Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-23
2001-03-27
Valenza, Joseph E. (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S215000, C700S229000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06208910
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the location of an object and in particular, the location of a mail piece as it travels from the sender to the recipient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many systems and methods for tracking objects as those objects travel from one location to another. In many of these prior art systems, a mechanism is provided for determining the location of an object as it traverses from its source to its destination. Some of these techniques include the use of radio paging, laser communications, VOR navigation signaling, as well as global positioning system (GPS) navigation systems.
The present invention is directed to a system and method for locating objects, wherein the system and method is specifically directed for use in tracking mail pieces as those mail pieces move from sender to recipient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and system for determining the location of a mail piece is based upon placement of a code identifier on the mail piece and uses a hierarchical methodology for determining the location of the mail piece as that mail piece travels from the sender to the recipient. In particular, the present invention includes means for reading a code identifier on the mail piece as the mail piece is placed within a mail tray such that information for all such identified mail pieces within the mail tray are known and are communicated to a central database. The mail tray may incorporate a location determining device such as a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver which can determine the location of the mail tray as it moves from the originating post office to the destination post office or beyond. In typical mail delivery, the mail tray is the container in which all mail pieces destined to a particular destination post office are placed as those mail pieces are sorted at the originating post office or at a mailer site.
In view of the fact that the mail trays may be placed in various types of vehicles including trucks, trains, airplanes and the like, many of which prevent the use of a GPS receiver due to line of site limitations with the receiver, the present invention also provides the capability of identifying all mail trays within such vehicles by placing a code identifier on the mail trays and means for reading the mail trays as they are placed within the vehicle. In such situations, the vehicle would include a GPS receiver, as well as means for communicating to the central database those mail trays placed therein.
Alternatively or in addition thereto, the mail tray may include communication circuitry for responding to queries concerning the location of the mail tray and for returning information concerning its location. In operation, a mail piece after postal cancellation at the facer/canceller is presented to a sorter, wherein all mail pieces destined for a particular post office are placed in the same tray. Thus mail trays provide the container in which the mail pieces travel from the originating post office to the destination post office. In some situations, the mail piece may be presorted by the sender in which case the mail pieces are placed in the mail tray by the sender and then presented to the originating post office.
In either situation, the mail pieces once in the mail tray at the originating post office can have their locations determined by interrogating the mail tray. Tracking is thereby maintained as the mail piece travels in association with the mail tray without placing any restrictions on the mail piece other than use of a code identifier. Communications with the mail tray may be maintained via radio, cellular phone, telephones, computer satellite link or other methods.
The database in which the information concerning the location of the mail tray is presented, either directly by the mail tray or via the vehicle in which the mail tray is placed, is able to monitor information regarding the location of the mail piece throughout its delivery process.
Thus a simple and efficient mechanism is presented for maintaining information concerning mail pieces as they travel throughout the postal system.
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Dlugos Daniel F.
Michael Critelli
Sansone Ronald P.
Melton Michael E.
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Reichman Ronald
Tran Khoi H.
Valenza Joseph E.
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