Robotic Color Chip Retrieval Under Selectable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in efficiently locating and retrieving specific color chips from large displays due to inherent color variance in digital monitors and the tedious process of searching physical color chips.
Innovation Solution
A color chip dispenser equipped with an optical code reader, robotic arm, and controller to identify and retrieve color chips based on machine-readable optical codes, allowing for automated dispensing or display of matching chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If consumers search physical color chips in large display structures, then they can view actual color samples, but the process is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical search process with an automated optical scanning system. An optical code reader automatically reads machine-readable codes on color chips while a robotic arm or card shuffler device physically moves and positions chips, eliminating the need for consumers to manually search through large display structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing consumers to input color information through digital interfaces (website, mobile application, or in-store kiosk), and the automated system handles the entire retrieval process without requiring manual searching or assistance from store employees.
2Ease of operation
If consumers browse colors electronically using digital monitors, then they can easily select colors, but color variance makes it difficult to match physical color chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses machine-readable optical codes (barcodes, QR codes) as accurate digital copies of color chip identifiers. These codes are read optically and matched against a database to retrieve the corresponding physical color chip, ensuring precise color matching without the variance issues of digital monitor displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable optical code serves as an intermediary between the digital color selection interface and the physical color chip. The code contains precise color identification information that bridges the gap between electronic color representation and physical color sample, eliminating direct reliance on monitor color accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual searching of color chips is required, then consumers can find specific colors, but the process is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual searching with automated optical scanning and mechanical retrieval systems. Optical code readers quickly scan chip identifiers while robotic arms or card shufflers automatically retrieve and deliver the requested color chip, dramatically increasing retrieval speed while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing color chips with machine-readable codes and maintaining a database of color information. When a consumer requests a color, the system has already prepared the retrieval process through automated scanning and positioning, enabling rapid fulfillment without manual searching.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient retrieval of color chips, reducing search time and enabling inventory management, even with duplicate chips and varying light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an optical code reader configured to read machine-readable optical codes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a color chip dispenser are provided and include a display area having a plurality of display windows and a plurality of types of light sources, with each display window being associated with a different type of light source. A controller is configured to (i) receive input from an input device indicating a particular color chip selected from a plurality of color chips, (ii) retrieve the particular color chip from the plurality of color chips using a robotic device, (iii) receive a light type selection from the input device indicating a particular type of light source from the plurality of types of light sources, and (iv) control the robotic device to display the particular color chip in a display window of the plurality of display windows associated with the particular type of light source.