Parcel Position Error Detection From Load and Configuration Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation technologies in sorting facilities suffer from inaccurate scans, missed scans, and inconsistent naming conventions, leading to inaccurate asset tracking and the inability to determine analytical metrics.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that compare load data from parcel scans to configuration data to detect parcel position errors by determining if the load data exceeds a threshold, allowing for automatic detection of errors such as parcels falling off conveyers or being miss-sorted, and calculating parcel paths based on load start and end nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If geolocation technologies use scan-based methods to track parcels, then asset presence can be detected, but scan accuracy and completeness deteriorate leading to inaccurate tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes expected parcel paths and positions before tracking begins. Configuration data defines the correct sequence of positions parcels should occupy, allowing the system to proactively verify actual positions against these pre-defined expectations rather than reactively processing scans
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares actual parcel positions (from load data) against expected positions (from configuration data) and generates error notifications when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism identifies inaccurate or missed scans by detecting position anomalies
2Reliability
If manual processes are used to verify parcel positions, then tracking accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs position verification by comparing load data against configuration data without requiring manual intervention. The automated error detection and notification system serves itself to maintain tracking accuracy, eliminating the need for manual verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual verification processes with automated computational methods. Instead of human operators physically checking parcel positions, the system uses computer-implemented methods to compare data sets and detect position errors automatically
3Adaptability or versatility
If inconsistent naming conventions are used in scan data, then data collection flexibility is maintained, but data analysis and metric determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enforces consistent naming conventions and data structures in the configuration data that defines expected parcel paths. By standardizing the expected position formats and tag identifiers, the system ensures homogeneous data structures that enable reliable analytical metric determination while maintaining flexibility in data collection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining a parcel position error based on a comparison of load data and configuration data are provided. Embodiments describe a number of methods of determining the parcel position error such as by determining a parcel path from the load data.