An inventory control system having advanced functionalities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory control systems for tools in manufacturing and service environments face challenges in accurately tracking tool presence, type, and location, particularly in aerospace industries, where tools must be accounted for to prevent foreign object damage and theft, and existing systems are prone to false alarms, are costly, and lack efficient user guidance for returning tools to the correct storage locations.
Innovation Solution
An automated tool control system utilizing image sensing devices to capture and process images of storage locations, apply visual contrast elements to indicate missing or incorrectly placed tools, and integrate with web services for network compatibility, enabling efficient tracking, secure data transfer, and multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are disposed in numerous storage locations to detect tool presence, then inventory tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology where a camera captures an optical image of the storage drawer contents and creates a digital copy. This digital image is then processed by software to identify tool presence, replacing the need for physical sensors at each location. The image copy serves as a virtual representation that can be analyzed without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection 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 a camera to capture images and software algorithms to detect tool presence, thereby eliminating the need for numerous physical sensors.
2Measurement precision
If manual inventory checks are performed to verify tool presence, then accuracy of tool tracking is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service inventory verification where the camera and software automatically capture and analyze images of storage drawers. When a drawer is opened or closed, the system autonomously takes images, processes them to identify missing or misplaced tools, and generates alerts without requiring manual intervention. This allows the system to verify tool presence independently, maintaining accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous monitoring by automatically capturing images whenever drawers are opened or closed. This continuous action ensures that inventory status is constantly verified without interrupting workflow, maintaining high accuracy while improving productivity compared to periodic manual checks.
3Measurement precision
If imaging technology is used to capture storage locations, then inventory monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical storage drawer through image capture. This digital image serves as a virtual model that can be processed and analyzed. The copying approach simplifies the problem by separating the capture function (camera) from the analysis function (software), allowing each to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical tools and the detection system. Instead of directly sensing physical properties of tools, the system uses optical images as an intermediary representation. This intermediary allows for non-contact, non-intrusive detection and enables the use of sophisticated image processing algorithms to extract inventory information without direct physical interaction.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An inventory control system for monitoring removal and replacement of tools stored in the system, the system including a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects, a sensing device configured to detect presence or absence of tools in the storage locations, a display device, and a data processor. The data processor is configured to receive a tool list, determine whether each of the tools on the tool list is present in one of the storage locations, and cause the display device to display a list of users and locations for each of the tools that is not present.