Abstract:
A device, system and method for the collection and management of point of delivery/sale information. A device is described that combines transaction data and a captured signature into the same file or data packet for storage in a database. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to record point of sale/delivery data, associate the recorded point of sale/delivery data with relevant transaction data, save the point of sale/delivery data and the transaction data into the same file, and store the image file in a database for later retrieval.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This U.S. Utility Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/912,017, which was filed Apr. 16, 2007. The contents of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Transaction and shipping information has historically been stored in the form of paper receipts. Over the years, various types of software and equipment have been developed that provide for the electronic acquisition, transmission, and storage of such information. The data capture processes of the prior art collect various sets of information and store such sets of information in separate files or data packets. For example, information manually entered into a keyboard is stored in one file or data packet and an electronic signature captured by a signature capture device is stored in another file or data packet. Therefore, several files and/or data packets often must be independently transferred when the collected information is transmitted to a central database for storage. Because the related files and/or data packets must be independently transferred, the possibility exists that the files may be disassociated from each other, saved incorrectly, lost, or even misused. Accordingly, with the data capture processes of the prior art, there is no guarantee that a person&#39;s electronic signature will be associated with the correct transaction information. 
         [0003]    Companies in the tire industry specifically can relate to this problem because the nature of their industry requires delivery personnel to make large deliveries to multiple clients each day. It is imperative that the deliveries and corresponding records of delivery acceptance are accurate because if they are incorrect, customers may object to paying for such deliveries. Accordingly, the delivery person typically collects signed receipts from each customer evidencing the customer&#39;s acceptance of the shipment. After a day of deliveries, it is not uncommon for the delivery person to have acquired a large number of signed delivery receipts. Therefore, if the company utilizes a paper-based system, there are multiple signed paper receipts to be filed at the end of each day, assuming all of the signed receipts reach the office and are not lost along the way. 
         [0004]    While the data capture processes of the prior art have helped to alleviate the amount of paper work required, they have not completely solved the problem with file management. This is because even if a tire company utilizes a data capture process of the prior art to collect electronic signatures, such signatures are independent of the delivery/sale documentation. Even employing such data capture processes of the prior art, it remains necessary to sort through the day&#39;s deliveries to match each of the electronic signatures with the corresponding delivery/sale information. As expected, it is not uncommon for the electronic signatures to be unidentifiable, disassociated from the related delivery information, or lost altogether because the captured signature and shipment information are stored in separate files. Therefore, it would be desirable for a data capture terminal to be able to combine transaction data and a captured signature into the same file or data packet, so that the single file or data packet containing all of the collected data from the point of delivery/sale can be stored in a database. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a data capture device; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the components housed within the data capture device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of an embodiment of further components housed within the data capture device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4   a  shows a side view of an optional embodiment of a data capture device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4   b  shows a perspective view of an optional embodiment of a data capture device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for collecting and storing transaction data and a signature; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for collecting and storing transaction data and a signature; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  shows a representation of one embodiment of an image file produced by the method and system shown in of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0013]    Devices, systems and methods are provided for the collection and management of point of sale/delivery information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a processor capable of executing a software program, a memory device coupled with the processor and capable of storing data, and at least one input device coupled with the processor and capable of receiving and transmitting data. Further, in this embodiment, the processor and the memory device are contained within a housing and the processor is capable of executing the software program to overlay a second set of data over a first set of data, which thereby combines the first set of data and the second set of data into a single file. The at least one input device may further comprise a keypad, a signature capture device, a scanner, a camera, a microphone, a global positioning system unit, a telephone, or any combination of the aforementioned. Such input devices may be located within the housing, external to the device, or certain components of a single input device may be located within the housing while other components of the input device may be positioned externally of the housing. 
         [0014]    The device may further comprise a wireless device for transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In these embodiments, the wireless device may be coupled with the processor and the processor may control the transmission of data to and from the wireless device. Non-limiting examples of such wireless devices may include an Ethernet card, a radio transmitter, and a Wi-Fi card. 
         [0015]    In additional embodiments, a device further comprises a display screen that is electronically coupled with the processor and capable of providing a visual indication of the data. The display screen may comprise a liquid crystal display and may be used to display the first set of data and the second set of data thereon. Further, in at least one embodiment, the display screen further comprises a signature capture input device that is capable of receiving the second set of data or an electronic signature from a user. In addition, the device may comprise a plurality of indicators, such as light-emitting diodes, and at least one antenna capable of receiving and transmitting an electromagnetic signal, or any other signal known in the art. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, a device for collecting and compiling data into a single file is described. This device comprises a signature capture pad, a processor electronically coupled with the signature capture pad, and at least one input device electronically coupled with the processor. In this embodiment, the device is capable of obtaining at least one set of transaction data, obtaining at least one electronic signature through the signature capture pad, combining the at least one set of transaction data and the at least one electronic signature into a single file with the processor, and transferring the file to a database for storage. In one embodiment, the single file created by the processor comprises an image file. Further, in the embodiment where the device further comprises a display screen, the display screen is capable of providing a visual indication of the at least one set of transaction data and the at least one electronic signature for a user to review. In addition, one of the input devices of the device may comprise a keypad. In this manner, a user is able to view the transaction data on the display screen and use the keypad to supplement the transaction data with any supplemental data that may be necessary to either correct, update, or change the transaction data. In this embodiment, the processor is capable of receiving the supplemental data input through the keypad and combining the supplemental data and the at least one set of transaction data. Accordingly, the supplemented first set of data (i.e. the combination of the supplemental data and the at least one set of transaction data) is displayed on the display screen. 
         [0017]    As previously mentioned, the device may further comprise a housing configured to enclose at least the processor therein. In one embodiment, a memory device and/or a database may also be enclosed within the housing. Further, at least one of the at least one input devices may be enclosed within the housing. The exterior of the housing may further comprise a mounting bracket affixed thereto. In at least one embodiment, a handle is configured to securely couple with the mounting bracket such that the handle provides a gripping surface for a user to easily grip the handle and support and operate the device. The handle may comprise a plurality of controllers capable of operating the at least one input device and the processor when the device is coupled with the handle. In an alternative embodiment, a clip may be provided to securely couple with the mounting bracket. In this embodiment, the clip may be used attach the device to a user&#39;s clothing, a stationary base, or other object. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, a method is provided for collecting and compiling data into a single file and includes transferring at least one set of data to the data capture device; capturing a signature with the data capture device; combining the signature and the at least one set of data into a single file; and transferring the file from the data capture device to a remote database. In certain embodiments of the method, the method may include the steps of transferring the first set of data to the data capture device; capturing the second set of data with the data capture device; combining the second set of data and the first set of data into a single file through execution of a software program of the data capture device; and transferring the file from the data capture device to a database. In one embodiment, when the second set of data is combined with the first set of data, the processor permanently overlays the second set of data over the first set of data and saves the first set of data and the second set of data as a single image file. Once the file is created by the processor, the data capture device can either save the file to the local memory device or database within the data capture device itself, or transmit the file to a remote database for storage. In one embodiment, all of the files are stored to the local memory or database of the data capture device and transferred to a remote database when the data capture device is connected to a computer, server, or other data management system. In addition, and as previously described herein, the device may further comprise a wireless device that is used to wirelessly transmit the file to a remote database. 
         [0019]    When the device further comprises a display screen, the following additional steps may be added to the method: entering the first set of data into a system; displaying the first set of data on the display screen for a user to review; and prompting the user to input the second set of data into the device using at least one of the at least one input devices. In one embodiment, when the device comprises a signature capture device, the second set of data that the user enters is the user&#39;s signature. 
         [0020]    When the method is used in conjunction with an embodiment of the signature capture device that comprises a signature capture pad for receiving a signature from a user and a digitizer for converting the signature into digital data that is processed by the processor, the method may further comprise a series of steps for allowing a user to alter the first set of data displayed on the display screen in the event an error is located or if the transaction has changed. Accordingly, the method may further comprise the steps of: prompting the user to update the first set of data; receiving supplemental data from the user through one of the at least one input devices, such supplemental data adding on to, amending, and/or deleting a portion or all of the first set of data; and displaying the supplemented first set of data on the display screen for the user&#39;s review. 
         [0021]    In yet another embodiment, a system is provided for using the device disclosed herein to collect and store transaction data. One embodiment of the system comprises a database, a data management system for entering data into the database, and at least one embodiment of the data capture device previously disclosed. In at least one non-limiting example, the data management system may comprise a computer, a laptop, a server, or a microprocessor. More than one data capture devices may be used in conjunction with the systems disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the database of the system is remote and the data capture device comprises a wireless device for transferring the collected images to the remote database for storage. 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of scope is intended by the description of these embodiments. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a portable hand-held data capture device  10 . The hand-held data capture device  10  may comprise an elongated housing formed in a manner so as to enable a user to hold the device  10  comfortably in one hand for an extended period of time. The device contains various components that allow the device to capture data. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of an embodiment of components housed in the data capture device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the data capture device  10  may house a processor  24 , a memory device  26 , and a power supply  28 . The processor  24  is capable of enabling the data capture device  10  to function and execute a software program  23  to monitor and independently control each of the peripheral devices coupled with the data capture device  10 . The memory device  26  may be electronically connected to the processor  24  and is capable of storing data received from the processor  24 . The power supply  28  operates to power the data capture device  10  and may also be coupled with the processor  24 . The power supply  28  may be comprised of a rechargeable battery pack, a plurality of batteries, or any other energy sources commonly known in the art. The processor  24  may be comprised of a computer chip, a microprocessor, or any other like device. 
         [0025]    The data capture device  10  may further comprise a wireless device  29  capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In this embodiment, the wireless device  29  is enclosed within the housing of the data capture device  10 . The wireless device  29  is further electronically connected to the processor  24  such that the processor  24  is capable of controlling the transmission of data to and from the wireless device  29  and manipulating the transfer of the received data from the wireless device  29  to the memory device  26  for storage. The wireless device  29  may comprise an Ethernet card, a radio transmitter, a Wi-Fi card, or any device commonly known in the art that is capable of transmitting and receiving information wirelessly. 
         [0026]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the data capture device  10  may further comprise at least one display screen  35 , a plurality of indicators  50 , and at least one antenna  60 . The at least one display screen  35  may be electronically connected to the processor  24  and may comprise any display that is capable of providing a visual indication to a user of various types of information. In one embodiment of the data capture device  10  of this disclosure, the display screen  35  may comprise a liquid crystal display (“LCD”). 
         [0027]    The plurality of indicators  50  may comprise light-emitting diodes or any other suitable technology known in the art. The plurality of indicators  50  may be electronically connected to the processor  24  and may function to indicate the status of processes being performed by the processor  24 , the occurrence of a specific event (for example, the wireless device  29  receiving a wireless Internet signal), or the acceptance of data by the processor  24 . It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that while the plurality of indicators  50  are illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being coupled with the front of the housing of the data capture device  10 , the plurality of indicators  50  may be positioned on any location of the housing of the data capture device  10 . 
         [0028]    The at least one antenna  60  of the data capture device  10  may be any transducer known in the art that is capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. While the at least one antenna  60  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being coupled with the top portion of the housing and protruding therefrom, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the at least one antenna  60  may be completely enclosed within the housing and/or coupled with any component of the data capture device  10 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the data capture device  10  further comprises at least one input device  30 . The at least one input device  30  may include any device coupled with the data capture device  10  that is capable of receiving data and transmitting that data to the processor  24 . The data transmitted to the processor  24  from the input device  30  may be transmitted to the at least one display screen  35 . In this manner, a user can immediately view the data captured by the at least one input device  30  on the at least one display screen  35 . In one embodiment the input devices  30  are a keypad  40  with keys  42 , a scanner  72  that can be used to scan barcodes or images, and a camera with an imaging device or lens  80 . Other input devices  30  that may be included with the data capture device  10  include, but are not limited to, a microphone, a global positioning system unit (“GPS”), a telephone, or any device commonly known in the art that is capable of receiving and transmitting data to the processor  24 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of at least one embodiment of a data capture device  10  having an input device  30  that comprises a signature capture device  52 . In this embodiment, signature capture device  52  has a signature capture pad  54  and a digitizer  56 . The digitizer  56  is capable of providing a digital signature corresponding to a signature obtained on the signature capture pad  54 . In this embodiment, the digitizer  56  is enclosed within the housing of the data capture device  10  and electronically coupled with the signature capture pad  54  and the processor  24  such that the processor  24  may obtain the digitized signature from the digitizer  56  and transfer the digitized signature to the memory device  26  for storage. 
         [0031]    One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the signature capture device  52  may comprise any input device known in the art that is capable of capturing a signature from a user and transferring the captured signature to the processor  24 . In one embodiment, the signature capture pad  54  is a component of the at least one display screen  35  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, the display screen  35  functions to receive data as well as display data captured by the other input devices  30 . 
         [0032]    While  FIGS. 1-3  describe embodiments of the data capture device  10 , it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any number of like devices may be used. For example, in the at least one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , the data capture device  10  further comprises a mounting bracket  110  for a handle  112  or a clip (not shown). The mounting bracket  110  may be coupled to the back portion  14  of the data capture device  10  and may be comprised of any suitable material. Further, the mounting bracket  110  may be configured in any manner such that the mounting bracket  110  is capable of removably securing the data capture device  10  to the handle  112  or the clip. 
         [0033]    While the handle  112  is illustrated as a pistol grip handle in  FIG. 4   a , the handle  112  may comprise any configuration. In at least one embodiment, the handle  112  is designed to facilitate the ease of use of the data capture device  10  such that the data capture device  10  may be maneuvered easily by a user. The handle  112  may further comprise controllers (not shown) such that specific functions of the data capture device  10  may be controlled through the handle  112  when the data capture device  10  is removably mounted thereon. As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, the mounting bracket  110  may be configured to couple with a clip (not shown). In this embodiment, the clip (not shown) may comprise any configuration so long as the clip facilitates the attachment of the data capture device  10  to an item of clothing or other accessory, such as a bag. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any type of data capture device can be used. 
         [0034]    In application, the data capture device  10  can generally be used to capture data through the input devices  30 , process the captured data, and either store the captured data in the memory device  26  or transfer the data to a remote database. Furthermore, the data capture device  10  allows a user to communicate with a remote computer in “real time” by operation of the keypad  40  or any of the at least one input devices  30  of the data capture device  10 . In this manner, the data capture device  10  can be used to immediately communicate information gathered in the field to a person in a remote location. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of a signature capture system  300  is shown. In this embodiment, signature capture system  300  is utilized to collect data, display data to a customer on a display screen (e.g., customer name, date and time, document/invoice number, dollar amount, or any other information desired to be associated with a particular transaction), and capture a signature from a customer on top of the displayed data, thereby permanently combining the collected data and the signature into a single file (i.e., an image file). For example, the signature capture system  300  may be used at a point of sale terminal to collect purchase data, capture a customer&#39;s signature over the embedded relevant information, and produce a signed electronic receipt. 
         [0036]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , system  300  includes at least one data capture device  10 , a data management system  110 , and a remote database  100 . The data capture device  10  is capable of communicating with the data management system  110  and the remote database  100  through any means commonly known in the art, including, but not limited to, network or wireless communications and wires or cables. Any number of data capture devices  10  may be used in conjunction with the system  300 . For example and without limitation, a fleet of delivery truck drivers may each be issued a data capture device  10 , each of the data capture devices  10  being in communication with the data management system  110  and connected to the same remote database  100 . 
         [0037]    The data management system  110  may be comprised of any computer system, such as desk top computer, a laptop, a processor, a server, a microprocessor, or any other means known in the art, so long as the system is capable of receiving, compiling and electronically transferring transaction information. It will also be appreciated that the data management system  110  and the database  100  can be the same system instead of separate components. 
         [0038]    System  300  allows a user to maintain a comprehensive record of transaction details without concern for separate files being lost or misrouted. The user is able to store the complete record in an easily accessible database, which allows the record to be conveniently accessed at any time if a dispute surrounding a transaction arises. For example, in the event of a disputed product delivery that allegedly occurred in the past, a user of the data capture system  300  can immediately access a single file containing the detailed delivery/sale information embedded with the corresponding electronic signature—the signature evidencing that the delivery was accepted. Furthermore, the data capture system  300  also allows for copies of the stored files to be sent to a customer inquiring about a specific sale/delivery. For example, an electronic copy of an invoice having the electronic signature and corresponding detailed delivery/sale information embedded therein can be emailed to a client or the client can independently access his or her invoices on the remote database  100  using the Internet, or a similar connection, and his or her personal computer. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a signature capture method  200  for collecting a signature on top of the embedded relevant transaction information at the point of delivery/sale. For ease of understanding, the steps of  FIG. 5  will be discussed relative to the data capture device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , but it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any such device can be used to perform this method so long as it has a processor and the necessary input devices that can be programmed to execute the necessary steps. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , a user can utilize the data management system  110  shown in  FIG. 6  to enter in all of the relevant transaction data for an order (i.e. site of the delivery, the price, date of delivery, etc.) in step  202 . This transaction data can then be transferred electronically to the data capture device  10  and stored in the memory device  26 . For example, the transaction data can be wirelessly transferred from the data management system  110  to the data capture device  10  through a wireless connection, and stored in the memory device  26 . After the transfer, a user of the data capture device  10  can then view several different orders that correspond to the user&#39;s deliveries through the display screen  35 . At the time of delivery, the user can, in step  206 , select the relevant order to access from the memory device  26  and display the corresponding stored transaction data on the display screen  35 . In step  207 , the user has the option to enter any notes or further information into the data capture device  10  that the user desires to be associated with the transaction. Thus, in optional step  207 , such further information is entered and embedded with the previously entered transaction data and displayed on the display screen  35  therewith. If the user does not enter additional information at step  207 , the method  200  allows the user to proceed directly from displaying the information at step  206  to step  208 . 
         [0041]    In step  208 , the user can show the information to the purchaser and the purchaser can confirm if the information is accurate. If the information is incorrect, the order can be refused or cancelled in step  209 . Alternatively, the user may go back to step  207  and enter further information, such as a note explaining any discrepancy in a delivery. Once this further information is added at step  207 , the method  200  again proceeds to step  208  such that the purchaser can view the totality of the information and confirm if it is accurate. Assuming the information is correct and/or acceptable to the purchaser, the purchaser can accept the order by signing this transaction information on the display screen  35  in steps  210 - 212 . 
         [0042]    The purchaser&#39;s signature is captured ‘overlaying’ the relevant embedded information with the data capture device  10 , and the signature and transaction information are then saved as a single image file at step  212 . The image file ensures that the signature and transaction information cannot be edited or separated at a later point in time. In this manner, the method keeps a record of any transactions at the point of delivery/sale.  FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of an image file containing the electronic signature with the collected data embedded therein. The data capture device  10  then transfers the image file to the memory device  26  for temporary storage at step  216 , or immediately transfers the image file to the remote database  100  for storage at step  215 . If the user transfers the single image file to the memory device  26 , the single image file can be temporarily stored therein for a period of time until the user desires to transfer the single image file to the remote database  100  in step  217 . 
         [0043]    The transfer of the image file to the database  100  may occur wirelessly through the wireless device  29  or by linking the data capture device  10  directly to the database  100  (e.g., through data transferring wires, a docking system, or other like devices). For example, if a docking system is used, the docking system may include a cradle having a plurality of input/output components that are capable of coupling with corresponding ports located on the data capture device  10 . In this embodiment, the docking system may receive the file from the data capture device  10  through the input/output components and thereafter transfer the file to the remote database in any manner commonly known in the art. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the docking system can be any docking device known in the art that is capable of receiving the file from the data capture device  10  and thereafter transferring the file to a remote database. 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated that a user of data capture device  10  may also input data into the data capture system  300  through the keypad  40  (such as a note about a missing or damaged part). Furthermore, a user may utilize a scanner device  72  to scan a barcode to capture transaction data or the processor  24  may prompt the wireless device  29  to withdraw data from the remote database  100  over a wireless connection to populate pre-delivered fields. In addition, a GPS could be used to automatically record the physical location of the transaction. These are optional steps that can be added to the illustrative method  200  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0045]    By performing this method  200 , a user may use the data capture device  10  to immediately transfer the single file containing all of the captured information to a remote database for storage. If any issue arises, this image file can be accessed to show the relevant information and that the purchaser signed off on the transaction. In this manner, it will be indisputable as to the specific details of the transaction. For example, for users executing the method  200  with the data capture device  10 , it could also be possible to record the exact time, date, and location of the transaction (utilizing a GPS unit), the exact goods conveyed in the transaction (utilizing either the scanner  72 , the keypad  40 , or the camera device), and the name and/or identifying characteristics of who signed for the transaction (utilizing the signature capture device  52 , the keypad  40 , and/or the camera device). It will also be appreciated that a device performing such a method allows the user to maintain a complete record of the transaction details without concern for separate files being lost, misrouted, or misused. 
         [0046]    In the embodiments discussed herein, such a system and method eliminates the potential for mismanaging electronic records and failing to collect sufficient information about a transaction. While various embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for capturing and saving data have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way of non-limiting examples. Accordingly, it is understood that no limitation of scope is intended by the description of these embodiments. 
         [0047]    Further, many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosure. For example, method  200  is not just limited to just delivery of merchandise but may be used for a number of different sales-related transactions. The method  200  may be used with a data capture device  10  connected to a cash register in order to incorporate a signature (i.e., for a credit card) with the desired transaction data. It will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the appended claims, and by their equivalents. 
         [0048]    Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0049]    It is therefore intended that this description and the appended claims will encompass, all modifications and changes apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.