Integrated Package Content Verification Using Wireless Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods lack effective means to accurately and reliably monitor and display the contents of packages without requiring manual inspection, which can lead to errors or unauthorized changes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus within the package structure that wirelessly receives identification information from items using a receiver and processor, displaying this information on a water-resistant display, and detects missing or replaced items, with options for power sources like batteries or solar cells, and communication technologies such as RFID or Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of package contents is used, then verification can be performed, but accuracy and reliability are reduced due to human error and unauthorized changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection (mechanical/human system) with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses a receiver to wirelessly obtain identification data from items, a processor to verify contents against a configured list, and a display to show verification status. This substitution eliminates human error and provides reliable, accurate monitoring of package contents.
2Measurement precision
If an integrated monitoring apparatus is added to the package, then content verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring apparatus components (receiver, processor, display) into an integrated unit that is incorporated into the package structure itself. The receiver is configured to wirelessly obtain identification data, the processor verifies contents, and the display shows results - all combined in a single integrated system that adds functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring apparatus serves multiple functions: receiving identification data wirelessly, processing and verifying package contents, displaying verification status, and potentially detecting missing or replaced items. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing overall device complexity while improving verification accuracy.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of content verification is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is configured to periodically verify package contents by obtaining identification data from items and comparing against the configured list, rather than continuously monitoring without interruption. This periodic operation maintains reliable verification capability while reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous monitoring.
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 accurate verification of package contents without opening the package, detects changes in items, and provides a flexible, energy-efficient solution for continuous monitoring and display of item information.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication unit may be configured to communicate using a technology selected from a group consisting of: radio frequency identification communications, low power radio frequency communication, Bluetooth data communication and near field communication.
Implementation Method 2
The display may comprise a flat light emitting diode element. The display may comprise an organic light emitting diode element.
Implementation Method 3
The display may comprise a flat light emitting diode element. The display may comprise an organic light emitting diode element.
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus may comprise a mobile power source. The mobile power source may comprise any one or more items from a group consisting of: a battery; solar cell; fuel cell; and wireless energy harvester.
Implementation Method 5
The mobile power source may comprise any one or more items from a group consisting of: a battery; solar cell; fuel cell; and wireless energy harvester.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for items, the package having a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly receive identification information from data transmitters corresponding to the items within the package to which the apparatus is associated. The package further has a display and a processor configured to collect received identification information and to cause the display to display identification information of the items in the package. The wireless communication unit, the display and the processor are integrated into the structure of the package.