Mobile Labeling of Support Structures Using Vision-Guided Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual label modification in retail and warehouse environments is time-consuming and error-prone due to the complexity and fluidity of inventory management, requiring frequent updates of product information on labels.
Innovation Solution
A mobile automation system equipped with a locomotive assembly, effector assembly, and label modification unit, including an image sensor and controller, that autonomously navigates to support structures, detects reference features, and performs label modification operations such as erasing and writing using a laser and hot air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual label modification is performed, then flexibility in updating product information is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the mobile apparatus autonomously navigates to support structures, detects labels using image sensors, and performs modifications without human intervention. The apparatus independently completes the entire label update workflow, eliminating manual labor while maintaining adaptability to different retail environments and product information changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical label modification with an automated system comprising a mobile apparatus, image sensors for detection, and modification units (laser or hot air) for label changes. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated technological systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining flexibility through programmable control while dramatically reducing time consumption.
2Productivity
If manual label modification is performed, then immediate label changes can be made, but error rate increases due to human involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates image sensors that capture images of labels and their surrounding environments, providing visual feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the apparatus to detect label positions, verify modifications, and adjust operations accordingly, ensuring high reliability and accuracy in label updates while maintaining rapid processing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual label modification with automated systems including mobile apparatus, image sensors, and precise modification units (laser or hot air), the patent eliminates human error while maintaining immediate label update capability. The automated system provides consistent, repeatable operations with high productivity and reliability.
3Loss of time
If automated label modification systems are introduced, then time consumption and error rate decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that integrates navigation, label detection via image sensors, and multiple modification capabilities (laser and hot air options). This universal design allows a single apparatus to handle various label types and environments, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and managing system complexity through consolidation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system offers adjustable parameters including different modification methods (laser or hot air), variable navigation speeds, and adaptable image processing settings. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize performance for different retail environments and label types, managing complexity through configurable options rather than requiring entirely different systems.
4Reliability
If frequent label updates are performed manually, then product information accuracy is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated mobile apparatus performs label updates autonomously, navigating to support structures, detecting existing labels, and applying modifications without human intervention. This self-service capability maintains product information accuracy through consistent, error-free operations while completely eliminating the labor intensity associated with frequent manual label updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual label modification operations with an automated system comprising mobile apparatus, image sensors for detection, and modification units. This substitution maintains high reliability of product information accuracy while dramatically reducing labor intensity, as the automated system handles all aspects of label updates including navigation, detection, and modification.
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
The system significantly reduces the time and error associated with label updates by autonomously navigating and modifying labels on support structures, ensuring accurate and efficient reflection of product information changes.
Implementation Method 1
detect the reference feature via image data captured at the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
perform the label modification operation using a laser
Implementation Method 3
perform the label modification operation using a hot air supply
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for labeling support structures includes: a chassis having a locomotive assembly, and supporting an effector assembly with an end movable relative to the chassis and carrying a label modification unit with an image sensor; a controller coupled to the locomotive assembly, effector assembly and label modification unit, and configured to: obtain label modification data defining a location relative to a support structure reference feature for a label modification operation; control the locomotive assembly to travel to the support structure; detect the reference feature via image data captured at the image sensor; control the effector assembly to place the label modification unit at the location relative to the reference feature; control the effector assembly and the label modification unit perform the label modification operation.