Automated Asset Return Label Generation via Mobile Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset return technologies are limited in functionality, requiring manual user input and consuming excessive computing resources, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automatically generates a return shipping label and changes the destination location for an asset by electronically scanning computer-readable indicia, reducing the need for manual input and distributing computing resource burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user input is required for asset returns, then user control and verification are improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service returns by allowing recipients to scan the indicia on their own packages using mobile devices, automatically initiating the return process without requiring manual intervention from shipping entity personnel. The mobile device captures the indicia image, extracts return information, and generates the return label autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (handwriting addresses, filling forms) with electronic scanning and automated digital processing. The mobile device's camera and image processing capabilities substitute for manual data entry, automatically extracting return information from the scanned indicia and populating the return label fields.
2Productivity
If centralized processing is used at shipping entity facilities, then system control is improved, but computing resource consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the return processing workload by distributing it across multiple mobile devices held by different recipients, rather than concentrating all processing at centralized shipping entity facilities. Each mobile device independently processes its own package's return information, dividing the computational burden across numerous consumer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the package indicia and the shipping entity's systems. It captures the indicia image, performs local image processing to extract return information, and only transmits the extracted data to the shipping entity, reducing the computational load on centralized systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static components and limited functionality are used in existing technologies, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes mobile devices perform multiple functions: they serve as cameras for capturing indicia, image processors for extracting return information, data transmission devices for sending information to the shipping entity, and return label generators for creating the return shipping label. This multi-functionality enables automation without requiring dedicated specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-functionality devices to dynamic, adaptable mobile devices that can perform various return processing tasks. The mobile device's software can be configured to handle different indicia formats and return scenarios, providing adaptability while maintaining device simplicity through software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more identifiers are received based on an electronic scan of computer-readable indicia. The computer-readable indicia being coupled to an asset. The asset is associated with one or more shipping operations. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, it is determined that the asset is requested for return. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, a shipping label corresponding to a destination location for the asset to be returned to is automatically generated or a location for the asset to be delivered to is automatically changed.