Shipment Tracking for Large-Format Letters Without Sorting Modifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipment tracking systems do not effectively support large-format letters, as they cannot be automatically processed in sorting systems and thus lack consistent data recording, which is essential for providing a tracking service similar to parcel tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that capture and record data from large-format shipments, including letters and packages, using codes like barcodes or RFID, allowing for shipment tracking without requiring significant modifications to existing sorting systems, and enabling tracking even if data is not recorded at the time of delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data recording is implemented at all sorting stations, then tracking service quality is improved, but system complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing data recording only at specific locations where large-format shipments are handled, rather than at all sorting stations. The system identifies and records data at postal facilities that process oversized items, using local indicators or markers to trigger recording actions only where necessary in the delivery chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording shipment data in advance at postal facilities before the items reach automated sorting installations. By capturing data early in the process at locations like postal branches or collection points, the system ensures tracking information is available without requiring modifications to automated sorting systems.
2Measurement precision
If automated data recording is implemented for large-format shipments, then tracking accuracy is improved, but modification costs of sorting systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component in the form of postal facilities that act as mediators between manual data entry points and the automated sorting system. These facilities capture shipment data using simpler, non-intrusive methods (such as scanning markers or manual entry at collection points) and transmit this information to the tracking system, eliminating the need to modify expensive automated sorting installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating a parallel data recording pathway that duplicates the tracking function without interfering with the primary automated sorting flow. Instead of modifying the sorting system to record data, the system captures data through separate channels at postal facilities and synchronizes this information with the tracking database, maintaining accuracy without physical modifications.
3Device complexity
If data recording is delayed until delivery time, then system simplicity is maintained, but tracking completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording shipment data in advance at postal facilities before items enter the automated sorting chain. By capturing data at collection points, processing facilities, or transfer points earlier in the delivery process, the system maintains tracking completeness without requiring complex real-time recording at every stage.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is revealed, among other things,a method comprising: capturing data of a consignment (8) or receiving captured data of a consignment (8), wherein the consignment (8) is marked with at least one piece of information (80, 81) identifying the consignment (8) as a consignment to be tracked and has been classified as not processable by a sorting system (21), and wherein the sorting system (21) is configured to automatically capture data of consignments (8) it processes and, if the consignments (8) processed are each marked with at least one piece of information (80, 81) identifying the consignments (8) processed as consignments to be tracked, to automatically capture at least one piece of such information (80, 81) in each case, and generating a shipment tracking event relating to the consignment (8) in a shipment tracking database (31) at least on the basis of the captured data or outputting the captured data to generate such a shipment tracking event.Furthermore, a device (222, 32) for carrying out and/or controlling this method, a system (1) with one or more devices for carrying out and/or controlling this method and a computer program for carrying out and/or controlling this method by a processor (300) are disclosed.