Visual Component Tracking for Device Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disassembling and reassembling devices, especially complex electronics, face challenges such as component identification and tracking issues, leading to errors and inefficiencies, particularly for novice users and those lacking technical expertise.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize image capture and metadata tagging to identify and organize components, allowing for accurate documentation and reassembly guidance through a user-friendly interface, leveraging sensors and databases for efficient tracking and reinstallation instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive instructions manuals and guides are used to provide precise directions for disassembly and reassembly procedures, then the reliability of the process is improved, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to use particularly for complicated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture to create visual copies of the device at various disassembly stages. Instead of relying on complex text manuals, the system captures actual images of the device and components, then uses image recognition to automatically identify and track parts. This visual copying approach simplifies the documentation while maintaining high accuracy, as users can see exactly what they are working with rather than interpreting text descriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual documentation processes (writing down sequences and locations) with automated image recognition and processing systems. The computer vision technology automatically identifies components, tracks their locations, and records disassembly sequences without requiring users to manually document anything. This substitution eliminates the complexity of creating and following detailed manuals while preserving complete tracking information.
2Loss of information
If users manually document the disassembly process by writing down sequential sequence and locations of removed components, then the tracking information is recorded, but the loss of time increases due to the laborious documentation process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic documentation through image capture and recognition. When users capture images during disassembly, the system automatically identifies components, determines their locations, and records the sequence without requiring user intervention for documentation. The image recognition algorithm processes the captured images and extracts all necessary tracking information autonomously, eliminating the time users would spend manually writing down details.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures images at various stages of disassembly, creating a preliminary visual record before the reassembly process begins. By capturing images during disassembly rather than requiring separate documentation steps, the system records all necessary information in real-time as part of the natural disassembly workflow, eliminating additional time that would be spent on separate documentation activities.
3Ease of operation
If video tutorials are used to provide visual assistance for disassembly and reassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to the need to frequently pause and replay sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to the user's progress by capturing images at various stages of disassembly. Rather than presenting a static video that requires pausing and replaying, the system creates a dynamic visual record that progresses with the user's work. Users can review specific captured images at their own pace without interrupting the overall workflow, as the images are already organized in sequence and can be accessed efficiently during reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the disassembly process into discrete stages, with each stage captured in separate images. This segmentation allows users to focus on one component or step at a time without needing to replay entire video sections. During reassembly, users can efficiently access specific segmented images corresponding to the component they are currently working on, eliminating the need to watch and pause lengthy video tutorials repeatedly.
4Ease of operation
If specialized tools and kits are used to help organize components during disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and they do not address the problem of tracking the disassembly sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone or computing device with image capture capabilities as a multi-functional tool that both organizes components visually and tracks the disassembly sequence. Instead of requiring separate specialized tools for organization and separate systems for tracking, the image recognition system performs both functions simultaneously. The same device that captures images for visual organization also processes these images to automatically record the disassembly sequence and component locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of components and their arrangements through image capture, eliminating the need for physical organization tools like magnetic mats or labeled containers. The digital visual record serves the same organizational function as these physical tools while also automatically tracking the disassembly sequence. Users can see component arrangements and locations in the captured images without needing additional physical organizational aids.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of guiding disassembly and reassembly of components of a device, is disclosed. A processor captures at least one image of the device at various stages of disassembly. A plurality of components of the device being disassembled is determined in the at least one image of the device based on visual detection of each of the plurality of components by a user. The plurality of components is consecutively numbered in the at least one image to determine a plurality of numbered components based on tapping, by the user, on each of the plurality of components via a user interface. Metadata is added corresponding to the plurality of components in the at least one image via a user interface. The at least one image is stored with the plurality of numbered components, and associated metadata in a database for easy access and retrieval during reassembly.


