Tool Inventory Control Using Image-Based Detection and Visual Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory control systems for tools in manufacturing and service environments face challenges in accurately tracking tool presence, type, and location, especially in aerospace industries, where tools must be precisely accounted for to prevent damage and theft, and existing systems are prone to false alarms, are costly, and lack efficient user guidance for returning tools.
Innovation Solution
An automated tool control system utilizing image sensing devices to capture and process images of storage locations, applying visual contrast elements to identify missing or misplaced tools, and integrating with web services for network compatibility and multi-factor authentication, enabling efficient tracking and secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors, magnetic sensors or infrared sensors are disposed in or next to each tool storage location to detect tool presence, then the system can determine whether tools are missing, but the system becomes costly, tedious to implement, and prone to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture devices to create visual copies (images) of tool storage locations instead of using physical sensors at each location. The image processing system analyzes these visual copies to detect tool presence, absence, and misplacement, eliminating the need for numerous physical sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical sensor-based detection system with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of using contact sensors, magnetic sensors, or infrared sensors that require physical placement at each storage location, the system uses cameras or image capture devices to optically detect tool status.
2Productivity
If sensors are used to detect tool presence, then inventory conditions can be determined, but the system produces false negative or positive alarms and cannot verify tool type
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates detailed visual copies of storage locations using image capture devices. These images allow the system to analyze not only the presence or absence of tools but also their specific types, positions, and conditions, thereby verifying tool identity and eliminating false alarms that occur with simple sensor-based systems.
3Reliability
If automated tool control systems with imaging capabilities are used, then tool tracking and security are enhanced, but the systems do not provide efficient user guidance for returning tools to correct locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing system analyzes the current state of storage locations and compares it with the expected state. When tools are missing or misplaced, the system generates visual feedback by highlighting the specific storage locations that need attention, guiding users to return tools to the correct positions efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual indicators such as color-coded highlights or contrast enhancements in the processed images to indicate the status of storage locations. Tools that are missing, misplaced, or need to be returned are highlighted with distinct visual markers, providing intuitive guidance to users about where to return tools without requiring complex interfaces.
4Reliability
If manual inventory checks are performed to minimize tool misplacement or theft, then tool security is maintained, but time and labor are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service inventory monitoring by automatically capturing images of storage locations and processing them to identify missing, misplaced, or stolen tools. The image processing system continuously monitors tool status without requiring manual intervention, providing real-time security and inventory information while eliminating the time and labor associated with manual checks.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
The invention relates to an inventory control system (1000) comprising a tool storage device (1030) including a drawer or a tray having a storage location for storing a target object (1114), a display device (1005) configured to display information about the target object (1114); and a processor configured to receive a selection of a target object (1114), identify a target location image (1112) associated with the target object (1114), identify target object coordinates within the target location image (1112), apply a visual contrast element (1110) to the target location image (1112) at the target object coordinates and display on the display device (1005) the visual contrast element (1110) applied to the target location image (1112) at the target object coordinates on a display (1005) of the inventory control system (1000) to draw a user's attention to the target object (1114).