Workstation Augmented Reality Projection for Instruction Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fulfillment centers, workers face challenges in preparing items for delivery due to complex instructions that require frequent attention shifts between computer displays and physical resources, leading to potential errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The system provides computer-based instructions that are projected onto a workstation or displayed through augmented reality devices, allowing workers to follow instructions without diverting their attention from the task, by recognizing items and resources and generating instructions based on shipping requirements and constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If computer-based instructions are provided on a display monitor, then instructions can be provided to workers, but workers must shift attention between the display and physical resources, leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
A camera captures images of the workstation and physical resources, and an image processing system generates augmented reality overlays that serve as an intermediary between the computer instructions and the physical workspace. This allows instructions to be displayed directly on the workstation surface, eliminating the need for workers to shift attention between separate displays and physical resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical display monitor system with an optical projection system using augmented reality. Instead of workers looking at a separate monitor and then physically locating resources, the system projects instructional images directly onto the workstation surface, substituting the mechanical act of head movement and visual search with optical information delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex instructions are provided for item preparation, then shipping requirements can be met, but task completion time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The instruction set is segmented into discrete, location-specific visual cues that are projected onto different areas of the workstation. Each resource location receives a specific instructional overlay, breaking down complex preparation tasks into manageable, spatially distributed steps that workers can follow sequentially without needing to process entire instruction sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the workstation by projecting images onto the physical surface. This transforms flat, two-dimensional computer instructions into three-dimensional spatial guidance that is integrated with the physical workspace, allowing workers to perceive instructions in the same spatial context as the resources they are manipulating.
3Loss of information
If workers frequently shift attention between displays and resources, then they can access instructions, but error risk increases and task efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the instruction display system with the physical workstation by projecting instructional images directly onto the workstation surface. This combines the information layer (computer instructions) with the physical layer (workstation and resources), creating a unified interface where instructions and resources occupy the same spatial domain and can be accessed simultaneously without attention shifting.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-based instructions for performing a task may be provided to workers using system components that display such instructions in a convenient manner and location that permit the workers to perform the task without diverting their attention from their workstations. Such instructions may be projected onto all or a portion of a surface of the workstation, or onto a lens or other optical element of a wearable computer device, thereby enabling the worker to maintain his or her focus on the task at hand, rather than having to look away at a mounted computer monitor or printed text in order to receive the instructions.