Optical Guidance for Package Tracking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package tracking systems face inefficiencies and errors in tracking packages, particularly during loading and transit, due to manual misplacement and lack of real-time location accuracy, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A package tracking system utilizing optical sensing devices, light sources, and a computing system to provide light-based guidance and real-time location tracking, enabling accurate package identification and placement within a delivery vehicle, and reducing human error through visual and auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcode scanning is used for package tracking, then package identification is achieved, but real-time location accuracy and tracking reliability deteriorate due to manual misplacement and discrete data points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual barcode scanning with automated optical sensing devices that continuously capture package locations. The system uses cameras and image processing to automatically detect and track packages without human intervention, eliminating manual errors while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous optical monitoring of packages throughout the delivery process. Instead of discrete scanning at specific points, the system maintains constant visual tracking via cameras positioned at strategic locations, ensuring uninterrupted location data and enabling real-time error detection.
2Reliability
If RFID chips are placed on packages for tracking, then package tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing optical sensing devices serve multiple functions: they simultaneously capture images for package identification, determine package locations, detect package movements, and verify proper loading. This eliminates the need for separate RFID hardware while achieving comprehensive tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the packages' existing visual characteristics (labels, barcodes, colors) as natural identifiers that can be detected by optical sensors. Packages essentially identify themselves through their visual features, eliminating the need for additional electronic tags or transponders.
3Productivity
If manual loading instructions are provided to loaders, then loading efficiency may be improved, but errors increase due to human perception differences and misplaced packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring package locations with optical sensors and comparing them against the intended loading plan. When discrepancies are detected, the system immediately alerts personnel, allowing for instant correction of placement errors while maintaining loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the optimal loading plan before the loading process begins and uses optical sensors to verify that each package is placed in its predetermined location. This preliminary planning combined with real-time verification ensures both efficiency and accuracy without relying on loader interpretation.
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
The system enhances package tracking accuracy and efficiency by providing real-time location information and guiding personnel during loading and unloading, reducing errors and costs associated with misplaced packages and optimizing delivery routes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensing device positioned to capture one or more images of each package brought to the package room
Implementation Method 2
one or more light sources, wherein the processor executes the executable code to cause the one or more light sources to shine on or near the given package
Data Source
AI summary
A package tracking system comprises a package room for holding packages intended for delivery to one or more package recipients, an optical sensing device positioned to capture one or more images of each package brought to the package room, one or more light sources, and a computing system including a processor, memory, and executable code stored on the memory. The processor executes the executable code to detect a presence and location of a given package held in the package room based on the one or more images captured by the optical sensing device and on package identification information relating to the given package. The processor further executes the executable code to cause the one or more light sources to shine on or near the given package in the package room to provide light-based guidance specific to the given package.