Verifiable Article Delivery Using Optical Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the delivery of articles, such as mail packages, require complex and expensive portable devices, paper-based delivery identifiers, and electronic communication links, which are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method using a lightweight and smaller portable image recorder with a data memory, such as a digital camera, to produce a computer-accessible depiction of the article with a delivery identifier, eliminating the need for separate paper-based identifiers and electronic communication links, and allowing immediate verification by transmitting the depiction to a central data memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex portable devices with touch-sensitive input panels and encryption mechanisms are used for delivery verification, then the reliability of delivery confirmation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential verification function from complex portable devices and implements it through a simple optical identification system. The delivery confirmation is achieved by capturing an image of the article with a basic camera and storing its optical characteristics in a database, eliminating the need for complex touch-sensitive input panels, encryption mechanisms, and specialized terminals while maintaining reliable delivery verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing an image of the article with a camera and storing its visual characteristics as a digital copy in a database. This copy-based approach replaces complex physical verification mechanisms, allowing reliable delivery confirmation through simple optical measurement and image storage without requiring complex portable devices or electronic communication links.
2Reliability
If paper-based delivery identifiers and electronic communication links are used, then the verifiability of delivery is improved, but the time required for delivery verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing optical characteristics and images of articles in a database before delivery. When delivery occurs, the system simply retrieves the stored optical data and compares it with the actual article, eliminating the need for time-consuming paper-based identification processes and electronic communication links, thus reducing verification time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical paper-based identification systems with optical measurement and image processing. By using a camera to capture optical characteristics and storing them digitally, the system eliminates the need for physical paper identifiers and complex electronic communication protocols, achieving faster verification through direct optical comparison.
3Reliability
If encryption and digital signatures are implemented for delivery confirmation, then the security of delivery information is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, disposable optical images captured by a camera as the verification mechanism, replacing complex encryption and digital signature systems. The image data is stored directly in a database without requiring encryption or signing operations, maintaining security through the uniqueness of optical characteristics while dramatically simplifying the operational process and eliminating the need for complex cryptographic mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid and verifiable delivery of articles without the need for complex devices or communication links, reducing costs and increasing efficiency by using commercially available digital cameras and avoiding encryption or signing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A portable image recorder is used to produce at least one computer-accessible depiction of the article
Data Source
AI summary
A method delivers an item to a target point. The item is a distinguishable item. A data set for the item is generated in a central data storage unit. This data set contains identification feature values for the item. The item is conveyed to a predetermined target point. At the target point, the item is provided, at least temporarily, with an optically detectable delivery marking. At least one computer-accessible image of the item is generated by a portable image recording device. The image shows the item together with the delivery marking. With the aid of the image, the data set for the item, which is stored in the central data storage unit, is determined. The data set is supplemented with a computer-accessible marking of the delivery.