METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING AND USING A LOCATION IDENTIFICATION GRID

• US 20160092456A1
• Filed: 09/23/2015
• Published: 03/31/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United States Postal Service (Government of the United States of America)
• Original Assignee: United States Postal Service (Government of the United States of America)
• Inventors: Bonnell, Clayton C., Reblin, Gary C.
• Granted Patent: US 11,562,040 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24578 using ranking
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9537 Spatial or temporal dependent retrieval, e.g. spatiotemporal queries
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08355 Routing methods
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/007 using computer methods
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/10 Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids optical projection apparatus per se G03B

Abstract

A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.

Claims

1. A system for identifying a destination comprising:

an item processing apparatus configured to receive a location identifier and communicate the location identifier to a processor;

a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing the location identifier and a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier;

wherein the processor is configured to;

query the first memory to identify, based on the scanned location identifier, a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier; and

cause the item processing apparatus to display the destination location identifier.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the item processing apparatus comprises a scanner configured to read the location information from an item.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the item processing apparatus is a mobile communication device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor determines the preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier based on a physical location of the item processing apparatus

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the destination location identifier corresponds to a physical location.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to display turn-by-turn directions to the physical location corresponding to the destination location identifier.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a recipient associated with the destination location identifier.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to identify delivery preferences associated with the recipient.

10. A method of delivering an item comprising:

receiving an item at an item processing apparatus;

receiving a location identifier from the item;

querying a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing the location identifier and a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier, to identify, based on the scanned location identifier, a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier;

displaying the destination location identifier on the item processing apparatus.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising determining a preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier on the item processing apparatus.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining the preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier is based on a physical location of the item processing apparatus.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the destination location identifier corresponds to a physical location.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein displaying the destination location identifier comprises displaying turn-by-turn directions to the physical location corresponding to the destination location identifier.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising identifying a recipient associated with the destination location identifier.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein identifying a recipient associated with the destination location identifier further comprises identifying delivery preferences associated with the recipient.

17. The method of claim 16 delivering the item to a physical location identified in the delivery preferences.

18. A system for delivering an item comprising:

receiving an item at an item processing apparatus;

means for receiving a location identifier from the item;

means for querying a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing the location identifier and a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier, to identify, based on the scanned location identifier, a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier; and

means for displaying the destination location identifier on the item processing apparatus.