Smart Package with External Display for Non-Invasive Content Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems require operators to physically open packages to verify contents, which is time-consuming, economically unprofitable, and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders due to repeated handling and manipulation of packages.
Innovation Solution
A package design equipped with a box, a lid, a configuration detection device, an image sensor, an electronic display device, and a computer unit that allows visual verification of contents without opening the package, by triggering the image sensor externally and displaying the image on an external display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If packages are stacked for storage to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but operators must handle and open multiple packages to verify contents, increasing time consumption and physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the package contents by capturing an image with an image sensor and displaying it on an external display device. This allows operators to view the contents without physically opening the package, thus eliminating the need to handle stacked packages and reducing verification time while maintaining space-efficient stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening packages with an electronic imaging and display system. The image sensor captures contents visually, and the display device presents this information externally, substituting the physical manipulation of packages with an automated optical-electronic system that reduces both time and physical effort
2Loss of information
If packages are opened for content verification, then operators can visually check contents, but package integrity is compromised and physical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the package to see contents, the system creates a visual copy through image capture and external display. This allows complete visibility of contents while the package remains closed and intact, preserving its structural integrity and sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the image sensor, computer unit, and display device that mediates between the need to view contents and the need to maintain package integrity. This intermediary allows information transfer without physical package opening
3Productivity
If image sensor is always active to capture contents, then verification speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when a user triggers it through the triggering means. This periodic operation maintains verification capability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during storage and non-verification periods
4Device complexity
If triggering means are placed inside the package, then image capture functionality is simplified, but user access becomes difficult when package is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the triggering means from the internal dimension (inside the package) to the external dimension (outside the package). This dimensional change allows users to easily access and operate the triggering means without opening the package, while the image sensor remains internally positioned to capture contents
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and efficient visual verification of package contents without physical handling, reducing time waste and physical effort, while maintaining the integrity of the package and preventing unauthorized image capture.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for capturing images of an object inside the package
Implementation Method 2
an external screen for displaying the images captured by the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a package (1) intended to contain at least one object, comprising: - a box (10); - a cover (11) able to adopt, with the box (10), a closed configuration in which the package is closed or an open configuration in which the package is open, - a device (12) for detecting the closed or open configurations of the package, - at least one image sensor (13) for capturing images related to said one or more objects, - at least one electronic display device (14) that is consultable from the exterior of the package, - a computing unit (15), which is intended to receive images captured by the image sensor (13) and to transmit, to the electronic display device (14), settings regarding display of said images, - means (140) for triggering the image sensor (13), characterised in that the triggering means (140) are present on an external face (100) of the package and in that the computing unit (15) is connected to the detecting device (12) and is parameterised to permit a display, by the display device (14), of images captured by the image sensor (13), in the closed configuration of the package and, conversely, to prevent the display in the open configuration of the package (1).