There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for monitoring packages in transit within a network to determine which packages are at risk of being delivered after a stated commit time. In general, package fingerprints that define events expected to occur for the package while in transit and define thresholds for those events are generated from historical data of events occurring in the logistics network for packages in transit. Those thresholds may be applied to packages in real time as the events for the packages are occurring while the packages are in transit to then determine a level of risk for any package that has an event that occurs after the threshold for the event. Attention can be given to those packages that are at a sufficient level of risk.
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for monitoring packages in transit within a network to determine which packages are at risk of being delivered after a stated commit time. In general, package fingerprints that define events expected to occur for the package while in transit and define thresholds for those events are generated from historical data of events occurring in the logistics network for packages in transit. Those thresholds may be applied to packages in real time as the events for the packages are occurring while the packages are in transit to then determine a level of risk for any package that has an event that occurs after the threshold for the event. Attention can be given to those packages that are at a sufficient level of risk.
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for providing enhanced automated access to a dispatched personal delivery device that can transport a shipment item within the device according to a dispatched logistics transaction. External sensors (e.g., cameras, proximity sensors, microphones) on the delivery device detect a person outside the dispatched personal delivery device. A controller on the delivery device authenticates that the detected person is an authorized participant to the dispatched logistics transaction based upon sensor data generated by the external sensors. An actuator on the dispatched personal delivery device provides access to within the dispatched personal delivery device to permit the dispatched logistics transaction by the detected person when the detected person has been authenticated to be the authorized participant to the dispatched logistics transaction. The delivery device may then auto-confirm the transaction using internal sensors, and interact with a server, which may instruct the delivery device with corrective actions.
There is disclosed methods and systems for managing drop boxes. Events reflecting outputs from one or more sensors are detected. Information that is a function of the detected event is forwarded to a drop box management system. This information, along with additional information received by the drop box management system, is utilized to generate instructions including display instructions for each drop box. Displays of drop boxes are then updated based on the instructions.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04W 4/40 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P]
H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.
An improved system detects an environmental anomaly in a shipping container and initiates a mediation response through a generated layered alert notification. The system includes sensor-based ID nodes associated with packages within the container, and a command node mounted to the container communicating with the ID nodes and an external transceiver on a vehicle transporting the container. The command node is programmed to detect sensor data from the ID nodes; compare the sensor data to package environmental thresholds in context data related to each ID node; detect the environmental anomaly when the com- parison indicates an environmental condition for at least one package exceeds its environmental threshold; responsively generate a layered alert notification identifying a mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority based upon the comparison; and transmit the layered alert notification to the transceiver unit to initiate a mediation response related to the mediation action.
G08B 17/00 - Fire alarmsAlarms responsive to explosion
G08B 19/00 - Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
G08B 23/00 - Alarms responsive to unspecified undesired or abnormal conditions
8.
METHODS FOR DETECTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ANOMALY AND INITIATING AN ENHANCED AUTOMATIC RESPONSE
An improved system detects an environmental anomaly in a shipping container and initiates a mediation response through a generated layered alert notification. The system includes sensor-based ID nodes associated with packages within the container, and a command node mounted to the container communicating with the ID nodes and an external transceiver on a vehicle transporting the container. The command node is programmed to detect sensor data from the ID nodes; compare the sensor data to package environmental thresholds in context data related to each ID node; detect the environmental anomaly when the comparison indicates an environmental condition for at least one package exceeds its environmental threshold; responsively generate a layered alert notification identifying a mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority based upon the comparison; and transmit the layered alert notification to the transceiver unit to initiate a mediation response related to the mediation action.
An improved auto-chocking enabled cargo dolly that is towable by ground support equipment. The dolly has a frame, wheels attached to the frame that support the frame and rotate to allow movement of the frame, a tow bar, a linkage in communication with the tow bar and that actuates when the tow bar is raised, and a wheel engagement chocking system fixed to the dolly frame and disposed to selectively engage at least one of the wheels attached to the dolly frame. The wheel engagement system is responsive to a position of the linkage, where the wheel engagement chocking system applies pressure directly to at least one of the wheels to hold the wheel(s) in place when the linkage is actuated by the tow bar.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
B60D 1/26 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for remote control, e.g. for releasing
B60T 1/02 - Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs acting by retarding wheels
B60T 7/12 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
10.
IMPROVED UNIT LOAD DEVICE AND PANEL ENHANCEMENTS FOR A UNIT LOAD DEVICE
A replaceable charging panel is provided for a unit load device having a plurality of walls. The replaceable charging panel may have a base member that is configured to removably attach to a first wall of the plurality of walls of the unit load device; and an electrical charging device mounted to the base member. A unit load device is also provided that has a plurality of walls and a replaceable charging panel.
An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo is described having a mobile dolly frame, a main shaft on the frame, a lever proximate to a first part of the frame (where the lever is movable relative to the frame and in responsive communication with the main shaft), a first set of transfer sprockets mounted to the main shaft, a secondary shaft rotatably disposed at a second part of the frame (where the first part is remote from the second part), a second set of transfer sprockets mounted to the secondary shaft, a chain disposed about the first set of transfer sprockets and the second set of transfer sprockets, and a locking pin having a first end fixed to the secondary shaft and a second end configured as an angled latch. Rotation of the lever responsively causes the locking pin to remotely rotate at the second part of the frame.
B60P 1/00 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
B60P 3/00 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
B60P 7/00 - Securing or covering of load on vehicles
B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor
B62B 3/02 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable, or convertible
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
B62B 5/04 - Braking mechanismsLocking devices against movement
B62D 21/00 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
12.
ENHANCED SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED AUTOMATED AND AUTONOMOUS OPERATION OF LOGISTICS GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
An improved retrofit assembly for ground support equipment providing autonomous operation of the logistics ground support equipment (GSE). The assembly has a refit control system attached to the GSE (with a vehicle dynamics control processor and a data preprocessing control processor), retrofitted proprioceptive sensors coupled to the vehicle dynamics control processor monitoring operating parameters and characteristics of the GSE, retrofitted exteroceptive sensors coupled to the data preprocessing control processor that monitor an exterior environment of the GSE, and refit actuators for different control elements on the GSE and to autonomously alter motion of the GSE. The refit control system programmatically receives sensor data from the proprioceptive sensors and exteroceptive sensors; optimizes a path for the GSE based upon the different sensor data; and activates at least one of the actuators according to the optimized path for the GSE.
G01C 21/36 - Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
13.
A MODULAR AUTONOMOUS BOT APPARATUS ASSEMBLY FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM BEING SHIPPED
A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.
B60P 1/02 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element
B60P 1/16 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element actuated by fluid-operated mechanisms
B60P 1/44 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load supporting or containing element
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
14.
A MODULAR AUTONOMOUS BOT APPARATUS ASSEMBLY FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM BEING SHIPPED
A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.
B60P 1/02 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element
B60P 1/16 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element actuated by fluid-operated mechanisms
B60P 1/44 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load supporting or containing element
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
15.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED COLLISION AVOIDANCE ON LOGISTICS GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT USING MULTI-SENSOR DETECTION FUSION
Enhanced systems and methods for collision avoidance of a high value asset with reflective beacons around it using multi-sensor data fusion on a mobile industrial vehicle. The system has a sensing processing system with a LiDAR and camera sensors, and a multi¬ processor module responsive to the different sensors. The sensing processing system fuses the different sensor data to locate the reflective beacons. A model predictive controller on the vehicle determines possible control solutions where each defines a threshold allowable speed for the vehicle at discrete moments based upon an estimated path to a breaching point projected from the reflective beacons, and then identifies an optimal one of the control solutions based upon a performance cost function and associated with an optimal threshold allowable speed. The system has a vehicle actuator configured to respond and alter vehicle movement to avoid a collision when the vehicle exceeds the optimal threshold allowable speed.
B60Q 1/26 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
B60Q 1/48 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for parking purposes
G01S 15/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
G01S 15/93 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
G05D 5/02 - Control of dimensions of material of thickness, e.g. of rolled material
16.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED COLLISION AVOIDANCE ON LOGISTICS GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT USING MULTI-SENSOR DETECTION FUSION
Enhanced systems and methods for collision avoidance of a high value asset with reflective beacons around it using multi-sensor data fusion on a mobile industrial vehicle. The system has a sensing processing system with a LiDAR and camera sensors, and a multi¬ processor module responsive to the different sensors. The sensing processing system fuses the different sensor data to locate the reflective beacons. A model predictive controller on the vehicle determines possible control solutions where each defines a threshold allowable speed for the vehicle at discrete moments based upon an estimated path to a breaching point projected from the reflective beacons, and then identifies an optimal one of the control solutions based upon a performance cost function and associated with an optimal threshold allowable speed. The system has a vehicle actuator configured to respond and alter vehicle movement to avoid a collision when the vehicle exceeds the optimal threshold allowable speed.
B60W 30/095 - Predicting travel path or likelihood of collision
B60W 30/09 - Taking automatic action to avoid collision, e.g. braking and steering
G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
B64F 1/00 - Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
17.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR SELF-ADJUSTING A BROADCAST SETTING OF A NODE IN A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK
Methods, apparatus and systems that are directed towards a tangible wireless node-based implementation for self-adjusting a broadcast setting of a node in a wireless node network. In general, the node (such as an ID node, a master node, or container-related node) detects a broadcast modification event (such as a time-based event, an association-based event, a location-based event, and/or a sensor-based event). In response to this detection, the node then accesses a broadcast profile stored within the node to determine an updated value for the broadcast setting of the node based upon the detected broadcast modification event. Pursuant to the broadcast profile, the updated value may be a modified RF transmission output power level setting, a modified frequency setting, and/or a timing setting that changes how the node broadcasts messages. Once the updated value is determined, the node then self-adjusts the broadcast setting from a current value to the updated value.
H04W 4/06 - Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]Services to user groupsOne-way selective calling services
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
Methods, apparatus and systems that are directed towards a tangible wireless node-based implementation for self-adjusting a broadcast setting of a node in a wireless node network. In general, the node (such as an ID node, a master node, or container-related node) detects a broadcast modification event (such as a time-based event, an association-based event, a location-based event, and/or a sensor-based event). In response to this detection, the node then accesses a broadcast profile stored within the node to determine an updated value for the broadcast setting of the node based upon the detected broadcast modification event. Pursuant to the broadcast profile, the updated value may be a modified RF transmission output power level setting, a modified frequency setting, and/or a timing setting that changes how the node broadcasts messages. Once the updated value is determined, the node then self-adjusts the broadcast setting from a current value to the updated value.
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for enhanced monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network. Such a system, for example, may include a server at a top level within the wireless node network, an ID node disposed at a low level within the wireless node network, and a master node disposed at a middle level within the wireless node network. The master node, which separately communicates with the server and the ID node and executes event detection code stored on its memory storage, is operative to detect a first and a second advertising signal broadcast by the ID node over a communication path with the ID node, compare an observed parameter of each of the first and second advertising signal (such as signal strength), identify the event candidate based upon the comparison, and use a second communication path to report the identified event candidate to the server.
H04W 40/00 - Communication routing or communication path finding
20.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF ENHANCED MANAGEMENT OF A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK BASED UPON AN EVENT CANDIDATE RELATED TO ELEMENTS OF THE WIRELESS NODE NETWORK
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for enhanced monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network. Such a system, for example, may include a server at a top level within the wireless node network, an ID node disposed at a low level within the wireless node network, and a master node disposed at a middle level within the wireless node network. The master node, which separately communicates with the server and the ID node and executes event detection code stored on its memory storage, is operative to detect a first and a second advertising signal broadcast by the ID node over a communication path with the ID node, compare an observed parameter of each of the first and second advertising signal (such as signal strength), identify the event candidate based upon the comparison, and use a second communication path to report the identified event candidate to the server.
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
21.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD OF EVENT MONITORING FOR AN EVENT CANDIDATE WITHIN A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK BASED UPON SIGHTING EVENTS, SPORADIC EVENTS, AND BENCHMARK CHECKPOINT EVENTS
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for enhanced monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network. Such a system, for example, may include a server at a top level within the wireless node network, an ID node disposed at a low level within the wireless node network, and a master node disposed at a middle level within the wireless node network. The master node, which separately communicates with the server and the ID node and executes event detection code stored on its memory storage, is operative to detect a first and a second advertising signal broadcast by the ID node over a communication path with the ID node, compare an observed parameter of each of the first and second advertising signal (such as signal strength), identify the event candidate based upon the comparison, and use a second communication path to report the identified event candidate to the server.
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
22.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ENHANCED CHECKPOINT SUMMARY BASED MONITORING FOR AN EVENT CANDIDATE RELATED TO AN ID NODE WITHIN A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for enhanced monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network. Such a system, for example, may include a server at a top level within the wireless node network, an ID node disposed at a low level within the wireless node network, and a master node disposed at a middle level within the wireless node network. The master node, which separately communicates with the server and the ID node and executes event detection code stored on its memory storage, is operative to detect a first and a second advertising signal broadcast by the ID node over a communication path with the ID node, compare an observed parameter of each of the first and second advertising signal (such as signal strength), identify the event candidate based upon the comparison, and use a second communication path to report the identified event candidate to the server.
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for enhanced monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network. Such a system, for example, may include a server at a top level within the wireless node network, an ID node disposed at a low level within the wireless node network, and a master node disposed at a middle level within the wireless node network. The master node, which separately communicates with the server and the ID node and executes event detection code stored on its memory storage, is operative to detect a first and a second advertising signal broadcast by the ID node over a communication path with the ID node, compare an observed parameter of each of the first and second advertising signal (such as signal strength), identify the event candidate based upon the comparison, and use a second communication path to report the identified event candidate to the server.
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for quantifying space within a container using a removable scanning sensor node. In general, the removable scanning sensor node identifies a type of the container, uses at least one depth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node to scan the space within the container to generate scan data, where the removable scanning sensor node is temporarily mounted within the container and above the space within the container, and where the depth sensor is oriented to scan the space within the container from above the space and within the container. The removable scanning sensor node then determines an unoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon the scan data.
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
25.
MANAGING LOGISTICS INFORMATION RELATED TO A LOGISTICS CONTAINER USING A CONTAINER INTERFACE DISPLAY APPARATUS
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for managing logistics information related to a container using a container interface display apparatus. The container interface display apparatus may comprise a mountable housing, a display screen, a memory, a scanner, and a wireless communication interface. The housing is coupled to the container to permit the scanner to identify an item being loaded for shipment within the container. The scanner identifies the item, and the apparatus records an association in memory as part of managed logistics information that reflects an established and tracked relationship between the container and the item. The apparatus increments package count information (another part of the managed logistics information) to reflect that the item is loaded within the container. The apparatus generates electronic logistics monitor information on the display screen to include at least a portion of the managed logistics information related to the container.
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for quantifying space within a container using a removable scanning sensor node. In general, the removable scanning sensor node identifies a type of the container, uses at least one depth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node to scan the space within the container to generate scan data, where the removable scanning sensor node is temporarily mounted within the container and above the space within the container, and where the depth sensor is oriented to scan the space within the container from above the space and within the container. The removable scanning sensor node then determines an unoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon the scan data.
Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for managing logistics information related to a container using a container interface display apparatus. The container interface display apparatus may comprise a mountable housing, a display screen, a memory, a scanner, and a wireless communication interface. The housing is coupled to the container to permit the scanner to identify an item being loaded for shipment within the container. The scanner identifies the item, and the apparatus records an association in memory as part of managed logistics information that reflects an established and tracked relationship between the container and the item. The apparatus increments package count information (another part of the managed logistics information) to reflect that the item is loaded within the container. The apparatus generates electronic logistics monitor information on the display screen to include at least a portion of the managed logistics information related to the container.
Methods, apparatus, and systems that enhance delivery management of an item being shipped using a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle are described that involve improved release control of the item and corrective delivery notifications related to the item. For example, a method for enhanced delivery management may a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle identifying an intended delivery location associated with the item, detecting a current location of the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle, and selectively releasing the item from the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the detected current location of the mobile node- enabled logistics receptacle and the identified intended delivery location. Further detected conditions may be used when selectively releasing the item, such as successfully establishing a validation connection to a particular node in order to confirm or authorize release of the item or detecting signals from nodes associated with the intended delivery location.
METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSMITTING A CORRECTIVE PICKUP NOTIFICATION FOR A SHIPPED ITEM ACCOMPANYING AN ID NODE BASED UPON INTENDEDPICKUP MASTER NODE MOVEMENT
Methods, apparatus, and systems that enhance delivery management of an item being shipped using a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle are described that involve improved release control of the item and corrective delivery notifications related to the item. For example, a method for enhanced delivery management may a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle identifying an intended delivery location associated with the item, detecting a current location of the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle, and selectively releasing the item from the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the detected current location of the mobile node- enabled logistics receptacle and the identified intended delivery location. Further detected conditions may be used when selectively releasing the item, such as successfully establishing a validation connection to a particular node in order to confirm or authorize release of the item or detecting signals from nodes associated with the intended delivery location.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 68/00 - User notification, e.g. alerting or paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G06Q 10/0835 - Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
30.
METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSMITTING A CORRECTIVE PICKUP NOTIFICATION FOR A SHIPPED ITEM TO A COURIER MASTER NODE
Methods, apparatus, and systems that enhance delivery management of an item being shipped using a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle are described that involve improved release control of the item and corrective delivery notifications related to the item. For example, a method for enhanced delivery management may a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle identifying an intended delivery location associated with the item, detecting a current location of the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle, and selectively releasing the item from the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the detected current location of the mobile node- enabled logistics receptacle and the identified intended delivery location. Further detected conditions may be used when selectively releasing the item, such as successfully establishing a validation connection to a particular node in order to confirm or authorize release of the item or detecting signals from nodes associated with the intended delivery location.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G06Q 10/0835 - Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers
31.
Systems, apparatus, non-transient computer readable media, and methods for detecting an operational safety condition within a logistics container using a scanning sensor node
Apparatus, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for detecting an operational safety condition within a container using a scanning sensor node deployed within the container and above a storage space within the container. For example, the method uses the scanning sensor node to sense if the container is in a closed state and monitors the storage space from above the storage space while the container is in the closed state. The method then has the scanning sensor node detecting a movement within the container based upon the monitoring of the storage space while in the closed state. Such a detected movement is indicative of the operational safety condition. The method then has the scanning sensor node transmitting an alert to a managing node over a wireless communication interface of the scanning sensor node, where the alert is associated with the operational safety condition within the container.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G01F 17/00 - Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G06F 16/25 - Integrating or interfacing systems involving database management systems
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
32.
ENHANCED DELIVERY MANAGEMENT METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR A SHIPPED ITEM USING A MOBILE NODE-ENABLED LOGISTICS RECEPTACLE
Methods, apparatus, and systems that enhance delivery management of an item being shipped using a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle are described that involve improved release control of the item and corrective delivery notifications related to the item. For example, a method for enhanced delivery management may a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle identifying an intended delivery location associated with the item, detecting a current location of the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle, and selectively releasing the item from the mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the detected current location of the mobile node- enabled logistics receptacle and the identified intended delivery location. Further detected conditions may be used when selectively releasing the item, such as successfully establishing a validation connection to a particular node in order to confirm or authorize release of the item or detecting signals from nodes associated with the intended delivery location.
Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting a security threat. The methods and systems comprise detecting that a first device is coupled with the first I/O interface, responsive to the detection that the first device is coupled with the first I/O interface, temporarily disabling data communication between the first and second I/O interfaces, acquiring a file from the detected first device via the first I/O interface, determining whether the acquired file poses a security threat, and responsive to a determination that the acquired file does not pose a security threat, enabling the data communication between the first and second I/O interfaces.
Methods of operation and systems are described for node communication within a hierarchical wireless node network having a plurality of ID nodes on a first level, a master node on a second level, and a server at a third level. A first of the ID nodes associates with the master node. The first ID node cannot self-determine its location while the master node is adapted to self-determine its location via location circuitry. The first ID node captures relevant node information, such as profile data, security data, association data, shared data, and/or sensor data. The relevant node information may be captured from another ID node. The first ID node begins operating in a pseudo master node mode so that it can transmit the relevant node information to the server without using the master node as an intermediary to the server.
H04W 4/06 - Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]Services to user groupsOne-way selective calling services
Methods of operation and systems are described for node communication within a hierarchical wireless node network having a plurality of ID nodes on a first level, a master node on a second level, and a server at a third level. A first of the ID nodes associates with the master node. The first ID node cannot self-determine its location while the master node is adapted to self-determine its location via location circuitry. The first ID node captures relevant node information, such as profile data, security data, association data, shared data, and/or sensor data. The relevant node information may be captured from another ID node. The first ID node begins operating in a pseudo master node mode so that it can transmit the relevant node information to the server without using the master node as an intermediary to the server.
H04W 84/02 - Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
36.
NODE-ENABLED DELIVERY NOTIFICATION USING ELEMENTS OF A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK
Methods of operation and systems are described for node communication within a hierarchical wireless node network having a plurality of ID nodes on a first level, a master node on a second level, and a server at a third level. A first of the ID nodes associates with the master node. The first ID node cannot self-determine its location while the master node is adapted to self-determine its location via location circuitry. The first ID node captures relevant node information, such as profile data, security data, association data, shared data, and/or sensor data. The relevant node information may be captured from another ID node. The first ID node begins operating in a pseudo master node mode so that it can transmit the relevant node information to the server without using the master node as an intermediary to the server.
A system for tracking at least one object configured to be transported by at least one vehicle may include at least one computer system. The at least one computer system may be configured to determine at least one location of the at least one vehicle and determine at least one location of the at least one object. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine at least one location of at least one geofence adjacent the at least one vehicle based on the at least one location of the at least one vehicle. Also, the at least one computer system may be configured to determine whether the at least one object is located within the at least one geofence to determine whether a load of the at least one vehicle includes the at least one object.
A system for tracking at least one object configured to be transported by at least one vehicle may include at least one computer system. The at least one computer system may be configured to determine at least one location of the at least one vehicle and determine at least one location of the at least one object. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine at least one location of at least one geofence adjacent the at least one vehicle based on the at least one location of the at least one vehicle. Also, the at least one computer system may be configured to determine whether the at least one object is located within the at least one geofence to determine whether a load of the at least one vehicle includes the at least one object.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
G01S 13/74 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systemsAnalogous systems
39.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING SHIPMENT OF AN ITEM USING A WIRELESS NODE NETWORK
Methods and systems that manage shipment of an item using a wireless node network are disclosed having at least one ID node, a plurality of master nodes, and a server. The server receives shipping information that registers the ID node and the item. The ID node may be associated to a first master node prior to pick-up, with association information sent to the server. The ID node may be disassociated from the first master node when it associates with another master node along a predicted path traveled by the item and ID node. The disassociation/association information is reported to the server, which tracks the ID node associations and location. The ID node may be disassociated from the second master node when it associates with a final master node along the predicted path traveled by the item and ID node and after a drop-off event of the item.
Methods and systems that manage shipment of an item using a wireless node network are disclosed having at least a plurality of nodes and a server. The system that carries this out has a first node and a second node, comprising a node processing unit, a node volatile memory coupled to the node processing unit, a first communication interface coupled to the node processing unit, and a second communication interface coupled to the node processing unit, wherein the first communication interface provides a short-range communication path between the first node and the second node. The server of the system has a server processing unit, a server volatile memory, and a third communication interface that provides a longer range communication path between the server and the second communication interface of the second node. The method comprises identifying, by a second of the nodes in the wireless node network, another (a first) of the nodes in the wireless node network as a potential for associating with the second node, the identifying being based upon a message broadcast by the first node and received by the second node. An association request is transmitted to the server by the second node and the server responds permissively to the second node. The first node and the second node are associated by the second node.
Methods and systems that manage shipment of an item using a wireless node network are disclosed having at least one ID node, a plurality of master nodes, and a server. The server receives shipping information that registers the ID node and the item. The ID node may be associated to a first master node prior to pick-up, with association information sent to the server. The ID node may be disassociated from the first master node when it associates with another master node along a predicted path traveled by the item and ID node. The disassociation/association information is reported to the server, which tracks the ID node associations and location. The ID node may be disassociated from the second master node when it associates with a final master node along the predicted path traveled by the item and ID node and after a drop-off event of the item.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
Methods and systems that manage shipment of an item using a wireless node network are disclosed having at least a plurality of nodes and a server. The system that carries this out has a first node and a second node, comprising a node processing unit, a node volatile memory coupled to the node processing unit, a first communication interface coupled to the node processing unit, and a second communication interface coupled to the node processing unit, wherein the first communication interface provides a short-range communication path between the first node and the second node. The server of the system has a server processing unit, a server volatile memory, and a third communication interface that provides a longer range communication path between the server and the second communication interface of the second node. The method comprises identifying, by a second of the nodes in the wireless node network, another (a first) of the nodes in the wireless node network as a potential for associating with the second node, the identifying being based upon a message broadcast by the first node and received by the second node. An association request is transmitted to the server by the second node and the server responds permissively to the second node. The first node and the second node are associated by the second node.
Methods and systems are disclosed for managing shipped physical objects. The methods and systems comprise receiving data associated with a journey of the shipped object and determining, using a processor, alert conditions based on the received data. Alert conditions are representative of risk of damage, loss, or delay associated with the shipped object. In addition, the methods and systems comprise transmitting one or more alternative options for mitigating the alert condition to a user, receiving a selection of one of the alternative options, and modifying the journey based on the received selection.
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for resolving a risk associated with a shipped physical object. The methods and servers comprise associating a time with a geographical region. The methods and servers also comprise receiving a set of locations associated with transport of a physical object. In addition, the methods and servers comprise, determining that the set of locations fails to satisfy a condition associated with the time and the geographical region. The sensor devices report location data to a server at a first time interval, wherein the location data fails to satisfy a condition associated with a time and a geographical region. The sensor devices also receive an indication of a panic mode. In addition, the sensor devices also report location data to the server at a second time interval, wherein the second time interval is different than the first time interval.
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for resolving a risk associated with a shipped physical object. The methods and servers comprise associating a time with a geographical region. The methods and servers also comprise receiving a set of locations associated with transport of a physical object. In addition, the methods and servers comprise, determining that the set of locations fails to satisfy a condition associated with the time and the geographical region. The sensor devices report location data to a server at a first time interval, wherein the location data fails to satisfy a condition associated with a time and a geographical region. The sensor devices also receive an indication of a panic mode. In addition, the sensor devices also report location data to the server at a second time interval, wherein the second time interval is different than the first time interval.
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.
A method of management of a communication device in an aircraft may include transitioning the communication device from a normal mode to a disabled mode based on a calculated device sleep time based on data associated with transportation information of the device. One of these modes may be a state of the device in which a transceiver of the device is deactivated and the other mode may be a state of the device in which the transceiver is activated. Therefore, the device sleep time determines when the wireless device's transceiver may not be activated.
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for verifying integrity of a cluster. The methods, systems, and computer-readable media may receive data identifying a first set of packages at a first location and generating a cluster based on the received data. Thereafter, additional data identifying a second set of packages at a second location may be received and the integrity of the cluster at the one or more additional locations may be verified. The integrity of the cluster may be verified based on a comparison of a verification cluster that is generated based on the received data at the second location with the originally generated cluster.
There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.
There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.
G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
51.
REAL-TIME AIRCRAFT STATUS DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A low power method for determining whether a cargo destined for air transport is in a flying state having the steps of: providing a housing for attachment to a cargo the housing having: an accelerometer for detecting a linear acceleration, a gyroscope for detecting an angular rate, a controller measuring a linear acceleration with the accelerometer, measuring an angular rate with the gyroscope, providing the measured linear acceleration and angular rate to the controller, and generating a flight status output signal indicating whether the housing is in a flying state as a function of the linear acceleration signal and angular rate signal.
G01C 23/00 - Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraftCombined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration
B64D 9/00 - Equipment for handling freightEquipment for facilitating passenger embarkation or the like
G01C 21/04 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by terrestrial means
G01P 15/18 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration in two or more dimensions
52.
Systems and methods for electronically signing for a delivered package
There is disclosed a method. The method includes identifying, using a mobile device, an encrypted electronic token associated with at least one physical package designated for delivery to a destination. The electronic token having been encrypted by a first key associated with a particular party. The method also includes electronically signing, using the mobile device, for the at least one physical package. This includes initiating a decryption of the encrypted electronic token with a second key associated with the particular party.
There is disclosed a method. The method includes identifying, using a mobile device, an encrypted electronic token associated with at least one physical package designated for delivery to a destination. The electronic token having been encrypted by a first key associated with a particular party. The method also includes electronically signing, using the mobile device, for the at least one physical package. This includes initiating a decryption of the encrypted electronic token with a second key associated with the particular party. For example, the mobile device may possess a corresponding private key of the particular party. The private key may be able to undo the encryption of the token that was performed using the public key. Thus, the mobile device may be able to decrypt the encrypted electronic token to determine the original electronic token. The mobile device may return the decrypted electronic token verifying that a party in possession of and/or accompanying the mobile device is authorized to receive the package.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
54.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RULE-DRIVEN MANAGEMENT OF SENSOR DATA ACROSS GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND DERIVED ACTIONS
The present disclosure relates to an information gathering method. The information gathering method includes identifying a location of a package, the location associated with one or more location-based restrictions on collecting data. The information gathering method also includes restricting access to sensor-collectable data associated with the package in accordance with the or more location-based restrictions.
There is disclosed a method of staging real-time data in proximity to a mobile device. The method includes determining a geographic location associated with the mobile device and identifying a storage device located in proximity to the determined geographic location. The method also includes enabling real-time data published by the mobile device or provided to the mobile device to be stored on the identified storage device.
There is provided a method for distributing sensor data. The method includes receiving, from a requesting device, a request to access first sensor-collectable data associated with at least one package. The requesting device is authenticated to access the first sensor-collectable data. And when second sensor-collectable data is associated with a predetermined value, the method also includes denying the request for access.
57.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GEO-STAGING OF SENSOR DATA THROUGH DISTRIBUTED GLOBAL (CLOUD) ARCHITECTURE
There is disclosed a method of staging real-time data in proximity to a mobile device. The method includes determining a geographic location associated with the mobile device and identifying a storage device located in proximity to the determined geographic location. The method also includes enabling real-time data published by the mobile device or provided to the mobile device to be stored on the identified storage device.
H04L 67/101 - Server selection for load balancing based on network conditions
H04L 67/1021 - Server selection for load balancing based on client or server locations
H04L 67/1023 - Server selection for load balancing based on a hash applied to IP addresses or costs
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/52 - Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
H04L 67/568 - Storing data temporarily at an intermediate stage, e.g. caching
58.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHENTICATING DEVICES IN A SENSOR-WEB NETWORK
There is provided a method for distributing sensor data. The method includes receiving, from a requesting device, a request to access first sensor-collectable data associated with at least one package. The requesting device is authenticated to access the first sensor-collectable data. And when second sensor-collectable data is associated with a predetermined value, the method also includes denying the request for access.
The present disclosure relates to an information gathering method. The information gathering method includes identifying a location of a package, the location associated with one or more location-based restrictions on collecting data. The information gathering method also includes restricting access to sensor-collectable data associated with the package in accordance with the or more location-based restrictions.
A mobile image capture and processing system including a digital image capture and processing instrument for capturing digital images of shipping documents associated with shipments to be delivered to an intended destination over a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network, and automatically processing such images to read a 1D or 2D bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented therein, and automatically encode the shipment tracking number within the header of the digital image file and the name or title of the digital image file. A Web-based portable data transaction terminal (PDT) or a Web-based portable digital assistant (PDA) is used to receive digital image files from the digital image capture and processing instrument via a first wireless data communication link, and transmitting such digital image files to (i) an application server supported on said network, and (ii) from said application server to a human-operated data-keying station supported on said network, where the shipping information contained in said digital image files can be read by human operators, and manually entered into a database (RDBMS).
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
61.
Method of and apparatus for an internet-based network configured for facilitating re-labeling of a shipment of packages at the first scanning point employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while said shipment is being transported to said first scanning point
A method of and apparatus for an Internet-based network configured for facilitating rapid re-labeling of a shipment of packages at the first scanning point in the Internet-based network. The network employs the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while the shipment is being transported to the first scanning point. Shipping information extracted from the original shipping document is extracted from the shipping document images and stored in a DBMS. At the first scanning point, the shipping tracking number encoded within the original shipping document or original shipping label on the package in the shipment is used to access shipping information stored in the DBMS, and this shipping information is used to generate a new shipping label for each package in the shipment. The new shipping label can include a unique network-assigned machine-readable (NAMR) shipping label including either a 1D bar code label or an RFID tag encoded with a unique network-assigned shipment tracking number, which at each subsequent sorting and routing hub is read to access the unique network-assigned shipment tracking number, for accessing shipping information from the DBMS to deliver the package to its intended point of destination. Alternatively, the new shipping label can include a unique network-assigned machine-readable (NAMR) shipping label including either an intelligent 2D bar code label or an intelligent RFID tag encoded with a unique network-assigned shipment tracking number and shipping information extracted from the original shipping document, which at each subsequent sorting and routing hub is read to access shipment information to facilitate routing and delivery of the package to its intended point of destination.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
62.
Method of shipping, tracking, and delivering a shipment of packages over an internet-based network employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of pickup and completed while shipment is being transported to its first scanning point in the network, so as to sort and route packages using the original shipment number assigned to the package shipment
An Internet-based shipping, tracking and delivery network is deployed, wherein at the point of shipment pickup, digital images of shipping documents are captured and processed, shipping information graphically represented the digital images is extracted and encoded into digital image files, and these digital image files are transmitted to an application server and for storage in an information DBMS and subsequent recognition and processing, while the shipment is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point. At the first scanning point, and subsequent sorting and routing hubs in the network, the original shipment number assigned to the package shipment and graphically represented in said shipping document images, is used to access the DBMS and retrieve recognized shipping information for use in sorting and routing each package in the shipment to its point of destination. By virtue of the present invention, network-assigned shipment tracking numbers need not be assigned, nor special labels generated, for package and delivery operations.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
63.
Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting a plurality of mobile digital image capture and processing (MICAP) systems
An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network including a data collection and processing center operably connected to the infrastructure of the Internet, and including a RDBMS for storing and managing shipping information, and a plurality of pickup/delivery vehicles. Each pickup/delivery vehicle is equipped with a mobile digital image capture and processing (MICAP) system for (i) capturing and processing digital images of shipping documents, bearing embedded bar codes, at the point of pickup, (ii) automatically decoding embedded bar codes in said shipping documents, and performing optical character recognition (OCR) on text presented therein, (iii) formatting captured digital images of the shipping labels with such decoded/recognized information, and (iv) transmitting the formatted digital images to said data collection and processing center, for automatic recognition processing and population of the RDBMS maintained by said network.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
64.
Method of and apparatus for translating shipping documents
A method of translating a shipping document regarding one or more shipment items being shipped, tracked and delivered to a final destination using a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network. At the point of shipment pickup, the method involves digitally imaging an original shipping document (or shipping label) in connection with a shipment, at one or more image resolutions. The bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented in the original shipping document is automatically read, and its character data string is automatically encoded into the header of the corresponding digital image file and/or the name of the digital image file. While the shipment is being delivered to the first scanning point in the network, the digital image file is transmitted over a wireless communication link to one or more digital image processing application servers supported on the network. The digital images are processed so that shipping information contained in the digital images (and indexed with the original shipment tracking number) is automatically abstracted/recognized, and loaded into the shipping information RDBMS maintained on the network. When the delivered shipment arrives at the first scanning point in the network, the bar-coded shipment tracking number (contained in the original shipping document) is read, and corresponding shipping information maintained in an RDBMS is accessed. A unique network-assigned shipping label is automatically generated, and the unique network-assigned shipping label is applied to the shipment items at the first scanning point in the network, for use in managing future services supported on the network.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
65.
Method of and apparatus for shipping, tracking, and delivering a shipment of packages employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while the shipment is being transported to its first scanning point, to shorten the delivery time of packages to point of destination
An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from a point of shipment pickup and completed while shipments are transported to its first scanning point in said network so as to significantly increase velocity of shipping information through the network, as well as reduce delivery time over the network.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
A digital image capture and processing module for use with an Internet-based shipping, tracking and delivery network. The module includes a housing having a light transmission aperture with an optically transparent imaging window mounted thereover. A digital camera board supports an area-type color image sensing array, sensing array control electronics, and image capture and buffering electronics. An imaging lens assembly supported within said housing and having image forming optics with a field of view (FOV) on the area-type color image sensing array. A plurality of broad-band LEDs are supported within said housing for producing a field of broad-band illumination. A light focusing reflector is operably mounted for focusing the field of broad-band illumination. A digital image-processing subsystem supports image capture, processing and display functions, as well as digital image file transmission functions within the module. A system control subsystem controls and/or orchestrates the operation of components within the module; and a plurality of mode selection buttons are provided on the housing so that, upon depression, control signals are generated and are to the system control subsystem.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
67.
Method of and apparatus for shipping, tracking, and delivering a shipment of packages employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of pickup and completed while shipment is being transported to its first scanning point so as to facilitate early billing processing for shipment delivery
Method of and Apparatus for an Internet-based network for shipping, tracking and delivering a shipment of packages from a point of shipment pickup to point of destination. At the point of shipment pickup a digital image of the shipping documents are captured and processed to extract the original shipment tracking number and optional shipping information. This information is automatically encoded into digital image files prior to transmission to an application server, and stored in a shipping information DBMS. While the shipment of packages is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point in the Internet-based network, early billing processing of the shipment is initiated and facilitated to speed up time of payment.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
68.
Method of and apparatus for shipping, tracking and delivering a shipment of packages employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while the shipment is being transported to its first scanning point to facilitate early customs clearance processing and shorten the delivery time of packages to point of destination
Method of and an Internet-based network for shipping, tracking and delivering a shipment of packages from a point of shipment pickup to point of destination. At the point of shipment pickup, digital images of the shipping documents are captured and processed to extract the original shipment tracking number and optionally shipping information. This information is automatically encoded into digital image files prior to transmission to an application server, and stored in a shipping information DBMS. While the shipment of packages is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point in the Internet-based network, early customs clearance of the shipment is initiated and facilitated to speed up delivery of the package shipment to the point of destination.
G07B 15/02 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems
patents
