Herbal Formulation Imaging With Random Sweeper Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating a large and varied training dataset for computer models to recognize Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations is challenging due to the time-consuming and mundane process of manually capturing images, which often results in a less robust and less varied dataset, leading to poorly trained models.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus and method that generates random images of TCM formulations using a sweeper tool and vibrator to agitate herbal formulations within a container, capturing images after the agitation, which can be used to train or validate computer models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manually capturing images of TCM formulations is used to create a training dataset, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but it is time-consuming and produces a less robust and varied dataset
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated mechanisms (vibrator and sweeper tool) to self-perform the image capture task without human intervention. The vibrator automatically agitates the herbal formulation and the sweeper tool moves to create random patterns, with the camera automatically capturing images at predetermined intervals, thereby eliminating manual operation while maintaining dataset diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. Instead of a human hand manually moving objects or capturing images, the system uses a vibrator mechanism, a sweeper tool with controlled movement, and an automated camera system, thereby increasing productivity while reducing the complexity of manual coordination.
2Reliability
If manually capturing images is used, then the apparatus remains simple, but the dataset becomes less robust and varied
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic elements to create variation in the dataset. The vibrator creates random vibration patterns, and the sweeper tool follows predetermined movement patterns that can be randomly selected or adjusted. This dynamic approach ensures that each captured image represents a unique state of the herbal formulation, thereby increasing dataset robustness and variety without requiring additional time for manual capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera captures images at predetermined time intervals during the vibration and sweeper tool movement cycles. This periodic capture mechanism ensures that multiple images are obtained systematically throughout the agitation process, creating a robust dataset that represents different stages and patterns of the herbal formulation without requiring continuous manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated apparatus is used to generate random images, then image generation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a vibrator mechanism for agitation, a sweeper tool for pattern creation, a camera system for capture, and a controller for coordination. Each module performs a specific function independently, which simplifies the overall design by allowing each component to be optimized separately while working together to achieve automated image generation.
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
The apparatus and method provide an automated and efficient way to generate a robust dataset of random images, reducing the need for manual image capture and enhancing the training and validation of computer models for TCM formulation recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator, wherein the vibrator being attached to the container and configured to vibrate the container to agitate or move or vibrate the herbal formulation within the container
Implementation Method 2
a sweeper tool moveable in multiple degrees of freedom... wherein in use, the sweeper tool is moveable within the container based on one or more randomly generated movement patterns to agitate the herbal formulation within the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for generating random images of a herbal formulation includes: a container to hold a herbal formulation, a sweeper tool moveable in multiple degrees of freedom, a controller operatively coupled to the sweeper tool and configured to control the movement of the sweeper tool, a camera positioned to capture an image of the herbal formulation within the container, wherein in use, the sweeper tool is moveable within the container based on one or more randomly generated movement patterns to agitate the herbal formulation within the container, and; wherein the camera is controlled to capture an image of the herbal formulation within the container after the sweeper tool has stopped moving.