Electronic Locker Shipment Verification Using Weight and Shape Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locker systems for shipment delivery and retrieval lack robust security measures, leading to potential errors and fraudulent activities during the delivery process, as they do not effectively verify the correct shipment being deposited or retrieved.
Innovation Solution
A secure locker system that uses a communication network to control deposition and retrieval through identification codes, weighing modules with flexible force sensors, and shape measurement modules, including terahertz vision devices, to validate the weight and shape of shipments against pre-associated information, ensuring accurate item recognition and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic locker systems use basic locking mechanisms without verification, then the system is simple to operate and cost-effective, but security is compromised and fraudulent delivery can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering shipment information including weight and shape data before delivery. When a shipment is deposited, the system automatically compares the measured weight and shape against the pre-registered data to verify correctness, eliminating the need for complex manual verification processes while ensuring secure delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The locker system performs self-verification by automatically measuring the weight and shape of deposited shipments and comparing them against pre-registered information. The system autonomously validates whether the correct shipment has been deposited without requiring external verification, thereby enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If manual verification of shipments is performed, then security can be enhanced, but delivery time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated electronic measurement and comparison. Weight sensors and shape measurement devices automatically capture shipment characteristics, and the control unit electronically compares these against pre-registered data, eliminating time-consuming manual verification while ensuring accurate validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring deposited shipments through weight and shape measurements, comparing results against pre-registered information, and providing immediate verification feedback. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate verification without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining both security and delivery speed
3Measurement precision
If advanced verification systems with multiple sensors are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single control unit that coordinates both weight measurement and shape measurement functions. The control unit serves as a universal controller that manages diverse verification tasks through integrated software logic, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each measurement type and thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by utilizing fundamental physical properties (weight and shape) that are inherent to all shipments. By measuring these basic parameters and comparing them against pre-registered data, the system achieves accurate verification using simple, cost-effective sensors rather than requiring complex identification technologies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly enhances security by ensuring the correct shipment is delivered, reduces delivery time by automatically indicating appropriate compartments, and provides a cost-effective solution with accurate weight and shape measurements, while also detecting hazardous items.
Implementation Method 1
weighing the shipment with a weighing module located inside the compartment
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a shipment content's shape with a shape measurement module located inside the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securely controlling deposition and retrieval of shipments (40), including a managing distribution centre, at least one electronic locker unit connected to the managing distribution centre through a communication network, and having several lockable compartments (28i) of different sizes, wherein said at least one electronic locker unit comprises a weighing shipment module (50) located inside each compartment (28i) and made up of an arrangement of several thin flexible force sensors, linked together to circuit board, located under upper bearing plate and attached to bottom of the compartment within respective active measuring areas.