Abstract:
The present invention provides a real-time, instantaneous method and system for tracking mail. The system utilizes an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device to collect information regarding a mailpiece delivered to a mail distribution facility. The device is linked via the internet to a globally accessible relational database that permanently stores and efficiently and continuously tracks the mailpiece from receipt of the mailpiece in the mail distribution facility until delivery to its final destination. The system effectively utilizes signature capture and location codes to track the mailpiece at all times until final delivery.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Number 60/910,070 filed Apr. 4, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present inventive subject matter relates to mail tracking, and more particularly relates to methods for real-time mail tracking utilizing intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing devices, unique identifier barcodes and a globally accessible relational database accessed via the internet. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    For many years, parcel delivery services such as United Parcel Service or the United States Postal Service have maintained various types of records to verify parcel deliveries. These “parcels” may include pieces of mail, packages, letters, mailpieces, and may be referred to herein as “parcel(s), package(s) or mailpiece(s).” Over the last few years, parcel delivery services have begun capturing parcel tracking information (or data) with portable electronic devices such as the Delivery Information Acquisition Device utilized by the United Parcel Service. While parcel tracking technology has steadily developed, the parcel delivery industry still suffers from certain parcel tracking deficiencies. 
         [0006]    One particular deficiency is a slow delivery of information. For example, data is typically captured (if at all) by hand-held devices that run in “batch” mode. The data is collected into the device, and the device is later connected to a computer to synchronize the data, or push the updates/changes into the application. The later synchronization results in data such as package location, delivery status, availability, etc, being temporarily inaccurate in the system because of the time lag between the collection of the data and the synchronization. 
         [0007]    Another deficiency in the industry is the ability of “workstation-based” systems to scale. Some data tracking systems, including the batching/syncing system described above, utilize one computer for all of the information tracking. The resultant drawbacks are a slowdown in data entry time, a slowdown on data access, a limitation on the number of people that can interact with the system at one time, a need for the traditionally unreliable periodic workstation backup, certain software/hardware requirements from the application vendor that may be difficult to match or continually update to stay secure, and increased cost and overhead involved with the installation, maintenance and updating of the workstation software in order to use the system. Even though some systems offer multiple workstation linking to enable more people to interact at once, but the other resultant drawbacks still apply. 
         [0008]    Yet another deficiency in the industry is that existing systems utilize inflexible, uneditable binary executable format, software applications. These software applications are typically prepackaged and are not easily or cost-effectively adjustable to the needs of the end user. 
         [0009]    Additionally, many existing systems lack a single “user login”, with the application open to all individuals with either no tracking ability, or simply one user logged in for all users. The lack of a single “user login” reduces the integrity of the data by failing to accurately capture the identity of the user that made the data entry or transaction. This is particularly true of the mobile devices used for capture. 
         [0010]    Existing parcel tracking systems do not allow the ability to track a package&#39;s location within a mail facility. Although traditionally packages might be accounted for at “transactions” such as receipt and delivery, the positions of those packages are not specifically tracked within the mail facility, which creates opportunities for package loss or package mis-deliveries within the mail facility. 
         [0011]    Existing parcel tracking systems also suffer from the inability to track typical “unmarked” (untrackable) pieces. In the industry, packages without a barcode or article number are traditionally not tracked. These unmarked packages are often lost with regular untrackable mail, or delivery is slowed tremendously. 
         [0012]    Finally, another deficiency in the existing parcel tracking industry is an inability to produce an audit trail on a package&#39;s transactions. Most paper logs, and even electronic tracking systems do not track each individual transaction as a package moves from, for example, a delivery carrier to a mail center to a storage location to delivery of the package, and in some cases transfers of the package between mail centers. Consequently, when a package is missing, misdelivered, or damaged, it is virtually impossible to determine with certainty the location of the package or determine the precise location where the mistake or damage may have occurred. 
         [0013]    In view of the limitations of products, systems and methods currently known in the art, there is a need for a real-time, efficient method and system for tracking mail. The present invention, by its novel design provides a solution in view of currently available devices and methods. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a “real-time” parcel information capture where once the information is captured, the information is immediately transmitted and updated in the application. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that utilizes the internet for interaction, and all parcel tracking information is stored on a globally accessible, central, redundant server. This allows for scaling the number of access points from one-to-many, which instantaneously speeds up data entry and access time and increases the number of users accessing the system at one time. A globally accessible, central, redundant server allows for offsite automatic system backups, which meets backup/disaster recover/business continuity requirements. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that utilizes simple hardware and software requirements. The hardware and software requirements of the present invention are fundamentally simple, which entail a web browser and an Internet connection with web access (preferably port  80 ). 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that is efficient and easy to maintain. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that allows flexibility in the installation and maintenance of the system. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that tracks and links user identity with entered information. 
         [0020]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that instantly tracks and determines the location of a package. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that provides identification means for unmarked packages. 
         [0022]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that records and permanently stores all entered information. 
         [0023]    In satisfaction of these and other related objectives, the present invention provides such a method and system for tracking mail. 
         [0024]    The present invention provides for real-time tracking of a marked or unmarked mailpiece following the delivery of a mailpiece to a mail distribution facility. Following receipt of the mailpiece, a mail technician operates an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device and logs into a mail tracking application. The mail tracking application links via the internet to a globally accessible relational database. The mail technician scans and enters mailpiece tracking information into the device, where, once linked, the relational database collects and permanently stores the tracking information, providing real-time, instantaneous, continuous, accurate tracking of the mailpiece for a variety of users. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0025]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of the overall system of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is an illustration depicting the sequence of steps for processing and tracking a mailpiece shown within the diagram in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  is a front plan view of an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device utilized within the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of steps for accessing the mail tracking database; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is an illustration depicting the sequence of steps for the mail tracking application to wirelessly connect to the mail tracking database shown within the diagram in  FIG. 3B . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is an illustration depicting the sequence of steps for the mail tracking application to connect by cable to the mail tracking database shown within the diagram in  FIG. 3B . 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a block diagram with accompanying illustration depicting the steps for processing a marked mailpiece. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a block diagram with accompanying illustration depicting the steps for processing an unmarked mailpiece. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram with accompanying illustration depicting the steps for a mail technician to enter additional information into the mail tracking database. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram with accompanying illustration depicting the steps for creating and affixing a unique barcode to a mailpiece. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a block diagram with accompanying illustration depicting the steps for a mail technician to distribute a trackable mailpiece to a recipient or locator code. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is a block diagram depicting the steps for distributing a trackable mailpiece. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates the sequence of steps executed in order for one or more items received from a mail delivery service or a parcel delivery service or an organization to be instantaneously tracked in real-time until delivery of those items.  FIG. 1  shows an overview of a method for tracking mail  100  embodying the present invention in flowchart form, while  FIGS. 2-8B  show more details regarding the sequence of steps involved. 
         [0039]    In order to implement this sequence of steps, a piece of mail, a package, a parcel, or a mailpiece, hereinafter collectively referred to as a “mailpiece”, is delivered to a mail distribution facility  110 . This can occur when an employee of a parcel delivery service  120 , as shown on  FIG. 1 , delivers a mailpiece  140  to a mail distribution facility  110 . Additionally, from time to time, the delivery of a mailpiece  150  is necessary internally within an organization  160  when the mailpiece  150  never enters the “mail stream”, and thus makes the mailpiece  150  difficult to track within the organization. Employees within the organization  160  can also deliver the mailpiece  150  to the mail distribution facility  110 .  FIG. 1  shows the delivery of the mailpiece  140  from the parcel delivery service  120  and the delivery of the mailpiece  150  from the organization  160 . 
         [0040]    As shown on  FIG. 1 , whether received from the parcel delivery service  120  or the organization  160 , a mailpiece  170  comprises one item received into the mail distribution facility  110 . The mailpiece  170  will typically arrive bearing some information, including the intended recipient&#39;s name, the intended recipient&#39;s location, postage delivery charges and other information. As shown on  FIG. 2 , in some instances, a mailpiece will bear a barcode  172  containing information for the processing and tracking of the mailpiece, such mailpiece hereinafter referred to as a “marked” mailpiece  180 . “Marked” mailpieces can include registered, express, certified or overnight items using barcodes from parcel delivery carriers such as Fedex, UPS, United States Postal Service, and DHL. In other instances, a mailpiece will arrive unmarked with any barcode identifier, hereinafter referred to as an “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , which can sometimes occur with first class mail, priority mail or mail items delivered within an organization. 
         [0041]    An employee at the mail distribution facility  110 , hereinafter referred to as the “mail technician,” operates an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device  200  of the type known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), as shown in  FIG. 3A . The PDA  200  includes a touchsensitive data entry and a display screen  210  capable of capturing handwriting, hereinafter referred to as a “PDA screen”, a means for scanning and reading barcodes  220 , hereinafter referred to as a “barcode reader”, a stylus  230  for inputing data onto the touchsensitive screen  210 , and a pre-installed web-based mail tracking software application, the application which is hereinafter referred to as the “mail tracking application”. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , in steps for accessing a mail tracking database, the mail technician accesses a globally accessible relational database  300 , hereinafter referred to as the “mail tracking database”, in a first step  410 , by first manually logging into the mail tracking application included on the PDA  200 . In a second step  421 , the mail technician logs into the mail tracking application by inputting an identification number  420  and, in a third step  431 , a password  430  into the PDA  200  and, in a fourth step  441 , pressing the “Login” button  440  on the PDA screen  210 . In a fifth step  450 , the mail tracking application links to the mail tracking database  300  by utilizing those steps outlined below and shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . A correct entry of login information enables the mail technician constant access to the mail tracking database  300  until such time that the mail technician logs out of the mail tracking application or the connection is disrupted. It is important to note that to maintain the integrity of the system, any information entered into the mail tracking database  300  cannot be altered, changed, or deleted. 
         [0043]    Prior to and in preparation for receiving the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , the mail technician activates the mail tracking application on the PDA  200  as set forth above and links to the mail tracking database  300  as set forth herein. The PDA  200  may be wireless or connected by a cable or other known means to a computer  250 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the mail tracking application Tirelessly links through a wireless interface  260 , which transmits a signal, through the internet  270  to an internet connected application/database server  280 , through an MVC frameworked web application  290  and into the mail tracking database  300 . If the PDA  200  is connected by a cable or other known means to the computer  250  as shown in  FIG. 4B , the mail tracking application bypasses the wireless interface  260  and is linked to the internet  270 . The mail tracking application is then linked through the internet connected application/database server  280  to an MVC frameworked web application  290  and subsequently to the mail tracking database. The mail tracking database  300  collects, stores and disseminates tracking information regarding the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the data flow to the mail tracking database  300  is accomplished through a user&#39;s access of the internet  270 , which data flow is then linked through the internet connected application/database server  280  to the MVC frameworked web application  290  and then into the mail tracking database  300 . Those skilled in the art will also understand that the data flow from the mail tracking database  300  is accomplished in the reverse order of that described for data flow to the mail tracking database  300 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a series of steps commencing when, in a first step  502 , the mail technician receives a “marked” mailpiece  180 . In a second step  503 , the mail technician operates the PDA  200  to check in the items by activating an operator menu option on the PDA  200  to “Check In Parcels”  510 . In a third step  504 , a button  520  is depressed on the PDA  200  to activate the barcode reader  220  of the PDA  200 . In a fourth step  505 , the barcode reader  220  scans the barcode  172  and, in a fifth step  506 , receives a signal containing the contents of the barcode  172 . In a sixth step  507 , the mail technician accounts for the mailpieces received (the “accounting information”), the deliverer&#39;s signature is collected (the “signature”) and the PDA  200  collects the parcel tracking information collected from the barcode, as well as the accounting information and the signature, which, in a seventh step  508 , are all instantaneously transmitted via the wireless interface  260  or the computer  250 , over the internet  270  and into the mail tracking database  300 , where it is stored. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a series of steps commencing when, in a first step  521 , the mail technician receives an “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . In a second step  522 , the mail technician operates the PDA  200  to check in the items by activating an operator menu option on the PDA  200  to “Check In Parcels”  510 . In a third step  523 , the mail technician affixes a label bearing an identifier barcode  174  to the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . In a fourth step  524 , the mail technician depresses the button  520  on the PDA  200  to activate the barcode reader  220  of the PDA  200 . In a fifth step  525 , the barcode reader  220  scans the identifier barcode  174  and in a sixth step  526 , receives a signal containing the contents of the identifier barcode  174 . In a seventh step  527 , the PDA  200  collects the parcel tracking information collected from the barcode, which, in an eighth step  528 , is instantaneously transmitted via the wireless interface  260  or the computer  250 , over the internet  270  and into the mail tracking database  300 , where it is stored. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows the next steps in the method for tracking mail  100 , which apply to a “marked” mailpiece  180  or an “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . After transmitting the information for the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in a first step  610 , the mail technician utilizes the computer  250  located at the mail distribution facility  110  that is additionally linked to the internet  270  and to the mail tracking database  300  to enter additional information regarding the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . The additional information may include the identity of the parcel delivery service, the type of mailpiece received, the date of receipt, the time of receipt, the identity of the sender, the identity of the recipient, any relevant internal organizational department information, the email address of the sender and the email address of the recipient. Following the manual entry of the additional information relating to the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , in a second step  620 , the additional information is instantly transmitted via the internet  270  and then into the mail tracking database  300 , where, in a third step  630 , it is stored, associated and could be consolidated with the prior transmitted data related to the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , if such prior transmitted data had been sent. 
         [0047]    As shown on  FIG. 7 , in a first step  651 , the mail tracking database  300  consolidates the tracking information related to the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190  and generates a unique barcode  600 , which is preferably a 3 of 9 barcode or a 2D data matrix barcode, enabling continued tracking of the mailpiece. The unique barcode  600  allows for the tracking of additional information regarding the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . In a second step  652 , the unique barcode  600  is transmitted from the mail tracking database  300  back to the computer  250 , which is connected to a printer  252 . In a third step  653 , the computer  250  generates a printed receipt  660  including the unique barcode  600 . In a fourth step  654 , the mail technician attaches the printed receipt  660  to the “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190 , which allows for continued tracking of the “marked” mailpiece  180  or tracking of the previously untrackable “unmarked” mailpiece  190 . The “marked” mailpiece  180  or the “unmarked” mailpiece  190  now become constantly trackable with the affixed unique barcode  600  and will be referred to hereafter as a “trackable mailpiece”  670 . In a fifth step  655 , when the printed receipt  660  is generated and if the email information is available, an email notification  680  can be instantly sent to the recipient and the sender. A printed receipt  660  may also be generated to notify the recipient of the arrival of the trackable mailpiece  670 , and the receipt  610  can be placed within recipient&#39;s physical mailbox. The mail technician then scans a pre-marked location identifying code (the “location code”) located on a bar code in a pre-determined location in the mail distribution facility  110  with the PDA  200  and the trackable mailpiece  670  is stored at the pre-determined location in the mail distribution facility  110 . The location code information can be tracked by the mail tracking database  300  by the steps as set forth in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  shows distribution of the trackable mailpiece  670  from the mail distribution facility  110 . Distribution can occur by (1) the mail technician physically delivering the trackable mailpiece  670  to the intended recipient of the trackable mailpiece  670 , (2) the mail technician physically delivering the trackable mailpiece  670  to a specific location code or (3) by a delivery driver distributing the trackable mailpiece  670  to a recipient of the trackable mailpiece  670 . 
         [0049]    As shown on  FIG. 8 , in the first step  701 , if the mail technician is physically distributing the trackable mailpiece  670  to the recipient of the trackable mailpiece  670 , the mail technician locates the trackable mailpiece  620  within the mail distribution facility  110 , in a second step  702 , selects “Deliver Parcels”  512  in the operator menu  500  of the mail tracking application on the PDA  200 , in a third step  703 , scans and captures the unique barcode  600  located on the printed receipt  610  attached to the trackable mailpiece  620  or scans and captures the barcode  172  or scans and captures the identifier barcode  174  with the barcode reader  220  of the PDA  200 , and in a fourth step  704 , captures the recipient&#39;s signature  770  on the PDA screen  210 . In a fifth step  705 , the recipient presses the “Done” button  518  on the signature screen  210 . At the recipient&#39;s press of the “Done” button  518 , in a sixth step  706 , the signature  770  and the unique barcode  600  or the barcode  172  or the identifier barcode  174  containing the tracking information are instantly transmitted via the wireless interface  260  or the computer  250 , via the internet  270 , and subsequently into the mail tracking database  300 , where the information is stored for future reference. It is important to note that at any time after the initial information is transmitted into the mail tracking database  300 , interested persons may instantly access the mail tracking database  300  using any computer via the internet  270  to determine parcel tracking information by inputting a specific web address and a password. 
         [0050]    If the mail technician physically delivers the trackable mailpiece  670  to a specific location code, the mail technician, as opposed to the recipient, would sign on the PDA screen  210  when the trackable mailpiece  670  is delivered to the specific location code. Other related steps would be the same as described when the mail technician physically delivers the mailpiece to the recipient and are incorporated herein. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , in a first step  810 , if the mail technician distributes the trackable mailpiece  670  to a delivery driver  700 , the mail technician locates the trackable mailpiece  670  within the mail distribution facility  110 , in a second step  820 , selects “Check-Out Parcels”  514  in the operator menu of the mail tracking application on the PDA  200 , in a third step  830 , scans and captures the unique barcode  600  located on the printed receipt  660  or scans and captures the barcode  172  or scans and captures the identifier barcode with the barcode reader  220 , and in a fourth step  840 , captures the delivery driver&#39;s signature  775  on the PDA screen  210  with the stylus  230 . In a fifth step  850 , the delivery driver presses the “Done” button  518  on the PDA screen  210 . In a sixth step  860 , at the delivery driver&#39;s press of the “Done” button  518 , the signature  775  and unique barcode  600  containing the tracking information or the barcode  172  or the identifier barcode  174  are instantly transmitted via the wireless interface  260  or the computer  250 , via the internet  270 , and into the mail tracking database  300 , where the information is stored for future reference. 
         [0052]    Upon distribution of the trackable mailpiece  670  by the delivery driver to the recipient, in a seventh step  870 , the delivery driver selects “Deliver Parcels”  512  in the operator menu of the mail tracking application on the PDA  200 , in an eighth step  880 , scans and captures the unique barcode  600  located on the printed receipt  610  or scans and captures the barcode  172  or scans and captures the identifier barcode  174  with the PDA barcode reader  220 , and in a ninth step  890 , captures the recipient&#39;s signature  770  on the PDA screen  210  with the stylus  230 . In a tenth step  900 , the recipient or the delivery driver can press the “Done” button  518  on the screen  210 . In an eleventh step and at the press of the “Done” button  518 , the signature  770  and the scanned and captured unique barcode  600  or the scanned and captured barcode  172  or the scanned and captured identifier barcode  174  containing the tracking information are instantly transmitted via the wireless interface  260  or the computer  250 , via the internet  270 , and into the mail tracking database  300 , where the information is stored for future reference. 
         [0053]    Information can be transmitted to the mail tracking database  300  for consolidation with similar information from other PDAs. The mail tracking database  300 , which has been shown to be globally web-accessible, can be used for tracking, display of signatures, and data back up. At any time following initial data entry, information can be viewed, downloaded and printed, using a computer in any location, from the mail tracking database  300 . 
         [0054]    Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. They merely provide illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. It will further be understood that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of the parts and parameters which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.