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US 11,989,691 B2Granted
System and method for providing real-time tracking of items in a distribution network
AssigneeUnited States Postal Service
InventorsStephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
Claims20
A system for routing items comprising:
- a plurality of item processing devices each comprising a scanner configured to scan a computer readable code on an item and generate scan data;
- and
- a processor in communication with the plurality of item processing devices, the processor configured to:
- receive the scan data from the plurality of item processing devices;
- determine a delivery pathway for the item, the delivery pathway comprising a plurality of expected handling events;
- calculate an estimated delivery time based on the delivery pathway;
- and
- provide the estimated delivery time to a sender.
5 more elements
A method for routing items within a distribution network comprising:
- scanning, via a plurality of item processing devices, a computer readable code on an item to generate scan data;
- communicating the computer readable code to a processor;
- determining, via the processor, a delivery pathway for the item based on the scan data, the delivery pathway comprising a plurality of handling events;
- calculating, via the processor, an estimated delivery time based on the delivery pathway;
- and
- providing the estimated delivery time to a sender.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.