Task Assistance System for Real-Time Article Collection Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient method to ensure accurate collection and arrangement of multiple articles during tasks, such as shipment tasks, as they fail to detect missing or incorrectly arranged items in real-time, leading to operator errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A control device with an output controller that compares first and second identification information from articles and generates task instructions and print commands to correct any discrepancies, using a task assistance system comprising a server, reading device, and printer to manage and output necessary corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual collection and arrangement of multiple articles is performed without automated verification, then operator flexibility and simplicity of system are maintained, but accuracy and reliability of article collection deteriorate due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of article collectionVSAvoidcomplexity of verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by comparing the collected articles against the task list and providing real-time verification results to the operator. The control device receives identification information from read units, compares it with the required article list, and outputs verification results indicating whether all required articles have been collected, thereby improving reliability through automated feedback loops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the articles themselves to carry identification information (such as barcodes or RFID tags) that automatically identifies them when scanned. The articles effectively identify themselves through their embedded identification markers, eliminating the need for manual verification by operators and reducing device complexity while improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If real-time verification of collected articles is implemented, then accuracy of task completion is improved, but time consumption and loss of time increase due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of task completionVSAvoidtime for verification process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by pre-storing the task list and required article information in the control device before the collection process begins. The verification criteria are prepared in advance, allowing the system to perform rapid comparisons during the collection process without requiring time-consuming setup or processing during verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated optical or electromagnetic reading systems. Instead of operators manually checking articles against a list, read units automatically scan identification information (barcodes, RFID tags) and transmit data to the control device for instant comparison, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple read units are deployed to scan articles at different locations, then detection capability and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of article collection verificationVSAvoidnumber of read units and system components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the verification function across multiple independent read units that can be positioned at different locations where articles are collected. Each read unit independently scans articles and transmits identification information to the central control device, allowing parallel verification operations that improve productivity while keeping each individual read unit simple and standardized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements universality by using identical read units that can function at multiple different locations and for different types of articles. The same standardized read unit design can be deployed throughout the collection process, reducing overall system complexity through component standardization while maintaining high detection capability across multiple points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10832203B2Control device, reading device, task assistance system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and control method

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A control device includes an output controller that controls output of contents of a task for collecting multiple predetermined articles and output of a missing one of the articles based on a result of a comparison between first identification information, which is article identification information about each of the multiple articles, and second identification information, which is the article identification information read from any one of the multiple articles.