contaminants for supplier discussions and future image recognition.

Innovation Solution

A tool-based recycling feedstock identification method that involves recording images, annotating data identifiers for impurities, evaluating quality levels, and connecting to ERP systems, using barcode scanning, and enabling deep learning for improved data processing and decision support, with pre-defined categories and dashboard functionality for quality control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual data entry is used for quality control, then flexibility in data recording is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in data recordingVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The system captures images of feedstock and automatically extracts and records data, eliminating the need for manual typing while maintaining recording flexibility through configurable data fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of physical feedstock through image capture and stores them in a database. These digital copies can be repeatedly analyzed, shared, and processed without additional time cost, unlike manual entry which must be repeated for each analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If manual data entry is used, then no additional hardware is needed, but data accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to typos and wrong entries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware requirementsVSAvoiddata accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces error-prone manual data entry with automated image recognition and data extraction systems. The OCR technology and automated processing eliminate human errors such as typos and wrong entries, significantly improving data reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where captured images are immediately processed and validated against predefined criteria. Any anomalies or errors are automatically flagged for review, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If local electronic storage is used, then data accessibility is improved, but processability and statistical evaluation capability are lost due to free-field entries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoiddata processability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data into structured fields with predefined categories and data types. Each feedstock attribute is stored in a specific, standardized format rather than as unstructured free-text, enabling automated processing while maintaining full data accessibility through the digital storage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms unstructured free-field entries into structured data with defined parameters and constraints. By changing the data organization from flexible text fields to structured databases with predefined schemas, the system enables statistical evaluation and automated analysis while preserving data accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual picture management is used, then storage flexibility is maintained, but the ability to tag and analyze contaminants is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidcontaminant tagging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual picture management with automated image processing and recognition systems. The system automatically detects, tags, and categorizes contaminants in feedstock images using computer vision algorithms, eliminating the need for manual annotation while preserving storage flexibility through digital file management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates annotated digital copies of original feedstock images with automatically generated metadata tags identifying contaminants. These enriched digital copies retain the original image quality while adding structured information layers that enable automated analysis without compromising storage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20240312201A1Method and apparatus for recycling feedstock identification
Publication Date: 2024.09.19 BOREALIS AG
  • US20240312201A1 patent drawing
  • US20240312201A1 patent drawing
  • US20240312201A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is related to a method for recycling feedstock identification, the method comprising the steps of: Identifying (S1) a delivery portion of a recycling feedstock by providing at least one delivery identifier for delivery identification; Recording (S2) at least one image of at least one portion of the delivery portion of the recycling feedstock; Annotating (S3) at least one data identifier on the recorded at least one image, the data identifier identifying an impurity of the at least one portion of the delivery portion of the recycling feedstock; Evaluating (S4) a quality level of the at least one portion of the delivery portion of the recycling feedstock based on the recorded at least one image and the at least one annotated data identifier; and Deciding (S5) an acceptance of the delivery portion of the recycling feedstock based on the evaluated quality level of the at least one portion of the delivery portion of the recycling feedstock.