Operator Supervision System Using Image Processing for Behavior Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for improving operator efficiency in operation areas, such as factories for semiconductor device chip manufacturing, face challenges in accurately recording and supervising operator behaviors without incurring high costs or introducing errors, especially when operators follow established procedures and rules.

Innovation Solution

A management system utilizing an imaging camera to capture operator images, which includes an area map recorder, identifying information acquirer, traffic line extractor, and decision unit to automatically record and analyze operator behaviors, allowing for objective and detailed tracking of traffic patterns and adherence to predefined patterns, reducing the need for additional personnel and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detailed manual recording of operator behaviors is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical recording processes with an automated image processing system. Imaging cameras capture operator behaviors, and image processing units automatically analyze and record traffic lines and behaviors, eliminating the need for manual personnel while improving recording precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service recording where the imaging and analysis system automatically captures and processes operator behaviors without requiring external personnel. The system serves itself by using captured images to generate behavioral records, reducing dependency on additional human resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional personnel are added to record operator behaviors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording accuracyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes human personnel with an automated image processing system that uses imaging cameras and computational algorithms to record operator behaviors. This eliminates the operational cost and energy consumption associated with additional personnel while maintaining high recording precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates visual copies of operator behaviors through imaging cameras and processes these image copies to extract behavioral information. This copying approach replaces the need for physical human observers, reducing operational costs while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If operators are required to behave specially for recording, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording accuracyVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual observation methods that required operators to behave specially with an automated imaging system that passively captures natural operator behaviors. The image processing units automatically analyze captured images to extract traffic lines and behavioral patterns without requiring any special operator actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows operators to maintain their natural behaviors while the automated system independently performs the recording and analysis functions. Operators do not need to modify their actions, as the system self-services by automatically capturing and processing their natural work patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If manual recording methods are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but reliability and accuracy of behavior recording deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidrecording reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces unreliable manual recording methods with an automated image processing system that consistently captures and analyzes operator behaviors. The system uses imaging cameras and standardized processing algorithms to ensure reliable and accurate recording without introducing complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11036972B2Management system for supervising operator

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 DISCO CORP

AI summary

A management system for supervising an operator within an operation area with a processing apparatus installed therein has an imaging camera for capturing an image of the operator and a control unit. The control unit stores an area map that includes information about the processing apparatus and the positions of the processing apparatus, acquires identifying information regarding the operator on the basis of the image captured by the imaging camera, and extracts traffic lines of the operator. A management unit records the traffic lines of the operator and the identifying information of the operator, in relation to each other on the area map.