Billing system and method for determining transportation charges for packages

• US 20030225712A1
• Filed: 06/10/2002
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Global Sensor Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Global Sensor Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Cooper, Gordan C., Teal, Todd
• Granted Patent: US 7,321,859 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/407
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/04 specially adapted for measuring length or width of objects while moving
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 17/00362 Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 17/00661 Sensing or measuring mailpieces weighing G01G19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/0037 Calculation of postage value
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00685 Measuring the dimensions of mailpieces
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00701 Measuring the weight of mailpieces
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00709 Scanning mailpieces

Abstract

A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a self-diagnostic initialization procedure.

Claims

1. A billing system for determining transportation charges for packages movable along a conveyor, said billing system comprising:

a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package, said reader generating a package identification signal and transmitting the signal to a microprocessor;

a package sizer having a plurality of spaced non-contact optical sensors spaced along each of an x, y and z axis, each optical sensor being located at a known position and oriented relative to said conveyor so that packages passing past said sizer are detected by said optical sensors, said sizer producing a signal correlated to a size of said package; and

a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package identification signal and said package size signal for billing purposes, said microprocessor including pre-input data on billing charges, whereby said measured package size can be compared to said pre-input data to determine a transportation charge for said package.

2. A billing system as claimed in claim 1 further including a weigh scale associated with said sizer, said weigh scale sensing a weight of each of said packages on said sizer and producing a weight signal, wherein said microprocessor receives said weight signal and correlates the same with said package identification signal and said package size signal for billing purposes.

3. A billing system as claimed in claim 1 further including a stop to position said packages relative to said optical sensors for accurate size measurement.

4. A billing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said stop is moveable between a package volume sensing position and a package passing position.

5. A billing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said microprocessor includes a display to display one or more package parameters.

6. A billing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said microprocessor includes a display to display at least a measured package volume and a measured package weight.

7. A billing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said optical sensors further comprise a plurality of light detecting phototransistors, which detect whether an object is passing thereover.

8. A billing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said light detecting diodes are located behind a transparent shield whereby the packages being sized are remotely measured.

9. A billing system as claimed in claim 8 wherein a dimension of a package is measured by determining the distance between the two most spaced apart diodes which detect the presence of said package.

10. A method of determining transportation charges for packages by using a billing system having non-contact optical sensors, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying a package by means of a reader;

positioning the package on a sensing grid;

measuring one or more of a weight and volume of the package;

correlating the package identifier with said measured weight and volume of said package in a database;

displaying the measured weight and volume;

determining a charge for said package based upon said measured weight and volume upon acceptance of the displayed package parameters.

11. A method of determining transportation charges for a package as claimed in claim 10 wherein said method further includes an initialization step, in which all of the non-contact optical sensors are temporarily energized to permit visual verification of system operation.

12. A method of determining transportation charges for a package as claimed in claim 11 further including the step of checking each optical sensor upon start up and detecting any faults therein.

13. A method of determining transportation charges for a package as claimed in claim 12 further including the step of displaying an error message upon a fault being detected in an optical sensor.

14. A method of determining transportation charges for a package as claimed in claim 13 further including the step of identifying a location of said detected fault and displaying the same.