Imaging Data Storage Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems in fulfillment centers are not capable of determining available storage volumes within storage vessels or facilities, nor can they identify which items can be accommodated within these spaces, limiting operational efficiency and storage management.
Innovation Solution
The system uses imaging data from digital cameras or depth sensors to estimate available volumes by distinguishing pixels or voxels corresponding to the rear face of storage facilities from those occupied by objects, allowing for the calculation of net vacant and effective available volumes, and compares these volumes to item dimensions to determine eligibility for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging data is used to determine available storage volumes, then storage management accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that captures images through simple cameras and uses image processing algorithms to calculate available storage volumes. This intermediary layer between the simple imaging device and the complex storage management decision reduces the complexity burden on the hardware while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical imaging systems. Instead of using physical measurement devices to determine storage volumes, the system uses digital images and computational algorithms to calculate available space, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If imaging systems are deployed throughout the fulfillment center, then operational monitoring is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by using the same cameras and image processing infrastructure for multiple purposes: monitoring operational activities, determining storage volumes, tracking item locations, and managing inventory. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby controlling costs while maximizing information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the imaging infrastructure automatically captures data and the image processing algorithms autonomously calculate storage volumes and identify placement opportunities without requiring manual intervention or additional specialized equipment, reducing overall system costs.
3Productivity
If available volumes are calculated using image processing, then storage utilization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously capturing images and pre-calculating available storage volumes in real-time as items are placed or removed from containers. This allows the system to have volume information ready before item placement decisions are needed, eliminating calculation delays during critical placement operations and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging data regarding an interior portion of a storage vessel may be obtained from an imaging device (e.g., a digital camera or depth sensor) and interpreted in order to identify an available volume within the storage vessel. Where the imaging data includes an image of an interior of the storage vessel, an area of one or more contiguous spaces of a rear face of the storage vessel may be identified from the image and multiplied by a depth of the storage vessel in order to estimate the available volume. Where the imaging data includes a depth profile of the interior, the depth profile may be processed in order to estimate the available volume. Once an available volume has been estimated, the capacity of the available volume to accommodate one or more additional items may be determined, and information regarding the capacity may be provided to a user.