Smart reusable packaging improvements for cognitive shipment

Abstract

An embodiment for improving reusable packaging for cognitive commerce shipments is provided. The embodiment can include receiving information related to a product to be shipped in a reusable packaging and historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base. The embodiment can also include predicting a size of the reusable packaging in which the product is to be shipped. The embodiment can also include identifying a required inflation level of an array of airbags in the reusable packaging. The embodiment can also include inflating a plurality of airbags in the array of airbags consistent with the required inflation level. The embodiment can also include deflating each inflated airbag in the array of airbags when the product is being delivered to an end destination in response to determining that additional protection is not required for the product.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of computing, and more specifically to a system for improving reusable packaging for cognitive commercial shipping.

[0002] In the current market, products are shipped in appropriate packaging. For example, larger products can require a box that is larger than the box required for smaller products. These products can be shipped by truck, van, boat, train, and / or airplane. Many of these products can be shipped with reusable packaging, where the reusable packaging is collected after the product has been shipped. Alternatively, the recipient can reuse the shipped packaging to return unwanted or defective products or to ship a completely different product. As technology continues to improve and give consumers the ability to have products shipped to their homes with the push of a button, it is expected that the demand for reusable packaging will increase over the next few decades. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for improving reusable packaging for cognitive commercial shipping is provided. The embodiment can include receiving information related to a product to be shipped in reusable packaging and historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base. The embodiment can also include predicting a size of the reusable packaging in which the product is to be shipped based on the information. The embodiment can further include identifying a required inflation level of an array of airbags in the reusable packaging based on the information and the historical sensor data. The embodiment can also include inflating a plurality of airbags in the array of airbags consistent with the required inflation level. The embodiment can further include deflating each inflated airbag in the array of airbags in response to determining that the product does not require additional protection when shipping the product to an end destination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof. The various features of the drawings are not to scale as the illustrations are for help in understanding the invention in conjunction with the detailed description. In the drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 An exemplary computing environment is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 An operational flow diagram for improving reusable packaging for cognitive commercial shipping in a reusable packaging improvement process is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3is a diagram depicting an example of operation of an airbag array protecting a product according to at least one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting an example of operation of an airbag array selectively protecting portions of a product according to at least one embodiment. Figure 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Detailed embodiments of the claimed structures and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the claimed structures and methods which can be embodied in various forms. The application, however, can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques can be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

[0010] It should be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of computing, and more particularly to a system for improving reusable packaging of cognizant commercial shipments. The example embodiments described below provide a system, method, and program product to identify a required inflation level of an airbag array in a reusable packaging based on information related to a product and historical sensor data, and accordingly, inflate a plurality of airbags in the airbag array in accordance with the required inflation level. Thus, the present embodiments have the ability to prevent the product from vibrating and moving during shipping by dynamically creating a protective layer around the product to improve reusable packaging technology.

[0012] ​As described previously, in the current market, products are shipped in appropriate packaging. For example, larger products can require a box that is larger than the box required for smaller products. These products can be shipped by truck, van, boat, train, and / or airplane. Many of these products can be shipped with reusable packaging, where the reusable packaging is collected after the product has been shipped. Alternatively, the recipient can reuse the shipped packaging to return unwanted or defective products or to ship a completely different product. As technology continues to improve and give consumers the ability to have products shipped to their homes with the push of a button, it is expected that the demand for reusable packaging will increase over the next few decades. The products that will be shipped can have different shapes and sizes, and thus the reusable packaging that is appropriate for one product can not be appropriate for a different product. This problem is typically solved by statically defining the cushioning protection used for the packaging. However, this type of cushioning protection cannot dynamically adjust the inflation in transit and inflate the airbags based on an analysis of the product that will be shipped.

[0013] Accordingly, it is necessary to set up a system in place to dynamically adjust the inflation in transit and inflate the airbags based on an analysis of the product that will be shipped. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide advantages including, but not limited to, dynamically creating a protective layer around the product to prevent the product from vibrating and moving in transit, controlling the inflation based on the size of the product and the available space in the reusable packaging, and preventing damage to the product. The present invention does not require that all advantages be incorporated into every embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, when a product is packaged, information related to the product that will be shipped in the reusable packaging and historical data obtained from a knowledge base can be received in order to predict a size of the reusable packaging in which the product will be shipped based on the information. In predicting the size of the reusable packaging, a required inflation level of an array of airbags in the reusable packaging can be identified based on the information and historical sensor data, such that a plurality of airbags in the array of airbags can be inflated in conformity with the required inflation level. According to at least one embodiment, in response to determining that the product does not require additional protection in transit to an end destination based on real-time feedback from a plurality of sensors in the reusable packaging, each inflated airbag in the array of airbags can be deflated in transit of the product to the end destination.

[0015] According to at least one other embodiment, in response to determining that the product does require additional protection, a gas can be generated by mixing a plurality of chemicals together in an isolation chamber in the reusable packaging, such that the generated gas can be used to re-inflate at least one air bladder that has lost air while being transported to the final destination. Then, each inflated air bladder in the array of air bladders can be deflated while the product is being delivered to the final destination.

[0016] The present application can be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present application.

[0017] A computer program product embodiment (“CPP embodiment” or “CPP”) is a term used in this disclosure to describe any collection of one or more storage media (also referred to as “media”) collectively included in a set of one or more storage devices that collectively include machine-readable code corresponding to instructions and / or data used to perform computer operations specified in a given CPP claim. A “storage device” is any tangible device that can hold and store instructions used by a computer processor. Without limitation, computer readable storage media can be an electronic storage media, a magnetic storage media, an optical storage media, an electromagnetic storage media, a semiconductor storage media, a mechanical storage media, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Some known types of storage devices that include these media include: a magnetic disk, a hard drive, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device such as a punch card or punch holes / platforms formed in the main surface of a disk, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer readable storage media, as that term is used in this disclosure, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media, pulses of light propagating through a fiber-optic cable, electrical signals through a wire, and / or other transport media. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, data is typically moved at some incidental point in time during normal operation of a storage device, such as during access, defragmentation, or garbage collection, but this does not make the storage device transitory, as the data is not transitory while it is being stored.

[0018] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0019] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0020] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0021] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0022] The example embodiments described below provide a system, method, and program product to identify a required inflation level of an array of airbags in a reusable package based on information related to product and historical sensor data, and thus, inflate a plurality of airbags in the array of airbags in accordance with the required inflation level.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 , an exemplary computing environment 100 is depicted in accordance with at least one embodiment. Computing environment 100 contains an example of an environment for executing at least some of the computer code involved in performing the methods of the present invention, such as wrapper improvement program 150. In addition to block 150, computing environment 100 includes, for example, computer 101, wide area network (WAN) 102, end user device (EUD) 103, remote server 104, public cloud 105, and private cloud 106. In this embodiment, computer 101 includes processor set 110 (including processing circuitry 120 and cache 121), communication fabric 111, volatile memory 112, persistent storage 113 (including operating system 122 and block 200, as identified above), peripheral device set 114 (including user interface (UI) device set 123, storage 124, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor set 125), and network module 115. Remote server 104 includes remote database 130. Public cloud 105 includes gateway 140, cloud orchestration module 141, host physical machine set 142, virtual machine set 143, and container set 144.

[0024] Computer 101 can take the form of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart watch, or other wearable computer, a mainframe computer, a quantum computer, or any other form of computer or mobile device now known or hereafter developed that is capable of running a program, accessing a network, or querying a database such as remote database 130. As is well known in the art of computer technology, and depending on that technology, the execution of a computer-implemented method can be distributed among multiple computers and / or among multiple locations. On the other hand, in this presentation of computing environment 100, the detailed discussion is focused on a single computer, specifically on computer 101, to keep this presentation as simple as possible. Computer 101 can be located in the cloud, even though in Figure 1 this embodiment it is not shown as being in the cloud. On the other hand, computer 101 need not be in the cloud, unless to any degree that can be affirmatively indicated.

[0025] The processor set 110 includes one or more computer processors of any type now known or developed in the future. The processing circuitry 120 can be distributed across multiple packages, for example, multiple cooperating integrated circuit chips. The processing circuitry 120 can implement multiple processor threads and / or multiple processor cores. The cache 121 is memory located in the processor chip package(s) and is typically used for data or code that should be readily accessible for fast access by threads or cores running on the processor set 110. Cache memory is typically organized into multiple levels according to relative proximity to the processing circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the cache of the processor set can be located "off-chip." In some computing environments, the processor set 110 can be designed to work in qubits and perform quantum computations.

[0026] Computer readable program instructions generally be loaded onto the computer 101 to cause the processor set 110 of the computer 101 to perform a series of operational steps to implement the computer-implemented method such that the instructions so executed will instantiate the narrative description of the method specified in the flowchart and / or the computer-implemented method included in this document (collectively referred to as "the inventive method"). These computer readable program instructions are stored in various types of computer readable storage media such as the cache 121 and other storage media discussed below. The program instructions and associated data are accessed by the processor set 110 to control and direct the execution of the inventive method. In the computing environment 100, at least some of the instructions for performing the inventive method can be stored in the block 200 in the persistent storage 113.

[0027] The communication fabric 111 is a signal-conducting pathway that allows the various components of the computer 101 to communicate with each other. Typically, this fabric is composed of switches and conductive pathways, such as those that make up a bus, a bridge, a physical input / output port, and the like. Other types of signal communication pathways can be used, such as fiber-optic communication pathways and / or wireless communication pathways.

[0028] The volatile memory 112 is any type of volatile memory now known or developed in the future. Examples include dynamic random access memory (RAM) or static RAM. Typically, the volatile memory 112 is characterized by random access, but this is not required unless affirmatively indicated. In the computer 101, the volatile memory 112 is located in a single package and is internal to the computer 101, but, alternatively or additionally, the volatile memory 112 can be distributed in multiple packages and / or located externally with respect to the computer 101.

[0029] The persistent storage 113 is any form of non-volatile storage for a computer now known or to be developed in the future. The non-volatility of the storage means that the stored data is maintained regardless of whether power is supplied to the computer 101 and / or directly to the persistent storage 113. The persistent storage 113 can be read-only memory (ROM), but typically at least a portion of the persistent storage 113 allows writing of data, deletion of data, and re-writing of data. Some familiar forms of persistent storage 113 include magnetic disks and solid state storage devices. The operating system 122 can take several forms, such as various known proprietary operating systems or an open source portable operating system interface type of operating system employing a kernel. The code included in the block 150 typically includes at least some of the computer code involved in performing the methods of the present invention.

[0030] The peripheral set 114 includes a collection of peripherals of the computer 101. The data communication connections between the peripherals 114 and other components of the computer 101 can be implemented in various ways, such as a Bluetooth connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, a connection made up of a cable such as a universal serial bus (USB) type cable, a plug-in type connection (e.g., a secure digital (SD) card), a connection made up of a local area communication network, and even a connection made up of a wide area network such as the Internet. In various embodiments, the UI device set 123 can include components such as a display screen, a speaker, a microphone, a wearable device such as goggles and a smart watch, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a touchpad, a game controller, and a haptic device. The storage 124 is an external storage such as an external hard drive, or is a pluggable storage such as an SD card. The storage 124 can be persistent and / or volatile. In some embodiments, the storage 124 can take the form of a quantum computing storage device for storing data in the form of qubits. In embodiments in which the computer 101 needs to have a large amount of storage (e.g., in the case of the computer 101 storing and managing a large database locally), the storage can be provided by a peripheral storage device designed for storing very large amounts of data, such as a storage area network (SAN) shared by multiple geographically distributed computers. The IoT sensor set 125 is made up of sensors that can be used in Internet of Things applications. For example, one sensor can be a thermometer, while another sensor can be a motion detector. The peripheral set 114 can also include a camera, an array of inflatable airbags, an inflation mechanism, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a sound sensor, and / or a light sensor.

[0031] The network module 115 is a collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that allows the computer 101 to communicate with other computers over the WAN 102. The network module 115 can include hardware such as a modem or Wi-Fi signal transceiver, software for packaging and / or unpackaging data for transmission over a communications network, and / or web browser software for transmitting data over the Internet. In some embodiments, the network control functions and network forwarding functions of the network module 115 are performed on the same physical hardware device. In other embodiments, such as embodiments that utilize software-defined networking (SDN), the control functions and forwarding functions of the network module 115 are performed on physically separate devices, such that the control functions manage several different network hardware devices. Computer readable program instructions for performing the methods of the present application can generally be downloaded to a computer 101 from an external computer or external storage device through a network adaptation card or network interface that is included in the network module 115.

[0032] The WAN 102 is any wide area network (e.g., the Internet) capable of transmitting computer data over non-local distances through any technology now known or later developed for transmitting computer data. In some embodiments, the WAN can be replaced and / or supplemented by a local area network (LAN) designed to transmit data between devices located in a local area, such as a Wi-Fi network. The WAN 102 and / or LAN typically includes computer hardware such as copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and edge servers.

[0033] An end user device (EUD) 103 is any computer system used and controlled by an end user (e.g., a customer of the business operating the computer 101), and can take any of the forms discussed above in connection with the computer 101. The EUD 103 typically receives helpful and useful data from the operation of the computer 101. For example, in the hypothetical case where the computer 101 is designed to provide recommendations to end users, the recommendations would typically be transmitted from the network module 115 of the computer 101 to the EUD 103 over the WAN 102. In this way, the EUD 103 can display or otherwise present the recommendations to the end user. In some embodiments, the EUD 103 can be a client device such as a thin client, thick client, mainframe computer, desktop computer, etc.

[0034] The remote server 104 is any computer system that provides at least some data and / or functionality to the computer 101. The remote server 104 can be controlled and used by the same entity that operates the computer 101. The remote server 104 represents machine(s) that collect and store helpful and useful data for use by other computers, such as the computer 101. For example, in the hypothetical case where the computer 101 is designed and programmed to provide recommendations based on historical data, that historical data can be provided to the computer 101 from a remote database 130 of the remote server 104.

[0035] The public cloud 105 is any computer system that is available for use by multiple entities, which provides on-demand availability of computer system resources and / or other computer capabilities, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing capabilities, without the need for direct active management by the user. Cloud computing generally utilizes sharing of resources to achieve consistency of scale and economy. Direct and active management of the computing resources of the public cloud 105 is performed by computer hardware and / or software of the cloud orchestration module 141. The computing resources provided by the public cloud 105 are generally implemented by virtual computing environments running on various computers that make up a host physical machine set 142, which is a universe of physical computers in the public cloud 105 and / or is a universe of physical computers available to the public cloud 105. The virtual computing environments (VCEs) generally take the form of virtual machines from a virtual machine set 143 and / or containers from a container set 144. It will be appreciated that these VCEs can be stored as images and can be transferred as images or after instantiation of the VCEs between various physical machine hosts. The cloud orchestration module 141 manages the transfer and storage of images, deploys new instantiations of VCEs, and manages active instantiations of VCE deployments. The gateway 140 is a collection of computer software, hardware, and firmware that allows the public cloud 105 to communicate over the WAN 102.

[0036] Some further explanation of virtualized computing environments (VCEs) will now be provided. VCEs can be stored as “images.” New active instances of a VCE can be instantiated from the image. Two common types of VCEs are virtual machines and containers. Containers are VCEs that use operating system-level virtualization. This refers to an operating system feature in which the kernel allows multiple isolated user space instances (called containers) to exist. From the perspective of a program running in one, these isolated user space instances generally appear as actual computers. A computer program running on an ordinary operating system can utilize all of the resources of that computer, such as connected devices, files and folders, network shares, CPU capabilities, and quantifiable hardware capabilities. However, a program running within a container can only use the contents of that container and the devices assigned to that container, which is a feature known as containerization.

[0037] The private cloud 106 is similar to the public cloud 105 except that the computing resources are available to be used by a single enterprise only. Although the private cloud 106 is depicted in communication with the WAN 102, in other embodiments the private cloud 106 can be completely disconnected from the Internet and only accessible through a local / private network. A hybrid cloud is a combination of multiple clouds of different types (e.g., private, community, or public cloud types) that are typically implemented by different vendors respectively. Each of the multiple clouds remains as a separate and discrete entity, but the larger hybrid cloud architecture is bound together through standardized or proprietary technologies that enable orchestration, management, and / or data / application portability between the multiple constituent clouds. In this embodiment, the public cloud 105 and the private cloud 106 are both part of a larger hybrid cloud.

[0038] According to the present embodiment, the packaging improvement program 150 can be a program that is capable of receiving information related to a product that is to be shipped in a reusable packaging and historical sensor data, identifying a required inflation level of an array of airbags in the reusable packaging based on the information related to the product and the historical sensor data, inflating a plurality of airbags in the array of airbags in conformity with the required inflation level, dynamically creating a protective layer around the product to prevent vibration and movement of the product in transit, controlling inflation based on a size of the product and available space in the reusable packaging, and preventing damage to the product. Furthermore, although depicted in the computer 101, the packaging improvement program 150 can be stored in and / or executed by the end user device 103, the remote server 104, the public cloud 105, and the private cloud 106, individually or in any combination. Reference will be made to the following figures to describe the packaging improvement program 150 in more detail. Figure 2 The packaging improvement method is explained in more detail. It can be appreciated that the examples described below are not intended to be limiting and that the parameters used in the examples can be different in embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figure 2 , an operational flow diagram for improving reusable packaging for cognitive business shipments in a reusable packaging improvement process 200 is depicted in accordance with at least one embodiment. At 202, the packaging improvement program 150 receives information related to a product that is to be shipped in a reusable packaging and historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base.

[0040] Product-related information can include, but is not limited to, the shape of the product, the weight of the product, the dimensions of the product (e.g., length, width, and height), the mode of transportation of the product (e.g., truck, van, ship, train, and / or airplane), and / or the transit time of the product. For example, the weight of the product can be 20 pounds, the shape can be rectangular, and the dimensions can be 2 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 foot high. In another example, the mode of transportation of the product can be by truck, and the transit time can be 48 hours.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, the camera can capture the product loaded into the reusable packaging, and the packaging improvement program 150 can use computer vision techniques to identify the product. For example, the product can be Figure 3 several coffee cups in a box. In this embodiment, computer vision techniques can also be used to determine the shape and dimensions of the product. The weight of the product can then be inferred from the identification of the product, as well as the weight and dimensions. Continuing the example, the total weight of the coffee cups can be 5 pounds.

[0042] According to at least one other embodiment, the user can manually specify the product loaded into the reusable packaging via a graphical user interface (GUI) on the end-user device 103. For example, the user can specify that the product loaded into the reusable packaging is several coffee cups in a box, as Figure 3 shown, in this embodiment, the user can also specify additional information related to the product described above. For example, the user can specify the shape and dimensions. In any of the embodiments described above, the user can specify the mode of transportation and the transit time. For example, the user can specify that the product is to be shipped by truck with an estimated transit time of 48 hours.

[0043] Historical sensor data can include, but is not limited to, the historical pressure of the bladder array and the number of inflated bladders during previous shipments, the historical contraction rate of the plurality of bladders, and / or the historical vibration and movement of the product in the reusable packaging. The historical sensor data can be stored in the knowledge base. In embodiments of the present invention, the information described above that is received in real-time can also become historical data after the information is moved to the knowledge base. Thus, the information and the historical sensor data can be included in the knowledge base that can be accessed by the packaging improvement program 150.

[0044] Then, at 204, the package improvement program 150 predicts a size of the reusable package in which the product will be shipped. The size is predicted based on information related to the product. For example, the shape of the product and the dimensions of the product can indicate the predicted size of the reusable package. Continuing the example, where the dimensions of the product are 2 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 foot tall, the predicted size can be a reusable package having dimensions greater than 2 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 foot tall. In another example, the weight of the product can also indicate the predicted size of the reusable package. Continuing the example, a heavier product can require a larger reusable package than a lighter product. In yet another example, the mode of transportation can also indicate the predicted size of the reusable package. Continuing the example, since a ship can be larger than a truck, the available space on a truck can be significantly less than the available space on a ship. Thus, to save space, the reusable package for the product to be shipped on the truck can be smaller than the reusable package for the product to be shipped on the ship. In any of the embodiments described above, the predicted size of the reusable package can be added to the knowledge base.

[0045] Next, at 206, the package improvement program 150 identifies a required inflation level of the bladder array in the reusable package. The required inflation level is identified based on the information and historical sensor data. The bladder array can be connected to each side wall of the reusable package as shown. The bladder array can be arranged with appropriate spacing to prevent one bladder from interfering with another adjacent bladder when inflated. Figure 3

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, the required inflation level of the bladder array can be a sufficient pressure to bring a plurality of the bladders into contact with the product. For example, the information considered by the package improvement program 150 for identifying the required inflation level of the bladder array can include the shape of the product and the dimensions of the product, along with the size of the reusable package, and the historical sensor data considered can be historical pressures and the number of inflated bladders of the bladder array during previous shipments. Continuing the example, assume the product is rectangular in shape and the dimensions of the product are 2 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 foot tall, and the size of the reusable package is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet tall. Continuing the example, assume the historical sensor data includes a total of 4 inflated bladders, where at least one bladder on opposite side walls is inflated 1 foot along the length of the package, and at least one bladder on opposite side walls is inflated 1 foot along the width of the package. In this example, the required inflation level of the bladder array can be to inflate at least one bladder on opposite side walls 1 foot along the length of the package, and to inflate at least one bladder on opposite side walls 1 foot along the width of the package.

[0047] ​In another example, the information considered by the packaging improvement program 150 for identifying the required inflation level of the array of airbags can also include the mode of transportation of the product and the time of transportation of the product, and the historical sensor data considered can also be the historical rate of deflation of the plurality of airbags and the historical vibration and movement of the product in the reusable packaging during previous shipments. Continuing the example, assume that the mode of transportation of the product is by truck and the time of transportation is 48 hours. Continuing the example, assume that the historical sensor data includes each inflated airbag deflating at a rate of 0.2 inches per hour when shipped by truck and the product being shifted in the reusable packaging during deflation. In this example, the required inflation level can be to add more pressure to the airbags than in the example described above to offset the rate of deflation and movement of the product.

[0048] According to at least one other embodiment, the required inflation level of the array of airbags can be sufficient pressure to contact the plurality of airbags only with one or more non-sensitive portions of the product, as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the packaging improvement program 150 can first identify one or more sensitive portions of the product and one or more non-sensitive portions of the product. The sensitive portions of the product can be sharp edges of the product and / or fragile portions of the product, which are described in further detail below with reference to the description of FIG. 7. The one or more sensitive portions can be identified based on the identification of the product and the shape and dimensions of the product. For example, in the case where the product is a table having a metal base and a glass top, the sensitive portion of the table can be the glass top. The non-sensitive portions of the product can be any portions of the product that are not classified as sensitive. As shown in FIG. 6, based on the one or more sensitive portions and the one or more non-sensitive portions, the required inflation level of the array of airbags can be the same as those in the embodiments described above that contact the one or more non-sensitive portions of the product, and those airbags that contact the one or more sensitive portions of the product are not inflated. Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4

[0049] ​​​Then, at 208, the packaging improvement program 150 inflates a plurality of air bladders in the air bladder array. The plurality of air bladders are inflated in accordance with a desired inflation level upon detection of a product in the reusable packaging. The reusable packaging can be equipped with an inflation mechanism, such as an air flow circuit and valves for each air bladder in the air bladder array. According to at least one embodiment, the inflation mechanism can be configured to automatically inflate the plurality of air bladders upon detection of a product in the reusable packaging. In this embodiment, the sound sensor and / or the light sensor in the reusable packaging can be used to detect a product in the reusable packaging and, therefore, should initiate inflation. For example, after a product is placed into the reusable packaging, the reusable packaging can be closed and the light sensor can determine that the interior of the reusable packaging is dark. Similarly, for example, the reusable packaging can be sealed with tape after being closed and the sound sensor can detect the sound of the tape being stretched across the reusable packaging. According to at least one other embodiment, the inflation mechanism can be manually activated by a user. For example, the inflation mechanism can be activated by a switch or button on the exterior of the reusable packaging and / or on the GUI of the end user device 103.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, in which the desired inflation level of the air bladder array is sufficient pressure for the plurality of air bladders to be in contact with the product, the packaging improvement program 150 can inflate the plurality of air bladders to the desired level. For example, in which the desired inflation level of the plurality of air bladders is to inflate at least one air bladder on opposite side walls 1 foot along the length of the packaging and to inflate at least one air bladder on opposite side walls 1 foot along the width of the packaging, the inflation mechanism can inflate the plurality of air bladders to this level.

[0051] According to at least one other embodiment, in which the desired inflation level of the air bladder array is sufficient pressure for the plurality of air bladders to be in contact with only one or more non-sensitive portions of the product, the packaging improvement program 150 can inflate only the plurality of air bladders in contact with the one or more non-sensitive portions of the product. In this embodiment, the remaining air bladders in contact with one or more sensitive portions of the product can not be inflated. For example, in which the product is a table having a metal base and a glass top, and in which the sensitive portion of the table is the glass top, the inflation mechanism can inflate only the plurality of air bladders in contact with the metal base and not the remaining air bladders in contact with the glass top.

[0052] According to at least one further embodiment, as Figure 3 shown and described below with reference to Figure 3As described in further detail in the description of the embodiments, the reusable packaging can include a plurality of zones, where each sidewall of the reusable packaging can be composed of at least two zones. In this embodiment, at least one air bladder can be inflated in each zone of the plurality of zones. Thus, at least two air bladders (i.e., one air bladder in each zone) can be inflated on each sidewall of the reusable packaging.

[0053] Next, at 210, the packaging improvement program 150 determines whether the product requires additional protection while in transit to the final destination. The determination is made based on real-time feedback from the plurality of sensors in the reusable packaging. As described above, the set of peripherals 114 includes a plurality of pressure sensors and a plurality of vibration sensors. The real-time feedback can include a rate of deflation of each inflated air bladder monitored by the plurality of pressure sensors in the reusable packaging. For example, the plurality of pressure sensors can detect that one or more of the inflated air bladders is deflating at a rate of 0.5 inches every two hours. The real-time feedback can also include a vibration pattern of the product monitored by the plurality of vibration sensors in the reusable packaging. For example, the plurality of vibration sensors can detect that the product is vibrating due to the deflation of one or more of the air bladders. Thus, when one or more of the air bladders deflates and the product is thereby vibrating, the product can be determined to require additional protection. The knowledge base can be updated to include the real-time feedback. Thus, after moving the data to the knowledge base, the data received in real-time from the plurality of pressure sensors and the plurality of pressure sensors can also become historical data.

[0054] In response to determining that the product requires additional protection (step 210, “yes” branch), the reusable packaging improvement process 200 proceeds to step 212 to generate a gas by mixing a plurality of chemicals together in an isolation chamber in the reusable packaging. In response to determining that the product does not require additional protection (step 210, “no” branch), the reusable packaging improvement process 200 proceeds to step 216 to deflate each inflated air bladder in the array of air bladders while the product is being delivered to the final destination.

[0055] Then, at 212, the packaging improvement program 150 generates a gas by mixing a plurality of chemicals together in an isolation chamber in the reusable packaging. When the product is in transit, the air flow circuit can not be available to inflate the plurality of air bladders. Thus, the inflation mechanism can also include a chemical storage chamber that houses the chemicals. Examples of the gas generated by mixing the chemicals include, but are not limited to, helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, and / or oxygen. When the product is vibrating in the reusable packaging or one or more of the air bladders is deflating, the packaging improvement program 150 can initiate the mixing of the chemicals by opening a battery to trigger the inflation mechanism.

[0056] Next, at 214, the packaging improvement program 150 deflates at least one air bladder that lost air while being shipped to the final destination. The generated gas can be utilized to re-inflate the at least one air bladder that lost air. In addition to triggering the inflation mechanism, the battery can force the generated gas into the opening of the at least one air bladder that lost air. The at least one air bladder that lost air can be re-inflated to a desired inflation level. For example, where the at least one air bladder has been deflated by 0.5 inches, the at least one air bladder can be supplied with enough generated gas to re-inflate the air bladder by 0.5 inches.

[0057] Then, at 216, the packaging improvement program 150 deflates each inflated air bladder in the array of air bladders. Each inflated air bladder can be deflated while the product is being delivered to the final destination. According to at least one embodiment, the inflation mechanism can be configured to automatically deflate each inflated air bladder upon detecting that the product has been delivered to the final destination. In this embodiment, the sound sensor and / or the light sensor in the reusable packaging can be used to detect that the product has been delivered and that deflation should therefore begin. For example, after the product is delivered, the reusable packaging can be opened and the light sensor can detect light inside the reusable packaging. Similarly, for example, a strip of tape can be torn off the reusable packaging before the reusable packaging is opened and the sound sensor can detect the sound of the tape being torn off the reusable packaging. According to at least one other embodiment, deflation of each inflated air bladder can be manually activated by a user. For example, deflation can be activated by a switch or button on the outside of the reusable packaging and / or on the GUI of the end user device 103.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 3 , a diagram 300 depicting an example of the operation of an array of air bladders 306 protecting a product 304 is shown, according to at least one embodiment. In the diagram 300, a reusable packaging 302 can include multiple zones, where each side wall of the reusable packaging 302 can include at least two zones A, B. The reusable packaging 302 can contain a product 304. For example, the product 304 can be several coffee cups in a box. In this embodiment, at least one air bladder 306 can be inflated in each of the multiple zones A, B. Thus, at least two air bladders 306 (i.e., one air bladder per zone A, B) can be inflated on each side wall of the reusable packaging 302. In this way, if one of the air bladders 306 is punctured, the product 304 can still receive some protection. For example, if each air bladder 306 in zone A is punctured, the remaining air bladders 306 in zone B can still provide some protection to the product 304.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 4FIG. 4 shows a diagram 400 depicting an example of operation of the airbag array 306 in Figure 3 FIG. 4, the reusable packaging 402 can contain a product 404. For example, the product 404 can be a statue, where the product 404 can include one or more sensitive portions and one or more non-sensitive portions. As described above with reference to Figure 2 the description, the one or more sensitive portions of the product 404 can be sharp edges of the product 404 and / or fragile portions of the product 404. For example, when the product 404 is a statue, the one or more sensitive portions of the statue can be the spear-shaped and / or round portions of the base. Further, as described above with reference to Figure 2 the description, the one or more non-sensitive portions of the product 404 can be those portions that are not classified as the one or more sensitive portions of the product 404. Figure 3 The airbag array 306 in FIG. 4 can include a first airbag array 406 and a second airbag array 408. The first airbag array 406 can be inflated to be in contact with the one or more non-sensitive portions of the product. On the other hand, the second airbag array 408 can not be inflated, and thus not in contact with the one or more sensitive portions of the product 404.

[0060] It can be appreciated that, Figure 2 , Figure 3 , and Figure 4 only provide an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitation with regard to how different embodiments can be implemented. Many modifications and variations to the depicted environments are possible in light of what has been

[0061] described, without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,

Claims

1. A computer-based method for improving reusable packaging for recognizing commercial shipments, the method comprising: Receive information related to products that will be shipped in reusable packaging, as well as historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base; Based on the information, predict the size of the reusable packaging in which the product is transported; The desired inflation level of the airbag array in the reusable packaging is identified based on the information and the historical sensor data. The multiple airbags in the airbag array inflate in accordance with the desired inflation level; Based on real-time feedback from multiple sensors in the reusable packaging, it is determined whether the product requires additional protection during transport to its final destination. as well as In response to the determination that the product does not require additional protection: When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

2. The computer-based method according to claim 1 further includes: In response to the determination that the product indeed requires the additional protection: Gas is generated by mixing multiple chemicals together in an isolation chamber within the reusable packaging; The generated gas is used to re-inflate at least one airbag that has lost air during transport to the final destination; as well as When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

3. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the real-time feedback includes the contraction rate of each inflatable bladder monitored by a plurality of pressure sensors in the reusable packaging, and wherein the real-time feedback includes the vibration patterns of the product monitored by a plurality of vibration sensors in the reusable packaging.

4. The computer-based method of claim 3, wherein the knowledge base is updated to include the real-time feedback.

5. The computer-based method according to claim 1, wherein inflating the plurality of airbags in the airbag array further comprises: Inflate at least one airbag in each of the multiple regions, wherein each sidewall of the reusable package includes at least two regions.

6. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein identifying the desired inflation level of the airbag array further comprises: The product is identified by one or more sensitive parts and one or more non-sensitive parts, wherein the plurality of airbags are inflated to contact the one or more non-sensitive parts of the product.

7. The computer-based method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to the product is selected from the group consisting of the shape of the product, the weight of the product, the dimensions of the product, the transport mode of the product, and the transport time of the product.

8. A computer system, the computer system comprising: One or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage devices, one or more computer-readable tangible storage media, and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more computer-readable tangible storage media, the program instructions being executable by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more computer-readable storage devices, wherein the computer system is capable of performing a method comprising: Receive information related to products that will be shipped in reusable packaging, as well as historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base; Based on the information, predict the size of the reusable packaging in which the product is transported; The desired inflation level of the airbag array in the reusable packaging is identified based on the information and the historical sensor data. The multiple airbags in the airbag array inflate in accordance with the desired inflation level; Based on real-time feedback from multiple sensors within the reusable packaging, it is determined whether the product requires additional protection during transport to its final destination; and In response to the determination that the product does not require additional protection: When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

9. The computer system according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to the determination that the product indeed requires the additional protection: Gas is generated by mixing multiple chemicals together in an isolation chamber within the reusable packaging; The generated gas is used to re-inflate at least one airbag that has lost air during transport to the final destination; as well as When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

10. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the real-time feedback includes the contraction rate of each inflatable bladder monitored by a plurality of pressure sensors in the reusable packaging, and wherein the real-time feedback includes vibration patterns of the product monitored by a plurality of vibration sensors in the reusable packaging.

11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the knowledge base is updated to include the real-time feedback.

12. The computer system of claim 8, wherein inflating the plurality of airbags in the airbag array further comprises: Inflate at least one airbag in each of the multiple regions, wherein each sidewall of the reusable package includes at least two regions.

13. The computer system of claim 8, wherein identifying the desired inflation level of the airbag array further comprises: The product is identified by one or more sensitive parts and one or more non-sensitive parts, wherein the plurality of airbags are inflated to contact the one or more non-sensitive parts of the product.

14. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the information relating to the product is selected from the group consisting of the shape of the product, the weight of the product, the size of the product, the transport mode of the product, and the transport time of the product.

15. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising: One or more computer-readable tangible storage media and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more computer-readable tangible storage media, the program instructions being executable by a processor capable of performing a method comprising: Receive information related to products that will be shipped in reusable packaging, as well as historical sensor data obtained from a knowledge base; Based on the information, predict the size of the reusable packaging in which the product is transported; The desired inflation level of the airbag array in the reusable packaging is identified based on the information and the historical sensor data. The multiple airbags in the airbag array inflate in accordance with the desired inflation level; Based on real-time feedback from multiple sensors within the reusable packaging, it is determined whether the product requires additional protection during transport to its final destination; and In response to the determination that the product does not require additional protection: When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

16. The computer program product according to claim 15, further comprising: In response to the determination that the product indeed requires the additional protection: Gas is generated by mixing multiple chemicals together in an isolation chamber within the reusable packaging; The generated gas is used to re-inflate at least one airbag that has lost air during transport to the final destination; as well as When the product is delivered to the final destination, each inflated airbag in the airbag array is contracted.

17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the real-time feedback includes the contraction rate of each inflatable bladder monitored by a plurality of pressure sensors in the reusable packaging, and wherein the real-time feedback includes vibration patterns of the product monitored by a plurality of vibration sensors in the reusable packaging.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the knowledge base is updated to include the real-time feedback.

19. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein inflating the plurality of airbags in the airbag array further comprises: Inflate at least one airbag in each of the multiple regions, wherein each sidewall of the reusable package includes at least two regions.

20. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein identifying the desired inflation level of the airbag array further comprises: The product is identified by one or more sensitive parts and one or more non-sensitive parts, wherein the plurality of airbags are inflated to contact the one or more non-sensitive parts of the product.

Images