Decentralized tracking and routing system wherein packages are associated with active tags
First Claim
1. A method of managing a plurality of non-self-propelled packages in a distribution system, comprising the steps of:
- physically associating with each package a package transceiver including a processor associated therewith;
disposing at each of a plurality of fixed nodes in the distribution system a location transceiver, each location transceiver adapted to communicate a unique location code to a package transceiver at the node;
programming each processor with a destination code representative of a location in the distribution system where the package is intended to be disposed; and
a package transceiver transmitting an activity signal in response to receiving a location code of a location transceiver related to the destination code.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a freight tracking and routing system, each individual package is provided with a tag physically attached thereto. The tag includes a radio or infrared transceiver, and a microprocessor. At important nodes at geographical locations within the distribution system, location transceivers broadcast signals representative of their locations. The microprocessor, in response to receiving a desired destination signal, emits a signal commanding external equipment to take the package so that it remains at the desired location. The tags are also capable of being electronically queried, or alternately can emit distress signals when they do not reach a particular location at a particular time.
422 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of managing a plurality of non-self-propelled packages in a distribution system, comprising the steps of:
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physically associating with each package a package transceiver including a processor associated therewith; disposing at each of a plurality of fixed nodes in the distribution system a location transceiver, each location transceiver adapted to communicate a unique location code to a package transceiver at the node; programming each processor with a destination code representative of a location in the distribution system where the package is intended to be disposed; and a package transceiver transmitting an activity signal in response to receiving a location code of a location transceiver related to the destination code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A tracking apparatus adapted to be attached to a non-self-propelled package within a distribution system, comprising:
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a transceiver; and a processor operatively associated with the transceiver, the processor including means for retaining a destination code representative of a location in the distribution system where the package is intended to be disposed, means for recognizing a location code broadcast from an external location transceiver, and means for transmitting an activity signal in response to recognizing a location code of the location transceiver related to the destination code. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification