Bundle Identification via Imaging Data and Digital Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in online marketplaces is the difficulty in identifying and tracking bundles of items due to obscured external markings and the logistical complexity of assigning unique identification numbers, which hinders efficient handling and delivery.
Innovation Solution
Generating a unique digital identifier for bundles based on imaging data captured from the binding agents and items, allowing for recognition through image processing and comparison, even when items are combined using various binding materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If items are bundled using binding materials, then items can be delivered together in a common package, but external markings on items become obscured and identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the identification function from the physical item by creating a distinct bundle-level identifier. Instead of relying on item-level markings that get obscured, the bundle itself is assigned a unique identifier that can be detected without disassembling the bundle.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary identification system is introduced between the binding materials and the items. This intermediary takes the form of a bundle identifier (such as a digital tag or visual marker) that mediates the detection process, allowing identification without direct contact with or exposure of the underlying item markings.
2Reliability
If unique identification numbers are assigned to bundles, then tracking becomes possible, but the bundling process becomes logistically complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is designed to be universal and multi-functional. The same bundle identifier serves multiple purposes: tracking the bundle through the fulfillment center, verifying contents at delivery, and enabling automated recognition at various stages without requiring different identification methods for different operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundle identification system is designed to be self-servicing through automated detection. Imaging devices and sensors automatically capture and process bundle identifiers without requiring manual intervention, reducing the logistical burden on workers while maintaining high tracking reliability.
3Measurement precision
If bundles are slowed or halted for identification, then accurate tracking can be achieved, but delivery time to customer increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bundle identifiers are assigned and registered in advance during the bundling process itself, before the bundle enters the main flow. This preliminary action ensures that identification data is already available when the bundle needs to be tracked or routed, eliminating the need to halt the bundle for identification purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual identification processes are replaced with automated optical or electronic detection systems. Imaging devices, scanners, or RFID readers automatically detect bundle identifiers as bundles move along conveyors or through processing areas, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need to slow or halt bundles.
Data Source
AI summary
A unique digital identifier of a bundled set of items may be generated based on imaging data or other information captured from the bundled set, stored, and used for any purpose. The imaging data or other information may depict or describe the bundled set after the items have been wrapped or otherwise combined in a unique manner using a binding agent, e.g., a sheet of shrink wrap, a rubber band, or any other materials. Unique digital identifiers of bundled sets of items may be stored in association with information regarding the items. When a bundled set of items is recognized based on its unique digital identifier, information regarding the bundled set may be accessed and used for any purpose, such as to identify a common container for the bundled set based on attributes of any of the items or an order with which the bundled set is associated.