Tool Inventory Control Using Machine Vision for Accurate Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool inventory control systems face challenges in accurately tracking tools within storage units, as they often rely on sensors that can be costly, prone to damage, and generate false alarms. Additionally, these systems may not efficiently identify the correct tool for storage locations or provide real-time updates on tool status changes.
Innovation Solution
An automated tool control system utilizing machine vision to capture and process images of storage locations, applying visual contrast elements to indicate specific tools, and integrating with a networked inventory control system for real-time tracking and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors (contact, magnetic, or infrared) are disposed in 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 damages or malfunctions that produce false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture devices to create visual copies (images) of tools in storage locations, replacing the need for physical sensors in each location. The image processing system analyzes these visual copies to detect tool presence, condition, and characteristics without requiring contact, magnetic, or infrared sensors in each storage slot, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electromagnetic sensor systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using contact sensors, magnetic sensors, or infrared sensors that require physical proximity or contact with tools, the system uses image capture devices to optically detect tool presence and characteristics, substituting a more robust and less prone-to-failure detection mechanism
2Measurement precision
If automated tool control systems capture and process images of storage locations to determine inventory conditions, then the system can identify tool presence and status, but the system may not efficiently identify the correct tool for specific storage locations or provide real-time updates on tool status changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by capturing images of storage locations and processing them to identify tool presence, characteristics, and correct storage locations in advance. The system pre-processes image data to determine tool inventory conditions before actual tool issuance or return operations, enabling faster real-time updates and reducing the time needed for inventory checking and tool location identification during operational moments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image processing system continuously monitors storage locations and provides real-time updates on tool status changes. The system compares current images with reference data to detect tool additions, removals, or misplacements, and immediately communicates inventory condition changes, enabling dynamic and accurate tool tracking throughout the workspace
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory control system is described that includes a tool storage device including a drawer or a tray providing a pallet, wherein the pallet includes storage locations for objects; a sensing device configured to form an image of the storage locations; and a data processor configured to determine presence or absence of the pallet and presence or absence of objects within the storage locations of the pallet using the information from the image.