Conveyor Pallet Tracking for Small-Object Package Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional object tracking techniques are inadequate for tracking small objects with limited surface area for tracking mediums and fail to monitor object transitions between packages, particularly in distribution environments like healthcare systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of computer-implemented methods and systems that enable comprehensive, container-to-container tracking of small objects through automated object transitioning and verification techniques, using data structures and modules to manage conveyor datasets and perform fill operations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional individual object tracking mediums (sensors, barcodes) are placed on small objects, then object tracking is enabled, but the tracking capability is insufficient due to limited surface area and lack of support for transition monitoring between packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking function into two parts: (1) tracking the package/container that holds multiple small objects, and (2) tracking the objects within the package. This is achieved by placing tracking mediums on packages rather than on each small object, while maintaining the ability to track individual objects through system-level monitoring of package contents and transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that monitors packages as mediators between storage locations and distribution points. The package acts as an intermediary carrier that enables indirect tracking of small objects without requiring direct attachment of tracking mediums to each object, thus solving the surface area limitation while maintaining tracking capability across package transitions.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking of small objects is implemented, then object location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need to monitor transitions between multiple packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking of multiple small objects by combining them into a single package-level tracking unit. Instead of implementing separate tracking systems for each object, the system combines tracking functionality at the package level, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to locate and track individual objects through their package associations and transition histories.
3Productivity
If real-time tracking of objects across distribution environments is enabled, then object throughput and processing efficiency are improved, but the ability to enforce security constraints and compliance actions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor object locations and package transitions in real-time, providing immediate information about security constraint violations. The system uses this feedback to automatically enforce compliance actions such as alerts, delays, or route changes, thereby maintaining security reliability while enabling high-throughput distribution operations through automated real-time monitoring and response.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure object provide tracking and monitoring techniques for implementing improved distribution systems in various environments. The techniques may include receiving a real time fill request associated with a robotic distribution device and that includes a target object identifier. The techniques include accessing a conveyor dataset corresponding to a conveyance assembly and that includes a pallet data object including one or more intake identifiers and a conveyor location identifier. The techniques include selecting the pallet data object from a plurality of other pallet data objects of the conveyor dataset based on the target object identifier, the one or more intake identifiers, and the conveyor location identifier and initiating the performance of a fill operation for the robotic distribution device based on a conveyor pallet of the conveyance assembly that corresponds to the pallet data object.