Shape-Customized Postage Label Production via Digital Kiss-Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels are limited to four-sided, rectangular or square formats, lacking the ability to be shape-customized, which restricts user flexibility in design and application.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for creating shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels that allow users to input custom shapes, generate electronic representations of postage labels, and kiss-cut borders according to defined shapes, enabling the production of self-adhesive labels in various shapes and formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rectangular or square formats are used for postage labels, then manufacturing simplicity and ease of production are maintained, but design flexibility and user customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the label shape from fixed rectangular formats to customizable shapes based on user input. The computer system receives shape parameters, generates electronic representations with custom geometries, and controls the kiss-cutting process to create varied shapes while maintaining production efficiency through automated digital control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of postage labels from fixed rectangular dimensions to variable shapes defined by user-input parameters. The system accepts shape definitions, converts them into production-ready formats, and adjusts cutting patterns accordingly, enabling continuous variation in label geometry without compromising manufacturing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If shape-customized postage labels are produced, then user customization and design flexibility are enhanced, but manufacturing precision and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape customizationVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical die-cutting with digital control and automated kiss-cutting technology. The computer system generates precise digital representations of custom shapes and controls the cutting mechanism accordingly, achieving high precision through digital positioning and automated guidance rather than mechanical templates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies or representations of the desired custom shapes before production. The electronic representation serves as a precise template that guides the kiss-cutting process, ensuring manufacturing precision by replicating the intended geometry accurately through digital-to-physical translation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-parallel label edges are implemented, then aesthetic customization and design variety are improved, but compliance verification and regulatory adherence become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign varietyVSAvoidregulatory compliance verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify that custom-shaped labels meet postal regulations. The computer system checks the generated electronic representations against compliance criteria, ensuring that non-parallel edges and custom shapes still accommodate required postage indicia placement and visibility standards before authorizing production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of regulatory compliance before actual label production. By checking the electronic representation and shape definition against postal requirements in advance, the system ensures that custom shapes will meet regulatory standards, preventing compliance issues before they arise in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10325301B1Systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, computer-based, value-bearing items

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 AUCTANE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia.