Sensor-Based Object Sorting Without Pre-Printed Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices face challenges in printing identification information on objects based on their shapes and properties, making it difficult to accurately sort items without pre-defined sorting information.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device equipped with sensors, a feature extracting unit, a feature searching unit, and a determining unit that detects physical quantities, extracts feature values, and uses these to identify and sort objects without the need for pre-printed identification information, by associating feature values with identification information stored in a database and determining sorting information for precise object sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a printing mechanism is provided to print identification information on objects, then identification information can be printed and stored for sorting, but it becomes difficult to print identification information depending on object shapes and properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical printing mechanism with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of printing identification information on objects, the system uses sensors to detect physical quantities (shape, size, color, texture) and extracts feature values to identify objects. This substitution eliminates the limitation of printing on diverse object shapes while maintaining reliable identification and sorting capabilities.
2Productivity
If identification information is pre-printed on objects, then sorting can be performed based on stored information, but the system cannot handle objects without pre-defined sorting information
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables objects to be identified and sorted based on their own inherent physical characteristics rather than requiring pre-printed information. The sensors detect the objects' own properties (shape, size, color, texture), extract feature values, and use these self-generated features for identification and sorting. This self-service approach eliminates the need for pre-defined information while maintaining efficient sorting operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors detect physical quantities to extract feature values, then object identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sensors that detect different physical quantities (shape, size, color, texture), but each sensor serves multiple purposes in the overall identification process. The feature extracting unit integrates data from all sensors to compute comprehensive feature values, making the sensor system universally applicable to various object types. This multi-functionality approach improves identification accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enables precise sorting of objects based on their physical characteristics, eliminating the need for pre-printed identification and improving the accuracy and efficiency of the sorting process, even for objects with unique shapes and properties.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that detect physical quantities of an object
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the embodiment, a sorting device has sensors, a feature extracting unit, a feature searching unit, a determining unit and a sorting unit. The sensors detect physical quantities of an object. The feature extracting unit extracts a plurality of types of feature values from the physical quantities detected. The feature searching unit specifies identification information of the object based on values of various feature values extracted, from a feature database which associates and stores the values of the various feature values and the identification information of the object. The determining unit determines sorting information of the object based on the identification information of the object specified, from a sorting database which associates and stores the identification information of the object and the sorting information. The sorting unit sorts the object based on the sorting information determined by the determining unit.