Storage-Location Projection for Object Return Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to provide immediate information on the placement of objects at their storage locations, making it difficult for operators to know where to return items after use.

Innovation Solution

A management information display system that includes a management state detecting unit to monitor object placement, a projecting device to display information on the placement area, and a control device to determine if the object has been taken out, projecting relevant information back onto the placement area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the display is arranged at a position different from the object placement positions, then the display can show management information, but it becomes difficult for operators to know information on specific positions to place objects instantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement information visibilityVSAvoidoperator ability to locate object placement positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display (separate monitor) to a three-dimensional spatial display by projecting information directly onto the physical storage locations. The projecting device casts images onto shelves and storage areas, adding a spatial dimension to information display that aligns with the physical arrangement of objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a projecting device as an intermediary between the control device and the storage locations. This intermediary translates digital information into visual projections that appear directly on the physical storage surfaces, bridging the gap between information management and physical object placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate display is used to show storage states, then management information can be stored and displayed, but operators cannot quickly identify where to return taken objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage state tracking accuracyVSAvoidtime for operators to locate return positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-projecting information onto storage locations before objects are returned. When a shelf becomes empty after an object is removed, the system proactively projects guidance information onto that location, preparing the operator with immediate directional cues rather than requiring them to search for return positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring storage states through detection devices and immediately responding by updating projections on relevant surfaces. When an object is removed or returned, the system detects the change and adjusts the projected information accordingly, providing real-time feedback to operators about current storage states and appropriate return locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4141779B1Management information display system and management information display method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • EP4141779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141779B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4141779B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A management information display system includes: a management state detecting unit configured to detect a placement state of an object placed on a predetermined placement area such that the object is able to be taken out; a projecting device configured to be capable of projecting a projection image onto the placement area; and a control device configured to: determine, based on a detection result from the management state detecting unit, whether or not the object has been taken out from the placement area; set projection information including information on the object that has been taken out, when the control device determines that the object has been taken out; and control the projecting device such that the projection image representing the projection information is projected onto a position where the object had been placed on the placement area.