Automated Linen Sorting Using Image Recognition and Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sorting and separating linen handiworks in industrial laundries are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring significant manual effort and resources, leading to high costs and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An industrial machine equipped with conveying means, detection systems, and a central processing unit that automatically identifies and sorts linen items based on type and material by acquiring images and using classification algorithms, reducing the need for manual labor and optimizing resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting by operators is used, then sorting accuracy is maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated system comprising image capture devices, processing units, and robotic manipulation mechanisms. The system captures images of linen articles, processes them to identify types and materials, and automatically directs articles to appropriate collection containers, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service sorting where the machine autonomously performs the entire sorting process without human intervention. The processing unit independently analyzes image data, determines article classification, and controls the robotic mechanisms to sort articles accordingly, making the system self-sufficient in performing the sorting task.
2Loss of time
If automated sorting machines are introduced, then labor costs are reduced, but initial investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into distinct functional modules: image capture devices for data acquisition, processing units for analysis and decision-making, and robotic manipulation mechanisms for physical sorting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and upgrades, reducing the overall complexity burden despite the automated functionality.
3Measurement precision
If detailed sorting by fabric type is performed, then separation accuracy improves, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing complete images of all articles before sorting begins and pre-processing these images to identify key characteristics. This allows the processing unit to make rapid classification decisions during the sorting operation, maintaining high precision in fabric type identification while improving overall processing throughput by avoiding real-time analysis delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
An industrial machine (1) for the recognition and/or sorting of linen handiworks including a support framework (2) which stands on a reference surface (P), first conveying means (3), coupled with the support framework (2) and suitable to receive said linen handiworks, second conveying means (4), coupled with the support framework (2) and cooperating with the first conveying means (3) from which they receive the linen handiworks, detection means (5), facing the second conveying means (4) and suitable to acquire an image of the linen handiworks, identification and allocation means (6) of such an image which share out the linen handiworks according to the type, and collection means (7), located downstream said second conveying means (4) and suitable to receive said linen handiworks shared out by type by the identification and allocation means (6).