Empty Container Detection Through Perturbation and Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining whether a container is empty, such as weight scales and machine vision systems, are inefficient, prone to errors, and sensitive to environmental conditions, leading to inaccurate empty container detection in automated storage and retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a perturbation device to alter the contents of a container, followed by image comparison using machine vision, employing algorithms like MSE and SSIM to determine container emptiness based on image differences caused by object movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight scales are used to detect empty containers, then detection accuracy can be improved, but integration with conveyor systems becomes difficult and the check process slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight scale system with an optical imaging system. Instead of measuring weight to detect empty containers, the system captures images of containers and uses image processing algorithms to determine whether containers are empty, thereby eliminating the need for physical contact and weight measurement while maintaining detection accuracy and improving inspection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the imaging system and the empty container detection function. The algorithms process the visual information captured by the imaging system to determine container emptiness, serving as a mediator that translates optical data into meaningful detection results without requiring direct physical measurement.
2Productivity
If machine vision systems are used to detect empty containers, then inspection speed can be improved, but false detections occur due to image differences unrelated to objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary image processing operations such as blurring and grayscale conversion before performing the empty container detection. By pre-processing the images to remove high-frequency noise and standardize the data, the system eliminates the harmful effect of minor image variations (dirt, scratches, lighting) before the actual detection algorithm is applied, thereby reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses the detection algorithm on specific regions of interest within the container rather than analyzing the entire image. By concentrating computational resources on the critical areas where objects would be located and applying different processing strategies to different image regions, the system improves both speed and accuracy while being less sensitive to peripheral variations.
3Measurement precision
If depth sensors are used to detect objects in containers, then three-dimensional information can be obtained, but small or flat objects that blend with container walls cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two-dimensional image data to create a representation of the three-dimensional container contents. By capturing multiple views and using image processing to reconstruct the spatial arrangement of objects, the system achieves effective 3D detection capability using 2D imaging, thereby detecting objects that would be invisible to depth sensors including small and flat items.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for detecting empty container includes acquiring a first image of a container using an imaging system, and after the first image is acquired, causing a perturbation device to perturb a content of the container. The method further includes acquiring a second image of the container using the imaging system after the perturbation, and processing the first image and the second image using one or more computer processors, to determine whether the container is empty based on whether there is a difference between the first image and the second image as a result of one or more objects inside the container being moved due to the perturbation.