Optical Tool Identification via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying tools, especially small ones, in mechanical systems are inefficient due to limitations in existing technologies, such as smart toolboxes and RFID systems, which struggle to accurately detect and differentiate between similar tools, leading to potential tool loss and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses optical reading symbols, such as barcodes or matrix codes, marked on tools to enable simultaneous identification through image processing, allowing tools to be positioned freely and identified without specific orientation, with a 360-degree marking and frosted areas for improved visibility and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RFID electronic labels are used for tool identification, then automatic tool presence detection is improved, but the minimum label dimensions (5x5x10mm) make them inapplicable to small tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID electronic labels with optically readable symbols (barcodes, matrix codes) that can be printed directly on tool surfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electronic labels, enabling identification of small tools without minimum size constraints while maintaining automated detection capability through image processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification medium from electronic RFID tags with fixed minimum dimensions to optical symbols that can be scaled to any size. By altering the physical parameter of the identification carrier from rigid electronic components to flexible optical patterns, the system adapts to small tool surfaces
2Extent of automation
If smart toolbox with image analysis is used, then tool presence monitoring is improved, but visually similar tools (e.g., 8mm and 9mm sockets) cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification information into distinct optically readable symbols with unique patterns for each tool. By assigning individualized optical codes to each tool rather than relying on visual characteristics, the system can precisely differentiate between similar tools through symbol recognition and decoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical symbol as a mediator between the tool and the identification system. This symbol carries encoded information about the tool's identity, allowing the system to distinguish between visually similar tools through optical reading and digital decoding rather than direct visual analysis
3Reliability
If systematic control by reading each tool ID is implemented, then tool loss prevention is improved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming when the number of tools is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification of multiple tools into a single simultaneous operation. The image capture device captures all tools in the toolbox at once, and the system processes multiple optical symbols in parallel, reducing the time required from sequential reading to batch processing while maintaining reliable identification
4Device complexity
If tools are not individually identified, then system complexity is reduced, but tool balance sheets become erroneous due to inability to distinguish similar tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies (images) of the optically readable symbols on tools to create digital representations for identification. This copying approach allows the system to capture and process tool identity information without physical contact or complex interaction, maintaining simplicity while achieving accurate differentiation through digital image analysis and symbol decoding
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
This approach allows for accurate and efficient identification of all tools in a control zone, reducing the risk of tool loss and operational errors by providing a reliable method to detect and differentiate between tools, even when they are small or similar in shape and size.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optically readable symbol... capturing at least one image of the control zone by at least one image capturing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a system (2) for identifying tools (1) intended for tools (1) having a marking (10) equipped with at least one optically readable symbol (15). The system (2) includes, in particular, one or more image capture devices (21) covering a control area (25) and a computer (22). Several tools (1) are positioned by an operator on said control area (25), and then an image of said control area (25) is captured by each image capture device (21). Next, at least one complete symbol (15) is detected on at least one image by image processing performed by the computer (22), and one or more detected tools (1) corresponding respectively to a detected complete symbol (15) are identified. Finally, a list comprising each detected tool (1) is generated.