Image-based inventory control system

Abstract

Inventory control systems for monitoring the removal and replacement of objects are described. An exemplary system includes at least one storage drawer, each storage drawer includes at least one storage location for storing objects, and configured to move in a first direction allowing increasing access to storage locations of the drawer, and a second direction allowing decreasing access to storage locations of the drawer. An image sensing device is provided to form at least one first image of the storage locations when a respective storage drawer moves in the second direction. The system includes a data processor configured to receive information representing images of the storage locations generated by the image sensing device, and determine an inventory condition of the objects stored in the respective storage drawer according to the at least one first image.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inventory control system for monitoring the removal and replacement of objects, the system comprising:
 at least one storage drawer, each storage drawer including at least one storage location for storing objects, wherein each storage drawer is configured to move in a first direction allowing increasing access to storage locations of the drawer, and a second direction allowing decreasing access to storage locations of the drawer;   at least one image sensing device configured to form at least one first image of the storage locations when a respective storage drawer moves in the second direction or when the respective storage drawer stops moving in the second direction;   a data processor configured to receive information representing the at least one first image of the storage locations, and determine an inventory condition of the objects stored in the respective storage drawer according to the at least one first image.