Automated Tool Data Generation via Image Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated tool control systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently generating and updating tool data to track tools in storage, particularly when tools or sensors change, leading to outdated inventory information.
Innovation Solution
An automated asset management system that uses an image-based sensing system to scan storage locations, determine the presence or absence of tools, and update the database with unique identifiers from tags on the tools, enabling accurate inventory tracking through a tool training process that includes silhouette, absence, and presence training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool data generation and updating is performed, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and accuracy of inventory information deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and updates tool data using image-based sensing and machine learning algorithms without requiring manual intervention. The automated asset management system performs tool training, scans storage locations, and updates the database autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself in data generation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry processes with automated image-based sensing systems and optical scanning. The system uses cameras and image processing algorithms to capture tool characteristics and automatically populate the database, substituting human operators with automated optical and computational systems.
2Measurement precision
If automated image-based sensing system is implemented, then measurement precision of tool identification improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of physical tools through image capture and processing. The image-based sensing system generates visual representations of tools, their tags, and storage locations, which are then processed to extract identification data. This copying approach enables accurate tool identification without requiring direct physical measurement or manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms physical tool characteristics into digital parameters through image processing. By converting visual information into structured data parameters (such as tool identification, location, and status), the system achieves precise measurement and tracking while managing complexity through parameter standardization and database integration.
3Reliability
If tool training process with multiple scans is performed, then reliability of inventory information improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tool training in advance to populate the database with accurate tool data before actual inventory tracking begins. By conducting preliminary scanning and data generation during tool training phases, the system establishes a reliable baseline database that enables faster subsequent inventory updates and reduces time loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sensing system operates continuously to scan storage locations and update inventory information in real-time. Rather than performing discrete batch updates, the system maintains continuous monitoring and data generation, ensuring inventory information remains current without requiring periodic time-consuming manual interventions.
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
This solution ensures accurate and up-to-date inventory information by automatically recognizing and storing unique identifiers from tags, addressing the need for automated tool data generation and updating, and improving inventory control in manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
an image-based sensing system configured to generate images used to determine presence or absence of objects configured to be stored in the plurality of storage locations
Data Source
AI summary
An asset management system automatically generates and updates tool data stored in and used by the system for determining the presence or absence of tools or other inventory objects in the systems. The tool data can be automatically generated when a tool is newly added to the automated asset management system, and can be updated if and when characteristics of the tool and/or automated asset management system change. The automatic generation and updating includes automatically recognizing unique identifiers of tags located on inventory objects, automatically identifying an inventory object to associate with each unique identifier, and automatically populating a database to store each unique identifier in association with stored data for the corresponding inventory object.