An inventory control system having advanced functionalities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory control systems for tools in manufacturing and aerospace industries face challenges in accurately tracking tool presence, type, and location, leading to inefficiencies and potential tool misplacement or theft, especially in environments where high security and calibration status are critical.
Innovation Solution
An automated tool control system utilizing image sensing devices and data processors to capture and analyze images of storage locations, apply visual contrast elements to identify missing or incorrectly placed tools, and integrate with networked systems for secure data transfer and user authentication, enabling efficient tracking and secure tool management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors, magnetic sensors or infrared sensors are disposed in or next to each tool storage location to detect tool presence, then the system can determine whether tools are missing, but the system cannot verify whether the correct tool is placed back and the large number of sensors is costly and prone to damage or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image sensing devices to create visual copies (images) of tools in storage locations, replacing the need for physical sensors at each location. The image processing system analyzes these visual copies to detect tool presence, type, and placement accuracy, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining or improving detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical sensor system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using contact sensors, magnetic sensors, or infrared sensors that require physical placement in each storage location, the system uses image sensing devices to optically detect and analyze tool presence and characteristics.
2Loss of information
If automated tool control systems capture and process images of storage locations to determine inventory conditions, then the system can identify tool presence and type, but the system cannot efficiently highlight specific target objects or storage locations for quick identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual contrast elements (such as highlighting, color coding, or graphical overlays) to images of storage locations and tools. This allows the system to emphasize specific target objects or storage locations, making them stand out visually for rapid identification by users, thereby reducing the time required to locate specific tools or storage positions.
3Reliability
If the system tracks tool inventory and user accesses, then the system can monitor tool usage and return, but the system cannot provide real-time visual feedback to guide users on where to return tools or identify incorrect placements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing system provides real-time visual information to users about tool placement status. The system can highlight correct storage locations, indicate incorrect placements, and guide users on where to return tools, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves tool return accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
An inventory control system includes a tool storage device including a drawer or a tray providing a kit removably disposed in the drawer or tray, wherein the kit includes a plurality of sub-components for objects. The inventory control system further includes a sensing device configured to form an image of the drawer or tray, and a data processor. The data processor is configured to receive a list of the sub-components and an image of the kit, and track check out of the kit and objects stored within the kit by determining, based on the list of the sub-components and the image of the kit formed by the sensing device, presence or absence of the kit in the drawer or tray and presence or absence of objects within the plurality of sub-components of the kit.