Abstract:
The present invention features systems, methods and devices for exchanging data such as in a direct store delivery type of environment and more particularly such systems, methods and devices that utilize wireless or non-wireless communication techniques. In further embodiments, such systems, methods and devices, further include providing the capability of printing the transaction that can be used for proof of delivery. The present more particularly features a data transfer and communications device that provides an interface between a second device disposed at the point of delivery and a first device used by the delivery driver. In further embodiments, such a communications device is further configured and arranged so as to include a mechanism for printing the transaction for proof of delivery.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/447,609 filed Feb. 13, 2003, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to systems, methods and devices for data exchange, more particularly systems, methods and devices for data exchange in a direct store delivery type of environment and more specifically to systems, methods and devices for data exchange in a direct store delivery type of environment that utilize one of wireless or non-wireless communication techniques.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) type of environment, such as, but not limited to beverage, bakery and snack goods, the goods typically are delivered to the retailer or other receiver by a delivery person, and unloaded at the delivery site. In conjunction with the delivery and unloading, information regarding the goods being delivered needs to be transferred to the recipient as well as the delivery person receiving an acknowledgement in the form of a receipt for example, of the goods that were delivered. There has been created a Wireless Data Exchange/Uniform Communications Standard (DEX/UCS), that defines a standard to transfer product information between a retailers and/or vending computer system and a delivery driver&#39;s Handheld computer or Data Collector at the point of delivery. More specifically, DEX/UCS is typically used for the companies that do DSD (Direct Store Delivery) such as, but not limited to beverage, bakery and snack goods.  
         [0004]     In such cases, the delivery person uses a handheld computer to input sales delivery, returns, cash receipts, expenses and inventory transactions at the customers&#39; locations or the point of delivery (e.g., customer&#39;s warehouse). This method of computerized delivery and data transfer provides the benefit of faster back door check-ins, reconciliation&#39;s, returns, error reduction, acceptance, detailed cash receipts and adjustments. Such techniques, however, are necessarily limited by the physical constraints imposed by methodologies and equipment presently being used.  
         [0005]     For example, a retailer must provide a resident computer at the docking door or in-store locations so as to accept the delivery drivers&#39; handheld computer&#39;s DEX/UCS data transfer. This is very costly, time consuming with high maintenance requirements. In addition, the delivery drivers also may not have a means for printing the transaction (i.e., proof of delivery) so that the retailers&#39; personnel can validate the delivery at such locations.  
         [0006]     It thus would be desirable to provide devices, systems and methods that further enhance the DEX/UCS process by removing the physical restrictions of the data transfer between a delivery persons&#39; handheld computer and the retailer and/or vending companies computer systems. Such devices and systems and methods are such that the people having the same skill sets as those presently delivering and receiving such goods can use them.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention features systems and devices for data exchange for exchanging data in a direct store delivery type of environment and more particularly specifically to such systems and methods for data exchange in a direct store delivery type of environment that utilize one of wireless or non-wireless communication techniques. Also featured are devices that embody the methodology for such data exchanges, more particularly data exchanges using wireless or non-wireless communications techniques. In further embodiments, such systems, methods and devices, further include providing the capability of printing the transaction that can be used for proof of delivery.  
         [0008]     The present invention more particularly features a data transfer and communications device that provides an interface between the computer system at the point of delivery and the delivery driver&#39;s handheld computer. Such a communications device thus can supplant the typical need for the so-called back-door and/or in-store computer that is dedicated or provided to accept such transactions and data transfers. In further embodiments, such a communications device is further configured and arranged so as to include a mechanism for printing the transaction for proof of delivery, preferably responsive to instructions from the retailer&#39;s or recipient&#39;s computer system following the computer systems receipt of the data transferred from the delivery driver&#39;s handheld computer.  
         [0009]     In more particular embodiments, the data transfer and communications device is configured and arranged so to be able to accept a DEX/UCS data transfer from the delivery driver&#39;s handheld computer and then to communicate or transmit the DEX/UCS delivery information to the retailer&#39;s or recipient&#39;s computer system using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited, to those techniques embodying wireless (e.g., IR or RF), and non-wireless (e.g., optical cable and twisted strand wire) communications techniques. In particularly preferred embodiments, such delivery information is communicated or transmitted wirelessly using, but not limited to, standard (802.11, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11a) radio frequency technology. In further embodiments, the retailer or the retailer&#39;s computer system, immediately processes the received delivery information, processes the transaction and then sends a command or instruction along with the appropriate information to the data transfer and communication device so as to thereby cause the data transfer and communication device to print a receipt as proof of delivery for the delivery driver. In further embodiments, the data transfer and communication device is configured and arranged so as to be responsive to commands and instructions communicated from the delivery driver&#39;s handheld computer so the delivery driver has the ability to print directly to the data transfer and communication device  
         [0010]     The present invention advantageously provides multiple benefits that is more portable, cost effective, removes typical physical limitations, easier to maintain, provides printable proof of delivery receipts, transmits information wirelessly for immediate processing.  
         [0011]     In specific embodiments, the data transfer and communication device of the present invention includes a processor, an applications or software program for execution on the processor; a first communications device and a second communications device. The first communication device is operably coupled to the processor and is configured and arranged for communication with a first device, where the first device contains one of data or information for transfer to a second device. The second communication device is operably coupled to the processor and is configured to communicate with the second device, more particularly to communicate with the second device using radio frequency technology.  
         [0012]     The applications/software program includes instructions and criteria for controlling operation of the data transfer and communication device and the functionalities thereof, including controlling communications between the processor and the first and second device. In exemplary embodiments, the first device is the delivery driver&#39;s handheld computer and the second device is the computer system of the retailer or the recipient of the delivered goods. More particularly, the applications/software program includes instructions and criteria for controlling communications between the first device and the processor including the transmission of the one of data and information from the first device to the processor, and controlling wireless communications between and among the processor and the second device including wireless transmission of said received one of data and information to the second device.  
         [0013]     In a further embodiment, the first communication device is configured and arranged so as to establish one of wireless or non-wireless communications between the first device and the wireless printer. The instructions and criteria for controlling communications with the first device further includes instructions and criteria appropriate for the particular communications technique.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, the data transfer and communications device includes a printer and the applications/software program further includes instructions and criteria for receiving input from the second device and for automatically printing a hard copy record of the input received from the second device. In further embodiments, the applications/software program further includes instructions and criteria for receiving other input from the first device via the first communication device and for printing a hard copy record of the input from the first device.  
         [0015]     In further embodiments, the first device is a hand held computer and the second device is a computer of a retailer, wherein the one of data and information from the first device includes one of sales delivery, returns, cash receipts, expenses, inventory and inventory transactions and wherein the input from the second device includes a receipt for proof of delivery.  
         [0016]     In yet another embodiment, the first communication device includes an RS-232 port and cable for interconnecting the first device and the first communications device. In further embodiments, the first communication device is configured and arrange so as to includes a transmitter or transceiver embodying one of IEEE 802.11, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11a transmission standards.  
         [0017]     Also featured is a product delivery (e.g., to a retailer) and data transfer method for delivery of product and transferring data related thereto to a computer system. Such a method includes providing an interface device (e.g., a data transfer and communication device) that includes a processor; a first communication device operably coupled to the processor and a second communication device being operably coupled to the processor, coupling a first device operated by a delivery person to the first communication device; and coupling a second device to the second communication device of the wireless interface device using an RF technique. In particular embodiments, the first communication device is coupled to the first device using one of a wireless or non-wireless technique and the second device is coupled to the second communication device using a wireless technique, more specifically an RF technique. Such a method further includes transmitting delivery information representative of a delivery transaction from the first device to the processor; and transmitting the received delivery information representative of a delivery transaction from the processor to the computer system.  
         [0018]     In further embodiments, such a product delivery and data transfer method, further includes processing the received delivery information representative of the delivery transaction in the computer system and transmitting information of proof of delivery from the computer system to the interface device. In addition such methods further includes transmitting the proof of delivery information to the first device from the wireless interface device  
         [0019]     In another embodiment, the provided interface device further includes a printer and the product delivery and data transfer method of the present invention further includes printing a receipt from the interface device printer as proof of delivery of the product.  
         [0020]     In yet another embodiment, the second communication device is operably coupled to a network and the second device also is operably coupled to the network such that communications between the second communication device and the second device are done through the network. In further embodiments the first communication device and the first device are configured and arranged so as to be coupled to and to communicate via the network. In particular embodiments the second communication device is operably coupled to the second device via a wireless access device of the network.  
         [0021]     Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0022]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary illustrative embodiment of a data transfer and communication system of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram view of a data transfer and communication device of the present invention; and  
         [0025]     FIGS.  3 A,B is a flow diagram illustrating a delivery and data transfer method according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]     Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in  FIG. 1 a  perspective that of an exemplary illustrative embodiment of a data transfer and communication system  10  of the present invention. It is recognized that those skilled in the art based on the teaching of the present invention, can adapt the present invention so as to be useable with any of a number of communications techniques and devices know to those skilled in the art. It also is contemplated that devices known to those skilled in the art, such as for example, mobile wireless printers, can be adapted using the teachings of the present invention so such mobile wireless printers can emulate the characteristics of the data transfer and communication device  60  or interface device of the present invention. There is shown in  FIG. 2 , a schematic block diagram of an exemplary data transfer and communications device  60   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]     In more particular embodiments, the data transfer and communication system  10  of the present invention includes a data transfer and communication device  60  and the communication links or mechanisms (e.g., cables) between the first device  40 , e.g., a Handheld Delivery Computer, and the second device  20 , for example a computer system of the retailer or the recipient of the goods (e.g., warehouse). In the illustrated embodiment, the first device  40  is coupled to the data transfer communication device  60  by a cable  50  that is coupled to a port  106  of the data communication and transfer device. In alternative embodiments, the first device  40  includes a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11b, g or a) that couples or connects the first device to a corresponding wireless connection of the data transfer and communication device  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the data transfer and communication device  60  connects to a wireless infrastructure  70  as is known to those skilled in the art that in turn is in communication with a wireless access point  30 . The wireless access point  30  is any of a number of devices or apparatuses known to those in the art which embody a wireless communications techniques and which is connectable to another device or to a network  80 . The wireless access point  30  is operably coupled to computer system  20  via a connection or network  80  so as to allow communications to occur between the computer system and the data transfer and communication device  60 .  
         [0028]     The handheld computer comprising the first device  40  or the computer system comprising the second device  20 , are each configured and arranged so as to use the printer  61  of the data transfer and communication device  60 . In this way, the handheld computer or computer system can use the printing function of the data transfer and communication device  60  for many functions such as receipts for proof of delivery, pricing, labels and returns. Also, the computer system  20  has the ability, but not limited to printing via the wireless access point  30  and wireless infrastructure  70  to the data transfer and communication device  60 . The delivery persons&#39; handheld computer also has the ability, but not limited to transmitting the DEX/UCS data over the connection cable  50  to the data transfer and communication device  60  and using the data transfer and communication device to print out from the printer  61  there from.  
         [0029]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a schematic block diagram of a data transfer and communication device  60   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a processor  100  or central processing unit that includes one or more micro-processors such as those manufactured by Intel or AMD and random access memory (RAM)  102 , a memory unit  104 , a printer  61  or printing unit, a first communication device  110   a  and a second communication device  110   b , an I/O port  106 , and an operating system and/or one or more applications/software programs for execution on the central processing unit. The processor  100  including the RAM  102  and micro-processor are any one of a number of processors, RAM modules and microprocessors known in the art that are appropriate for the intended use. The one or more software applications or programs for execution on the microprocessor are generally provided to otherwise carry out the control, data acquisition and data transmission functions of the data transfer and communication device  60   a  as herein described (see also FIGS.  3 A,B).  
         [0030]     The memory unit  104  is any of a number of devices or modules known those skilled in the art for non-volatile storing of information, more particularly any of a number of mediums, devices or modules known to those skilled in the art where data or information remains stored in the medium after power is withdrawn and where data can be removed or erased there from without requiring the replacement of the medium. Such devices include but are not limited to non-volatile storage mediums include flash or spindle types of memory including for example flash memory, nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), EEPROM, a hard disk, optical media, and magneto-optical media.  
         [0031]     In a particular embodiments, the memory unit  104  is provided for purposes of booting and storing the operating system, storing applications or systems that are to be executed on the computer, paging and swapping between the memory unit and the RAM  102  and the like. In further embodiments, the memory unit  104  also is used for temporary storage of the data and/or information being communicated to/from the data transfer and communications device and the second device  20  or computer system.  
         [0032]     The printer  61  is any of a number of devices or units as is known to those skilled in the art that can be used to print a label, delivery receipt and the like. The printer  61  is operably coupled to the processor  100  using any of a number of I/O techniques known to those skilled in the art so as to allow the processor to initiate and control the print function.  
         [0033]     The first and second communication devices  110   a,b  are any of a number of devices known to those skilled in the art for establishing a communications link between systems and/or devices external to the data transfer and communication device  60   a  using any of a number or wireless (RF or IR) or non-wireless (optical, non-optical) communication techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, the first communication device  110   a  and the second communication device  110   b  are shown as being capable of RF wireless communications with the external device(s). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , however, the data transfer and communication device  60  is configured so that the first communication device  110   a  communicates with the first device  40  using non-wireless communication techniques via a port  106 .  
         [0034]     In  FIG. 2 , the dotted lines from the port  106  to each of the first and second communication devices  110   a,b  illustrate a non-wireless connection. As is known to those skilled in the art, there are a number of techniques and/or standards that are utilized for the non-wireless transmission of digitized data, one technique involves the use of an RS232 port, another involves the use of a network connection (e.g., CAT-5 capable), another technique involves the use of what is commonly referred to as a universal serial bus (USB) more particularly as USB 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1, and another embodies IEEE standard 1394, commonly referred to as Firewire. It is within the scope of the present invention to configure the port  106  so as embody any of these communications techniques as well as configuring the first communication device  110   a  to support such communications. It also is within the scope of the present invention for a plurality or more of ports  106  to be provided to support different non-wireless communication standards as well as configuring the first communication device  110   a  to support such communications.  
         [0035]     In the case where communications with the data transfer and communication device  60   a  are to be conducted wirelessly, then the each of the respective first and second communication devices  110   a,b  includes a transceiver that is connected to an antenna  112  and a signal converter. The antenna  112  is any of a number of types and/or shapes of antennas (e.g., loop type) that is appropriate for the intended use and the type of transceiver. The transceiver is any of a number of devices known to those skilled in the art for wireless transmission including wireless network transmission systems or techniques. An exemplary wireless network technique includes those systems embodying a transceiver or transmitter complying with IEEE-802.11 sometimes referred to as Bluetooth chip. In each case, the transceiver is configured and arranged so as to establish a communications link between the respective communication device  110   a,b  and a remote receiver or transceiver or the infrastructure of a wireless network.  
         [0036]     The converter is provided for configuring the digitized data, into the appropriate form for transmission and typically includes a general purpose microprocessor, RAM and one or more software applications or programs for carrying out the conversion. In addition to the conversion functionalities, the converter also can include encryption functionalities, whereby the digitized data is encrypted using any of a number of encryption techniques known to those skilled in the art. It should be recognized that it is within the scope of the present invention for such software applications or programs associated with the converter to be executed on the microprocessor  100  and thus eliminate the need for a separate component.  
         [0037]     Referring now to FIGS.  3 A,B there is shown a flow diagram illustrating a product delivery and data transfer methodology of the present invention. Reference shall be made to the foregoing discussion regarding  FIGS. 1-2  for details regarding the features of the data transfer and communication system  10  and the data transfer and communication device  60 ,  60   a  of the present invention not otherwise shown in FIGS.  3 A,B. or provided below  
         [0038]     The data transfer and communication system  10  is established by providing a data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   b  as herein described that includes a first communication device  110   a  operably coupled to the processor  100  and a second communication device  110   b  also being operably coupled to the processor, STEP  200 . Also, the second communication device  110   b  is operably coupled using the appropriate techniques and equipment to the communications network  70 , and so as to thus operably couple the data transfer and communication device to the second device  20 , which in the illustrated embodiment is the computer system of the retailer of the recipient of the goods, STEP  202 . For example, the goods can be shipped to a distributor who warehouses the goods for subsequent delivery to their customers.  
         [0039]     After establishing the communications links between the data transfer and communication device  60 ,  60   a  and the second device  20 , the method awaits the delivery of the goods, STEP  204  (NO, STEP  204 ). When the goods are received thus representing a delivery to the point of delivery (YES, STEP  204 ), then the delivery person (e.g., delivery driver) operably couples the first device  40 , such as a handheld computer that is programmed with the information and data relating to the goods or product being delivered, to the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a , STEP  202 . More specifically, the delivery person operably couples the first device  20  to the first communication device  110   b  using one of a wireless or non-wireless technique (e.g., interconnect a cable  50  between the first device  40  and the I/O port  106 ).  
         [0040]     After the communications link is established between the first device  40  and the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a , the delivery person initiates the process by which the delivery information is transmitted from the first device  40  to the data transfer and communication device, STEP  208 . More particularly, the data is transmitted via the first communication device  110   a  to the processor  100 .  
         [0041]     In further embodiments, and following such data transmission or alternatively concurrently with such data transmission, the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a  transmits the received data/information to the second device  20 , the computer system, STEP  210 . More particularly, the data is transmitted to the second device  20  via the second communication device  110   b , the wireless network,  70 , the wireless access point  30  and the network  80  or connection interconnecting the second device and the wireless access point.  
         [0042]     After receiving such data/information the second device  20 , the computer system, processes the received delivery information that is representative of the delivery transaction, STEP  212 . The second device  20 , the computer system, then transmits information representative of proof of delivery from the computer system to the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a , STEP  214 . More particularly, the data is transmitted from the second device  20  via the second communication device  110   b , the wireless network,  70 , the wireless access point  30  and the network  80  or connection interconnecting the second device and the wireless access point.  
         [0043]     In further embodiments, and following receipt of such proof of delivery information, the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a , more particularly the processor  100 , determines if a receipt of proof of delivery should be printed or if the proof of delivery information should be transmitted to the first device, the handhled computer of the delivery person, STEP  216 . If a receipt is to be printed (YES, STEP  216 ) then the processor  100  implements a print function for the printer  61  and thus causes the proof of delivery receipt to be printed out, STEP  220 . If a receipt is to not be printed (NO, STEP  216 ) then the processor  100  control the first communication device  110   a  so the proof of delivery information is transmitted/communicated via the communication link to the first device, STEP  220 .  
         [0044]     In further embodiments, and as indicated herein, the delivery person after coupling the first device, the handheld computer, to the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a , can issue instructions to the data transfer and communication device so as to cause a receipt to be printed out locally by the data transfer and communication device.  
         [0045]     When the delivery person has completed all actions involved with the delivery of the goods and obtaining the proof of delivery receipts or information, the delivery person disconnects or decouples the first device  40  from the data transfer and communication device  60 , 60   a . For example, the delivery person unplugs the interconnecting cable from the port  106  or logs off the network. Thereafter, the process returns to awaiting the delivery of goods, STEP  204 .  
         [0046]     Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.  
         [heading-0047]     Incorporation by Reference  
         [0048]     All patents, published patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties by reference.  
         [heading-0049]     Equivalents  
         [0050]     Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.