Package Identification Using Shipping Label Fingerprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer vision systems for package identification in warehouses are cost-intensive and complex, requiring high-resolution cameras to read barcodes, which can lead to high misidentification rates and workflow delays in high-volume shipment facilities.
Innovation Solution
A package identification system using camera devices to capture high-quality images of shipping labels at the package retrieval area and low-quality images at the storage area, generating digital fingerprints for matching, reducing the need for high-resolution cameras and complex data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution cameras are used to read barcodes for package identification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital fingerprint (copy) of the shipping label from a high-quality reference image captured at the package retrieval area. This fingerprint serves as a template that can be matched against lower-quality images captured at the storage area, eliminating the need for high-resolution cameras at the storage area while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures and processes high-quality images of shipping labels at the package retrieval area before packages are moved to storage areas. This preliminary action creates reference fingerprints that can be used for subsequent identification at storage areas, avoiding the need for complex high-resolution imaging equipment at the storage location
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution cameras are deployed at storage areas to read barcodes, then package identification accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital fingerprint (copy) of the shipping label from a high-quality reference image captured at the package retrieval area. This fingerprint serves as a template that can be matched against lower-quality images captured at the storage area, eliminating the need for high-resolution cameras at the storage area while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive high-resolution camera equipment with cheaper low-resolution cameras at the storage area. The digital fingerprint matching algorithm compensates for the lower image quality, allowing the use of less expensive, simpler camera devices while maintaining identification functionality
3Measurement precision
If multiple high-resolution cameras are used to capture package images, then measurement precision is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identifying features from the shipping label image to create a compact digital fingerprint. This fingerprint contains the critical information needed for identification but uses significantly less data than full-resolution images, reducing processing complexity and computational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified digital copy (fingerprint) of the shipping label that retains identification capability but reduces data volume. This fingerprint can be efficiently stored, transmitted, and compared against reference fingerprints without requiring complex processing of full-resolution images
4Productivity
If conventional barcode reading systems are used, then package identification is achieved, but misidentification rate increases in high-volume facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and processes high-quality reference images of shipping labels at the package retrieval area before packages are moved to storage areas. This preliminary action creates accurate reference fingerprints that serve as the ground truth for subsequent matching, establishing a reliable baseline for identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital fingerprint (copy) of the shipping label from a high-quality reference image captured at the package retrieval area. This fingerprint serves as a template that can be matched against lower-quality images captured at the storage area, eliminating the need for high-resolution cameras at the storage area while maintaining identification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for identifying packages based on shipping label fingerprints. A first camera captures a first image of a label on a package when the package is in a first location within a warehouse. A first representation of the first image is generated. A second camera captures a second image of a label on a package when the package is in a second location within the warehouse. A second representation of the second image is generated. The second representation is matched to the first representation to identify the package placed in the second location.