3D Vision Asset Tracking via Distributed Tape Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the loading status of a truck trailer are inefficient due to limitations in communication bandwidth, data throughput, and computational complexity, and struggle with guiding users to specific assets among multiple similar ones, especially in environments with limited location tracking granularity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing low-power wireless communication and camera-equipped tape nodes that perform computer vision techniques to determine the load status of asset containers, with infrared emitters for asset tracking and augmented reality guidance, enabling efficient location finding of assets within a network of adhesive tape platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical and image-based detection methods are used to determine loading status, then the system can detect asset positions, but communication bandwidth and data throughput are limited and computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the asset tracking functionality into distributed tape nodes, each equipped with its own camera and processing capabilities. Each tape node independently performs computer vision analysis on local images to determine load status, eliminating the need for centralized image processing and reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If detailed location tracking is implemented for multiple assets, then asset positions can be monitored, but it becomes difficult to guide users to specific assets among similar ones
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses infrared emitters attached to assets that emit invisible infrared light, and corresponding infrared cameras in tape nodes to detect and track these emissions. This allows the system to distinguish and guide users to specific assets among similar ones by detecting unique infrared signatures, enhancing both tracking precision and operational ease.
3Reliability
If multiple cameras and tape nodes are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then load status and asset location can be determined, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tape nodes and infrared emitters operate in periodic cycles, activating cameras and infrared emissions only when needed for detection and tracking. This periodic operation reduces continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring accuracy through scheduled data collection and transmission events.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively addresses the inefficiencies in load status determination and asset location by enabling local data processing, reducing data transfer volume, and providing precise asset location through 3D vision and augmented reality guidance, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fleet management and asset tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a first camera operable to capture a first image; a second camera; to capture a second image
Implementation Method 2
infrared emitters for asset tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a load status of an asset container, comprising: a first tape node having a first low-power wireless-communications interface and a first camera, the first tape node operable to capture and transmit a first image; and a second tape node, comprising: a second camera; a second low-power wireless-communication interface; a processor; and memory communicatively coupled with the processor and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive, from the first tape node, the first image; capture a second image using the second camera; perform computer vision techniques on the first and second images to generate the load status of the asset container; and transmit the load status to a nearby node.