CLOUD-BASED COLOR SORTING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

CLOUD-BASED COLOR SORTING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF ABSTRACT A cloud-based color sorting system (100) is disclosed. The system (100) comprises color sorting machines (102a-102n) to sort articles on a basis of colors. The system (100) further comprises a processing unit (106) that is located on a cloud server (104) and is configured to: receive the operational status and the sorting data; analyze the received sorting data and the detected operational status using a machine learning algorithm; determine a maintenance need based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status; generate commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need; and transmit the generated commands to the color sorting machines (102a-102n) in real-time. The system (100) monitors a health of the color sorting machines (102a-102n) to detect potential problems before resulting in failures. Claims: 10, Figures: 4 Figure 1 is selected

Specification

Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated sorting system and particularly to a cloud-based color sorting system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Color sorting machines have become integral to various industries, including agriculture, food processing, and recycling, where the accurate identification and separation of materials based on color are essential for quality control and operational efficiency. These machines typically use imaging technologies to detect the color of products or materials as they pass through the system and sort them into appropriate categories.
[003] Moreover, traditional color sorting machines often operate as standalone systems, requiring manual oversight and periodic calibration. They depend on pre-defined algorithms to differentiate between colors, but these algorithms can lack flexibility in adapting to new product types or changes in sorting criteria. Additionally, while some machines have incorporated automated features, the majority still rely on on-site supervision for both sorting and maintenance tasks.
[004] However, one of the major challenges faced by conventional color sorting systems is the inability to monitor and manage multiple machines across different locations in real-time. Operators are often required to physically inspect each machine to track its performance, diagnose issues, or perform maintenance. As a result, a machine downtime can increase due to delayed maintenance, while performance inefficiencies may go unnoticed until they significantly impact productivity.
[005] Furthermore, while modern machine learning techniques hold promise for improving sorting accuracy, their integration into existing color sorting systems remains limited. The lack of real-time data processing capabilities, combined with the absence of predictive maintenance features, contributes to inefficiencies in operations and increased costs associated with unexpected breakdowns or suboptimal performance.
[006] Additionally, traditional color sorting machines are not easily scalable. Connecting and managing multiple machines across different locations can be complex and resource-intensive, as existing systems lack the necessary communication and control infrastructure for such applications.
[007] These challenges have created a demand for more advanced, scalable, and intelligent color sorting solutions that can leverage emerging technologies such as machine learning, real-time monitoring, and remote management to enhance overall efficiency and reduce operational costs.
[008] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced cloud-based color sorting system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a cloud-based color sorting system. The system comprising: color sorting machines adapted to sort articles on a basis of colors. The sorting machines comprises: a visual identification unit adapted to identify the colors of the articles. The sorting machines further comprises: a maintenance unit adapted to detect an operational status of the color sorting machines corresponding to the maintenance unit. The system further comprises: a processing unit located on a cloud server. The processing unit is configured to: receive the detected operational status of the color sorting machines from the maintenance unit; receive a sorting data based on the identified colors of the articles from the visual identification unit of the color sorting machines; analyze the received sorting data and the detected operational status using a machine learning algorithm; determine a maintenance need based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status; generate commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need; and transmit the generated commands to the color sorting machines in real-time.
[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for identifying and sorting articles based on colors using a cloud-based color sorting system. The method comprising steps of: receiving a detected operational status of color sorting machines from a maintenance unit; receiving a sorting data based on identified colors of the articles from a visual identification unit of the color sorting machines; analyzing the received sorting data and the detected operational status using a machine learning algorithm; determining a maintenance need based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status; generating commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need; and transmitting the generated commands to the color sorting machines in real-time.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a cloud-based color sorting system.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that allows real-time monitoring of multiple color sorting machines via a cloud server. Real-time and remote monitoring provides continuous oversight of machine status, sorting performance, and operation efficiency, that minimizes the need for on-site supervision and enables immediate detection of issues.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that can connect and manage an unlimited number of color sorting machines on a single platform resulting in scalability, that makes the system suitable for large operations spread across multiple locations, enabling centralized control and management.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that enhances sorting accuracy by adapting to real-time data.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that engages machine learning models that further can be tailored to recognize subtle color differences, improving sorting precision for various materials.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that can monitor machine health and detect potential problems before resulting in failures. A predictive maintenance capability reduces machine downtime and extends a lifespan of equipment by allowing operators to perform maintenance at optimal times.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) modules for communication between the color sorting machines and the cloud server, ensuring a reliable and efficient data transmission system. The reliable communication enables seamless coordination without the need for complex wired infrastructure.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that features enabling remote management and real-time monitoring, leading to a reduction in a need for frequent manual interventions and on-site inspections. Predictive maintenance and real-time insights further decrease costs associated with unexpected machine breakdowns and inefficient operations.
[0019] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that enables continuous logging of sorting data and machine status on the cloud server. The color sorting system may be capable of providing valuable insights for operators to analyze performance trends. Data logging leads to better decision-making regarding machine settings, maintenance schedules, and operational improvements over time.
[0020] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that can be easily adapted for a wide range of color sorting applications across various industries. By updating machine learning models and adjusting system parameters, the system can handle different products and materials, featuring versatile and suitable characters for diverse operational environments.
[0021] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that enables operators to monitor and control the entire network of machines remotely through a user-friendly cloud-based interface. This facilitates easy access to machine status, performance metrics, and sorting results from anywhere, improving operational convenience.
[0022] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a color sorting system that increases overall reliability, reduces downtime, and enhances machine performance, resulting in higher throughput and efficiency in a sorting process.
[0023] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0024] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cloud-based color sorting system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a color sorting machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a processing unit of the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for identifying and sorting articles based on colors using the cloud-based color sorting system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0032] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises", and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", "consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of", the like.
[0033] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cloud-based color sorting system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may be capable of controlling, optimizing, and adjusting processes carried out by color sorting machines 102a-102n (hereinafter referred individually to as the color sorting machine 102, and plurally to as the color sorting machines 102) by utilizing a processing unit 106 established on a cloud server 104.
[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may be installed in locations such as, but not limited to, a warehouse, a manufacturing line, a granary, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location of installation of the system 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the color sorting machine 102 may be adapted to sort the articles on the basis of colors. According to embodiments of the present invention, the color sorting machines 102 may be adapted to utilize a predefined set of mechanisms for sorting the articles on the basis of colors such as, but not limited to, mechanical mechanisms, electronic mechanisms, electromagnetic mechanisms, winnowing mechanisms, belting mechanisms, conveying mechanisms, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any mechanism that may be instigated in the color sorting machines 102 for sorting the articles on the basis of colors, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the articles sorted by the color sorting machines 102 may be, but not limited to, harvested produce, manufactured edible items, stationaries, electronic gadgets, apparel goods, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the articles that may be sorted by the color sorting machines 102 on the basis of colors, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a group of articles may be provided to the color sorting machines 102 for assortment on the basis of color. The color sorting machines 102 may sort the provided articles into a number of groups. Such that, a set of articles featuring the same color may be grouped into a first group. In an exemplary scenario, the first group may comprise the articles, sorted by the color sorting machines 102, having a red color. Further, a separate set of articles featuring the same color may be grouped into a second group. In another exemplary scenario, the second group may comprise the articles, sorted by the color sorting machines 102, having a green color.
[0039] Further, after sorting the articles by the color sorting machines 102 in the groups, as explained above, each of the groups may be then stored at a location. According to embodiments of the present invention, the location may be, but not limited to, a box, a container, a platter, a cargo, a carton, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location where the groups of the articles sorted by the color sorting machines 102 may be stored, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the color sorting machines 102 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be communicatively connected to the color sorting machines 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be, but not limited to, a cloud storage facility, an Internet, a web database, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud server 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may further comprise the processing unit 106.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may be configured to control, optimize, or adjust the sorting process, carried out by the color sorting machines 102, in real-time. The processing unit 106 may be a physical peripheral that may be physically installed and configured on the cloud server 104, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may be virtually configured on the cloud server 104. The virtual configuration may be achieved using means such as, but not limited to, an Oracle VMWare, a Sandbox, a VMware Horizon Client, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any means for achieving the virtual confutation of the processing unit 106 over the cloud server 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may be configured to analyze the sorting data. The sorting data may be analyzed for retrieval of statistics such as, but not limited to, a total number of the articles sorted, a total number colors under which the total number of articles may be sorted, a date and time of sorting, a total time consumed in sorting, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any statistics that may be retrieved by the analysis of the sorting data, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0044] Further, the processing unit 106 may be configured to detect operational status of the color sorting machines 102 using a machine learning algorithm. The operational status of the color sorting machine 102 may be adapted to generate commands. The generated command may be adapted to control, optimize, or adjust the sorting process, carried out by the color sorting machine 102, in real-time.
[0045] The processing unit 106 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the cloud server 104. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processing unit 106 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the color sorting machine 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the color sorting machine 102 may sort the articles based on the colors using a set of algorithms such as, but not limited to, a bubble sort algorithm, a quick sort algorithm, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the algorithm used by the color sorting machines 102 may be a Tiny Machine Learning (TML) algorithm Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any set of algorithms that may be used by the color sorting machines 102 for sorting of the articles based on the colors, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the color sorting machine 102 may comprise a visual identification unit 200, an intercommunication unit 202, a maintenance unit 204, and a controller unit 206.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the color sorting machine 102 may be locally installed at the location. The local installation of the color sorting machine 102 may enable the user to access and operate the color sorting machine 102 physically by using a control panel (provided) on the color sorting machine 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the local establishment may further allow the user to use local devices such as, but not limited to, a remote, a smartphone, a tablet, and so forth for accessing and controlling the color sorting machines 102.
[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the color sorting machine 102 may installed at the location, however, the installed color sorting machine 102 may be configured to operate in a remote mode. The remote mode of operation of the color sorting machine 102 may enable the user to remotely access and control the color sorting machine 102, without being present in a physical proximity of the other color sorting machines 102.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise the color sorting machines 102 that may be 'n' in numbers. In an embodiment of the present invention, 'n' may be any finite number starting from '1'. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the color sorting machines 102 may comprise the identification unit 200, the intercommunication unit 202, the maintenance unit 204, and the controller unit 206.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the visual identification unit 200 may be adapted to identify the colors of the articles. The visual identification unit 200 may comprise a camera (not shown) to capture real-time images of the articles, in an embodiment of the present invention. The real-time images of the articles captured by the visual identification unit 200 may further be transmitted to the controller unit 206 for identification and extraction of the colors of the articles captured in the real-time images.
[0051] After identification and extraction of the colors of the articles captured in the real-time images, the visual identification unit 200 may generate a sorting data. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sorting data may include information such as, but not limited to, the color of the articles, a destination of the articles, a weight of the articles, a date and a time of tagging of the articles, a number of sorting, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any information that may be encapsulated in the sorting data, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] According to other embodiments of the present invention, a resolution for the captured real-time images of the articles by the visual identification unit 200 may be in a range from 320 pixels by 240 pixels to 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any resolution for the captured real-time images of the articles by the visual identification unit 200, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0053] According to the other embodiments of the present invention, the visual identification unit 200 may be, but not limited to, a still camera, a video camera, a color balancer camera, a thermal camera, an infrared camera, a telephoto camera, a wide-angle camera, a macro camera, a Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera, a web camera, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the visual identification unit 200, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the intercommunication unit 202 may be adapted to pair the color sorting machine 102. The pairing of the color sorting machine 102 may enable a user to simultaneously control one or multiple of the color sorting machine 102 either from one of the color sorting machine 102 or using a user device (not shown), in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the intercommunication unit 202 may operate in a range from 1.4 Gigahertz (GHz) to 3.4 Gigahertz (GHz) Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intercommunication unit 202 may operate on a 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth for operation of the intercommunication unit 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, the intercommunication unit 202 may further be adapted to transmit the sorting data generated by the color sorting machines 102 to the cloud server 104. The transmission of the sorting data to the cloud server 104 may be carried out in a real-time.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance unit 204 may be adapted to detect an operational status of the color sorting machines 102. The operational status exhibited by the color sorting machines 102 may either be a healthy state, or an unhealthy state, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, in case of the unhealthy state, the maintenance unit 204 may be adapted to a schedule an overhauling session for the corresponding color sorting machines 102 exhibiting the unhealthy state.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller unit 206 may be adapted to receive the captured real-time images of the articles from the visual identification unit 200. Upon receipt of the real-time images, the controller unit 206 may be configured to identify and extract the colors of the articles visible in the received real-time images. The controller unit 206 may identify and extract the colors of the articles using algorithms such as, but not limited to, a K-means algorithm, a median cut algorithm, a segmentation algorithm, a color thief algorithm, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller unit 206 or the visual identification unit 200 may use the Tiny Machine Learning (TML) algorithm to identify and extract the colors of the articles. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover algorithms that may identify and extract the colors of the articles visible in the received real-time images, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0058] According to embodiments of the present invention, the color of the articles extracted by the controller unit 206 may be denoted using notations, such as, but not limited to, a name of the color, a hexadecimal (HEX) code of the color, a red-green-blue (RGB) code of the color, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any notation for denoting the color of the articles extracted by the controller unit 206, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller unit 206 may be in communication with the cloud server 104 and the processing unit 106. The controller unit 206 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the color sorting machine 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller unit 206 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller unit 206 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the processing unit 106 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The color sorting machine 102 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 300, a data transmission module 302, a check module 304, a control module 306, and a data transmission module 308.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 300 may be configured to receive the sorting data from the visual identification unit 200. Further, the data receiving module 300 may be configured to receive the detected operational status of the color sorting machine 102 from the maintenance unit 204, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 300 may further be configured to transmit the received sorting data and the detected operational status to the data analysis module 302.
[0062] The data analysis module 302 may be activated upon receipt of the sorting data and the detected operational status from the data receiving module 300. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data analysis module 302 may be configured to analyze the received sorting data and the detected operational status. The data analysis module 302 may be configured to execute the Tiny Machine Learning (TML) for analysis of the received sorting data and the detected operational status, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Tiny Machine Learning (TML) may be trained on a dataset and a data model relating to various sorting machines, such as, but not limited to, the color sorting machine 102, a weight-based sorting machines, a size-based sorting machines, and so forth.
[0063] Upon complete analysis of the received sorting data and the detected operational status, the data analysis module 302 may be configured to transmit a check signal to the check module 304.
[0064] The check module 304 may be activated upon receipt of the check signal from the data analysis module 302. In an embodiment of the present invention, the check module 304 may be configured to determine a maintenance needed by the color sorting machines 102. The maintenance needed by the color sorting machines 102 may be determined by the check module 304 based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] Based on the determination of the need for the maintenance, the check module 304 may be configured to transmit an activation signal to the control module 306.
[0066] The control module 306 may be activated upon receipt of the activation signal from the check module 304. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module 306 may be configured to generate commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need. The control module 306 may be configured to receive commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process in the real-time from the cloud server 104, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module 306 may be configured to control the sorting process. The control module 306 may control the sorting process by powering on or powering off the color sorting machine 102.
[0068] Further, the control module 306 may be configured to optimize the sorting process. The control module 306 may optimize the sorting process by allocating the sorting operation to the color sorting machine 102, which may tend to have fewer sorting operations remaining in a cache. Moreover, the control module 306 may optimize the sorting process by prioritizing the sorting operations. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sorting operations with high priority may be carried out before the sorting operations with low high priority. Additionally, the control module 306 may adjust the sorting process by flagging extremely long sorting operations as night tasks and may execute the sorting operations flagged with night task flag in night hours.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module 306 may be configured to manage the color sorting machines 102. The control module 306 may manage the color sorting machine 102 by a continuous monitoring of the operational status of the color sorting machines. Further, the control module 306 may be configured to alert maintenance members for the corresponding color sorting machine 102 exhibiting the unhealthy state.
[0070] Further, the control module 306 may be configured to transmit a transmission signal to the data transmission module 308.
[0071] The data transmission module 308 may be activated upon receipt of the transmission signal from the control module 306. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data transmission module 308 may be configured to transmit the generated commands to the color sorting machines 102, in real-time. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data transmission module 308 may be configured to enable the intercommunication unit 202 to transmit the received sorting data and the detected operational status to the cloud server 104, in real-time.
[0072] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 for identifying and sorting the articles based on colors using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] At step 402, the system 100 may receive the detected operational status of the color sorting machines 102 from the maintenance unit 204.
[0074] At step 404, the system 100 may receive a sorting data based on the identified colors of the articles from the visual identification unit 200 of the color sorting machines 102.
[0075] At step 406, the system 100 may analyze the received sorting data and the detected operational status using the machine learning algorithm.
[0076] At step 408, the system 100 may determine the maintenance need based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status. If there may be a requirement for the maintenance, then the method 400 may proceed to a step 416. Else, the method 400 may revert to the step 402.
[0077] At step 410, the system 100 may generate commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting the sorting process based on the determined maintenance need.
[0078] At step 412, the system 100 may transmit the generated commands to the color sorting machines 102 in real-time. Based on the transmitted commands, the system 100 may further optimize the sorting process by prioritizing the sorting operations.
[0079] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A cloud-based color sorting system (100), the system (100) comprising:
color sorting machines (102a-102n) adapted to sort articles by identifying colors of the article, wherein each of the sorting machines (102a-102n) comprises:
a visual identification unit (200) adapted to identify the colors of the articles; and
a maintenance unit (204) adapted to detect an operational status of the color sorting machines (102a-102n) corresponding to the maintenance unit (204); and
a processing unit (106) located on a cloud server (104), characterized in that the processing unit (106) is configured to:
receive the detected operational status of each of the color sorting machines (102a-102n) from the maintenance unit (204);
receive a sorting data based on the identified colors of the articles from the visual identification unit (200) of each of the color sorting machines (102a-102n);
analyze the received sorting data and the detected operational status using a Tiny Machine Learning (TML);
determine a maintenance need for the color sorting machines (102a-102n) based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status;
generate commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need; and
transmit the generated commands to the color sorting machines (102a-102n) in real-time.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the color sorting machines (102a-102n) comprises a controller (204) that is configured to receive the generated commands from the cloud server (104).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual identification unit (200) is a camera that is adapted to capture real-time images of the articles.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual identification unit (200) uses a Tiny Machine Learning (TML) algorithm to identify the colors of the articles.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the colors of the articles identified by the visual identification unit (200) are denoted using notations selected from a name of the color, a hexadecimal (HEX) code of the color, a red-green-blue (RGB) code of the color, or a combination thereof.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorting data is selected from the color of the articles, a destination of the articles, a weight of the articles, a date and a time of tagging of the articles, a number of sorting, or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the color sorting machines (102a-102n) comprises an intercommunication unit (202) adapted to pair the color sorting machines (102a-102n), and to transmit the generated sorting data to the cloud server (104) in a real-time.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the intercommunication unit (202) operates on a 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth.
9. A method (400) for identifying and sorting articles based on colors using a cloud-based color sorting system (100), the method (400) characterized by steps of:
receiving a detected operational status of color sorting machines (102a-102n) from a maintenance unit (204);
receiving a sorting data based on identified colors of the articles from a visual identification unit (200) of the color sorting machines (102a-102n);
analyzing the received sorting data and the detected operational status using a machine learning algorithm;
determining a maintenance need based on the analyzed sorting data and the operational status;
generating commands for controlling, optimizing, or adjusting a sorting process based on the determined maintenance need; and
transmitting the generated commands to the color sorting machines (102a-102n) in real-time.
10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a step of optimizing the sorting process by prioritizing the sorting operations based on the transmitted commands.
Date: November 11, 2024
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant

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