Wireless Asset Sorting with Automatic Location Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining accurate asset location information in sorting processes are inefficient and prone to errors, requiring multiple scans and increasing the risk of improper sorting and reporting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising user devices and location devices that communicate wirelessly to associate assets with their correct sort locations, providing real-time guidance and confirmation of proper placement through a communication area, reducing the need for manual scanning and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If employees manually scan indicia on each asset and sort location to associate assets with locations, then asset location information can be maintained, but sorting efficiency decreases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic asset-location association where the sorting system itself performs the identification and recording functions. Location devices at sort locations automatically detect when assets are placed there, and the system autonomously updates asset location records without requiring employee intervention for scanning or verification, thus maintaining accuracy while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with automated electronic detection systems. Indicia readers and location devices automatically capture and process asset identification data and location data through electronic means, eliminating the need for employees to physically scan barcodes or RFID tags, thereby reducing errors and increasing sorting speed
2Loss of information
If employees scan multiple indicia for each asset sorting operation, then asset location records can be maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the asset identification function and location recording function into a single integrated process. When an asset is brought within communication area of a sort location, the system simultaneously captures asset indicia, determines the sort location, and records the association in one operation, eliminating the need for separate scanning steps and reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and data capture when assets enter the communication area of sort locations. Asset indicia are read and location data are obtained in advance of the actual sorting action, so that when the asset is placed at the sort location, the association is already recorded or can be instantly confirmed, reducing the time required for each sorting operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating the sorting of assets to sort locations. In various embodiments, a sort employee scans an asset indicia using a user device, which stores asset data corresponding to the stored asset. As the sort employee nears a sort location (e.g., a delivery vehicle) with the asset and the user device, the user device automatically communicates wirelessly with a sort location receiver to associate the asset data with data indicative of the sort location where the user deposits the asset. In various embodiments, a device may determine whether the user device is proximate the appropriate sort location for the item, and may generate an alert upon a determination that the user device is proximate an incorrect sort location.