Mail Item Sorting via Optical Feature Vector Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting mail items through sorting systems are inefficient due to the need to identify and track transport means, which can lead to errors and increased processing time as the number of items grows, especially when relying on machine-readable identifiers like bar codes.
Innovation Solution
A method where items are sorted based on predefined optically measurable characteristics, allowing for the determination and storage of transport-process information to identify the correct transport process without needing to identify the transport means used, thereby reducing errors and processing time by ensuring only items with specific characteristics are fed into the system together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If feature vectors are compared to identify mail items, then identification accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and error risk increases with larger datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and storing feature vectors of mail items during the first pass through the sorting system, before the second pass occurs. This pre-computed data is then used during the second pass to quickly identify items without requiring fresh measurement and comparison of all features, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies of mail item features (feature vectors) stored in a database during the first pass, rather than requiring physical re-measurement during the second pass. This copying approach allows for rapid retrieval and comparison of item characteristics, reducing the time needed for identification while maintaining accuracy through the use of stored feature data.
2Measurement precision
If machine-readable identifiers like bar codes are used to track transport means, then tracking accuracy is improved, but system complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the transport means (containers, vehicles) and applies it to the mail items themselves through optical feature measurement. By removing the need for machine-readable identifiers on transport means and instead using the inherent optical characteristics of the items, the system reduces complexity while maintaining tracking capability through feature vector comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical identification systems (bar codes, magnetic tags on transport means) with optical measurement systems that analyze the physical characteristics of mail items. This substitution eliminates the need for complex identification hardware on transport means while achieving similar tracking objectives through non-contact optical feature analysis.
3Reliability
If all mail items are processed through multiple sorting systems, then sorting completeness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the identification and feature measurement process during the first pass through the sorting system. By pre-determining item characteristics and storing them in the database, the second pass can proceed more quickly using stored data for identification, thereby reducing the total processing time while maintaining the completeness of multi-pass sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining persistent storage of feature vectors and identification data between sorting passes. This allows the system to continue processing items efficiently across multiple passes without repeating all measurements, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining sorting completeness through multiple passes.
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
This approach reduces the risk of errors by focusing on specific characteristics and attributes, allowing for efficient sorting and transportation without the need for machine-readable identifiers, thus improving the accuracy and speed of mail item delivery.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first measurement for each item as to whether or not the item possesses a given optically measurable characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for transporting items, in particular mail items. uses multiple transport processes for transporting the items respectively to a processing system. For each item, a measurement is made before the transportation as to whether the item has a predefined characteristic, and if so, in what form. This measurement is executed afresh, after the item is fed to a processing system. For each item, it is determined by means of which transport process the item has been transported. To this end, it is determined which items with what form of the characteristic have been transported by means of which transport process.