An open source format and method for the creation of physical labelling, for use in inventory management at small and large scale, such all beings may benefit.
This document is laid out so it might contain as much information as to this project as I am able to provide; yet give the most important information quickly.
This project is to make a standard label, that normal people may apply and adapt to their own needs. It is a standard only so far as the concept and layout of the label meets a generic specification - while I encourage all persons to commit towards this meaningful endeavour, please make use of this idea however you see fit.
The Rationale Section below provides a description, example question, example answer pattern; this is to quickly explain the motivations of each step, and how they could apply to the real world.
The Fabrication Section discusses methods of fabricating labels.
The Automation section explains the process by which one might generate parametric labels to this specification.
It is my duty as the caretaker of a space to ensure beings may use it safely and efficiently, to this aim I will label the items and containers in this space I reside.
Sentient Beings require physical things, these things are by their nature infinite in variance, yet abide by certain patterns we associate words and images with.
A Spanner is such a thing, also known by the name wrench in the language of English, and doubtless other names in the infinite we exist within.
- "How might I find a Spanner, or place for a wrench?" - A box may contain many things, A box labelled spanners should contain spanners.
If only words are used in labels, confusion may arise, to this end we should include an example image, icon, or otherwise obvious recognisable image.
- "I need an item, I do not know it's name?" - Can you see the likeness of the item among these many images upon many boxes?
The future is the infinite in infinite combination, I cannot tell what might change, space should exist to amend the label later, by hand if needs be.
- "To what end does this screwdriver box contain screws?" - written upon the box are the words 'Screws For EBike Inside'
In every pattern, we might discern more patterns, this is classification - a label should contain space for such sub-division of items.
- "Where will I find a 13mm grommit?" Inside the Grommit containers there are smaller containers, upon one is written 13mm
Specific Items might be a danger to beings, either through specific application or the nature of the item, This must be displayed also, as might notes on usage.
- "How will I know what in this place might harm me?" Those containers with icons of danger should be handled with care, mindful attention be paid to writing upon them
More details are often needed than a single label can hold, in this way a section of label should contain image-references to knowledge.
- "Where might I order more of this item?" Scan the QR-code with a smartphone, or copy the identifying code by hand
Colour and pattern, and texture, can relay information, each colour must match a pattern for those colour-blind, braille should be added where possible.
- "Which containers here hold gasses?" Those with blue-edges, beware those with red-inside they may combust
I haven't done this yet.