Package Enrollment Device Automating Weight and Dimension Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industries like postal, courier, and supply chain, manual data entry for package information is labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly, requiring separate scales and metering devices, which are resource-intensive and challenging to maintain, especially with declining staff training and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An enrollment device combining Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and dimension capture technologies to automatically collect weight, dimensional, and addressing data from packages, eliminating the need for separate scales and metering devices, and integrating data into business systems for efficient data entry and rating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data entry is used for package information, then staff can collect address, weight, and dimensional data, but labor costs and error rates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical and electronic systems. OCR technology captures address information from labels, weight sensors automatically measure package weight, and dimension capture devices measure package dimensions, eliminating manual typing and measurement while improving both accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service enrollment where packages are placed on the device and all information is automatically captured without requiring staff intervention. The device autonomously performs weight measurement, dimension capture, and address recognition, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on human operators
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate weigh scales and metering devices are maintained, then weight and dimensional data can be collected, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines previously separate devices (weigh scale, dimension measuring device, and metering device) into a single integrated enrollment device. The receiving surface integrates weight sensors, while the receiving surface and associated cameras capture dimensional information, consolidating multiple functions into one unified system that reduces complexity and maintenance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The enrollment device is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: weight measurement, dimension capture, address recognition via OCR, and data integration. This multi-functional device replaces several specialized devices, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive data collection capabilities
3Loss of information
If multiple separate devices are used for enrollment, then comprehensive package data can be gathered, but space requirements and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges weight measurement, dimension capture, and address recognition functions into a single enrollment device with a unified receiving surface. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate weigh scales and measurement devices, significantly reducing the counter space required while maintaining complete data collection capabilities
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
This solution significantly reduces labor and error costs, enhances enrollment efficiency, and automates data collection, providing accurate and timely information for package management systems, improving operational efficiency and reducing resource requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package
Implementation Method 2
at least one video camera which generates a video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface
Implementation Method 3
using optical dimension capture and/or ultrasonic range-finding technologies
Implementation Method 4
using optical dimension capture and/or ultrasonic range-finding technologies
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one video camera which generates a video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera. The processor includes: a weight module which produces, in response to the weight signal, weight data indicative of the weight of the package; and a dimension capture module which produces, in response to the video signal, dimension data indicative of the size of the package. In some embodiments, the processor further includes a recognition module which produces, in response to the video signal, character data indicative of one or more characters present on the package.