Item Sorting via Projected Handling Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing item sorting systems require manual handling and re-labeling at multiple intermediate sort steps, leading to increased costs and potential errors due to the complexity of the sorting process and the need for continuous re-labeling of items.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an acquisition device, a controller system, and a display that captures image data of items moving along a path, identifies item identifiers, and presents handling instructions on a display near the item's location, allowing for real-time guidance of items to their appropriate destinations based on their identifiers and movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and re-labeling are used at multiple intermediate sort steps, then items can be sorted to various destinations, but costs increase and potential errors occur due to the complexity of the sorting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (handling, re-labeling) with an automated optical-mechanical system consisting of cameras, processors, and projectors that capture item images, determine sort characteristics, and project instructions onto items, thereby reducing labor complexity while maintaining sorting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the item through image capture and processing, then uses this digital representation to determine sort characteristics and generate handling instructions, eliminating the need for physical re-labeling at each sort step
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous re-labeling of items is performed at intermediate sort steps, then items can be redirected to different destinations, but costs increase and errors are introduced into the sorting process
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines sort characteristics and generates handling instructions in advance through image processing before the item reaches the sort location, allowing items to be redirected to different destinations without actual re-labeling, thus maintaining routing flexibility while preventing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital instruction system that acts as a mediator between the item and the sort destination, using projected visual instructions to guide sorting personnel without requiring physical modification of the item, thereby maintaining versatility while improving reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If sort instructions are projected directly onto items moving along a conveyor belt, then handling costs are reduced and error risks are minimized, but clear instructions must be provided to sorting personnel in various environments with different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the projection of sort instructions based on real-time detection of item characteristics, conveyor speed, and environmental conditions, allowing the same system to effectively serve various environments with different configurations while maintaining simple operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sorting instruction system that can handle multiple item types, conveyor configurations, and environmental conditions through a single integrated platform that captures images, processes sort characteristics, and projects appropriate instructions, making the system adaptable to various sorting environments
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts for presenting display features to a user of a system which comprises a display, an acquisition device, and a controller system. In various embodiments, the acquisition device is configured to capture image data of one or more items moving along a conveying mechanism and read item identifiers associated with each item. The system then associates or identifies display features with each item identifier and presents the captured image data with the display features presented on or near the image data of the items.