Cigarette Packet Tracking via Database Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inefficient and time-consuming for tracking individual cigarette packets from the factory to the first purchaser due to high production speeds and the use of different generations of machines, making it difficult to link a cigarette packet to its master case.
Innovation Solution
Assigning unique codes to each cigarette packet and recording these codes in a database, allowing for efficient tracking by linking the codes to the case code, reducing the need for scanning all codes in the case, and enabling fast and cost-effective tracking of individual packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unique codes are assigned to each cigarette packet and scanned individually, then tracking precision is improved, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking task by assigning unique codes to individual cigarette packets while using carton-level packaging as organizational units. The database structures tracking information at multiple levels (packet-level unique codes linked to carton-level identifiers), allowing precise packet tracking without requiring scanning of every packet individually during high-speed production.
Solution Approach 2:
Unique codes are assigned to cigarette packets during the packaging process itself, before the packets are distributed. The database is pre-configured with the relationship between packet codes and carton identifiers, enabling rapid retrieval and tracking without time-consuming individual scanning during distribution or consumption.
2Reliability
If all unique codes in a case are scanned to track individual packets, then tracking reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary tracking information by using a database query approach that retrieves unique packet codes associated with a specific case identifier. Instead of physically scanning all codes in a case, the system extracts relevant tracking data electronically through database queries, maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The database serves as an intermediary between the physical packaging structure and the tracking system. It stores and mediates the relationship between case-level identifiers and packet-level unique codes, enabling reliable tracking through electronic queries rather than physical scanning of all individual codes.
3Productivity
If conventional tracking methods are used with high production speeds, then productivity is maintained, but tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical/physical scanning methods with an electronic database-driven tracking system. Unique codes are applied during high-speed packaging, and tracking is achieved through electronic database queries rather than physical scanning, enabling both high productivity and precise tracking capability to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cigarette packaging, the method comprising the steps of: Packing at least a first cigarette packet (52a) labeled with a first unique code (I2a) and a second cigarette packet (52b) labeled with a second unique code (I2b) into a first carton (10) and recording an information (56) that at least the two cigarette packets (52a,52b) with the first unique code (I2a) and the second unique code (I2b) are packed into the same carton (10) in a database; Packing the first carton (10) into a case (20); Detecting the first unique code (I2a) in the case (20) and reading from the database all the unique codes (I2b) of the cigarette packets (52b) that are packed into the same carton (10) as the detected first unique code (I2a). Furthermore, a method for tracking cigarette packets (52a,52b) and a cigarette packaging system is described.