Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system for generating an identifier for guiding the transport of a return product during shipment from an end user to one or more processing or collection centers, wherein the identification is suitable for use during transport in a number of countries or by means of a number of transport organizations each utilizing their own identification system, including means for generating an identifier comprising: first, identification data for identifying of the product by the transport organization during transport, and second, identification data for identifying the return product during storage and/or processing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and a method for generating an identification for use in the transport of return products from a large quantity of pickup locations to several collection locations, wherein use is made of a number of transport or postal companies, at least some of which make use of their own identification system for individual packages. 
     It is known for return products such as products under guarantee or products which are otherwise defective to be collected and/or repaired. For this purpose they are transported by means of courier services, transport firms or postal companies. Carrying out these transports for a large number of packages requires an enormous amount of logistic work, such as coordination operations. This work is essential in achieving a good result, but involves an enormous cost outlay. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to enable said transports to be carried out with fewer coordination operations, the present invention provides a system for generating an identifier for guiding the transport of a return product during shipment from an end user to one or more processing or collection centres, wherein the identification is suitable for use in identification systems during transport in a number of countries or by means of a number of transport organizations each utilizing their own identification system, comprising means for generating an identifier comprising:
         first identification data for identifying of the product by the transport organization during transport, and   second identification data for identifying the return product during storage and/or processing.       

     Such a system in an embodiment according to the present invention has the advantage, among others, that the package with the return product can be identified in the whole transport process by means of the one identifier. 
     The first identification data preferably comprise a unique postal code. An advantage hereof is that a postal company can identify such a package in unique manner so that it can for instance be tracked. Billing is also possible when the code is used. Unique codes are limited in number. Used codes can be reused. 
     In a preferred embodiment the identifier comprises a label. By means of a label with two identifiers a package can be identified by a transport firm or a postal company with the own systems of that company, and the package can be identified and tracked in the course of further transport, storage and repair. 
     The means for generating the identifier preferably comprise means for storing identification data relating to packages in a format suitable for a variety of transport or postal companies in different countries. It hereby becomes possible to apply the system in a very wide geographical area, which results in economic advantages since cost advantages in the storage and repair process become possible through efficiencies of scale. 
     An embodiment advantageously further provides a system comprising communication means for communicating with computer systems of the transport and/or postal companies. Owing to the automatic communication all kinds of information can be recorded in real time, whereby the system can be continuously controlled subject to for instance capacity. Products can for instance be sent to storage or repair locations where there is overcapacity in order to relieve other locations and improve the efficiency of the system. 
     In a further embodiment the identifier comprises a memory for storing the identification data and a communication member for communicating the data. The communication member preferably comprises an antenna. Automatic scanning of the identification data can hereby be performed in simple manner and the presence of return products can be more readily scanned. 
     At least a part of the identification data on the identifier is preferably represented by means of a graphic code such as a bar code. An advantage is that optical scanning is possible. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for generating an identifier for guiding the transport of a return product during shipment from an end user to one or more processing or collecting centres, wherein the identifier is suitable for use during transport in a number of countries or by means of a number of transport organizations each utilizing their own identification system, wherein the method comprises means for generating an identifier, comprising:
         first identification data for identifying of the product by the transport organization during transport, and   second identification data for identifying the return product during storage and/or processing.       

     Advantages of such an identifier are outlined in the foregoing. Further advantages will be explained with reference to specific embodiments. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for tracking a package, comprising a return product with an identifier according to one or more of the foregoing claims during shipment from an end user to one or more processing or collection centres and/or during the presence at one of the centres by means of a system according to one or more of the claims  1 - 8  and/or according to a method according to claim  9 ,  10  or  11 , wherein at one or more moments from dispatch of the return product by the end user the identifier is scanned in order to determine the identity of the return product. 
     Such a method provides the option of transporting many return products to one or several collection or repair centres, wherein these products can be identified by means of centrally generated identifiers, on the basis of which both the transporter and the collection or repair centres can identify the products. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a method according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a further schematic representation of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a further schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a method according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a label according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment according to the present invention ( FIG. 1 ) relates to a system  1  for handling return products and/or generating identification members such as a label or an identification device comprising at least an antenna and a data storage for storing and communicating an identification for the purpose of identifying the return products in system  1 . 
     When a user of a product has a complaint relating to a product, he/she will want to return this product in order to resolve the complaint. The return of defective products is per se known. Not known however is a system that is suitable for efficient guiding of the implementation of a product return process which is suitable for functioning in a wide geographical area where a variety of regulations apply and a plurality of postal companies are active. 
     The present system can be used in very efficient manner wherein operational transport services can be carried out by postal and/or transport companies which use per se an autonomous guiding system. 
     In an embodiment according to the present invention use is made for this purpose of a combination of a unique system identifier  71  and a unique transport identifier or post identifier  72  ( FIG. 5 ). Using this combination of identifiers, such as for instance on a label as shown in  FIG. 5 , it becomes possible to allow a transport, courier or postal company to provide a part of the transport of a return product on the basis of a first identifier  72 , wherein identification of the return product can be performed on the basis of system identifier  71 . 
     System  1  comprises a server  13  for performing a number of processes  12 . The system further comprises a server  2  for coupling to a wide area network such as the Internet for the purpose of performing a number of processes  10 . The system also comprises a central database  19  and a label storage database  11 . These components can be integrated in a physical computer system or can function in geographically dispersed manner in a so-called distributed system. 
     Data relating to the identification codes for the identification members or identification devices are stored in identification database  11 . An advantage hereof is that unique identifications can be reused after they have been generated and used for the return of a product, or it is otherwise apparent that they are once again unique. It is important that a generated and issued identifier is unique during the process of transporting the return product, so that the product can be identified on the basis of the identifiers during both a transport phase and a later processing phase. Possible reuse of the unique codes has the advantage that use can be made for a longer period of a limited number of codes, even though there can already be very many different ones. 
     The processes  12  carried out by server  13  can be further subdivided into a process  14  for generating the identifier or label  70 , a process for performing address validations and/or logistic optimizations, a process  16  for generating batches of labels, a process  17  for controlling a printing system  22 , and a process for communicating with computers  20 ,  21  of the external transport organizations. 
     The label generating process  14  serves to generate a unique label comprising the transport identifier  72  and the system identifier  71  on the basis of a request from process  10 . Process  10  servers to gather data for the system and to generate a label  70  for a request from a user of a return product. Process  14  is further developed and placed in a context in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In process  14  for generating labels both identifiers are combined and data relating thereto are sent to database  11  for storage purposes. In practice these data can be stored together in an identification device, such as for instance a wirelessly accessible identifier (RFID) or an identifier with read means by means of electronic contacts or by means of a label which can be arranged on a transport package as shown in  FIG. 5 . After combining the identifiers  71 ,  72 , which is further explained with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , a printable file is made available to the user who can arrange this on the transport package, so that the package can be collected by for instance a postal service making use of identifier  72 . 
     Such a label preferably further comprises a so-called POD (proof of drop-off) strip to which a stamp can be applied at a post office as proof that the packet has been dispatched at this post office. The label can be designed such that it complies with the specifications of the transport company or postal company which carries out the transport in the first instance. 
     Process  15  is suitable for performing validations of addresses and for optimizing the logistics of the return products. Process  16  is for generating large quantities of labels according to the present invention. Such batches of labels are added at a later stage to the package of the products possibly being sent back. If there is a complaint concerning such a product, the label can then be arranged on a transport package when the product is return shipped. It is for instance possible here for labels comprising the system identifier  71  to be preprinted, this preprinted label being suitable for use in a series of countries or a series of transport or postal companies. A large quantity of unique postal identifiers or bar codes  72  can here then be combined on a sticker sheet, so that the end user can place a sticker on the label for transport by means of a postal company suitable for him/her. In such a case the combination of system identifier  71  and all postal identifiers  72  present on the sticker sheet is preferably stored. It hereby becomes possible that the system according to the present invention can be applied even if it is not known beforehand where the product will be used. Since the postal bar codes are unique, when a bar code from the sticker sheet with the large quantity of different bar codes is recognized by the system as having been used for a return shipment, the remaining bar codes on the sticker sheet can be released for reuse in for instance process  14  for generating the labels. 
     Process  17  serves as interface of the system by means of a connection  25  to a printing system  22  for printing the batch of labels generated in process  16 . In an alternative embodiment the batch of labels can be replaced by a batch of RFIDs, which are able to store information relating to both codes. Relevant data relating to the system and the method performed by means of the system are stored in central database  19 . 
     Process  14  generates data for an identification member on the basis of a request to do so on the basis of for instance a product failure, whereby a product must be return shipped to the manufacturer or a repair service. For this purpose the manufacturer makes contact by means of its computer with a client website  3  generated by server  2 . Data are entered on this website by the consumer. After the data have been entered, the consumer receives an e-mail having therein a link to site  4  where the label can be retrieved. 
     On this site  4  for retrieving the label the consumer will find the prepared label having thereon the correct information, including representations of the unique identifications. There are also instructions for the use of the label and for instance for the method of packing the product. There is the further option for the consumer to print the label on a printer at his/her disposal, in addition to the option of having the label sent if the consumer does not have a printer available. 
     If the client does not have a computer, the data inputted into the system via website  3  can be inputted via website  5 , wherein a call centre employee inputs these data. Contact can be made with the call centre by telephone. 
       FIG. 2  shows a part of process  14  in greater detail, and the practical purpose of this process is explained on the basis of process steps based on the identifiers generated by means of process  14 . 
     The method begins in step  30 . In step  31  the data are entered in server  2  by means of one of the website processes  3  or  5 . These data are then stored in central database  19 . In step  32  these data are retrieved from database  19  and checked. A check is for instance made here as to whether the guarantee data relating to the product for returning are in order. 
     In step  33  the system identifier  71  is created or selected in suitable manner from a file of database  19 . In step  34  a non-used, or unique, transport identifier or post identifier  72  is selected or generated. In step  35  a label is generated comprising a combination of the above generated codes, optionally also comprising alphanumeric address data  74  and/or return address data  73 . In step  36  a graphic representation of the label is subsequently made available via website  4  for making available the labels. If the label is actually downloaded and the unicity of the codes thereon have to be guaranteed in the outside world, these data are stored in databases  11  for storage of label data, so that the unicity can remain guaranteed. In step  37  the label is optionally sent by e-mail to the user, whereafter in step  38  the sent e-mail can be confirmed. In step  43  the e-mail is opened, which can be used as trigger for sending the confirmation. In step  39  the client retrieves the label from website  4  for retrieving the labels. Step  45  serves for opening the desired label. If the consumer can print the label him/herself, the label is printed by the consumer in step  40 . If the consumer has no printing facility, an entry is made in step  41  that the label must be sent by post to the consumer. An instruction is then sent to the print-label interface  17  to have the label printed, whereafter the label is sent to the consumer in step  43 . In step  44  the label is finally arranged on the transport package of the product for return shipment, whereafter the return product can be sent, and according to the present invention it can be identified wherever it may be located on its subsequent travels, whether this be at a stage where the package is in the possession of a transport or postal company or in the possession of the manufacturer or repair company. 
       FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of a transport process for use with the present invention. A user  50  of a return product enters in step  51  data relating to the return product, which data are processed on server  2  and stored in database  19 . The consumer inputs the data in step  52 . As already stated, in step  53  the accuracy of the data is checked in server  13  by means of process  15 . This is immediately fed back to the consumer by means of the website or communicated to the consumer via an e-mail. In step  54  the owner of the return product receives the above mentioned e-mail with the link to the website from which can be downloaded the label which has meanwhile been generated. This site  4  is made temporarily available in step  57  to the recipient of the e-mail who can download and print the label and can read optional instructions for use. When the printing of the label is impossible, sending by post can be requested by means of a button on the website. In step  58  the return package is delivered to a post office, a collection point of a transport firm, or the package is collected from the consumer. 
     In step  59  is determined whether a consumer requires proof of dispatch of the package, whereafter, if this is the case, a POD which has for instance been stamped is returned to the consumer in step  60 . During the transport process the first bar code  72  is then scanned in step  61 , to the extent the transport company requires this for the proper delivery of the package at a delivery address specified by means of addressing  74  and/or on the basis of a reference to identification code  72 . It is possible here for track-and-trace data to be passed on to central database  19  of the system. In step  63  the package is subsequently delivered to the delivery address, this likewise being transmitted to central database  19 . On the basis of system identification code  71  it is determined in step  64  whether operations have to be carried out with the return product which, if this is the case, are carried out in step  66 , this being reported to central database  19 . If according to step  64  no operations have to be carried out, it is determined in step  65  whether the product must be discarded as waste. If this is the case, the product is delivered to a recycling station in step  67 , this being reported to database  19 . If according to step  65  the product is not waste, it is stored in step  68 , this being reported to central database  19 . 
       FIG. 4  shows schematically the steps taken to manufacture the label in step  35  of  FIG. 2 . From label database  19  a Java object  81  having therein the data relating to the label is generated by means of the step  35  of  FIG. 2  described in the foregoing. This Java object  81  is then converted into an XML file  82  with the textual data, such as for instance the address data and the data relating to bar codes  71 ,  72 ,  75 . On the basis of the data from Java object  81  an XSL template  83  is also used having therein the layout for the label which complies with the requirements of the transport or postal company. By means of an XSLT process  84  the XML file  82  is then processed on the basis of the XSL template  83 , this resulting in an XML-FO file  85 . On the basis of this XML-FO file  85  a PDF file  87  and/or a PNG file  88  is made by means of a FOP process  86  and stored in database  11 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a label according to the present invention. Label  70  comprises the unique system identification code  71  twice. The label also comprises a unique postal identification bar code  72 . Addressing  74  of the delivery address is printed in legible letters for the purpose of postal handling during the transport process. If for one reason or another the product has to be sent back, it is provided for this purpose with a return address  73 . It is further possible by means of a further bar code  75  to store additional information on the label depending on specific applications, such as for instance identifying specific product properties. 
     The invention is described in the foregoing on the basis of preferred embodiments. This description should not be interpreted as limited explanation of the invention. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.