Automatic system and method for certifying and sorting packages in reverse logistics processes of a trade platform

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for certifying and sorting packages in reverse logistics processes comprising: - a subsystem for capturing images (B) of the products housed in each package; - a subsystem where the captured images (C), and the frames, are displayed; - a subsystem for automatic timed recording (D); - a subsystem for storing (E) the recording made; - an alphanumerical recognition subsystem (F); - a subsystem for comparing (G) the recorded images with original images and descriptions, as well as for comparing the recorded packaging codes with the original ones; and - a subsystem for sorting videos of suitable and unsuitable packages for reverse logistics. The system can be further provided with: - a subsystem for conveying and forwarding (A) packages (18); and - a subsystem for sorting out (H) the packages into packages that are inappropriate for reverse logistics and packages that are suitable for reverse logistics, depending on whether the package is properly framed or not, whether the codes are identical or different, and whether the images are identical or different.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATIC SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR THE CERTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF PARCELS IN THE REVERSE LOGISTICS PROCESSES OF A BUYING AND SELLING PLATFORM

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of this invention, as its title states, is both a system and an automated procedure for the certification and classification of parcels in the reverse logistics processes of a sales platform. Reverse logistics is understood to be any process in which a parcel has been returned or has reached its destination and is eligible for return. This process verifies that the parcel is indeed due for return and, consequently, carries out the corresponding action, whether it be replacing the product with another or refunding the money paid.

[0005] The present invention is characterized by the nature and functionality of the tools employed, as well as their combined use, in such a way that automatic certification and classification of packages is achieved in the reverse logistics process.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is circumscribed within the scope of parcel handling in distribution processes, particularly in reverse logistics processes.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Currently, when a package is returned, a manual check is carried out by an operator to determine if the return is indeed warranted. This involves first opening the package, followed by a visual inspection to verify if the returned product is indeed different from the one that should have been sent, and consequently, whether the product should be replaced with another or the money refunded.

[0009] These package verification and sorting operations in reverse parcel processes can be relatively easy to manage when there are only a few packages, but when the number of packages is high, the processes become complex and prone to errors. Some solutions employ a precision scale and a system that checks if the returned or returnable product weighs the same as the originally shipped product. If they match, it is classified as suitable for reverse logistics; if not, it is classified as unsuitable. While these solutions achieve fast sorting, they are ineffective and highly prone to errors.Above all, by not performing a product check by comparing images of the original product before it is sent with images of the returned or returnable product, it is easy to cause errors in its classification in cases of return of products different from the original, but which match the weight of the original.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to develop a system and procedure that allows for the automatic certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes, which has the characteristics explained below and summarized in the first claim.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The object of the present invention is set out in its essentials in the independent claim and the different embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0013] The present invention relates to an automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes, understanding reverse logistics to be any process in which a parcel has been returned or has reached its destination and is likely to be returned, and must automatically certify and classify whether it is suitable for return or not.

[0014] The system comprises at least:

[0015] - A subsystem for capturing images of the products housed in each package, which will be framed based on previously stored graphic boxes, having a first server for storing the graphic boxes and the images of the products to be analyzed in connection with a processing unit that focuses a camera, preferably automatically.

[0016] - A subsystem where the captured images and previously stored frames are displayed.

[0017] - A timed automatic recording subsystem using a timer.

[0018] - A storage subsystem for the recording made by means of a second server.

[0019] - An alphanumeric recognition subsystem that recognizes an alphanumeric code from each packet so that each packet can be related to its corresponding video, using a second processing unit.

[0020] - A subsystem compares the recorded images with previously stored images and descriptions of the original products before shipment, as well as comparing the original packaging codes with the recorded codes, using a third processing unit. This subsystem will determine: either if the product inside the package and being recorded has not been framed correctly, or if its original code, previously stored at the time of shipment, is not the same as the one captured in the images. In either case, the package is unsuitable for reverse logistics; or if the product inside the package and being recorded matches the previously stored images and descriptions of the products shown, the package is unsuitable for reverse logistics.If the images of the product recording are different from the previously stored images and description of the original product, and if its original packaging code previously stored at the time of shipment is the same as the one captured in the images, then it is a package suitable for reverse logistics.

[0021] - A video classification subsystem for packages suitable for reverse logistics or packages unsuitable for reverse logistics

[0022] Additionally, and in a complementary way, the system may include: o A subsystem for transporting and advancing packages to be certified and classified by a conveyor belt o A subsystem for separating the packages into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics.

[0023] The subsystems for transporting and advancing the packages to be certified and classified by a conveyor belt and separating the packages into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics can be carried out either by automatic means or manually, and the way in which it is carried out is not limiting.

[0024] Thanks to the described characteristics, what is achieved is a system that allows the automatic certification and classification of returned or potentially returned packages in reverse logistics processes, automatically, with a high degree of efficiency and security in the certification and classification of packages.

[0025] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Similar or equivalent procedures and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice of this invention.

[0026] Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variations are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention.

[0027] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical embodiment, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0029] In Figure 1, we can observe a diagram of the elements involved in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the stages carried out by the system for the certification and classification of packages in reverse logistics processes.

[0031] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In view of the figures, a preferred embodiment of the proposed invention is described below.

[0033] In Figure 1 we can see that the system that is the subject of the invention comprises:

[0034] - A subsystem for capturing images (B) of the products contained in each package, which will be framed based on previously stored graphic boxes. - A subsystem where the captured images (C) and the previously stored boxes are displayed.

[0035] - A timed automatic recording subsystem (D)

[0036] - A storage subsystem (E) of the recording made

[0037] - An alphanumeric recognition subsystem (F) that recognizes an alphanumeric code from each packet so that each packet can be related to its corresponding video.

[0038] - A comparison subsystem (G) compares the recorded images with previously stored images, codes, and descriptions of the original products before they are shipped. This subsystem will determine: either if the product inside the package and being recorded has not been framed correctly, or if its original code, previously stored at the time of shipment, is not the same as the one captured in the images. In either case, the package is deemed unsuitable for reverse logistics. Or, if the product inside the package and being recorded matches the previously stored images and descriptions of the products shown, the package is deemed unsuitable for reverse logistics.If the images of the product recording are different from the previously stored images and description of the original product, and if its original packaging code previously stored at the time of shipment is the same as the one captured in the images, then it is a package suitable for reverse logistics.

[0039] - A video classification subsystem for packages suitable for reverse logistics or packages unsuitable for reverse logistics

[0040] Additionally, and complementarily, the system may comprise: a transport and forwarding subsystem (A) for packages to be certified and classified via a conveyor belt; or a separation subsystem (H) for the packages to be separated into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics. The transport and forwarding subsystem (A) for the packages to be certified and classified via a conveyor belt and the separation subsystem (H) for the packages (18) into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics may be performed either automatically or manually, and the method of execution is not limited.

[0041] The transport and advance subsystem (A) of the packages (18) comprises a conveyor belt (19) on which the packages (18) containing the products to be analyzed automatically run to see if they are suitable for reverse logistics or not.

[0042] The image capture subsystem (B) of the products housed in each package (19) comprises frames (2) or a perimeter border in which the packages with the products will be framed, where said frames (2) are stored on a first server (3) that is connected to a first processing unit (5) responsible for focusing a video camera (4) for better framing of the products housed within the packages (18).

[0043] The subsystem where the captured images (C) and the previously stored frames are displayed comprises a monitor (1) where, in addition to the frames (2), the images captured by the video camera (4) are displayed.

[0044] Following this subsystem is the timed automatic recording subsystem (D) comprising a timer (8) to carry out a video recording (9), which will be finished either automatically thanks to the timer (8) or manually by an operator or user.

[0045] Following the recording subsystem is the storage subsystem (E) of the recording made by a second server (10).

[0046] Following the recording subsystem (E) is the alphanumeric recognition subsystem (F) which recognizes an alphanumeric code for each packet so that each packet can be related to its corresponding video by means of a second processing unit (11).

[0047] Following the alphanumeric recognition subsystem (F) is the comparison subsystem (G) of the recorded images with previously stored images (6) and descriptions (21) of the original products before shipment, and which in parallel also compares the code (20) of the recorded packaging with the original code of the packaging before shipment, comprising a third processing unit (12), which may also be carried out either by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and which will decide, if the package is not suitable for reverse logistics in case the product inside the package has not been framed correctly, or if its original code previously stored at the time of shipment is not the same as the one captured in the images, storing the recording on a third server (13) or if the images are the same, storing them on a fourth server (14),that is, the recorded images and the original images (6) and descriptions (21) previously stored, or if the package is suitable for reverse logistics in case the recorded images and the previously stored images (6) are different and their code is the same as the original (20), being stored on a fifth server (15).

[0048] The subsystem for separating (H) the packages into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics has automatic means that separates the packages into packages unsuitable (16) for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics (17), being arranged at the end of the conveyor belt (19) of the transport subsystem (A).

[0049] The procedure carried out with the system described above comprises the following phases:

[0050] - Arrangement (20) on a conveyor belt (19) the packages (18) to be analyzed that will be unpacked at that time.

[0051] - Focusing on the interior (21) of the packages (18) by means of a camera (14) assisted by a first processing unit (5) in cooperation with a first server (3) in which some graphic boxes (2) are stored where the products to be analyzed will be framed.

[0052] - They viewed (22) on a monitor (1) the graphic boxes (2) together with some images (7) captured by the video camera (4).

[0053] - Timed recording (23) of the images taken by the video camera (4).

[0054] - Storage (24) of the recordings made on a second server (10).

[0055] - Alphanumeric recognition (25) of the alphanumeric code of each packet by means of a second processing unit (11).

[0056] - Comparison (26) of the recorded images with the previously stored original images (6) and descriptions (21), as well as the comparison of the original codes on their packaging (20) with the recorded ones, where the comparison is carried out by means of a third processing unit (12), as a result of the comparison the following actions can be carried out: o The product and the package have not been framed correctly, or their original code (20) previously stored at the time of shipment is not the same as the one captured in the images, in which case storage (27) is carried out on a third server (13). o The product inside the package and object of recording is the same as the previously stored images (6) and description (20), in which case storage (28) is carried out on a fourth server (14).or The images of the product recording are different from the previously stored images (6) and description (21) of the original product and if its original stored packaging code (20) is the same, it is stored (29) on a fifth server (15).

[0057] Classification of packages into packages unsuitable (30) for reverse logistics and packages suitable (31) for reverse logistics. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is stated that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and which will also attain the protection sought, provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes characterized in that it comprises: - A subsystem for capturing images (B) of the products housed in each package, which will be framed based on previously stored graphic boxes. - A subsystem where the captured images (C) and the previously stored frames are displayed. - A timed automatic recording subsystem (D). - A storage subsystem (E) of the recording made - An alphanumeric recognition subsystem (F) that recognizes an alphanumeric code from each packet so that each packet can be related to its corresponding video. - A comparison subsystem (G) compares the recorded images with previously stored images, codes, and descriptions of the original products before they are shipped. This subsystem will determine: either if the product inside the package and being recorded has not been framed correctly, or if its original code, previously stored at the time of shipment, is not the same as the one captured in the images. In both cases, the package is unsuitable for reverse logistics. Or, if the product inside the package and being recorded matches the previously stored images and description of the products shown, the package is unsuitable for reverse logistics.If the images of the product recording are different from the previously stored images and description of the original product, and if its original packaging code previously stored at the time of shipment is the same as the one captured in the images, then it is a package suitable for reverse logistics. - A video classification subsystem for packages suitable for reverse logistics or packages unsuitable for reverse logistics.

2. Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: - A transport and advance subsystem (A) of some packages (18) to be certified and classified. - A subsystem for separating (H) the packages into packages unsuitable for reverse logistics and packages suitable for reverse logistics. 3.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to claim 2 characterized in that the transport and advancement subsystem (A) of the parcels (18) comprises a conveyor belt (19) on which the parcels (18) containing the products to be analyzed automatically run. 4.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 characterized in that the image capture subsystem (B) of the products housed in each package (19) comprises frames (2) or perimeter edge of the products, where said frames (2) are stored on a first server (3) that is connected to a first processing unit (5) responsible for focusing a video camera (4) for a better framing of the products housed within the packages (18).

5. Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subsystem where the captured images (C) and the previously stored boxes are displayed comprises a monitor (1) where In addition to the boxes (2), they also show the images captured by the video camera (4). 6.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of the previous claims characterized in that the timed automatic recording subsystem (D) comprises a timer (8) to carry out a video recording (9). 7.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of the previous claims characterized in that the recording storage subsystem (E) comprises a second server (10). 8.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the alphanumeric recognition subsystem (F) comprises a second processing unit (11).

9. An automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comparison subsystem (G) compares the recorded images with previously stored original images (6) and descriptions (21) of the products before shipment, and simultaneously compares the recorded packaging code (20) with the original packaging code before shipment, comprising a third processing unit (12), which may also be performed using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and which will decide whether the package is unsuitable for reverse logistics if the product inside the package has not been correctly framed, or if its original code previously stored at the time of shipment is not the same as the one captured in the images.the recording being stored on a third server (13) or the images are the same being stored on a fourth server (14), i.e. the recorded images and the original images (6) and descriptions (21) previously stored, or if the package is suitable for reverse logistics in case the recorded images and the, Previously stored images (6) are different and their code is the same as the original (20), being stored on a fifth server (15). 10.- Automatic system for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to any of claims 2 to 9 characterized in that the subsystem for separating (H) the parcels into parcels unsuitable for reverse logistics and parcels suitable for reverse logistics has automatic means that separates the parcels into parcels unsuitable (16) for reverse logistics and parcels suitable for reverse logistics (17), being arranged at the end of the conveyor belt (19) of the transport subsystem (A).

11. Automatic procedure for the certification and classification of parcels in reverse logistics processes according to the system of any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the procedure comprises the following phases: - Arrangement (20) on a conveyor belt (19) the packages (18) to be analyzed and which will be opened. - Focusing on the interior (21) of the packages (18) by means of a camera (14) assisted by a first processing unit (5) in cooperation with a first server (3) in which some boxes (2) of the products to be analyzed are stored. - Display (22) on a monitor (1) the boxes (2) together with some images (7) captured by the video camera (4). - Timed recording (23) of the images taken by the video camera (4). - Storage (24) of the recordings made on a second server (10). - Alphanumeric recognition (25) of the alphanumeric code of each packet by means of a second processing unit (11). - Comparison (26) of the recorded images with the previously stored original images (6) and descriptions (20), and in parallel also comparing the code (21) of the recorded packaging with the original code of the packaging before shipment, where the comparison is carried out by means From a third processing unit (12), as a result of the comparison, the following actions can be carried out: The product within the package and recording object has not been framed correctly, or if its original code is not the same, in which case it is stored (27) on a third server (13). The product within the package and recording object is the same as the images (6) and description (21) previously stored, in which case it is stored (28) on a fourth server (14). The images of the product recording are different from the images (6) and description (21) previously stored of the original product, and if its original packaging code (20) is the same as the one captured in the images, in which case it is stored (29) on a fifth server (15). Classification of packages into unsuitable packages (30) for reverse logistics and suitable packages (31) for reverse logistics.

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