Automated Item Collection Guidance System for Order Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in item quantities and types in online orders makes in-store order filling time-consuming and error-prone, especially when items need to be collected manually by staff.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device with an image sensor and processor that assists in item collection by obtaining task definitions, capturing images of collected items, and determining if they match the ordered items, generating output data to guide workers in completing orders accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual item collection is used for order filling, then staff can handle various items, but collection time increases and errors occur due to variability in item quantities and types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and counting with an automated image recognition system. The image sensor captures images of items, and the processor automatically identifies and counts items based on their visual characteristics, eliminating the need for staff to manually verify each item's details.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification where the image capture device automatically checks whether collected items match the order requirements. The processor compares captured images with order specifications and provides real-time feedback, allowing the collection process to self-validate without continuous human intervention.
2Reliability
If manual verification of items is performed, then accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification with automated image processing. The image sensor captures item images, and the processor automatically analyzes visual characteristics to verify item identity and quantity, eliminating human error and significantly reducing verification time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by comparing captured item images against the order definition. The processor immediately identifies mismatches between collected items and ordered items, allowing for instant correction and ensuring accuracy without requiring time-consuming manual checks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If staff manually count and verify items, then they can handle complex order formats, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual counting with automated image-based quantity determination. The image sensor captures items, and the processor automatically counts and identifies items based on their visual properties, enabling rapid processing of complex order formats without sacrificing accuracy or adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing by pre-defining order specifications and item characteristics in the order definition. This allows the automated system to quickly compare captured images against pre-established criteria, enabling fast verification of complex order formats without requiring staff to analyze each detail from scratch.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: obtaining a task definition including (i) an item identifier, (ii) an original item quantity, and (iii) a normalized item quantity; presenting the normalized item quantity; obtaining an image of a collected item set; deriving collected item data from the image; determining whether the collected item data matches the item identifier and the original item quantity; and generating first output data or second output data according to whether the collected item data matches the item identifier and the original item quantity, or does not match the item identifier and the original item quantity.