Postal Item Tracking via Sorting System Feature Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the transport of postal items require unique identifiers, such as line patterns or RFID chips, which add complexity and cost, and may not efficiently track items through multiple sorting systems.
Innovation Solution
A method where postal items are identified using feature vectors generated from characteristic parameters measured by sorting systems, eliminating the need for unique identifiers and allowing tracking through multiple sorting systems without additional markings on the items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique identifiers (line patterns, RFID chips) are provided on postal items for monitoring, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the postal item itself and relocates it to the sorting system. Instead of attaching identifiers to items, the system uses the sorting system's measurement capabilities to capture characteristic parameters (size, shape, color, material properties) that serve as identifiers. This eliminates the need for physical identifiers on items while maintaining tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces characteristic parameters (size, shape, color, material properties) as intermediary identifiers. These parameters are measured by the sorting system and used to identify postal items without requiring physical tags. The characteristic parameters act as a mediator between the sorting system and item identification, enabling tracking without direct item marking.
2Measurement precision
If unique identifiers are provided on postal items, then item identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for manufacturing physical identifiers (line patterns, RFID chips) on postal items. Instead, it extracts the identification function to the sorting system, which measures characteristic parameters naturally present on items. This eliminates complex manufacturing steps while maintaining identification accuracy through automated measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables postal items to be identified using their own inherent characteristics (size, shape, color, material properties) without requiring external identifiers. The sorting system measures these natural properties to create unique identification profiles, allowing items to essentially identify themselves through their inherent features rather than requiring added markings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sorting systems are used for transport monitoring, then tracking coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sorting system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: sorting based on destination and simultaneously identifying items through characteristic parameter measurement. Each sorting system is equipped with the same measurement capabilities, allowing any sorting system in the network to identify and track items, creating a universal tracking capability across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the identification function with the existing sorting system infrastructure. Instead of adding separate identification systems, it combines characteristic parameter measurement with the sorting process. The sorting systems are merged with identification capabilities, allowing a single infrastructure to perform both sorting and tracking functions simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the transport of an object (2), particularly of a piece of mail that is provided with a delivery point (10), to which the object (20) is transported. A sorting system (6) reads the delivery point (10) and generates a first attribute vector differentiating the object (2) from all other transported objects. The first attribute vector and the read delivery point (10) are stored. At the conclusion of the transport a second attribute vector is generated for the object (2). The object (2) is identified by the said second attribute vector. A central computer (3) determines from which of those objects, having run through the sorting system (6) at a predetermined period, the information transmitted originates.