Systems and Methods for Package Sortation and Delivery Using Radio Frequency Identification Technology

• US 20070012602A1
• Filed: 08/16/2006
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Inventors: Anderson, Duane, Peters, Robert, Baldassari, Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 7,516,889 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 209/583
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 3/10 Apparatus characterised by the means used for detection ofthe destination methods or arrangements for reading and recognising printed or written characters or geometric figures G06V30/00
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0875 Itemisation or classification of parts, supplies or services, e.g. bill of materials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083

Abstract

A disclosed method comprises scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data, and generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data. The handling instruction can be executed to route the package to a tip position within a hub facility for directing the package to the next location along its route, and/or to pre-load the package in a vehicle for delivery to the package'"'"'s final destination. Related systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data;

generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data; and

updating a package tracking database based on the hub control system delivering the package to a tip position in a hub facility.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

notifying an entity involved in the shipment of the package that the package has been delivered to the tip position.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the entity is a shipper of a package.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the entity is the addressee of a package.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the entity is another hub facility.