Vehicular Parcel Identification Using RFID Portal and Camera System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Goods delivery vehicles lack efficient parcel sorting and identification systems, leading to wasted time during delivery as operators must manually search the loading compartment for parcels.
Innovation Solution
An RFID portal and camera system that captures images of parcels with RFID tags entering the vehicle, associating them with delivery addresses, and displays the images and positions within the loading compartment when the vehicle reaches the delivery location, using a GPS-guided navigation system and on-board display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual search method is used to find parcels in the loading compartment, then no additional system cost is incurred, but delivery time is significantly wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of parcels and stores their positions in the loading compartment before delivery occurs. When the vehicle reaches the destination, the pre-captured image and position data are immediately displayed to the operator, eliminating the need for manual searching and significantly reducing parcel identification time without requiring complex real-time tracking systems.
2Productivity
If RFID portal and camera system are installed to automatically identify parcels, then parcel identification speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an RFID portal as an intermediary to trigger image capture by cameras when parcels enter the loading compartment. The RFID reader detects parcels and automatically initiates the imaging process, creating a coordinated system that improves delivery efficiency through automated identification while keeping individual components relatively simple and cost-effective.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are installed to track parcel positions, then parcel location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple cameras positioned at different angles within the loading compartment to capture images of parcels. By combining views from multiple perspectives, the system accurately determines parcel positions and displays them on the operator interface, achieving high measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex single-camera 3D imaging systems.
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
Facilitates immediate and efficient parcel identification, saving time by automatically displaying the parcel images and positions within the loading compartment, enhancing delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID portal, that is a device capable of communicating with RFID tags and especially of reading the ID and further information contained in an RFID associated with a parcel
Implementation Method 2
one or more photo or video cameras, stably installed within the loading compartment. When parcel C enters the loading compartment of the vehicle, one or more images are taken of the opening providing access to the loading compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicular system for assisting the delivery of goods, said goods being defined by a plurality of parcels (C) to be delivered, adapted to acquire an image of a parcel (C) introduced in a vehicle loading compartment and to display said image upon reaching a delivery place corresponding to said parcel.