Portable Tool Imaging with Orientation-Based Target Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool systems face reduced reliability and accuracy in image processing due to variations in tool orientation, which affects the identification and management of work targets.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an orientation detection unit and image correction unit to compensate for tool orientation, enhancing the processing unit's ability to accurately identify and manage work targets based on captured images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tools are managed manually without automated systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to time-consuming manual tracking and lack of real-time data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool management efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server performs multiple functions including authentication, tool tracking, usage monitoring, and maintenance scheduling within a single centralized system. This multi-functional approach improves productivity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, while the unified architecture actually reduces overall complexity compared to coordinating multiple independent tools manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Tools equipped with sensors and communication modules automatically report their status, location, and usage data to the management server without requiring manual intervention. This self-reporting mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual tracking while the automation handles complexity internally, presenting a simple interface to users while maintaining sophisticated backend management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If detailed tracking and monitoring systems are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool usage tracking accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual tracking methods are replaced with electronic sensors, communication modules, and automated data processing systems. This substitution provides precise real-time measurement of tool usage, location, and status while the digital automation handles the complexity of data collection and analysis, presenting simplified information to users through the management server interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring and authentication systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool management reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server continuously receives real-time data from tools and provides immediate feedback through notifications, alerts, and automated responses. This feedback loop ensures reliable monitoring of tool usage, authentication status, and maintenance needs while the automated feedback mechanisms handle complexity internally, providing simple reliable interfaces to end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4056319B1Tool system, tool management method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4056319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056319B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4056319B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The problem to be overcome by the present disclosure is to reduce the chances of causing a decline in the reliability or accuracy of processing that uses a captured image generated by an image capturing unit. A tool system (1) includes a portable tool (2), an image capturing unit (5), an orientation detection unit (26), and a processing unit (34). The tool (2) includes a driving unit (24) to be activated with power supplied from a power source. The image capturing unit (5) is provided for the tool (2) and generates a captured image. The orientation detection unit (26) is provided for the tool (2) and detects an orientation of the tool (2). The processing unit (34) performs processing based on the captured image and the orientation.