Electronic Shipping Labels for Non-Planar Items and Easy Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shipping methods require printed labels, which are inconvenient and difficult to apply, especially for non-planar items, and necessitate repeated printing for changes in shipping preferences, posing challenges for both customers and carriers.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shipping label device that displays a custom shipping label image on an electronic paper display, configured using a host device to communicate with a shipping management system, allowing users to initiate shipments without printing and affixing labels, and enabling updates to shipping information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If printed shipping labels are used, then shipping information can be displayed, but the labels are difficult to apply and cannot be updated without reprinting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static printed labels to dynamic electronic displays that can be updated and modified without physical replacement. The electronic shipping label device allows shipping information to be changed and re displayed on the same label, enabling adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the physical state of the label from printed paper to an electronic display medium. This fundamental parameter change enables the label to be updated through digital modification rather than physical reprinting, solving both the update capability and application ease problems simultaneously.
2Productivity
If printed labels are required, then shipping information can be communicated, but customers must visit physical locations or print labels themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to generate and manage their own electronic shipping labels through portable electronic devices. The system allows users to initiate shipments, update information, and manage labels without visiting physical shipping locations or dealing with printing processes, significantly improving productivity and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical printing and physical label handling system with an electronic digital system. By substituting printed paper labels with electronic displays on portable devices, the system eliminates the need for physical printing, cutting, and affixing processes, thereby improving shipping process efficiency and user convenience.
3Loss of time
If traditional printed labels are used, then shipping information is displayed, but the process is time-consuming and requires repeated printing for updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using digital replication of shipping information across multiple devices and formats. The electronic shipping label can be copied and transmitted between portable devices, eliminating the need for repeated physical printing. This digital copying mechanism reduces time loss while maintaining system simplicity through familiar device interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic shipping label device may display a shipping label image or shipment information using an electronic paper display, and may be attached to an item for shipment of the item from an origin to a destination. A host device, such as an electronic device of a user, may configure the electronic shipping label device to display the shipping label image. The host device may be configured to communicate with a system server of a shipping management system to provide shipping parameters corresponding to the shipment and receive the shipping label image (e.g., from a third-party system, such as a system associated with a shipping carrier). The host device may transmit the shipping label image to the electronic shipping label device for display.