Object Transport Identification via Feature Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transporting and processing objects, such as mail items, require a machine-readable identification and multiple passes through sorting systems, which can be inefficient and prone to errors, especially when the object order changes during transport.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that predetermine measurable processing attributes and features, measure and store these attributes and features during each transport process, and use the measured values to create and match data records, allowing objects to be processed without the need for a machine-readable identifier and accommodating changes in object order.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machine-readable identification is used on objects, then object identification is reliable, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification reliabilityVSAvoidsorting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from physical machine-readable markers on objects and relocates it to a centralized database. Objects are identified by their unique features (weight, dimensions, shape) rather than carrying external identification markers, thereby removing the need for complex reading devices while maintaining reliable identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of reading physical identification markers from objects, the system creates digital copies of object feature data and stores them in a database. The identification process involves comparing digital feature vectors rather than physically scanning objects, reducing device complexity while maintaining identification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple passes through sorting systems are required, then object routing accuracy is improved, but processing time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject routing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and routing determination in a single pass by measuring object features and querying the database for the complete routing path. This eliminates the need for multiple passes through sorting systems while maintaining routing accuracy, as the full destination information is obtained upfront.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between object measurement and routing decision. The database stores pre-calculated routing information based on object features, allowing the sorting system to determine complete routing paths in a single pass rather than requiring multiple sequential sorting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If object order changes during transport, then transport flexibility is improved, but identification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport flexibilityVSAvoididentification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical position-based identification systems with a database query system based on object features. Instead of relying on the sequential position of objects in a transport sequence, the system measures features (weight, dimensions, shape) and queries the database to identify objects regardless of their position or order during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the identification parameters from position-dependent (object sequence in transport) to feature-dependent (weight, dimensions, shape). This allows objects to be identified accurately regardless of changes in transport order, as identification is based on intrinsic object properties rather than extrinsic positional information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9669429B2Method and device for transporting a number of objects

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 KERBER SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS GESELLSCHAFT MITT BESCHLENKTEL HAFZUNG

AI summary

A method and a device for transporting and processing a number of objects, especially mail items, include transporting the objects in a number of transport processes to a respective processing system. At least one processing attribute as well as a feature is measured at the object before the transport processes. A data record with the processing attribute value and the feature value are stored. After the transport processes, the feature is measured again for each object, and the stored data record is determined. A search area restriction which is based on a sequence of feature values is undertaken for the determination. The processing system processes the object depending on the processing attribute value of the determined data record.