System for parcel transport and tracking operated responsive to data bearing records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depository systems lack efficient control and tracking mechanisms for deposit items, particularly in terms of access management, item identification, and space availability, which hinders reliable and cost-effective operations.
Innovation Solution
A depository apparatus with controlled compartments, equipped with electronic locks, sensors for reading data-bearing records, and control circuitry that manages access and tracking of deposit items through wireless communication, enabling authorized access and monitoring of item movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual access control and basic tracking are used in traditional depositories, then device complexity is reduced, but access management efficiency and item tracking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The depository is divided into multiple controlled compartments, each with its own electronic lock and sensor system. This segmentation allows independent access control and tracking for each compartment, improving overall access management efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls access through electronic locks, tracks item movements via sensors, manages compartment security, and provides data recording. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating multiple operations into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Reliability
If electronic locks and sensors are added to control access and track items, then access management and item tracking improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed to detect when compartments are accessed or items are moved, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enhances access control reliability by automatically recording and verifying all access events, while the automated nature of the feedback reduces the need for complex manual monitoring procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock system operates autonomously based on pre-programmed access credentials and sensor inputs. The system automatically grants or denies access, records transactions, and updates tracking information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability by eliminating human error in access decisions while keeping the system relatively simple through automation rather than complex hierarchical control.
3Measurement precision
If data bearing records and reading devices are implemented, then item identification accuracy improves, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual item identification methods are replaced with automated reading devices that scan data bearing records (such as barcodes or RFID tags) on items. This substitution dramatically improves item identification accuracy by eliminating human reading errors, while the reading devices themselves are relatively simple components that integrate easily into the existing compartment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring physical inspection or manual recording of item details, the system creates digital copies of item identification data through scanning data bearing records. These digital copies are automatically stored and processed, improving identification accuracy while simplifying the tracking system through automated data capture rather than complex manual documentation procedures.
4Reliability
If multiple controlled compartments with electronic locks are used, then security and access control improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The depository is divided into multiple independent compartments, each equipped with its own electronic lock and sensor system. This segmentation approach improves security reliability by isolating access control to individual compartments, allowing granular permission management. The modular segmented design also aids manufacturing by allowing compartments to be produced and tested independently before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment module is designed as a universal unit that performs multiple functions: storage, electronic locking, sensor detection, and data recording. This multi-functionality improves security by ensuring each compartment is a complete, self-sufficient security unit, while also simplifying manufacturing through standardization and repetition of identical modular components rather than custom-building each compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for parcel transport and tracking that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a plurality of geographically spaced repositories. The exemplary repositories include a plurality of enclosed compartments. Access to each of the enclosed compartments is controlled by a respective door which is in operative connection with a respective lock. Central system circuitry is in operative connection with the repositories and is operative to control access to the compartments and to cause compartments to be selectively accessible so that selected parcels may be placed therein or removed therefrom by authorized item handlers.