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.
Abstract:
A method and system is provided for collecting relatively small batches of mail that, alone, would not qualify for mailing at a pre-sorted postage rate and pooling them together with others for pre-sorting into a qualified batch of pre-sorted mail. The inventive method involves transporting mail in a traceable container to a holding facility where it is pooled with others for pickup and processing by a mail pre-sorting business. The mail may be metered at a reduced program rate. The system creates a cooperative of participating mail senders working together to earn a lower effective postage rate. The method further provides a solution to the technical problem of postal sorting equipment that is overburdened by medium-sized batches of unsorted mail. The solution identifies and diverts such batches for processing at a separate facility before the batch is tendered to the postal service.
Abstract:
Systems and methods disclosed herein use environmental sensor technology to enhance the tracking and transporting capabilities of a product delivery system. The systems and methods provide the capability to track and verify the environmental condition(s) to which a product is subjected during its transportation or movement through a supply chain. In particular, the systems and methods allow a sender, a receiver, and other authorized persons to access or interrogate environmental data that describes the environmental conditions to which a product within a container has been subjected during transport from the sender to the receiver. The systems and methods also permit in-transit intercept handling when it is determined that a package was unexpectedly subjected to an environmental condition that by definition makes it unfit for delivery to the original receiver.
Abstract:
A monitor program executes a set of client processes upon reboot of a computer, starts, stops and monitors client processes running on the computer, and/or detects and recovers automatically from process crashes. The program monitors a client process using a supervisory thread it creates when the client process is started, and uses the process's handle to detect its termination. When process termination is detected, the state table within the monitor program is checked to determine if the client process crashed or was exited normally. If the exit was the result of a crash, the program can automatically execute crash recovery using a preconfigured plan.
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.
Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling access to networked applications. An embodiment of the invention discloses using developer and access keys to validate and control user access to one or more network applications. The network access and licensing system disclosed includes a customer computer, one or more network tools, and an access application configured to issue and license the use of developer and access keys.
Abstract:
The invention includes a system for projecting a display onto an item or parcel using an acquisition device to capture indicia on each parcel, a tracking system, a controller or computer to select the display based on the indicia, and one or more display projectors. In one embodiment the display includes or connotes a handling instruction. The system in one embodiment includes a laser projection system to paint the selected display directly onto a selected exterior surface of the corresponding parcel, for multiple parcels simultaneously. The system may be configured to move each display in order follow each moving parcel so that each display remains legible to a viewer in a display zone where handling takes place.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for processing one or more items. The systems involve a data acquisition device and a display device. At least one data acquisition device and the display device may be mounted on frames having a see-through display and an orientation sensor. An item tracking system tracks the items to be processed. The orientation sensor determines the orientation and position of the wearer of the data acquisition device and the display device such that the wearer of the device may see information about or related to the items in the wearer's field of view. In a see-through display, this information may appear to be proximately superimposed on the item. A method of using the invention includes viewing characteristic information about items on a display device and processing the items in accordance with the characteristic information.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for automated reporting of any vendor noncompliance with purchaser-specified requirements in handling shipment of ordered products. The invention receives base data related to a purchaser order from a purchaser. Meanwhile, it obtains shipping data related to a shipment of ordered product in fulfillment of the purchaser order by a vendor. After comparing the shipping data against the base data, a vendor noncompliance report can be automatically generated. Based upon the shipping data in combination with the base data, the present invention can generate various reports for the purchaser to track shipment status of ordered products and check a variety of vendors' performances.