Abstract:
A UID is utilized as a scale and determine basic intake information for shipping a package in order for an individual to use their UID as a intake information determining device in sending packages. Such a device is intended to be used with unmanned kiosks where the intake information would be transmitted to the shipper and the package deposited for pickup and shipping. Unmanned kiosks of this nature would provide for reduced cost and ease of drop off of packages.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/274,474, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Applicants&#39; invention relates to a device generally in the fields of scales and mobile devices for weight and size determination, and method for using same. More particularly, it relates to a system of devices for automating package intake in preparation for shipping. 
         [0004]    Background Information 
         [0005]    Transporting a package from one place the world to another requires, or at least is optimized by, and efficient operation. This is critical, because a shipping company can transport literally millions of packages per day. In order to do so, modern shipping companies make use of three main modes of transport—road, air, and rail. And, they must have highly efficient sorting methods and tools that link to transport methods in order to move the volume of packages that they do. 
         [0006]    In general, a package will have multiple “touch points” in which the package must be physically handled during the delivery process. “Touch points” generally occur during the loading and sorting phases of the delivery. Additionally, if a package is being sent by airmail, there are central hubs through which most packages are sent. At these hubs packages come in from multiple remote locations, are sorted, and go out to multiple remote locations. 
         [0007]    During the shipping process, many patrons as well as the shipping company want to be able to track individual packages. This can confirm delivery as well as provide status updates for estimated times of delivery. From a customer service perspective this is one of the most important aspects of shipping. In order to get a status update, a special code with a tracking number is automatically scanned at each stage of transportation or sorting providing the tracking information. Plus, when looking at a tracking description the patron may see the package has been received at a specific office, transported to, another received there, sent out again, and the tracking goes on. 
         [0008]    When a package is received at a local delivery point, there are often two or three sorting phases—each splitting packages into finer and finer geographic slices depending upon their destination. 
         [0009]    The entire process is subject to the correct labeling of each individual package. The “intake” of a package requires the gathering of specific information for labeling such as: identity and address of the shipper, identity and address of the receiver, dimensions and weight of the package, shipping speed information, transport type information, tracking requirements, and other like data. 
         [0010]    Package intake done at a shipping location by trained and experienced, shipping personnel easily provides the required intake information. However, to account for modern efficiencies as well as remote drop off locations where it is inconvenient or not cost effective to post trained personnel, there is a need for a device and method for doing package intake at remote, unmanned locations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention provides for a package, shipping intake device for use with a user interface device (“UID”). The present invention provides a novel apparatus that will interface with a user&#39;s UID in order to obtain intake information and mark a package that the user wishes to ship. 
         [0012]    As used herein, UID is intended to be interpreted broadly and means a handheld device that may combine variations of data, computing, telephonic, facsimile, Internet, and networking features. A UID may also be referred to as, and can include, a mobile device, smart phone, tablet, hand-held computer, personal digital assistant, laptop, pocket computer, or the like. A typical UID often functions as a cellular phone, Web browser, data storage device, camera, audio player, video player, and personal organizer in addition to a host of other functions, such as applications both pre-installed and downloaded. To effect these functions, the UID can include a multiplicity of hardware components. In relation to the present invention, a UID can provide information specific to the user as well as calculation and determination of intake information for the package. 
         [0013]    The present invention further provides for a “kiosk” to be provided, such that a user wanting to ship a package would bring the package and they are UID to the kiosk. The UID would be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a control device in the kiosk and would assist in the intake of the package by helping determine addresses, size and weight dimensions, and shipping options desired by the user for the package. The package would then be marked or labeled such that sorting devices at shipping hubs would be able to recognize all of the necessary data associated with the package. 
         [0014]    The important part of the kiosk is that they would not need to be manned with shipping personnel other than to pick up packages that have been left in a storage compartment in the kiosk. Thus, shipping companies could provide more points of shipping for users while not needing to provide trained personnel at those points. This could be advantageous in both metropolitan and rural areas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the system of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a first embodiment of the intake device of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of the intake device of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4 a    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the intake device of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4 b    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the intake device of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5 a    is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the system of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5 b    is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the system of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5 c    is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the system of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which a density sensor is used to determine the package weight. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which a label is affixed to the package. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0025]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 Package Intake device 
               
               
                 20 
                 UID 
               
               
                 22 
                 Scale 
               
               
                 24 
                 Shipper Database 
               
               
                 26 
                 Internet 
               
               
                 28 
                 Shipper Processor 28 or Controller 
               
               
                 30 
                 Communications Network 
               
               
                 32 
                 Security Device or Case 
               
               
                 34 
                 Communication connection 
               
               
                 36 
                 Label 
               
               
                 38 
                 Package 
               
               
                 40 
                 Printer 
               
               
                 42 
                 Pressure Sensor 
               
               
                 44 
                 Display 
               
               
                 46 
                 Intake Card 
               
               
                 48 
                 Density Sensor 
               
               
                 50 
                 Length Sensor 
               
               
                 52 
                 Camera 
               
               
                 54 
                 Speaker 
               
               
                 100 
                 Kiosk 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0026]    Referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a general schematic of the present invention  10 . Generally, at a kiosk/locker  100  a processor  28  and scale  22  are connected with the user&#39;s UID  20  and uplinked to a controller  28  and database  24  of the shipper. It is anticipated that the uplink will be via the Internet  26 , however it could be via any communication network  30 . The shipper, through its controller  28 , can then send the user&#39;s UID  20  the intake information needed to print the label  36 . The package  38  can be dropped off or left at the kiosk  100  for shipping. The kiosk  100  does not necessarily need to print an identification label  36 , although that is possible. 
         [0027]    It is anticipated that the device  20  or the user will have a personal identification number with the distributor either by its specific microchip and the information of the user&#39;s UID  20  or by allowing the user to set up an account through the UID  20 . It is anticipated that when the UID  20  is in communication with the kiosk  100  processor  28  (such as in a security case  32 , or connected with a scale  22 ), the shipper can identify the user during the connection through current identification technology of Internet  26  and Cloud applications. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention  10 . It is a schematic view of the intake device  32  of the present invention  10 . This first embodiment includes a security case  32  that incorporates a scale  22  and UID covers  32  for determining weight and securing the UID  20 . A scale  22  is used to weigh the package  38  and is not to be limited to a certain type of scale. In other words, in this embodiment, the scale  22 /secure mobile device  32  is used to weigh the package or products  38 . The intention of the device  32  is to enable the user to fit, slide, and or secure their UID  20  in the security case  32 . 
         [0029]    It is anticipated that the security case  32  will have a retention device friction, cover, strap or the like, such as cushion, foam, or rubber, to secure the UID  20  in place. The scale  22  will be on the surface of the secured case  32  while the base of the security case  32  will be used as the base plate for weighing objects/products  38 . Within the security case  32 , it is anticipated that there will be built in microchip or processor  28  which will enable the device  32  as a whole to be connected for electronic communication to the UID  20 . This connection  34  may be wired or wireless. The security case  32  will secure the UID  20 , weigh the package  38 , and be able to communicate across an electronic network  30  such as the Internet  26  to the shipping company and so as to provide intake information as to the package  38 . It is anticipated that the intake information could include information such as: 
         [0030]    1. Weight 
         [0031]    2. Destination 
         [0032]    3. Location of sender 
         [0033]    4. Cost 
         [0034]    5. Billing Cycle 
         [0035]    6. History/profile of User 
         [0036]    7. History of account, package  38   s  sent, types of package  38   s    
         [0037]    8. Location of closest kiosk  100  or locker 
         [0038]    It is anticipated that a security device  32  for UID  20  could have six (6) usable sides: left  32   c  and right  32   d  sides, front  32   e  and back  32   f  sides generally, and top  32   a  and bottom  32   b  edges generally. Thus the security device  32  can enclose the UID  20 . Within the security device  32  there will be a microchip or processor  28  that links case  32  to UID  20 . The processor  28  enables the security case  32  to uplink information to the shipper. 
         [0039]    The processor  28  gives the user and the shipper&#39;s database  24  the intake information of the package  38  to be shipped. The processor  28  can be used to scan the item  38  at the kiosk/locker  100  setup through the shipper&#39;s electronic communication  30  and database  24  system. At the kiosk/locker  100 , the user will scan the package  38  and the processor  28  will allow the intake information to go directly to the shipper&#39;s database  24  by Internet  26 , or software application. After being scanned, a printer  40  at the kiosk or locker  100  will then print out a label  36  to be adhered to the package  38 . 
         [0040]    Inside the security case  32 , there can be a retention device that not only secures mobile device  20  but also helps protect it from damage if dropped. 
         [0041]    The security case  32  effectively converts the UID  20  into a scale  22  that can weigh and determine package  38  intake information which can be provided to the user and the shipper for use in the delivery of the package  38 . It also allows the user to scan the package  38  at the kiosk/locker  100  to receive a label  36  to place on the package  38  for delivery/tracking/billing, etc. In addition to the security case  32 /scale  22 /processor  28  and scanning ability, there is an option for a printer  40  that connects to the device  32  which enables the user to print out a label  36  to adhere to the package  38  that can be scanned by the shipper at its distribution centers. 
         [0042]    One side, anticipated to be the top  32   a , of the security case  32  a pressure plate or transducer  42  will be located, or connected to pressure sensors  42  making up the scale  22 , for placement of the package  38  for weighing. The scale&#39;s  22  surface may encompass the entire surface area, or some portion thereof, of the top  32   a  of the security case  32  whereas the bottom  32   b  of security case  32  can decipher the information through the transduction of top plate  32   a  to and from bottom plate  32   b . The intake information can be sent to and through the UID  20  from the security case&#39;s processor  28 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of the intake device  32  of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the intake device  32  is anticipated to include a display  44 , printer  40 , scale  22 , and a connection means  34 —either wired or wireless. The connection means  34  places the intake device  32  in electronic communication with the user&#39;s UID  20 . The user would place their package  38  on the scale  22  and intake information would be retrieved by the intake device  32 . It would use a scale  22  which may be used to weigh a variety of objects not to be limited by any product. The intake device  32  would weigh the package or product  38 . The intake device  32  includes a software application providing for communication with the UID  20 . Around the display  44  is likely to be a bezel or perimeter border which can incorporate a scale  22 . The display screen  44  can act as a touch screen for the input and output display of the software application. On one side of the intake device  32  a micro printer  40  could be located which will print the shipping labels  36  for the package  38 . The intake device  32  would weigh packages  38  or objects, then using the software application and processor  28  for microchip to uplink to the shipper&#39;s network or database  24 , provide the shipper with the package&#39;s  38 , and the user&#39;s, intake information. 
         [0044]    It is anticipated that in this embodiment, the scale  22  could open like a book. The cover would open and the intake device  32  would be activated ready for use. This display/touch screen  44  could be multitasked to send facsimiles as well by having a camera software application installed on the processor  24  in the intake device  32 . 
         [0045]    In regard to the scale  22 , the intake device  32  is anticipated to have a scale  22  covering a portion of the perimeter of at least one side of the display/touch screen  44 . A printer  40  on another side could print labels  36  capable of being adhered to the package that is being weighed. With this scale  22 , the user can put it into communication with any UID  20 . 
         [0046]    With the processor/microchip  28  and the software application installed, the intake device  32  can be identified by the UID  20  or the user can set up an account with the shipper. This allows the user to eliminate every outside step except to drop it off at a kiosk/locker  100 . 
         [0047]    Another option could be that the printer  40  can print micro labels  36  which can be scanned at the kiosk/locker  100  for tracking and delivery purposes. This intake device  32  and software application could keep the user&#39;s account information available for distribution or the user&#39;s future use. The intake device&#39;s  32  ability to send intake information, or portions of the intake information, to and from the user and the shipper would make the process less time-consuming. It allows the shipper to save time, money, and manpower because it eliminates so many steps of the pickup, tracking, and delivery process. It sends and receives intake information pertinent to, but not limited to, the purpose of sending and receiving the distribution of mail and packages  38  whether it be for an individual or a company. 
         [0048]    This device can be invaluable to a subject of users trying to send and receive products  38  for the purposes of a growing a small business. The surface of the device  32  can be the pressure plate  42  area of the scale  22 . The base of device  32  has processor/microchip  28  and has a software application installed to uplink to an account which is necessary for the user and the distributor. The information of package  38 /costs/location, etc. can be interlinked with all three parts of the contact. (Mobile device, mobile scale/printer/scanner/camera, app account information with distributor, and location of kiosk/locker.) This device has the ability to scan any label sent from account to distributor that may be on but not limited to envelopes/packages/boxes or other packaging entities which can be mailed to user where the user places product/letter or information, not limited so the individual can place in distributor package the user weighs envelope/package. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4 a    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the intake device  32 , or intake card  46 , of the present invention  10 . In this embodiment, the intake card  46  is anticipated to be a small, thin card-shaped device. While such an intake card  46  is anticipated to be rectangular, it is not necessarily limited to any one shape. However, for the purpose of this design, the intake device  46  is described as a shape similar to an average credit card. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4 b    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the intake device  46  of the present invention  10 . This card-shaped, intake device  46  will be perhaps be somewhat thicker than an average credit card in order to have enough volume to hold the required electronics inside the interior of the intake card  46 , allowing for the intake card  46  to have a processor or microchip  28  that will enable the user to have the ability to link the card  46  into a UID  20  at the connection port in the UID  20  much like a pair of head phones or a credit card swipe device where the user plugs into the mobile phone  20  to use it like a credit card machine and billing device. The intake card  46  would have a communication connection  34  for connecting the intake card  46  to the user&#39;s UID  20 . The communication connection  34  could be either wired or wireless, but would provide electronic communication between the intake card  46  and the UID  20 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5 a    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the system of the present invention  10 . The package  38  is dropped off, and during intake, the user confirms information on the kiosk&#39;s  100  graphic user interface or GUI  44 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5 b    is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the system of the present invention  10 . When the intake card  46  is plugged into (or in communication with) the UID  20 , it activates a software application that enables the UID  20  to become a scale  22  that determines weight in pounds or kilograms by setting the mobile device  20  on the card  46 . Once the card  46  is plugged into the UID  20 , the intake card  46  uses information on the UID  20  in order to identify the user. Additionally, the intake card  46  would instruct the UID  20  to activate the shipper&#39;s software application. The shipping software application then prompts the user with simple questions at which time the user instructs or inputs on the UID  20  screen for the intake card  46  to weigh, select a package destination, select a package source location, at which kiosk/locker  100  the package  38  can be dropped off (based upon the relative nearness, as may be determined by GPS information, of nearby kiosks  100 ). The intake card  46  may also calculate billing rates, billing cycle, and where the user can be billed. 
         [0053]    The user can then take the package  38  to a kiosk  100 . At the kiosk  100 , the user places the intake card  46  in communication with the shipper&#39;s network  30 . This can be done via wired communication, wireless communication, scanning of the intake card, or other electronic communication. The shipper&#39;s software application determines the specifics of the transaction and the user may accept or reject the transaction. If accepted, the user leaves the package  38  at the kiosk/locker  100  to be picked up by the shipper for distribution. 
         [0054]    It is anticipated that the intake card  46  may be designed so that it can be carried in a wallet or purse, and can be placed in electronic communication with any UID  20 , whether the user owns the UID  20  or not. In this embodiment, any UID  20  may be used because the microchip  28  and the intake card  46  identifies the user, not the mobile device  20 . The intake card  46  is not a scale  22 ; it is a device that serves as a scanning device and personal identification card. However, software on the intake card  46  can provide the ability for a UID  20  to act as a scale  22 . With this measurement, the intake card  46  determines weight, cost, destination and billing and saves it in memory on the card  46 . At the shipment hub, or kiosk  100 , that same intake information can be transferred to the shipper. The card  46  can be plugged into any mobile device  20  for user to check their transactions, track packages  38 , billing information, weight for the day, week, month, etc. although this is not necessarily it&#39;s full capabilities. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5 c    is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the system of the present invention  10 . The intake card&#39;s  46  processor or microchip  28  and digital magnetized scale transduction process that is installed in intake card  46  allows the UID  20  to become a surface for scale  22  usage. The intake card&#39;s  46  processor  28  and memory allows for saved information, personalized information, upload/download information to be communicated to a shipper&#39;s computer system via any mobile device  20 . 
         [0056]    The digital scale  22  can be implemented in a credit card size device  46  and can have a charge applicator that can be placed into communication with a UID  20 . The scale application as illustrated on the figure can be uplinked to a UID  20  through electronic communication such as wire connection, wireless connection, but not limited to setting the UID  20  on the intake card  46 . The scale  22  information can be deciphered through the UID  20  or microchip installed in the intake card  46 . The purpose of the credit card size device  46  is not to show weight on a screen of its own but rather on the UID  20  with which it is in electronic communication. The microchip allows the intake card  46  to decipher and recognize information sent to the UID  20  such as: weight, where it is to be sent, where it is sent from, who is sending/receiving and billing information, but not limited to these capabilities. 
         [0057]    The microchip is scanned at the kiosk  100  to identify the package  38  or anything that has been the subject of intake information, so that a printer  40  at the kiosk/locker  100  can print out an adhesive label  36  so the package  38  can be tracked and sent to correct location. It is anticipated that the intake card  46  would have a bar code, set of numbers and/or letters, name letters, name or other identifying code so that the user can set up an account with the shipping company. 
         [0058]    While this device  46  can be the size of a credit card, it is not limited to the physical parameters of a generic credit card in size, shape, or thickness due to the multiple possibilities of the application. However, for easy usage and storage, the credit card size is advantageous because it can be stored easily in a wallet, purse, or other personal carry on. The intake card  46  case can be made of a number of materials, such as plastic, metal, rubber, or a combination thereof. Choice of a material would be based upon usage, durability and easy identifiable properties for the use of the item. 
         [0059]    The processor or microchip  28  is used to scan the intake card  46  at the kiosk  100  in order to obtain the intake information regarding the item  38  being shipped. This can include general information that can be saved along with the billing information. The digital scale  22  can have any item set on it to be weighed. For example, the UID  20  can set on top of digital scale  22  to weigh item  38 . The digital scale  22  can weigh item  38  individually while on a flat surface, it can have a platform set on it deciphering that weight while allowing large items that may not fit on the rectangular/credit card sized device  46  to be weighed. 
         [0060]    The digital scale  22  can be plugged into UID  20 , or a battery could be used but not limited to these ways for device  46  to stay charged and usable. The intake card  46  is anticipated to be rectangular/credit card size, but not limited to that shape, with identification number/letters/symbols for personal identity. The scale  22  as depicted in the figure, along with the microchip, give some artificial intelligence to set billing information weight, place sent, place for delivery, and tracking etc., but not limited to these items so the user can receive a billing statement. The digital scale  22  can be made of plastic, rubber, glass, metal or a combination, but not limited by these substances for durability and identification purposes. 
         [0061]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the UID  20  may complete its intended use using an alternative set of components. In this embodiment, the scale  22  functionality is substituted for by density  48  and distance  50  calculators. The determination of the size of a package  38  for shipment includes size (or volume) and weight. These can be calculated by determining, or estimating, the dimensions of the package  38  and its density. 
         [0062]    This alternative embodiment therefore, has a UID  20  that is equipped with a length sensor  50  and a density sensor  48 . It is anticipated that the distance sensor  50  and the density sensor  48  can either take advantage of built in components of the UID  20  such as the camera  52  or speaker  54 , or the sensor could be separate from the UID  20  but connected or in communication with the UID  20 . 
         [0063]    The length sensor  50  can use the on-board camera  52  or other measuring sensor of the UID  20  to determine the unknown dimensions of the package  38 . There are many methods for determining length that are known, such as, but not limited to, using an optical sensor with a reference or using mathematical calculations, or laser distance measuring device. Software loaded in the UID  20  estimates the volume of the package  38  based upon the length sensor  50  measurements of the package  38  dimensions. Thus, for a regular, rectangular shaped package  38  the dimensions of length (L), width (W), and height (H) can be measured and the volume (V) determined using the formula V=L×W×H. Shape recognition software would enable the invention  10  to distinguish differently shaped packages  38  and the appropriate mathematical formula applied using the measured dimensions. As another example, a cylindrically shaped package  38  would have its height and diameter (d) measured and its volume calculated via the formula V=π(½d) 2 ×H. For irregularly shape packages  38 , the general shape may be recognized and the three (3) lengths in each of the X, Y, and Z axes estimated using the maximum lengths in the corresponding axes of the package, thus estimating the shipping volume of the package  38 . 
         [0064]    An average density of the package  38  as measured by the density sensor  48  would be determined. The density requires a choice of assumptions. It is unlikely that a package would be of uniform density throughout. Therefore, the density sensor  48  is likely to read multiple densities due to multiple materials in the package  38 , and the average density would be calculated taking all of the individual densities into account. Additionally, if the density sensor  48  measures density along a line, or through a portion of the package  38 , rather than over the entire volume, the average density of the volume would need to be estimated using some number of readings at varying locations of the package  38 . The number and locations of the readings would be up to the user and/or the carrier. Options for density sensors  48  could include, without limitation, emitting a sound pulse at a given hertz or an electro-magnetic pulse. If a sound pulse is used, a range of frequencies, or a selected frequency, could be used in order to measure the time it takes to reflect the sound pulse which would give the user an average density measurement. Likewise, once the dimensions and average density (here, average density is the average density throughout the package  38 ) are determined or estimated, the equation for determining mass from average density and volume−Mass=Density/Volume (m=ρ/V) can be used. Mass may be expressed in kilograms, while density is expressed in units of kilograms per cubic meter, and volume is expressed in units of cubic meters. (Each of the units may be expressed in related units. e.g. Grams instead of kilograms.) 
         [0065]    However, package  38  shipment usually deals in weight rather than mass. Mass is the amount of matter in an object no matter where it is, while weight factors the effect of gravity applied to the mass of the object. Weight is expressed in Newtons (N). Newton&#39;s second law is used to convert between weight (force) and mass: The equation for force is F=ma (force=mass×acceleration). Where, F is the force acting on the object as affected by gravity (i.e. the weight), m is the mass of the object in question, and a is the acceleration due to gravity (on Earth a is approximately 9.8 m/s 2  or 32.2 ft/s 2 ). In this context the same equation is often written as W=mg, with W standing for weight, and g for the acceleration due to gravity. 
         [0066]    Combining these equations, we can see that if volume and density are known (or determined), then weight can be calculated. 
         [0000]        m=ρ/V  and 
         [0000]        V=L×W×H  and 
         [0000]        W =mg; so 
         [0000]        W=ρ× 9.8/( L×W×H ) 
         [0067]    Again, the equation for volume may need to be substituted for an appropriate equation if a non-rectangular package  38  is being sent. 
         [0068]    Effectively, the density of the package  38  is divided by the volume of the package  38  to determine the mass of the package  38 . That mass is then multiplied by 9.8 (or whatever the acceleration due to gravity is at the location of the package  38 ) to determine the weight. 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  illustrates the application of a shipping code by the UID  20  to the package  38 , readying it for shipment. In one embodiment, the UID  20  is used to apply a machine readable marking to the package  38  or label  36  that can be affixed to the package  38 . Multiple bits of information can be included on the marking, such as dimensions and weight, as well as shipper, receiver identification and addresses. The shipper can provide labels  36  identifiable by the shipper that are specific to the user. It is anticipated that the labels  36  would also include tracking information allowing the user to follow the shipment of the package  38  using the UID  20 . Marking the label  36  or package  38  may be done using the UID  20  and an attached or integrated printer  40 . The label  36  could include non-visible coding, such as infra-red or ultra-violet, that can be up-linked to the shipper&#39;s distribution center as well as identified and read by the shipper in order to help ensure authenticity and reducing fraud by third parties, and could be reusable. The code would let the receiver know that the package  38  is on the way and identifies a verified source of the package as well as additional shipment information. 
         [0070]    Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.