Package Light Emitting Devices for Delivery Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current package delivery systems face inefficiencies when transporting packages from logistics hubs to delivery positions, as drivers often lack a systematic way to organize and identify packages in the cargo space, leading to non-optimal loading and potential delays due to changes in route conditions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using light emitting devices (LEDs) associated with packages, controlled by a computer system that adjusts based on the vehicle's halt position, allowing for dynamic adaptation and efficient identification of packages to be unloaded, even if the planned route is altered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If packages are manually loaded into cargo space by driver, then loading flexibility is improved, but package identification efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading flexibilityVSAvoidpackage identification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cargo space into multiple zones with individual light emitting devices for each package or group of packages. This segmentation allows the driver to maintain manual loading flexibility while the system provides targeted light signals to quickly identify specific packages, resolving the contradiction between loading flexibility and identification efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light emitting devices that can change color or illuminate in different patterns to indicate package status, destination, or priority. This visual coding system enables rapid package identification without constraining the driver's manual loading process, as the light signals provide immediate visual feedback on package locations and delivery requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Productivity

If fixed route is planned, then delivery efficiency is improved, but adaptability to traffic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidroute flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the delivery route and package delivery sequence based on real-time traffic conditions and vehicle position data. The computer system recalculates optimal routes and updates the light emitting device signals accordingly, maintaining high delivery efficiency while adapting to changing traffic conditions without requiring rigid adherence to a fixed route.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from GPS positioning and traffic data sources, then adjusts the delivery plan and light signaling in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain efficiency by optimizing package delivery sequences based on current vehicle position and predicted arrival times, while adapting to route changes caused by traffic congestion or other conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If light emitting devices are activated for all packages, then package visibility is improved, but energy consumption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage visibilityVSAvoidlight device energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates light emitting devices selectively based on package characteristics, delivery priority, and current delivery context. Only packages that are due for delivery or require special attention have their light devices activated, providing necessary visibility while minimizing energy consumption by keeping devices in deactivated state when not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting devices operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, activating only during relevant periods such as when the vehicle approaches delivery locations or when packages are due for unloading. This periodic activation maintains package visibility when necessary while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces the time spent identifying packages and minimizes the risk of errors by providing a flexible and adaptable light-based system that directs drivers to the correct packages based on real-time vehicle position and delivery area adjustments, enhancing the efficiency of package transportation.

Implementation Method 1

The light emitting devices may be any type of device suitable for providing light indications to a driver of the vehicle. By way of example, the light emitting devices may be devices comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4372647A1A method for controlling light emitting devices associated with packages, and a computer system thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4372647A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372647A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4372647A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A computer-implemented method (500) for controlling light emitting devices (106) by using a computer system (118) is provided. The light emitting devices (106) are associated with packages (104) provided in a cargo space (102) of a vehicle (100). Each of the light emitting devices (106) is configured to be in an activated mode (ACT) or a de-activated mode (DE-ACT). The method (500) comprises receiving (502) delivery positions (126a-f) for the packages (104), receiving (504) a vehicle halt position (200), identifying (506) a set of packages (104) having delivery positions (126a-f) within a delivery area (204a, 204b) comprising the vehicle halt position (200), and transmitting (508) control data (125a,b) to a set of light emitting devices (106) associated with the set of packages (104), such that the set of light emitting devices are set in the activated mode (ACT).