Dynamic Custom Labeling System for Product Personalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional consumer product production methods prioritize efficiency and economies of scale, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to accommodate customer personalization, particularly in labeling, which does not provide the best experience for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for custom labeling products on an item-by-item basis, allowing users to input and arrange product label images through a web interface, with a server controlling the printing and application of labels on a conveyor system to match specific product sequences, enabling infinite variability in labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional continuous production methods are used with large production runs, then manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but product personalization and customer experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling system dynamically adjusts the production process by allowing real-time changes in label content and sequencing. The system transitions from static batch production to dynamic item-by-item customization, where each product can have unique labels generated and applied on-demand without disrupting the continuous production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of label production by generating unique label content for each individual product rather than using identical labels in large batches. This includes varying text, images, and design elements while maintaining the continuous production节奏, effectively changing from uniform parameter sets to variable parameter sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If item-by-item custom labeling is implemented, then product personalization and customer experience are improved, but production complexity and system requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse labeling requirements through a single integrated platform. It can generate various label types (front labels, back labels, side labels), support multiple product formats, and accommodate different design templates, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each labeling scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical labeling approaches with digital and automated processes. Instead of manual label application or complex mechanical reconfiguration for different label types, the system uses digital design templates, automated print-on-demand capabilities, and coordinated robotic or automated labeling machines that can adapt to different requirements through software control rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
3Quantity of substance
If large quantities of labels are produced in batches, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but label freshness and relevance to current products worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing and storing digital label templates and designs in advance, ready for rapid deployment. Rather than pre-printing physical labels in batches, the digital templates are pre-configured and can be instantly printed with current, relevant information for each product, ensuring label freshness without requiring large inventory holdings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copying of label designs rather than physical reproduction of pre-printed labels. Master label templates are stored digitally and copied on-demand for each product, allowing infinite reproduction without inventory constraints. This ensures each label is current and relevant while eliminating the need to produce and store large quantities of pre-printed labels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of custom labeling products in which users specify, via a purchasing interface, product label images in correspondence with products. A label group is generated for each of the users. The label group includes an indicator label image providing a purchase identifier and product identifiers, and the product label images arranged in a sequence specified by the product identifiers. The label groups are printed to produce printed label groups. The printed label groups are transferred to a labeling machine. A conveyor system is controlled to release, for each of the printed label groups, the sequence of the products specified by the product identifiers. Printed product labels of each of the printed label groups are applied to the corresponding sequence of the products.