Image-Based Device Coordination for Warehouse Conveyance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated devices in warehouses often lack a versatile interface, requiring costly and time-consuming changes when integrating different devices from various manufacturers, leading to reduced operational efficiency and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
An input and output method utilizing image recognition and analysis to control automated devices, allowing seamless coordination and communication between devices without modifying their interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated devices with special specifications are integrated without a versatile interface, then device functionality is maintained, but integration cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image recognition system as an intermediary between automated devices with different interfaces. The system captures images of devices, recognizes their types and states through AI analysis, and translates this into standardized control signals. This mediator layer enables integration of devices from multiple manufacturers without modifying their original interfaces, thus maintaining device reliability while significantly reducing integration time and cost.
2Productivity
If automated devices are modified to achieve interface compatibility, then integration efficiency improves, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the original automated devices to achieve interface compatibility, the patent creates a virtual model or 'copy' of each device through image recognition. The system captures the physical device's appearance and operational state, creates a digital representation, and uses this copy for communication and control. This approach maintains the original devices unchanged (avoiding downtime) while achieving integration efficiency through the digital copies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of automated devices from multiple manufacturers are connected, then system versatility improves, but specification coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the coordination problem from a complex multi-parameter interface matching task into a simplified parameter recognition task. The image recognition system changes the parameters from abstract interface specifications (protocols, data formats, communication methods) to visual parameters (device shape, color, markings, operational states) that can be universally captured through imaging. This parameter transformation dramatically reduces coordination complexity while maintaining system versatility.
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
Facilitates efficient cooperation among diverse automated devices, reducing operational downtime and resource expenditure by enabling direct control signals based on image analysis, thus enhancing warehouse efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
inputting an image captured by a camera
Implementation Method 2
performing a recognition process of recognizing a state of at least one of a first or second apparatus configured to process an object of conveyance or a state of the object of conveyance based on a result of an analysis of the image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide an input and output method that reduce the load on the cooperation among different devices. An input and output method according to an embodiment includes: inputting an image captured by a camera; performing a recognition process of recognizing a state of at least one of a first or second apparatus configured to process an object of conveyance or a state of the object of conveyance based on a result of an analysis of the image; and outputting a signal for controlling the first or second apparatus based on the recognition process.