Multi-level distribution item tracking systems and methods
AssigneeUnited States Postal Service
InventorsVictoria K. Stephen, Elke Reuning-Elliott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A distribution item is disclosed. The distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.
Claims20
A method for distributing and tracking items comprising:
- receiving a first mailing from a first-level entity, wherein delivery information for a second-level entity is disposed on a first portion of the first mailing and wherein a first computer-readable code associated with the first-level entity is disposed on the first portion of the first mailing;
- wherein one or more second mailings are associated with the first mailing, each of the one or more second mailings including:
- delivery information associated with one of a plurality of third-level entities and
- a second computer-readable code associated with the first-level entity;
- scanning the first computer readable code on the first mailing to generate first scan information;
- providing first scan information to the first level entity;
- delivering the first mailing to the second level entity using the delivery information for the second-level entity;
- receiving at least one of the one or more second mailings from the second level entity;
- scanning the second computer-readable code on the second mailing to generate second scan information;
- providing second scan information to the first-level entity;
- and
- delivering the second mailing to the third-level entity using the delivery information for the third-level entity.
A method for multi-level distribution and tracking of items comprising:
- receiving, in item processing equipment, a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items including a computer-readable code associated with a first level entity, the first level entity being an originating entity, sender information for a second level entity, and destination address information for a third level entity;
- capturing, by an imaging device, images of the plurality of items;
- sorting, by the item processing equipment, each of the plurality of items to one of the plurality of destinations based on the destination information for the third level entity;
- and
- receiving the captured images from the imaging device;
- analyzing a captured image of an item of the plurality of items to detect the computer-readable code associated with the originating entity;
- extracting from the captured image of the item, the sender information for the second level entity, and destination address information for the third level entity;
- generating tracking information for the item, the tracking information including at least the destination address information and the sender information;
- and
- associating, in a memory, the tracking information for the item with the originating entity based on the detected computer-readable code associated with the originating entity;
- and
- communicating the tracking information, including the destination address information and the sender information to the originating entity.
A distribution item comprising:
- a first item including:
- a first computer-readable code disposed on a first portion, the computer-readable code associated with a first level entity, and
- destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on a second portion;
- and
- a plurality of second items removably connected to the first item, each of the plurality of second items having a front side and a back side opposite the front side, wherein a second computer-readable code associated with the first level entity and destination information associated with one of a plurality of third level entities are disposed on the front side, the destination information associated with the one of the plurality of third level entities, and wherein printed material is disposed on the back side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.