Mobile Computer OLI Trigger for Logistics Data Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current logistics systems lack efficiency in object location, identification, picking, loading, and delivery processes, particularly in environments where quick and accurate data capture and communication are necessary, such as in foodservice operations, and they do not effectively support the capture of data like GSI DataBar codes for tracking and traceability.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a mobile computer with an Object Location Identification (OLI) trigger that communicates via a network to a host server, enabling faster data capture and communication through simple signals, allowing for efficient object selection, picking, loading, and delivery, and supporting data capture and storage of various codes and locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a keyboard or spoken word is used for data input in logistics operations, then the system can capture object location and delivery information, but the process is slow and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject picking and data capture speedVSAvoidtime for data input and communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual keyboard typing and spoken word input with an optical scanning system that automatically captures data barcodes. The mobile computer with scanner horizontally scans objects as they move on conveyors, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly reducing time for object identification and location tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data capture where the scanning system automatically identifies objects, reads their location information, and transmits data to the host server without requiring operator intervention for data entry. The system serves itself by automatically tracking and recording object movement through the logistics facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a complex data collection system is implemented to track GSI DataBar codes and comply with food safety standards, then traceability and information accuracy improve, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracy and traceabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity for code capture and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computer serves multiple functions: it scans data barcodes, identifies objects, tracks their locations, stores information locally, and communicates with the host server. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for scanning, data management, and communication, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computer acts as an intermediary between the scanning system and the host server. It captures data locally, processes it temporarily, and then transmits it to the central server, simplifying the architecture by providing a buffer and processing layer that reduces the complexity burden on both the scanning devices and the main server system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual methods are used for object selection and picking by line, then the system can handle various object types, but labor costs increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicking speed and operational efficiencyVSAvoidlabor requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual object identification and picking guidance with an automated optical scanning system. The mobile computer horizontally scans objects on conveyors, automatically identifies them, and provides picking instructions, eliminating the need for manual verification and significantly increasing picking speed while reducing labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning system operates continuously as objects move along the conveyor, providing uninterrupted data capture and picking guidance. This continuous operation eliminates the stop-start nature of manual picking methods, maintaining constant productivity flow and maximizing operational efficiency throughout the picking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7991654B1System for object selection, object picking by line, object loading and object delivery using an object location identification trigger

Publication Date: 2011.08.02 SYSTEMS APPLICATION ENGINEERING INC

AI summary

A system for selecting, picking by line, loading and delivering objects using a server with processor and data storage, at least one mobile processor, with a mobile data storage, a display, an input device and an output device, and an object location identification trigger for providing one of three signals to the host server is provided herein. The mobile processor receives, verifies, and stores various codes on objects and locations and delivery information for continuous and instantaneous use by an operator, while the operator provides the signals from the OLI trigger. The server stores various libraries containing information on an object, a location, an operator, a transport device, and a transport vehicle. The server can transmit a list of objects, a list of delivery devices, a delivery vehicle and a delivery location to the mobile processor for continuous use with the OLI trigger.