Automated Garment Certification System with RFID Outfit Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for certifying high visibility garments after washing lack automation for sorting compliant and non-compliant items, fail to identify garments as part of a complete outfit, and require software resets for parameter changes, leading to unnecessary garment discarding and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system using image capturing devices, automatic gripping mechanisms, and dedicated software for morphological, metrical, and colorimetric analysis, allowing for global assessment of garments and accessories, including identification and sorting, with adjustable parameters and an App for data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operator presence is required for image acquisition and sorting, then garment certification can be performed, but productivity is reduced and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic garment identification through RFID tags, self-sorting via robotic arms based on compliance status, and automated certification without operator intervention. The garments themselves carry identification data that the system reads and processes automatically
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sorting operations are replaced with automated robotic arms controlled by software. Image acquisition and analysis are performed by automated cameras and processing systems rather than manual inspection, eliminating the need for constant operator presence
2Duration of action of stationary object
If single garment analysis is performed without outfit association, then individual garment compliance can be verified, but garment lifetime is reduced due to unnecessary discarding
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges analysis of multiple garments worn by the same operator into a unified compliance assessment. RFID tags on each garment store operator identification that links all garments into a complete outfit set, allowing the system to evaluate total reflectant area across all garments rather than individually
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on outfit-level compliance rather than individual garment compliance. This allows operators to understand whether their complete outfit meets requirements, preventing premature discarding of garments that would be compliant as part of the full outfit
3Adaptability or versatility
If software reset is required for parameter changes, then system can enforce safety standards, but adaptability to evolving laws deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static hardcoded parameters to dynamic configurable parameters. Operators can adjust compliance thresholds, reflectance requirements, and colorimetric parameters through a user interface without requiring software resets or reinstallation, allowing real-time adaptation to changing standards
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of critical parameters such as minimum reflectant area, colorimetric tolerances, and compliance thresholds through software configuration rather than fixed programming. This enables adaptation to evolving safety laws and company policies without system reinstallation
4Productivity
If complete outfit analysis is implemented, then garment lifetime increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal RFID tags on all garments that store operator identification, enabling the same hardware infrastructure to handle both individual garment tracking and complete outfit analysis. The software universally processes garments whether analyzed individually or as part of an outfit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, operator-free certification of garments, extends garment lifetime by ensuring compliance with evolving safety standards, and allows for parameter adjustments without software resets, reducing unnecessary discarding and improving operational autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a source of light (10) and at least one pair of image capturing devices (20, 20')
Data Source
AI summary
Modulable system for identifying and certifying garments, suitable to analyze a garment or an accessory inside a tunnel in which a common movement mechanism transports the garments. The tunnel has image capturing devices, light source and a common automatic gripping mechanism. Each garment has an identification device recognized by an identification sensor in the tunnel. The analysis is performed by software and includes: identification, by associating the garment with a wearer; entry, in which the garment is introduced inside the tunnel; acquisition of the images, in which image capturing devices take at least one pair of photographs; analysis, in which the software analyzes the images; assessment, in which the common dedicated software processes the data and indicates whether the garment meets the pre-set parameters; saving in a memory; sorting the approved garments from those that have been rejected. The assessment parameters are changeable through a special adjustment device.