247 results about "Parcel delivery" patented technology

The present invention involves systems and methods of linking a unique identifier with a package identifier to provide confirmation of the delivery of the package to a certain location or individual. The unique identifier may be associated with a location or an individual. In one embodiment, it is a barcode and the package identifiers are barcodes as well. The barcodes are scanned by a service provider using a hand-held data acquisition and storage device thereby linking the unique identifier to the package identifiers. The information is transferred from the hand-held device to a database where it is used to compile reports for and provide information to the service provider, the shipper, and the recipient of the packages. The invention may be incorporated into an inventory management system such that when confirmation of actual delivery has been received, the recipient will release payment to its vendors.

A device configured to securely and automatically receive parcel is described. The device is equipped with a front door and an automatic top rolling door in order to accommodate parcel delivery via conventional parcel delivery personnel, or delivery via airlift from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device is also equipped with a secure internet connection which facilitates communication between recipient and delivery personnel, as well as expedites the delivery confirmation process upon parcel delivery. Audio and video capture and transmission equipment on-board the device permit the recipient to remotely provide access to the device upon authentication of identity and / or credentials.

The present invention involves systems and methods of linking a unique identifier with a package identifier to provide confirmation of the delivery of the package to a certain location or individual. The unique identifier may be associated with a location or an individual. In one embodiment, it is a barcode and the package identifiers are barcodes as well. The barcodes are scanned by a service provider using a hand-held data acquisition and storage device thereby linking the unique identifier to the package identifiers. The information is transferred from the hand-held device to a database where it is used to compile reports for and provide information to the service provider, the shipper, and the recipient of the packages. The invention may be incorporated into an inventory management system such that when confirmation of actual delivery has been received, the recipient will release payment to its vendors.

The invention provides a method and system for precise parcel delivery via mobile devices in a ubiquitous environment and an authentication server therefor. A reception center receives a request for parcel delivery from a sender and attaches a tag storing assigned individual ID and parcel information to the parcel. A deliverer terminal deciphers the tag attached to the parcel to confirm the parcel information and requests receiver authentication via the parcel information and receives an authentication result. Also, a receiver terminal transmits an electronic signature to an authentication server to request receiver authentication for the parcel delivered to a receiver. The authentication server assigns the individual ID to the parcel, transmits the individual ID to the reception center and authenticates the receiver according to the electronic signature transmitted from the receiver terminal. This allows precise parcel delivery to any place at any time.

Generally described, under on aspect of the invention, a single unique delivery notice is left at the particular location. However, just before it is left, this notice is electronically “linked” to the parcel(s) which were undeliverable. This can be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device which includes a conventional scanning means, allowing information to be scanned from the delivery notice as well as labels on the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. If ten parcels were undeliverable, only one delivery notice is left behind but is electronically “linked” to all ten packages. The intended recipient can then contact the delivery service via the internet (or other suitable network) or by phone, by using information provided on the delivery notice. By providing the delivery service with unique information from the delivery notice, the intended recipient can get valuable information regarding the undelivered parcels. Such information can include shipper name, how many packages from each shipper, time of attempted delivery, COD status, etc. Arrangements can then be made to have the package(s) redelivered, held at a local operation center, redirected, or returned.

Systems and methods are disclosed for securely delivering a parcel when the intended recipient is not present to take physical possession of the parcel. Parcel delivery companies assign a unique tracking number to each parcel. The tracking number is enabled as an access code which, when input by a delivery person, unlocks a secured area such that the parcel can be placed inside.

Provided are an intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus for real-time pickup and delivery, a method thereof, a terminal for the intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus, and a method for operating the terminal. The apparatus can correct address errors, generate optimum pickup / delivery sequences, and monitor the pickup and delivery in postal or door-to-door parcel delivery services. The intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus includes: an address correcting unit for acquiring correct pickup and delivery addresses; a planned sequence generating and managing unit for generating and managing an optimum pickup and delivery sequence; a terminal monitoring and controlling unit for transmitting pickup and delivery information; a monitoring unit for displaying monitoring information which is obtained based on the pickup and delivery state information and the location information; and an information storing and managing unit for storing and managing information related to pickup and delivery.

A system and method for unique virtual dynamically-capable (UVDC) addressing relating to mail and parcel delivery and forwarding. The UVDC addressing system comprises at least one data collection processing and storage Host that creates a unique virtual dynamically-capable (UVDC) address for a subscriber be it an individual, business or other entity, that contains a UVDC address code, and an associated informational data set and a mechanism for conveying this data when the Host is queried by a mail / parcel processing facility. The informational data set corresponding to the UVDC address code is changeable to adapt to the changing needs and desires of the subscriber. By virtue of their UDVC address, the subscriber can have a mail / parcel delivered to any facility by any means and have them sent to any final delivery point by any means with the final delivery point being changeable at any time while mail / parcel remains within the UVDCA system. The UVDC addressing system provides the only addressing system that allows a seamless interface between all elements of current, conventional mail and parcel delivery infrastructure, such as between the U.S. Postal System and other non-postal parcel carriers, like United Parcel Services and Federal Express. Now free from problems of the conventional legacy address model of one address per person per physical location or per delivery point of mail and parcels, people and other entities can get mail and parcels delivered wherever they want, whenever they want, no matter the delivery method, no matter what. All they need is a UVDC Address and the UVDC addressing system will take care of the rest.

A promotional data delivery system and method are disclosed by which promoters input to a host computing system their preferred consumer criteria and define their promotional materials, customers provide profiling information and select promotional materials, and a host relates the data pertaining to the promoters and customers to provide or otherwise communicate, preferably in tangible form such as paper via mail or parcel delivery services, promotional information including coupons particularly targeted for and / or selected by the prospective customers.

The present invention is a system and method for routing e-mails based on the recipient's physical address. The system includes an e-mail server that contains a database that maps physical addresses to e-mail addresses of users. The e-mail server is connected to a network such as the global Internet. The e-mail server includes an electronic mailbox for each physical address in the database. The system also includes a receiving host that is used to connect to the e-mail server via the Internet to enable a recipient user to check e-mail. The e-mail server runs an authoritative process by which user login and password information is checked to assure a secure system. The system also has a parcel delivery notification feature that allows a buyer expecting a parcel to receive delivery status information regarding the particular parcel being shipped to the buyer.

The present invention provides fully upholstered, ready-to-assemble furniture which may be custom ordered by a purchaser, shipped directly to the home of the purchaser by a parcel delivery service, and then easily and quickly assembled by the purchaser. The ready-to-assemble article of furniture includes a frame having a composite frame member with a long dimension which is formed by a plurality of planar frame members assembled in an end-to-end and overlapping manner. The plurality of planar frame members are interconnected by interlocking protrusions and cutout portions, as well as by threaded fasteners received in push-in connector elements which are held in recesses within the frame members. The interlocking and threaded fastener connections allow a plurality of smaller frame members to form the composite frame member of the furniture frame, wherein the frame has the torsional and longitudinal stability of known furniture frames which include long, single boards. In particular, the interlocking and overlapping structure of the present furniture frame advantageously provides longitudinal and torsional stability to an article of furniture having a long dimension such as an entertainment center or sofa.

An overhead warehousing system for use in a warehouse having a ceiling and storage racks supported by the floor of a warehouse includes drawers configured to contain parcels at designated locations of individual cells in the storage racks and adapted to be opened and closed, flight corridors defined along the storage racks adjacent to the individual cells, drones having gripper heads translatable relative to opened drawers to retrieve parcels therefrom, and a communication subsystem communicating with the drones to control their flying on the flight trajectories along the flight corridors and between a designated docking station, selected ones of designated parcel retrieval locations and selected ones of designated parcel drop locations and also communicating with the drones to control their gripper heads relative to opened drawers and communicating with individual cells for opening and closing drawers as drones approach and depart the selected individual cells.

An automated storage and retrieval system for customers and vendors / service providers to pick up and drop off packages such as parcels, dry-cleaning / laundry, and the like. The present invention may provide a convenient point for users to pick up or drop off items. In varying embodiments, the system may be particularly useful in multi-unit residential buildings, retail stores and other store-fronts, as stand-alone kiosks in popular locations such as department stores, train stations, malls, street corners, and the like.

The invention provides a method and system for automatically sorting parcels. The method includes the steps of receiving electronic order information of users, wherein the electronic order information comprises receiver addresses; converting the receiver addresses in the electronic order information into corresponding destination longitudes and latitudes through a map geocoding interface; generating two-dimensional codes containing the electronic order information and the destination longitudes and latitudes, printing the two-dimensional codes, and pasting the two-dimensional codes to the corresponding expressage parcels; scanning the two-dimensional codes, extracting the destination longitudes and latitudes contained in the two-dimensional codes, reading preset longitudes and latitudes corresponding to multiple parcel delivery stations, and respectively calculating the distances between the destination longitudes and latitudes and the longitudes and latitudes corresponding to the multiple parcel stations; and selecting the parcel delivery stations corresponding to the longitudes and latitudes with the smallest distances as destinations where the expressage parcels are sent, and sorting the expressage parcels to the selected parcel delivery stations. By means of the method, the pre-sorting step and the manual processing step can be omitted, and the parcel sorting automation degree and the parcel sorting efficiency can be improved.

A parcel delivery system is provided, comprising a lock box comprising a door providing access to a storage space, an electrically operated door locking mechanism, and a parcel scanning device. The system also provides a memory configured to store computer-readable code executable by a processor. The code comprises instructions for decoding a parcel tracking number scanned by the scanning device and determining if the tracking number is an authorized tracking number. If the tracking number is not an authorized tracking number, the door remains locked. If the tracking number is an authorized tracking number, the locking mechanism is enabled to unlock the door, whereby the door is allowed to be opened and the parcel placed into the storage space. After the door has been closed, the locking mechanism is enabled to lock the door. The code also comprises instructions to send messages to the recipient of the parcel.

A promotional data delivery system and method are disclosed by which promoters input to a host computing system their preferred consumer criteria and define their promotional materials, customers provide profiling information and select promotional materials, and a host relates the data pertaining to the promoters and customers to provide or otherwise communicate, preferably in tangible form such as paper via mail or parcel delivery services, promotional information including coupons particularly targeted for and / or selected by the prospective customers.

A parcel includes a sensor to detect whether the parcel has experienced a change in condition. The parcel also has a mechanism, such as a changeable barcode, to indicate the change in condition. While the parcel is in transit through a parcel delivery system, a reader that is part of the system reads an indication from the parcel that the parcel has experienced the change in condition. The system may inform the sender and / or the recipient of the fact that the change in condition has been detected and may divert the parcel from delivery to the recipient. In this way, a parcel may self-monitor for potential damage, and the parcel delivery system may react to an event, in which a parcel suffers damage, before the parcel is delivered to the intended recipient.

The invention provides a system and method for self-service delivery. The self-service delivery system comprises an electronic business system and a storage cabinet terminal, the electronic business system comprises an ordering subsystem, a storehouse and delivery subsystem and a storage cabinet management subsystem, and the storage cabinet terminal is used for storing commodities or parcels ordered by clients and allows the clients to take delivery of the ordered commodities or parcels. The ordering subsystem is used for online ordering of the clients and transmitting orders to a delivery system to execute. The storehouse and delivery subsystem is used for storing and managing the commodities and stocking up and performing commodity ex-warehouse according to the orders, and the ordered commodities or parcels are delivered to storage cabinets selected by the clients by deliverymen. The storage cabinet management subsystem is used for butting the ordering subsystem against the storehouse and delivery subsystem, receiving information sent by the storage cabinet terminal and sending instructions to the storage cabinet terminal so as to manage the storage cabinet terminal.

A system and method for providing a shipper with a carrier service based on mix and match of transit days and times for better matching of shipper's needs with carriers' services. The shipper inputs origin and destination, wherein distance is calculated between origin and destination zip codes and a zone is assigned corresponding to transit days. The shipper is then presented with options and cost to ship based on transit days. Shipper makes the decision and the computer presents the shipper with options and cost for delivery time based on the distance from carrier's facility. Shipper then makes a decision based on delivery time, and the package is routed through the appropriate network. Shipper can also make both decisions about day and time for delivery (including delivery by desired appointment window of one, two or such defined time period in minutes or hours) in one step.

Systems and methods are disclosed for securely delivering a parcel when the intended recipient is not present to take physical possession of the parcel. Parcel delivery companies assign a unique tracking number to each parcel. The tracking number is enabled as an access code which, when input by a delivery person, unlocks a secured area such that the parcel can be placed inside.

Provided are an intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus for real-time pickup and delivery, a method thereof, a terminal for the intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus, and a method for operating the terminal. The apparatus can correct address errors, generate optimum pickup / delivery sequences, and monitor the pickup and delivery in postal or door-to-door parcel delivery services. The intelligent parcel monitoring and controlling apparatus includes: an address correcting unit for acquiring correct pickup and delivery addresses; a planned sequence generating and managing unit for generating and managing an optimum pickup and delivery sequence; a terminal monitoring and controlling unit for transmitting pickup and delivery information; a monitoring unit for displaying monitoring information which is obtained based on the pickup and delivery state information and the location information; and an information storing and managing unit for storing and managing information related to pickup and delivery.

An electronic talking menu system for the visually impaired includes a battery powered portable electronic, audio output device having large back-lighted buttons corresponding to menu items. Each button corresponds to contents of the restaurant's menu, such as appetizers, drinks, seafood, desserts, etc. Pressing a particular button activates a pre-recorded description of the menu item, or menu items within the selected category. An electronic menus system thus provides a system for enabling a visually impaired person to review and select desired menu items using audio feedback. Delivery of pre-recorded content is accomplished via either a logically-managed service wherein formatted sound files are uploaded to a memory card from a personal computer via the Internet, and / or a courier-based service wherein formatted memory cards are delivered to restaurants via a third party parcel delivery service with a round-robin mailer to exchange memory cards.

A fully upholstered, ready-to-assemble article of furniture which may be custom ordered by a consumer, packaged by the seller for shipment to the consumer by a parcel delivery service, and then assembled by the consumer from the packaged components. The article of furniture includes a frame of a plurality of interlocking, planar frame members which are secured together by fasteners received in push-in connector elements. Upholstery coverings, the design of which is custom selected by the consumer, are attached to the frame and secured to one another by hook and loop fasteners. Foam elements are received within a second plurality of upholstery covers which have large openings for receiving the foam elements to provide cushions for the article of furniture. The frame members, upholstery covers, and foam elements are packaged in first, second, and third containers, respectively, which are each light enough to be shipped for home delivery by a parcel delivery service.

The invention discloses a cash-on-delivery parcel delivery method and a pick-up method of an intelligent parcel delivery system. The cash-on-delivery parcel delivery method includes the steps of (1), the storage cell permission for a delivery company is set on an intelligent parcel delivery system management terminal; (2), postmen register and deliver by appointment; (3), delivery cell matching is performed by the intelligent parcel delivery system management terminal; (4), the postmen select the storage cells according to different parcels; (5), the postmen input login information to delivery cells; (6), the postmen select the storage cells and put the parcels into the storage cells after the storage cells are opened; (7), payment amount information of the corresponding parcels are saved in a PC(personal computer) controller. The pick-up method includes the steps of (1), the PC controller generates pickup information; (2), recipients receives the pickup information; (3) the recipients input the pickup information on the delivery cells; (4), the PC controller reminds the recipients to pay; (5), the recipients pay, then the storage cells are opened; (6), the recipients pick up the parcels. By the cash-on-delivery parcel delivery method and the pick-up method, cash-on-delivery parcels can be delivered and picked intelligently.

The embodiments of the present invention disclose an unmanned aircraft-based method, a device and a system for article delivery and belong to the field of aircrafts, wherein the article delivery can be realized by means of an unmanned aircraft and the article delivery efficiency is therefore improved. The above method is applied to an unmanned aircraft, and the unmanned aircraft carries an article. The method comprises the steps of acquiring the identity information of a recipient; verifying the identity of the recipient according to the identity information of the recipient; and releasing the article carried by the unmanned aircraft when the identity information of the recipient is authenticated. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the identity information of the recipient is acquired and then the identity of the recipient is verified according to the identity information of the recipient. When the identity information of the recipient is authenticated, the unmanned aircraft releases the carried article. In this way, the identity of the recipient is verified and then the article is delivered by means of the unmanned aircraft. As a result, the article delivery efficiency is improved.

The invention provides an intelligent storage signing-in cabinet and method for object delivery and receiving and belongs to the field of storage cabinets and logistics. The method includes the steps of object delivery, namely, courier parcel delivery, and object receiving. In the material object circulation process, after receiving a parcel, a receiver examines an object on a designated object examining platform; in the process, an image acquisition device is used for conducting image acquisition on the receiver user identity authentication parcel receiving step, a video acquisition device is used for conducting real-time acquisition and storage on the receiver object examining process, and then the receiver can inquire the process at any time when a dispute happens. A human-machine interaction interface is arranged, and the receiver can conduct operation through prompt messages. In the operating process, a system records information of all operation of the receiver user in real time, the system records the whole process of the user object examining step, and responsibilities of personnel are distinguished.

The invention discloses a residential quarter parcel delivery system comprising a control mainframe, an image pickup system, a delivery region access control system, a parcel storage cabinet, a parcel weighing device and a parcel identifying device, which are respectively connected with an interface device through circuits; and the control mainframe is connected with an internet communication module through a circuit. The residential quarter parcel delivery system disclosed by the invention is used for solving the last mile problem of express delivery so as to ensure safer, more convenient and quicker express delivery.

A computer system for providing commercial advertisements, messages, coupons, or other types of information on letters, parcels, and other written communications to a receiver of the letter, parcel, or other written communications includes a processor coupled to the letter or parcel delivery network. The processor is configured to print or apply messages on letters or packages and to gather statistics regarding actions performed by the receivers of the communications; the processor is further configured to process the statistics to generate user data and to provide commercial advertisements to the receivers of letters and packages based on user data. The system also includes a processor coupled to the delivery network, and is configured to send advertisements to an apparatus to print or apply them on appropriate, targeted letters or packages during any of the phases of letter or parcel delivery, and to gather statistics regarding actions performed by the user. The processor will be configured to process statistics and to generate user data. The processor will further be configured to provide commercial advertisements to the user based on user data. The system is also used to calculate postage and apply postage indications to the letters or parcels.

The invention discloses a parcel pickup method for an intelligent parcel delivery system and solves the problems of troubles in parcel pickup and high labor cost of an existing parcel pickup method. The parcel pickup method comprises the following steps that (1) a postman delivers a parcel into a delivery cabinet; (2) a PC (personal computer) controller generates pickup information and sends the pickup information to a management terminal of the intelligent parcel delivery system for backup; (3) the management terminal of the intelligent parcel delivery system or a management terminal of a delivery company sends the pickup information to a receiver; (4) the receiver inputs the pickup information into the delivery cabinet; (5) the PC controller controls a storage grid with the parcel of the receiver to be opened; (6) the receiver picks up the parcel and closes the storage grid. According to the parcel pickup method, intelligent pickup of the parcel is realized, and the labor cost is low; 24-hour on-line parcel pickup service can be supplied; therefore, the convenience in pickup and the timeliness are quite high.

Systems, methods, and computer program products for certifying business entities are provided. Input is received regarding a location of a business entity that is visited as part of a parcel delivery transaction, and the business entity is then associated with a verified address corresponding to the location visited. The verified address and an indication that the business entity is certified may be displayed to a user. Furthermore, a rating indicative of the legitimacy of the business entity may be determined, associated with the business entity, and displayed. The rating may be determined based on a total number of parcel delivery transactions of the business entity, a trend in its delivery transactions, the length of time the business entity has been involved in delivery transactions, or a geographic scope of the business entity. A directory of business entities that includes certification information and other features may also be provided.