Automated Address Label Scanning for Package Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency in forwarding undeliverable items due to address changes poses significant handling costs for delivery systems, as existing methods lack effective solutions for efficiently re-routing items based on image data processed by forwarding software.

Innovation Solution

Systems and methods involve scanning address labels to produce scan data, converting it into standardized address format, and comparing it against a change of address database to identify alternative addresses, allowing for re-routing of items through a forwarding software module, which can apply new labels or update existing ones with the alternate address.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual forwarding processes are used for undeliverable items, then flexibility in handling address changes is maintained, but handling costs and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem forwarding efficiencyVSAvoidhandling costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical forwarding processes with an automated optical scanning and image processing system. Optical scanners capture address labels, image processing software extracts and compares address data, and the system automatically determines forwarding actions, eliminating manual intervention and reducing handling costs while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service forwarding by automatically scanning address labels, processing image data, comparing addresses against databases, and executing forwarding decisions without human intervention. The item itself carries all necessary address information that the system autonomously processes to determine the correct forwarding destination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If address changes are detected late in the delivery process, then existing delivery routes are maintained, but additional handling costs and delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforwarding detection timeVSAvoiddelivery system efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary address verification by scanning and processing address labels at the earliest opportunity in the delivery workflow. Image processing software extracts address data and compares it against change of address databases before the item proceeds through the delivery system, enabling early detection and immediate routing adjustments to avoid delays and additional handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If comprehensive address verification is performed on all items, then undeliverable items are reduced, but processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery accuracyVSAvoidforwarding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces image processing software as an intermediary between optical scanning and database comparison. The software bridges these components by extracting address data from scanned images, formatting it for comparison, and facilitating efficient matching against change of address databases, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining high delivery accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8103716B2Methods and systems for forwarding an item to an alternative address

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 TELOGY NETWORKS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for forwarding an item in a delivery system may comprise scanning a first address label on an item to produce scan data and converting the scan data into first address data. Furthermore, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise determining if an alternative address exists in a change of address database, the alternative address corresponding to the captured first address data. Moreover, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise forwarding the item to a location corresponding to the alternative address if it was determined that the alternative address exists in the change of address database.