Computer Vision Parcel Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parcel locker systems are inflexible, costly, and inefficient, as they require specialized hardware and are not adaptable to varying parcel sizes or conditions, leading to underutilization and challenges in managing and tracking parcels.
Innovation Solution
An automated parcel delivery system using computer vision and cameras to identify and track parcels within a flexible storage space, eliminating the need for custom hardware and enabling real-time monitoring and management of parcels without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional parcel locker systems are used, then parcel delivery automation is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible and costly due to specialized hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized mechanical locker hardware with a camera-based vision system and software processing. Instead of using dedicated parcel locker devices with mechanical locking mechanisms, the system uses cameras to capture images of parcels and software to identify, track, and manage them, thereby eliminating complex mechanical hardware while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system and general-purpose computing devices can handle multiple functions including parcel identification, tracking, notification, and management. This universal system replaces dedicated parcel locker hardware that was designed for a single function, allowing the same infrastructure to serve various delivery needs without requiring specialized hardware for each parcel type or size.
2Productivity
If fixed-size parcel lockers are used, then automated storage is achieved, but adaptability to varying parcel sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different parcel sizes through software-based identification and tracking rather than relying on fixed physical compartments. The camera system captures images of parcels regardless of size, and the software processes these images to identify and track each parcel, allowing the storage system to be flexible and adaptable to varying dimensions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from fixed physical parameters (locker sizes) to variable digital parameters (image data and tracking information). By using vision systems to capture and process parcel images, the system can identify and manage parcels of any size without being constrained by predetermined physical dimensions, effectively changing the control parameter from physical to digital.
3Ease of operation
If manual parcel management is used, then flexibility is maintained, but tracking efficiency and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated tracking and notification without requiring manual intervention. Once a parcel is delivered, the camera system automatically captures images, the software identifies the recipient, and the system tracks the parcel's location and notifies the recipient automatically. This self-service approach maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving tracking efficiency compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where camera images are continuously captured, processed, and used to update tracking information. The system provides feedback to recipients through notifications about their parcel status and location, and continuously monitors the parcel room to detect when parcels are removed or moved, thereby improving tracking efficiency without manual intervention.
4Extent of automation
If specialized parcel locker hardware is deployed, then automated delivery is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, durable specialized locker hardware with more affordable camera equipment and software licenses. Instead of investing in costly dedicated parcel locker devices, the system uses relatively inexpensive cameras and software that can be deployed on existing general-purpose computing devices, significantly reducing the cost of automated delivery implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical locker hardware with software-based solutions running on general-purpose devices. By replacing specialized hardware with software processing on existing computers or servers, the system eliminates the need for costly dedicated infrastructure while maintaining automated delivery capabilities, thereby reducing deployment costs significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for automatically tracking the presence and location of parcels in a parcel room and/or in a parcel storage device, using computer vision techniques. A camera and computer vision system track each parcel delivered to the room and monitors the location of each parcel in a parcel storage system. The system automatically identifies recipients and alerts if parcels are removed from the room by unauthorized individuals.