Vision-Based Inventory Tracking for Small Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems using barcodes and RFID technologies are inadequate for tracking small components like screws, bolts, and nails due to surface area constraints and the inefficiency of attaching tags, especially when managing large quantities of excess components post-assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a handheld device with an imaging capability that captures images of components, extracts features, and compares them with a database to identify and locate components of various sizes and shapes, allowing for efficient tracking and updating of inventory records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcode or RFID tags are attached to small components, then component tracking is enabled, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming due to the large quantity of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of components with a camera and creating digital representations in a database. Instead of physically attaching tags to each component, the system creates visual copies (images) that can be stored, retrieved, and used for identification, eliminating the time-consuming tag attachment process while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically attaching barcodes or RFID tags with an optical system using a camera to capture images. This substitution eliminates the manual mechanical operation of tag attachment while achieving the same identification and tracking function through digital image processing
2Reliability
If barcodes or RFID tags are attached to small components, then component identification is possible, but the surface area of small components is insufficient for tag attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies (images) of components that can be stored and analyzed without requiring physical tags on the components themselves. The image captures all necessary visual information for identification, bypassing the need for physical tag attachment on small surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical tag attachment on component surfaces to a different dimension by capturing three-dimensional visual information through camera imaging. This allows identification without being constrained by the limited surface area of small components
3Ease of manufacture
If all small items are collected in one container with a barcode, then tag attachment is simplified, but component identification becomes impossible once brought outside the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by capturing individual images of each component or distinct group of components rather than treating them as a single bulk item. This allows the system to identify and track specific components even when they are separated from containers, while still maintaining the simplicity of image-based tagging
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates individual digital copies (images) of components that can be independently identified and tracked. Each component or group has its own visual record in the database, enabling identification whether the component is in a container or separated, without requiring physical tag attachment
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an inventory management method and system. The present invention addresses the foregoing need of an inventory management system through which all size and shape of components can tracked before and after an assembly process in a manufacturing facility. The invention address the challenges faced by store keeping clerks in locating the position of excess components returned from assembly floor, which are taken in excess but not being utilized during assembly process. Since basic spare parts which are smaller in size but taken in large quantity from store room due to their frequent usage, excess components needs to be kept back in store keeping units for effective inventory management.