Parcel Tracking System with Electronic Locks
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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 transportation logistics, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in handling and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A depository apparatus equipped with electronic locks, sensors, and control circuitry that reads data-bearing records to authorize access, track item status, and manage transportation through a network system, enabling secure and efficient handling of deposit items from pickup to delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual access control and tracking methods are used in depository systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to inefficiencies and potential errors in handling and delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical access control with electronic locks controlled by a control system. The control system receives user identification, verifies authorization, and automatically controls lock mechanisms to grant or deny access to compartments, eliminating manual intervention and improving handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service functionality where users can independently access the depository by providing identification. The control system automatically verifies credentials, unlocks appropriate compartments, and tracks item movements without requiring manual assistance from depository operators.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent implements tracking mechanisms that monitor and record item placement and removal activities. The control system receives feedback from sensors detecting item movements, updates the database with location and status information, and provides real-time tracking capability to improve delivery reliability.
2Reliability
If automated control circuitry and tracking mechanisms are implemented, then reliability and tracking accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depository system is divided into multiple independent compartments, each with its own electronic lock and access control. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating each compartment as a separate unit while maintaining centralized control through the control circuitry and database.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between users and the physical depository compartments. This intermediary layer handles authentication, authorization, lock control, and tracking functions, isolating the complexity from both users and the physical hardware while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If data bearing records are used for item identification and tracking, then measurement precision and tracking accuracy improve, but loss of information increases due to potential data errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and maintains digital copies of item identification data from data bearing records in a centralized database. These digital copies enable accurate tracking, verification, and retrieval of item information without physical handling of the original records, reducing data loss and improving identification precision.
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 one or more 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 persons authorized to access such parcels. In exemplary arrangements the central system circuitry is operative to determine bundles of parcels to be transported between respective repositories to facilitate the delivery of parcels at the respective delivery locations.