Internet-based system and method for tracking objects bearing URL-encoded bar code symbols
US5869819A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/08
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A novel Web-based package routing, tracking and delivering system and method that uses URL/ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbols on parcels and packages. The system comprises one or more Routing, Tracking and Delivery (RTD) Internet Server Subsystems connected to the Internet infrastructure and updated at any instant of time with package tracking information. A Package Log-In/Shipping Subsystem is located at each shipping location and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Package Routing Subsystem is located at a hub station and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Portable Package Delivery Subsystem is carried by each package delivery person, and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure communication link. At each remote hub station within the system, the URL/ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbol is automatically scanned by way of the Internet infrastructure; the encoded destination Zip Code is locally recovered and used to route the package at the hub station; and the locally recovered URL is used to access the RTD Internet Server and update the location of the package within…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.