Abstract:
A method and system facilitating the delivery of a mailpiece in a mail distribution system. The method includes the steps of: (i) reading a mailpiece identifier, disposed in combination with the mailpiece, upon initial mailpiece processing, (ii) developing tracking information corresponding to various mailpiece processing activities in the mail distribution system; (iii) producing a delivery report based upon the tracking information, and (iv) communicating the delivery report to the recipient of the mailpiece. The method may further provide contact information in combination with the mailpiece to facilitate communication between a delivery agent and the mailpiece recipient. The contact information can be used to communicate mailpiece handling information as such information is developed or upon delivery of the mailpiece. Moreover, the method may include the steps of receiving instructions from the recipient regarding changes in the handling of the mailpiece and having the instructions executed by the delivery agent. The method and system can employ any one of a variety of electronic communication networks (e.g., e-mail, Internet, facsimile and telephone) to communicate the delivery report.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This invention relates to mail distribution systems and, more particularly to a new and useful method and system for communicating delivery information, i.e., tracking information, of a mailpiece to its recipient during handling by a delivery agent/mail carrier.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     A variety of methods are currently employed for tracking the delivery/handling of mailpieces (e.g., letters or parcels) as they progress from sender to recipient. Generally, such methods are capable of providing information concerning the current state or location of a mailpiece. That is, a recipient, anxious to receive a particular parcel, can be provided information concerning its whereabouts, and can either be pleased or concerned about its current state and/or location. Consequently, it will be appreciated that this tracking method has limited utility and offers little more than a degree of comfort to the recipient that a parcel is on its way and/or has not been misplaced.  
         [0003]     Furthermore, current methods require that the sender affix a tracking number to a mailpiece prior to processing by the delivery agent As a consequence, if a sender fails to affix such tracking number to the mailpiece, neither the sender nor recipient has any means to track the handling of the mailpiece within the mail distribution system.  
         [0004]     As a general rule, handling instructions for a particular mailpiece are predetermined at the time of entry into a mail distribution system. The sender and/or has but a few options available concerning the handling of a mailpiece, most options being generally related to the speed of delivery, e.g., overnight, two-day priority, etc. The recipient, on the other hand, has no control in connection with the handling of a mailpiece, other than to make a request to the sender that they use a particular mailing/handling method (e.g., use of a preferred delivery agent, expedited delivery, etc.) If the sender misinterprets or fails to honor the request of the recipient, the recipient has no recourse to override or change the mailing/handling method.  
         [0005]     Yet another, more recent concern, relates to the information available in connection with the route that a particular mailpiece takes, or has taken, while in transit from a sender to a recipient/addressee. It will be sadly recalled that immediately following the events of September 11, mailpieces were contaminated with certain biological agents (e.g., Anthrax). Knowledge of the path that such mailpieces had taken became critically important to the safety of those who came in contact with the contaminated mailpieces. Unfortunately, the lack of a robust tracking system made the task of identifying mailpieces and/or mail stations, which were potentially tainted, painfully difficult. Had a tracking system been in place at the time of these attacks, it may have served to avoid a greater number of injuries and, perhaps, fatalities. That is, a greater number of mailpieces may have been identified/captured before other mailpieces/mail stations were cross contaminated.  
         [0006]     A need, therefore, exists for a method which provides a robust channel of communication between the delivery agent and the recipient to provide greater control, flexibility and/or agility with respect to the delivery of a mailpiece.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     A method and system is provided for facilitating the delivery of a mailpiece in a mail distribution system. The method includes the steps of: (i) reading a mailpiece identifier, disposed in combination with the mailpiece, upon initial mailpiece processing, (ii) developing tracking information corresponding to various mailpiece processing activities in the mail distribution system; (iii) producing a delivery report based upon the tracking information, and (iv) communicating the delivery report to the recipient of the mailpiece. The method may further provide contact information in combination with the mailpiece to facilitate communication between a delivery agent and the mailpiece recipient and, communicate the tracking information to the recipient as such information is developed. Moreover, the method may include the steps of receiving instructions from the recipient regarding changes in the handling of the mailpiece and having the instructions executed by the delivery agent.  
         [0008]     Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows and, in part, will be readily apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Various features and embodiments are further described in the following figures, detailed description and claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The accompanying drawings illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of mail distribution system illustrating the delivery of a mailpiece in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a mailpiece including additional contact information to facilitate communication between the delivery agent and the recipient of the mailpiece.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  depicts a table for illustrating an exemplary delivery report developed from mailpiece tracking information.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating the method steps taken according to the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mail distribution system  10  is schematically depicted wherein a mailpiece  20  enters the mail distribution system  10  in any one of a variety of conventional methods such as by way of a mailbox or post office  12  etc. In the context used herein and in the appended claims, the term “mailpiece” includes letters and parcels carried by a delivery agent  14 , and any other physical item appointed for delivery to an addressee or recipient. A “delivery agent” is any governmental agency/authority (e.g., United States Postal Service (USPS)) or commercial entity (e.g., FedEx), responsible for the delivery of a mailpiece.  
         [0015]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mailpiece  20  includes a mailpiece identifier  22  which may be placed at any convenient location on the mailpiece  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the delivery agent  14  assigns or attaches the mailpiece identifier  22  to the mailpiece  20  using any of a variety of conventional techniques. For example, the delivery agent  14  may employ a fluorescent barcode (in  FIG. 2  the ID tag is shown on the front of the mailpiece for convenience of illustration) on an incoming mailpiece  20  for its unique identification. Alternatively, an existing or newly generated code (e.g. planet code) may be printed or otherwise affixed to the mailpiece  20  for the purpose of mailpiece identification. In some embodiments, a mailpiece identification number and/or a mailpiece category identification number may be printed on the mailpiece in the form of alphanumeric characters instead of or in addition to the barcode  24 . In the context used herein, “printed” or “affixed” to the mailpiece  20  means any suitable method of combining the mailpiece identifier  22  with the mailpiece  20 .  
         [0016]     While, in the preferred embodiment, the mailpiece identifier  22  is assigned by the delivery agent  14  at the time of entry into the mail distribution system  10  (e.g., at the first automated processing station), the identifier  22  may be printed or otherwise affixed to the mailpiece  10  prior to entry into the mail distribution system  10 . For example, a sender  16  of the mailpiece  10  may provide an identification code (not shown) to be used by the delivery agent  14  for the purposes of mailpiece identification. Of course, such identification indicia/code would necessarily be coordinated with the delivery agent  14  for consistency with the internal methods employed for identifying and tracking mailpieces. Such coordination can be explicit, e.g., the sender requesting a serial number from the delivery agent for each mailpiece, managed by the sender, i.e., the sender is assigned a range of numbers by the delivery agent, or automated wherein a meter creates an indicia using algorithms to develop a unique identification code for each mailpiece.  
         [0017]     Using the mailpiece identifier  22 , the delivery agent  14  develops tracking information as the mailpiece  20  flows or progresses through the mail distribution system  10 . In the context used herein, “tracking information” is any data related to the time, location and/or action(s) taken with respect to the mailpiece  20 . More specifically, and referring additionally to  FIG. 3 , tracking information  30  has been captured and organized in tabular format. It will be appreciated that various methods are available for capturing such tracking information  30 , however, in the preferred embodiment, such information is developed using a data processor (e.g., CPU 33) responsive to identification signals  36  issued by a mail reader/scanner  38 . The processor  32  compares the signal data (indicative of each unique mailpiece  20 ) against a computer database  34  i.e., an information database of items processed by the mail distribution system  10  over a given period of time (e.g., the last month). Information related to a mailpiece in the computer database  34  is preferably created/updated when the mailpiece is initially processed in the mail distribution system  10  and further populated as the mailpiece is handled at subsequent stations. Information related to a mailpiece may also be created/updated based upon information received from the sender (e.g., a statement of mailing electronically transmit to a carrier prior to mail induction).  
         [0018]     For example, if the mailpiece identifier  22  is a barcode  24  ( FIG. 2 ), then a barcode scanner or reader  38  in combination with the data processor  32  may be employed to capture desired tracking information  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a mailpiece ID code  30 A (see the first column of the table) is one of the elements of the desired tracking information  30 . If no ID code has been affixed by the sender the data processor  32  may generate an ID code which may be affixed to the mailpiece by a processing station  52  (preferably the initial processing station). The ID code is used subsequently for mailpiece identification as the mailpiece  10  progresses in the mail distribution system  10 . In the third and fifth columns, time and location data  30 C and  30 E, respectively, i.e., data relating to the time of arrival and location of the mailpiece  20 , respectively, are recorded. Preferably, the tracking system will, at minimum, track these two data elements. In the second and fourth columns, additional data elements  30 B,  30 D may be recorded such as the mail type  30 B, e.g., letter, parcel, etc., and/or action being taken with respect to the mailpiece  20 , handling data  30 D. Automated electronic tracking devices such as the type required above are well known in the art and, for conciseness of description, will not be discussed in greater detail herein. Some examples of suitable tracking systems include ID Tag tracking systems in use by many posts as specified in UPU standard S-18, the Lockheed-Martin (Owego, N.Y.) Wide Field of View cameras installed by the USPS to enable the USPS CONFIRM service, and similar systems in use by private carriers.  
         [0019]     The tracking information  30  obtained may be used to generate a delivery report  50  in any desired format including the format illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As used herein and in the appended claims, the phrase “delivery report” is any compilation of tracking information  30  for a given mailpiece  20 , whether or not the mailpiece  20  has been delivered to the addressee or recipient. Hence, a delivery report  50  may be a listing of the time and location that a mailpiece  20  has been handled within the mail distribution system  10  at any particular point in time, i.e., regardless of whether the mailpiece  20  has completed its progress within the mail distribution system  10 . For simplicity delivery report  50  has been illustrated for a single mailpiece. It should be noted that a delivery report may contain listings for one or more mailpieces. This might be particularly useful in a corporate environment where mailpieces are delivered in trays. A delivery report for each tray could be provided enabling the corporate mailroom to determine if any tray should be quarantined due to potential contamination of any the mailpieces in the tray.  
         [0020]     In a first embodiment of the invention, the delivery report  50  can be sent/communicated to the intended recipient  18  in advance of the physical delivery of the mailpiece  20  to the addressee or accompany the delivery thereof to its recipient. Accordingly, the recipient will be fully cognizant of the handling of any particular mailpiece  20 . For example, if the mailpiece  10  has been handled at a particular mail station  52 , e.g., one that has been identified as being contaminated by a hazardous material, then the recipient  18  can take the necessary precautions concerning the subsequent handling of the mailpiece  20 , e.g., to refuse delivery.  
         [0021]     Alternatively, and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the delivery report  50  can be communicated to the intended recipient  18  at any particular time or point in the travel of the mailpiece  20 . In this embodiment, the mailpiece  20  may include contact information  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) to apprize the recipient of the current status of the mailpiece  20 . Such contact information is preferably one which employs an electronic communication device or network  70  for conveying the delivery report  50 . For example, the contact information  60  can be associated with any one of a variety of electronic communication devices  70  and may include one or a combination of the following: e-mail address, Internet address, mail meter identifier, telephone number and facsimile number. It should be noted that this contact information may be derived from other information present on the mailpiece (e.g., meter serial number, delivery point zip code, CONFIRM subscription number, permit mail number, etc.).  
         [0022]     In addition to the methods described above for providing such information to the recipient, Internet communication can also be a viable method for conveying the delivery report  50 . For example, the delivery report  50  can be broadcast on an Internet web site and made available to the recipient. In view of the flexibility provided by the Internet, the sender  16  could also authorize others to view the delivery report  50 , hence, the term “recipient” includes the addressee of the mailpiece  20  and any other viewer authorized to access, at minimum, the delivery report  50 . In this embodiment, the contact information  60  may be used to advise a recipient concerning the steps necessary to access the delivery report  50  on the Internet. For example, contact information  60  in the form of an e-mail communication could be used to send the recipient  18  Internet access information such as the Internet address and login information (e.g., user ID and password). As such, the recipient  18  could, at any convenient time, access the Internet web site and view the delivery report  50 . Hence, for all intents and purposes, the tracking information  30  contained in the delivery report  50  could be made available to the recipient instantaneously or in real-time.  
         [0023]     Upon receipt or viewing of the delivery report  50 , the recipient  18  could change the handling of the mailpiece  20  depending upon the current or projected status thereof. For example, if a delay has occurred in the handling of the mailpiece  20 , the recipient could elect for subsequent expedited handling the mailpiece  20 . If a mailpiece  20  is being held at a particular station  52  for inspection (e.g., due to possible contamination of the mailpiece  20 ), the recipient could elect for the delivery of a scanned copy (uncontaminated) of the mailpiece contents. The recipient could redirect the mailpiece  20  to an alternate address, e.g., should it be realized that delivery to such address is more convenient. In furtherance of the discussion concerning the use of the Internet, it will be appreciated that Internet communication could also be employed to provide handling instructions to the delivery agent  14 . The options and variations are only limited by the willingness and/or ability of the delivery agent  14  to respond to changes/instructions.  
         [0024]     Alternatively, and in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a predefined set of instructions could be provided in combination with the mailpiece  20  in the event of a delay or other unanticipated event. For example, a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag  72  (See  FIG. 2 ) could be disposed in combination with the mailpiece  20  for carrying various information and instructions concerning the mailpiece  20 . That is, information can be stored on the RFID tag  72 , e.g., instructions in the event of a delay, and read at any time by the delivery agent  14 . The RFID tag  72  could also be used as the mail identifier  22  discussed previously. Consequently, the tag  72  can be multifunctional, serving as the mail identifier  22 , providing contact information  60  and/or alternate instructions to the delivery agent  14 . It should also be noted that the RFID could be placed within the envelope.  
         [0025]     While the method of communication between delivery agent  14  and the recipient  18  of a mailpiece  20  has been discussed in terms of remote access (e.g., through a personal computer using electronic mail or Internet connection), a dedicated communication network may also be employed. For example, a dedicated network of mail kiosks (not shown) may be established at various locations (e.g., Post Offices, Malls, or other high traffic locations) for the express or dedicated purpose of accepting, tracking, and delivering mailpieces. As such, the mail kiosk may employ a user interface capable of displaying delivery report information. The mail kiosk may also be capable of offering other delivery/rerouting options or accepting alternate delivery instructions. Consequently, the recipient could use such mail kiosk to view the progress of a particular mailpiece and provide alternate instructions regarding its handling.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , which shows flow diagram summarizing the various method steps, the mailpiece  20  enters the mail distribution system  10  at step  100  and a mailpiece identifier  22  is disposed in combination with the mailpiece  20 . At step  110  the mailpiece identifier  22  is read and an identification code is stored in a computer database  34 . If there is no identifier on the mailpiece an identifier may be printed by the processing station  52 , most likely the initial processing station. As the mailpiece  20  is routed to the various mail stations  52 , tracking information is developed/captured by a plurality of mail readers  38 , identified as step  120  in  FIG. 4 . It should be noted that processing stations include not only traditional mail sorting equipment but all other devices that may acquire data regarding a mailpiece during processing. Examples include: tray label scanning systems (barcode and RFID), airline container tracking systems, handheld scanners carried by delivery personnel, etc. The mail readers  38  are disposed at predetermined locations within the mail distribution system  10  and issue an identification signal  36  unique to each mailpiece  20 . The data processor  32  is responsive to the identification signals  36  and stores handling information unique to each mail reader. Furthermore, at step  130 , the data processor produces the delivery report  50  indicative of the handling information associated with each mailpiece  20 , i.e., using the mailpiece identification code  22 . At step  140 , the delivery report  50  is communicated, via a communication network  70  to the recipient  18  of the mailpiece  20 .  
         [0027]     As mentioned supra, contact information  60  may be provided in combination with the mailpiece  20  and communications will preferably be conducted via an electronic method of communication such as by way of e-mail, an Internet communication network, facsimile and/or telephone. It should also be appreciated that the contact information could be previously collected in a database and be retrieved directly from recipient information printed on the mailpiece.  
         [0028]     The recipient will, at step  150 , evaluate the delivery report  50  to determine if any changes should be made or invoked. The types of actions and events which may give rise to a handling change have been discussed earlier and, consequently, will not be reiterated again. Suffice to say that a decision is made at step  160 , and instructions communicated to the delivery agent  14  at step  170  to, in some fashion, change the handling of the mailpiece  20 . Inasmuch as the changes will give rise to yet additional tracking information, the flow diagram returns to step  120  to continue further development of mailpiece tracking information. It should also be noted that instructions could also be communicated to any person or piece of equipment that will process the mailpiece. For example, if the delivery report information is communicated to the recipient while the mail is still in process any processing station  52  which might handle the mailpiece could be instructed to outsort the mailpiece.  
         [0029]     Should the recipient be unable to intervene and introduce alternate instructions, i.e., perform the evaluation step while the mailpiece is in the mail distribution system, a predetermined set of instructions can be provided by way of the RFID tag  72  discussed earlier. Accordingly, a degree of artificial intelligence can be introduced without the need to communicate with the recipient. Notwithstanding, a delivery report  50  is still generated and forwarded with the mailpiece upon delivery.  
         [0030]     The teachings of the present invention provide the recipient or other authorized agent with enhanced flexibility in prescribing the handling of and/or other actions with respect to the mailpiece. The recipient is able to track the progress of a mailpiece and intervene as necessary to change the handling instructions. For example, the recipient can change the class of service (e.g., from Priority Service to Overnight Delivery), can refuse the delivery of a particular mailpiece (i.e., if it is suspected that the mailpiece may contain or have come in contact with a hazardous material), or redirect the mailpiece to another destination.  
         [0031]     Moreover, depending upon the willingness of the delivery agent, a recipient can request that a scanned electronic copy be transmitted should a delay in delivery occur. Finally, various communication channels are available to receive and send communications between the delivery agent and the mailpiece recipient. For example, Internet communications, which are becoming more sophisticated and secure, may be an ideal channel for communicating a delivery report and accepting instructions from the mailpiece recipient. Predetermined instructions may also be communicated by way of the RFID tag discussed hereinabove. As a result, the invention may provide both the sender and recipient with an opportunity to track and manage mailing/shipping operations, even in the case of unplanned events that disrupt the delivery process.  
         [0032]     The words “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, elements, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.  
         [0033]     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.