Method and apparatus for supporting delivery, sale and billing of perishable and time-sensitive goods such as newspapers, periodicals and direct marketing and promotional materials

US8712871B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cox Enterprises, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gary B. Brockman · Marietta, US
• John Philip Modisette · Lawrenceville, US
• John C. Mellott · Marietta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 29, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/12
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Tracking, controlling, optimizing, and otherwise managing the delivery of goods with a web server, a database server, and handheld computers. A database has at least route delivery information. At least portions of the database are communicated to respective handheld devices for display. Time-sensitive goods may be delivered based on information displayed on the handheld devices, which are also used to collect information during delivery. The collected information is communicated to the database for buffing, reporting and analysis.