Fixed commercial and industrial scanning system

• US 6,189,784 B1
• Filed: 12/21/1999
• Issued: 02/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc. (Datalogic ADC Incorporated)
• Inventors: Williams, Kevin J., Kortt, Robert F., Peavey, Brian D., Tamburrini, Thomas E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US09/469,719
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/383, 235/384, 235/385, 235/380, 235/462.13
• US Class Current: 235/375
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 3/14 using light-responsive detecting means for information carriers G06K7/14
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 7/00 Sorting by hand only e.g. of mail

Abstract

A package sorting and/or tracking system or workstation including a high performance data reader or barcode scanner, a real time system control computer, user interface devices, a superstructure to which all hardware is attached providing hands-free scanning operation at each work station, and a real-time communication link with the host computer system for transferring information scanned from the parcels or configuring the scanning system with up-to-the minute routing information. A scale system weighs each parcel to assure compliance to specifications. An optional feedback system to error-proof the sorting operation whereby the scanning system is configured with a sensing device on each of the bins to which a parcel may be sorted. Based on the tracking information read from the barcode label and the routing information provided by the host computer system, the scanning system instructs the operator to place the parcel in a particular bin. The sensing device on the bin determines if the parcel was placed into the correct bin. If a parcel is placed in the wrong bin, the operator is instructed to remove the parcel and re-sort it.

Claims

1. A method for sorting parcels amongst a plurality of parcel bins, comprising the steps of

selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identification code;

inputting the parcel identification code into a controller;

obtaining parcel destination information associated with the parcel identification;

directing the parcel to a selected parcel bin corresponding to the parcel destination information obtained;

determining whether the parcel is deposited into the selected parcel bin by sensing an incremental increase in weight at a bin sensor occasioned by deposit of the parcel in a parcel bin.

2. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 1 further comprising

providing a correct parcel indication if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in the selected parcel bin.

3. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 2 wherein the step of directing the parcel to a selected parcel bin comprises

providing the parcel bins with light indicators connected to the controller and alighting the light indicator associated with the selected parcel bin.

4. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 1 further comprising

directing an operator to redirect the parcel if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in an incorrect parcel bin.

5. A parcel sorting system comprising

a controller,

a plurality of parcel bins in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having a weighing element for sensing deposit of a parcel in the parcel bin by sensing additional weight incurred by deposit of the parcel in the parcel bin.

6. A parcel sorting system comprising

a workstation including a scanner for scanning parcels presented thereto;

a controller in communication with the workstation;

a plurality of parcel bins disposed about the workstation and in communication with the controller, each parcel bin having (a) an indicator for providing instructions to an operator designating that parcel bin as a proper destination for the parcel which has been scanned and (b) bin sensor for sensing deposit of a parcel into the parcel bin.

7. A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of

providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation integrated with a data reader and a weigh scale;

selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification information;

electronically reading the parcel identifier with the data reader to obtain the parcel identification information;

communicating with a host computer and obtaining parcel weight and parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel;

weighing the parcel with the weigh scale to determine actual parcel weight;

comparing the actual parcel weight as weighed with the scale against weight limit for a given charge rate corresponding to the parcel and sending a charge-back record to the host computer if the actual weight is over the weight limit.

8. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 7 further comprising

directing the user to deposit the parcel in a selected parcel bin corresponding to the parcel destination information obtained;

determining whether the parcel is deposited into the selected parcel bin by sensing an incremental increase in weight at a bin sensor occasioned by deposit of the parcel in a parcel bin.

9. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 8 further comprising

providing a correct parcel indication if it is determined that the parcel has been deposited in the selected parcel bin.

10. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 9 wherein the correct parcel indication comprises a visible indicator.

11. A method of sorting parcels according to claim 7 wherein the step of electronically reading comprises

positioning the data reader in a fixed position over a scan volume, projecting a scan pattern downwardly into the scan volume, and projecting a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel.

12. A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of

providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation station with a data reader positioned over a scan volume;

projecting a scan pattern downwardly from the data reader into the scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume;

selecting a parcel bearing a parcel identifier containing parcel identification to be read by the data reader;

projecting a visible locator into the scan volume for assisting a user in placing the parcel within the scan volume.

13. A method for sorting parcels according to claim 12 wherein the step of projecting a locator comprises projecting a visible light spot within the scan pattern.

14. A method for sorting parcels according to claim 12 further comprising

weighing the parcel on a weigh scale positioned below the scan volume.

15. A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of

providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume;

selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel;

placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner;

scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information;

communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel;

providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation;

providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of providing instructions to the user comprises activating a visual indicator at the selected bin.

17. A method according to claim 15 further comprising the steps of

sensing via a sensor when a parcel has been deposited therein for confirming that the parcel has been deposited in the selected bin.

18. A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of sensing comprises sensing the parcel being passed through a light curtain.

19. A method according to claim 15 wherein the step of scanning the bar code label comprises

projecting a scan pattern downwardly into the scan volume, and projecting a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel.

20. A method for sorting parcels, comprising the steps of

providing a user-operated parcel sorting workstation with a bar code scanner disposed over a scan volume;

selecting a parcel bearing a bar code label containing parcel identification information for the parcel;

placing the parcel in the scan volume and orienting the bar code label upward toward the bar code scanner;

scanning the bar code label with the bar code scanner to obtain the parcel identification information;

communicating to a host computer and obtaining parcel destination information corresponding to the parcel;

providing a plurality of parcel bins in proximity to the workstation;

providing instructions to the user as to a selected bin to deposit the parcel corresponding to the destination information obtained;

sensing via a sensor when a parcel has been deposited therein for confirming that the parcel has been deposited in the selected bin,

wherein the step of sensing comprises weighing the bin to determine whether the parcel has been deposited.

21. A parcel sorting workstation comprising

a support structure;

an overhead reader mounted on the support structure for producing a downwardly-projected scan pattern into a scan volume for reading a label disposed on a top surface of a parcel presented in the scan volume;

a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel.

22. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising

a pointing device which projects a visible spot through a center of the scan pattern for assisting an operator in placing the parcel in the scan volume.

23. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising

a lower reader mounted on the support structure, the reader comprising at least one window positioned below the scan volume in a horizontal upward facing orientation for projecting a scan pattern upward into the scan volume.

24. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 wherein the support structure comprises a vertically-oriented center pole, wherein the overhead reader and the weigh scale are mounted on the center pole.

25. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 wherein the support structure comprises a base and a vertically-oriented center pole mounted to the base, the base including wheels for allowing the workstation to be moved.

26. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising a controller mounted to the support structure wherein the controller comprises a display and a keypad.

27. A parcel sorting workstation according to claim 21 further comprising an upwardly facing reader integrated with the weigh scale.

28. An item sorting and/or scanning workstation comprising

a support structure;

a reader mounted on the support structure for projecting a scan pattern into a scan volume from at least two directions for permitting reading of at least two side surfaces of an item;

a weigh scale mounted on the support structure and positioned below the scan volume for weighing the parcel;

wherein the support structure comprises a base including wheels for allowing the workstation to be moved.

29. A workstation according to claim 28 further comprising a wireless communication link to a host computer.