Transparent Display Adjusting Projection for Warehouse Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distribution centers face inefficiencies and errors in storage and retrieval tasks due to the need for workers to use mobile devices that require one hand and divert attention from the task, and inventory changes can lead to stock-out reporting issues during hectic retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile device communicating with an audio device and a transparent display that projects information onto a wearable lens, allowing hands-free operation and adjusting display intensity or projection based on unsafe conditions detected by sensors like cameras, GPS, and motion detectors to ensure worker safety and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If workers use mobile devices to identify item location, then workers can locate items, but workers must use one hand and look away from the item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of holding and viewing a mobile device screen with an optical projection system. The mobile device projects information onto a transparent display surface (such as a lens or visor), allowing workers to view item location information without physically handling the device or diverting their gaze from the workspace. This substitution of mechanical device interaction with optical field information resolves the contradiction between obtaining information and maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent display acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the worker's vision. Instead of directly viewing the mobile device screen or having information spoken aloud, the projection creates a visual intermediary that overlays information in the worker's field of view. This intermediary allows simultaneous viewing of both the item location information and the physical workspace, eliminating the need to look away while maintaining hands-free operation.
2Loss of information
If transparent display projects information continuously, then workers can see information, but unsafe conditions may go unnoticed due to visual obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the projection characteristics (such as brightness, opacity, or visibility) based on detected unsafe conditions. When sensors detect hazardous conditions (e.g., motion patterns indicating falling, proximity to dangerous equipment, or environmental hazards), the system dynamically modifies the projection to reduce visual obstruction, allowing workers to perceive both the information and the hazardous environment. This dynamic responsiveness resolves the contradiction between continuous information visibility and safety awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the worker's environment and adjust projection visibility accordingly. Unsafe conditions detected by sensors (such as motion detectors, proximity sensors, or environmental sensors) trigger feedback loops that modify the projection parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that information visibility does not compromise safety, as the system automatically responds to hazardous conditions by adjusting the display to maintain worker awareness of their surroundings.
3Reliability
If workers report out of stock items during hectic retrieval, then inventory accuracy improves, but errors occur due to hectic process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of item availability and location information before the worker reaches the storage location. By projecting accurate, real-time inventory information onto the transparent display during the retrieval process, workers can verify item presence and location without pausing or manually checking inventory systems. This preliminary provision of accurate information prevents reporting errors that would otherwise occur during hectic retrieval operations, maintaining both inventory accuracy and retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification processes (where workers would need to stop, check inventory systems, and verify item availability) with automated optical projection of verified information. The mobile device continuously projects accurate inventory status and location data, allowing workers to maintain their retrieval pace without compromising accuracy. This substitution eliminates the need to slow down for verification while preventing errors through continuous access to reliable inventory information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for display of information. The system includes an audio device, a transparent display, and a mobile device in communication with the audio device and the transparent display. The mobile device projects information to the transparent display, and decreases projection of the information to the transparent display in response to a detection of an unsafe condition.