Billing system and method for determining transportation charges for packages

• US 7,650,289 B2
• Filed: 12/17/2007
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Global Sensor Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Global Sensor Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Cooper, Gordon C, Teal, Todd, Cooper, Richard H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hayes; John W
• Assistant Examiner(s): WU, RUTAO
• Application Number:
  US11/957,919
• Publication Number:
  US 20080172313A1
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 705/1.1
• 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, 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 first plurality of spaced non-contact optical sensors spaced along an x-axis, a second plurality of spaced non-contact optical sensors spaced along a y-axis, and a third plurality of spaced non-contact optical sensors spaced along a z-axis, each optical sensor being located at a known position and oriented relative to each other so that packages positioned at said sizer are detected by a reduction in an amount of ambient light reaching at least a portion of said optical sensors being covered by said packages, said sizer producing a package size 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 a data table for billing charges, whereby said measured package size can be compared to said data table to determine a transportation charge for said measured 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 weight signal 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 includes a stop arm which 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 display is configured 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.

8. A billing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said light detecting phototransistors 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 a pair of spaced apart diodes which detect the presence of said package, each of said diodes in said pair being a last diode spaced along each of said x, y and z axes to detect the presence of said package.

10. A billing system as in claim 1 wherein the x-, y- and z-axes are mutually perpendicular.