Multi-stage parcel tracking system

• US 6,285,916 B1
• Filed: 04/28/1997
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: United Parcel Service Incorporated
• Original Assignee: United Parcel Service Incorporated
• Inventors: Kadaba, Nagesh, Moktan, Hridai, Patel, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Marc, McDieunel, Marc, McDieunel
• Application Number:
  US08/848,503
• Time in Patent Office: 1,590 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/378, 235/380, 235/384, 235/385, 700/213-220, 700/222
• US Class Current: 700/222
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

A delivery tracking system for tracking parcels during an internal state of delivery within an organization after receipt of the parcel from a parcel delivery service. The system utilizes an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device to obtain signatures of recipients and scan codes printed on the parcel labels, and to respond to tracking inquiries prior to transferring collected information to a different computer. Data is entered on a touch-sensitive screen of personal digital assistant using the tip of a wand type bar code scanner.

Claims

1. An electronic parcel tracking system for use by an organization, comprising:

an intelligent hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device, including;

a wand-mounted symbol reader including a stylus tip;

a data entry and display screen capable of receiving and displaying information input by use of said stylus tip, including signature information;

an information storage device;

a data transfer device; and

a processor connected to said reader, said screen, said storage device, and said data transfer device;

said processor being configured to

associate and store in said information storage device data related to a particular parcel, including symbol information read by said reader, signature information acquired by said screen, and keyed information acquired by said screen; and

respond to user queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by retrieving the stored data associated with said parcel from the storage device and displaying said data associated with said parcel on said display screen prior to transferring the data associated with said parcel in said information storage device to another computer.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a personal computer system located at a parcel receiving location of said organization;

said data transfer device being selectively operable to transfer information from said information storage device to said personal computer.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a central computer system located at a parcel delivery firm;

and wherein said portable data entry device further comprises a modem for transferring information related to said particular parcel between said information storage device and said central computer system.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said processor is configured to respond to queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by initiating communication with said central computer system via said modem, and displaying data associated with said parcel stored in said central computer system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to respond to said queries made by name of recipient, by date, by a parcel tracking number, or by destination.

6. An electronic parcel tracking system for use by an organization, comprising:

an intelligent hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device, including;

a wand-mounted symbol reader;

a data entry and display screen capable of receiving and displaying information input by contact therewith, including signature information;

an information storage device;

a data transfer device; and

a processor connected to said reader, said screen, said storage device, and said data transfer device;

said processor being configured to

associate and store in said information storage device data related to a particular parcel,including symbol information read by said reader, signature information acquired by said screen, and keyed information acquired by said screen; and

respond to user queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by retrieving the stored data associated with said parcel from the storage device and displaying said data associated with said parcel on said display screen prior to transferring the data associated with said parcel in said information storage device to another computer; and

a personal computer system located at a parcel receiving location of said organization;

said data transfer device being selectively operable to transfer information from said information storage device to said personal computer and from said personal computer to said information storage device.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a central computer system located at a parcel delivery firm;

and wherein said portable data entry device further comprises a modem for transferring information related to said particular parcel between said information storage device and said central computer system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said processor is configured to respond to queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by initiating communication with said central computer system via said modem, and displaying data associated with said parcel stored in said central computer system.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein said processor is configured to respond to said queries made by name of recipient, by date, by a parcel tracking number, or by destination.

10. An electronic parcel tracking system for use by an organization, comprising:

an intelligent hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device, including;

a symbol reader;

data entry and display screen capable of receiving and displaying information input by contact therewith, including signature information;

an information storage device;

a data transfer device; and

a processor connected to said reader, said screen, said storage device, and said data transfer device;

said processor being configured to

associate and store in said information storage device data related to a particular parcel, including symbol information read by said reader, signature information acquired by said screen, and keyed information acquired by said screen; and

respond to user queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by retrieving the stored data associated with said parcel from the storage device and displaying said data associated with said parcel on said display screen prior to transferring the data associated with said parcel in said information storage device to another computer; and

a personal computer system located at a parcel receiving location of said organization;

said data transfer device being selectively operable to transfer information from said information storage device to said personal computer and from said personal computer to said information storage device.

11. The computer system of claim 10, further comprising a central computer system located at a parcel delivery firm;

and wherein said portable data entry device further comprises a modem for transferring information related to said particular parcel between said information storage device and said central computer system.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said processor is configured to respond to queries about said particular parcel entered via said screen by initiating communication with said central computer system via said modem, and displaying data associated with said parcel stored in said central computer system.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said processor is configured to respond to said queries made by name of recipient, by date, by a parcel tracking number, or by destination.