Parcel Machine Barcode Generation for Mobile Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing system for sending postal items is complex and not designed for mobile device usage, particularly in the interaction with parcel machines, which complicates the process of depositing and picking up postal items without proper identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a computing unit, parcel compartments, a receiving device for shipping orders, an authentication device for package collectors, and input/output devices to create and transmit shipping orders from smartphones, allowing for the generation and assignment of parcel identifiers during pickup, enabling the handling of both marked and unmarked postal items, and using a parcel detection device to ensure accurate data storage and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the existing system requires printing address labels with barcodes at home and using a printer, then the mailing process can be completed, but the system becomes complex and not suitable for mobile device usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the barcode generation function from the home computer/printing environment and relocates it to the parcel machine's display device. Users can now generate and display barcodes directly at the parcel machine using their mobile devices, eliminating the need for home printing infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The parcel machine acts as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the mailing system. It receives shipping order data, generates the necessary barcode labels, and manages the parcel identification process, thereby simplifying the user interface and making the system mobile-friendly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parcel identifiers are assigned before pickup, then the mailing process is streamlined, but unmarked postal items cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on whether a parcel has an identifier. During pickup, if no identifier is present, the system switches to identification mode where it captures images, generates identifiers, and assigns them to parcels. This dynamic behavior allows handling of both marked and unmarked items without compromising overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images and generating parcel identifiers during the pickup process itself, rather than requiring pre-assignment. This allows unmarked items to be processed efficiently as the identification and assignment happen in real-time during the natural pickup workflow.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parcel compartments are opened simultaneously for marked mailpieces, then the pickup process is faster, but the system cannot identify individual unmarked items
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the parcel pickup process into two distinct modes: batch mode for marked parcels where multiple compartments are opened simultaneously, and individual mode for unmarked parcels where compartments are opened one at a time with image capture. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed when possible and for accuracy when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the presence or absence of parcel identifiers to determine the appropriate handling mode. When identifiers are present, the system proceeds with efficient batch processing. When identifiers are absent, it switches to individual processing with image capture, ensuring accurate identification while maintaining overall process efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention optimizes systems for sending mail items. This is achieved by a system comprising the following: - at least one computing unit (25, 35); - a plurality of parcel compartments (30); - a receiving device (27, 57) for receiving a shipping order that includes recipient and sender data; - an application that allows a user to create a shipping order using a smartphone (70) and transmit it to the receiving device (27, 57); - at least one storage device (60) for storing the assignment of a parcel compartment (30) to a shipping order; - at least one authentication device for authenticating a parcel collector; - at least one input device (21) and/or capture device (29) for inputting or capturing a parcel identification identifier.