CN101203873A - Systems and methods for providing personalized delivery services - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. Typically, the consignee indicates a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.

Description

Translated fromChinese

用于提供个性化递送服务的系统和方法Systems and methods for providing personalized delivery services

技术领域technical field

本发明的实施方式涉及通过公共承运商(common carrier)向发件人、收件人和递送诸如包件(parcel)或包裹(package)的物品的承运商(carrier)提供定制控制和灵活性。Embodiments of the invention relate to providing custom control and flexibility through common carriers to senders, recipients, and carriers delivering items such as parcels or packages.

背景技术Background technique

包裹递送业务在包裹的递送过程中通常涉及三个主要实体：承运商、发件人和收件人。承运商通常安排发件人与收件人之间的包裹递送，并通常被称为包裹递送提供商、服务提供商或公共承运商。发件人是使包裹被运输的实体，并且可以被称为托运方或发起人。包裹的指定接收人是收件人。在包裹被作为邮购或基于互联网的购物的一部分来进行运输的情况下，通常发件人是商人，收件人是该商人的顾客。The package delivery business typically involves three main entities in the delivery process of a package: the carrier, the sender, and the recipient. Carriers typically arrange the delivery of packages between senders and recipients and are often referred to as package delivery providers, service providers, or common carriers. The sender is the entity that causes the package to be shipped and may be referred to as the shipper or originator. The intended recipient of the package is the recipient. Where a package is shipped as part of a mail order or Internet-based purchase, typically the sender is a merchant and the recipient is a customer of the merchant.

递送包裹的处理广为人知。通常，发件人准备要运输的物品，选择承运商和服务的类别(例如，正常递送或快递)，安排承运商获得包裹的保管。这可以通过发件人将包裹拿到承运商的收取地点或安排承运商在发件人的地点收取包裹来进行。一旦承运商取得所有权，该承运商将包裹发送到城镇的处理设施或收件人的服务区域。然后通常使用递送交通工具，将包裹递送到收件人。The handling of delivery packages is well known. Typically, the sender prepares the item for shipment, selects the carrier and type of service (eg, normal delivery or express delivery), arranges for the carrier to obtain custody of the package. This can be done by the sender taking the package to the carrier's collection location or by arranging for the carrier to collect the package at the sender's location. Once the carrier takes title, that carrier sends the package to a processing facility in town or to the recipient's service area. The package is then delivered to the recipient, typically using a delivery vehicle.

通常，承运商保持递送包裹的规定路线，沿该路线将会在适当的收件人的地址停下并尝试递送包裹。在最优的递送经历中，承运商在初次尝试中将包裹递送到在场接收包裹的收件人。Typically, the carrier maintains a prescribed route for delivering the package along which it will stop at the address of the appropriate recipient and attempt to deliver the package. In an optimal delivery experience, the carrier delivers the package on the first attempt to the recipient who is present to receive the package.

然而，如可以期望的，在很多情况下递送经历并不是最优的，在最初尝试中没有成功递送包裹。存在出现该情况的许多原因。一般的原因是收件人不在，因此不能签收包裹。在某些情况下，这可以不是问题，因为递送地点被确定为可靠和/或与递送相关的服务类别可以不需要签名。例如，服务类别可以不需要收件人对递送进行签名，或者可以为包裹存放提供了安全的有锁的箱子。然而，在很多情况下，服务类别(或者其它限制)需要接收人在场并对递送进行签收。这导致收件人和承运商进入各种程序来协调后续递送尝试。However, as might be expected, in many cases the delivery experience was not optimal and the package was not successfully delivered on the initial attempt. There are many reasons for this to occur. The general reason is that the recipient is not there and therefore cannot sign for the package. In some cases, this may not be a problem because the delivery location is determined to be reliable and/or the class of service associated with the delivery may not require a signature. For example, a class of service may not require a recipient's signature for delivery, or may provide a secure locked box for package storage. In many cases, however, the class of service (or other restriction) requires the recipient to be present and sign for delivery. This leads recipients and carriers to enter into various procedures to coordinate subsequent delivery attempts.

对于诸如UPS的每天处理几百万递送的递送提供商，每个失败的递送尝试都需要额外的时间和资源用于协调后续递送尝试。这不仅导致承运商的效率降低，而且由于没有尽早递送包裹，而导致收件人以及可以是发件人不希望的递送经历。For a delivery provider such as UPS that handles millions of deliveries per day, each failed delivery attempt requires additional time and resources for coordinating subsequent delivery attempts. This not only results in reduced efficiency for the carrier, but also results in an undesirable delivery experience for the recipient and possibly the sender as the package is not delivered sooner.

因此，为了实现最优的递送经历，在发件人、承运商和收件人之间需要协调。所有各方都有兴趣实现快捷递送。Therefore, coordination is required between the sender, carrier, and recipient in order to achieve an optimal delivery experience. All parties are interested in enabling expedited delivery.

然而，在很多情况下，可以出现延迟，日程可以改变，或者所有三方可以不完全知道递送的详细情况。例如，发件人可以延迟提供要运输的包裹，因此导致延迟递送到收件人的预期日期。另选的是，因为收件人不在，所以可以不能接收递送。例如，收件人可以短时间地离开递送地点，或者在外度假。通常，收件人在正常递送时间期间工作，而不能在居住地址接收递送。或者收件人可以计划在场，但是由于日程改变而不能在场。However, in many cases, delays may occur, schedules may change, or the details of the delivery may not be fully known to all three parties. For example, a sender may delay delivering a package for shipment, thus causing a delay in delivery to the recipient's expected date. Alternatively, the delivery may not be received because the recipient is not available. For example, the recipient may be away from the delivery location for a short time, or be away on vacation. Often, recipients work during normal delivery hours and cannot receive deliveries at residential addresses. Or the recipient may plan to be there, but cannot because of a schedule change.

在其他情况下，可以进行递送，但是不是最优情况。例如，可以完成包裹的递送，但是包裹在收件人的递送地点的位置(placement)可以与收件人所希望的不一样。例如，收件人可以希望承运商将包裹递送到侧门而不是正门以避免被盗。或者，收件人可以经常使用侧门而不是正门。收件人可以希望将包裹放置在安全的有锁的箱子中，但是没有通知承运商用于打开该有锁的箱子的密码(combination)。In other cases, delivery is possible, but not optimal. For example, delivery of a package may be accomplished, but the placement of the package at the recipient's delivery location may be different than the recipient desires. For example, the recipient may want the carrier to deliver the package to the side door instead of the main door to avoid theft. Alternatively, the recipient may often use the side entrance instead of the main entrance. The recipient may wish to place the package in a secure locked box, but not notify the carrier of the combination to open the locked box.

因此，需要允许包裹的发件人、承运商和收件人之间更大的协调的系统和方法，从而在包裹递送处理中实现成功和最优的递送经历，而不浪费资源和产生不必要的延迟。Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods that allow for greater coordination between the sender, carrier, and recipient of a package, thereby enabling a successful and optimal delivery experience in the package delivery process without wasting resources and creating unnecessary Delay.

附图说明Description of drawings

已如此概要地描述了本发明，现将参照附图，附图不必按比例绘制，其中：Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

图1是根据本发明的一个实施方式的收件人服务的高级图；Figure 1 is a high level diagram of Recipient Services according to one embodiment of the present invention;

图2是表示根据本发明的一个实施方式的用于提供收件人服务的方法的流程图；Figure 2 is a flowchart representing a method for providing recipient services according to one embodiment of the present invention;

图3是表示根据本发明的一个实施方式的收件人服务系统的组成部分的进一步细节的图；Figure 3 is a diagram representing further details of components of a recipient service system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

图4是根据本发明一个实施方式的与递送人员进行通信的定制收取和递送系统的高级图；Figure 4 is a high level diagram of a custom pickup and delivery system in communication with delivery personnel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

图5a和5b表示根据本发明的各种实施方式的提供各种收件人服务的方法；Figures 5a and 5b represent methods of providing various recipient services according to various embodiments of the present invention;

图6表示根据本发明的实施方式的示例性递送授权表；Figure 6 shows an exemplary delivery authorization form according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图7是表示用于提供个性化递送服务的承运商信息处理系统的体系结构的实施方式；7 is an embodiment representing the architecture of a carrier information processing system for providing personalized delivery services;

图8-27表示网站的地图及其表示本发明的各种实施方式的示例性屏幕截图；8-27 represent maps of the website and exemplary screenshots representing various embodiments of the invention;

图28表示在电子递送授权表上从收件人接收签名，并且使发件人和承运商能够访问已签名的表的示例性处理。28 illustrates an exemplary process for receiving a signature from a recipient on an Electronic Delivery Authorization Form and enabling the sender and carrier to access the signed form.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

现在参照附图在下文中更完整地描述本发明，在附图中示出了本发明一些而不是所有实施方式。实际上，这些发明可以按照多种不同的形式来实施，而不应当被解释为限于这里阐述的实施方式；而是，提供这些实施方式，以使该公开满足可应用的法律规定。在所有附图中，类似的附图标记表示类似的单元。The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.

服务概述Service Overview

在包裹的递送中涉及三个主要实体：发件人、承运商和收件人。为了提供结合包裹递送而可以出现的各种个性化递送服务，定义了用于对这三个实体之间的递送经历进行协调和个性化的方法和系统。这些实体之间的各种通信手段的灵活性以及可以传送的各种信息使得承运商能够适应结合包裹递送而可以出现的各种不可预见的情况。与递送服务的个性化相关的通信和协调可以在发件人或收件人请求时出现。There are three main entities involved in the delivery of a package: the sender, the carrier, and the recipient. In order to provide the various personalized delivery services that may arise in conjunction with package delivery, methods and systems are defined for coordinating and personalizing the delivery experience among these three entities. The flexibility of the various means of communication between these entities and the variety of information that can be communicated allows the carrier to accommodate the variety of unforeseen circumstances that may arise in connection with package delivery. Communication and coordination related to the personalization of the delivery service can occur at the request of the sender or recipient.

虽然在包裹递送的背景下公开了这里所公开的实施方式，但是本发明的原理可以应用于其它物品的递送，包括货运、通过派遣服务人员的服务提供、或涉及递送或派遣的任何其他类型应用。因此，如这里所使用的，术语“包裹”不限于包件，而是指通过承运商或服务提供商递送或派遣的任何其它类型的货物或服务。Although the embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in the context of package delivery, the principles of the invention may be applied to the delivery of other items, including freight, service provision by dispatch service personnel, or any other type of application involving delivery or dispatch . Accordingly, as used herein, the term "package" is not limited to packages, but refers to any other type of goods or services delivered or dispatched by a carrier or service provider.

在高级别，递送经历的定制和个性化可以要求或涉及以下之间的协调：At a high level, customization and personalization of the delivery experience may require or involve coordination between:

(1)承运商与收件人，(1) Carrier and recipient,

(2)发件人与承运商，以及(2) sender and carrier, and

(3)发件人与收件人。(3) Sender and recipient.

可以容易地理解为什么可以要求这些实体中的每一个之间的协调。在第一场景下，收件人可以不在场接收递送。通过实体商定完成递送的时间和/或地点，承运商与收件人之间的通信可以使递送便利。在第二场景下，发件人可以请求承运商更改包裹的递送地址。以及，在第三场景下，发件人与收件人可以在他们之间商定修改影响包裹递送的多个方面，并通知承运商该变化(然后这可以涉及第一场景或第二场景)。因此，在很多情况下，前述情况之一中的通信(例如，在发件人与收件人之间)之后可以是协调的另一种情况(例如，涉及发件人与承运商)。例如，在发件人已经运输包裹之后，但是在完成递送之前，收件人可以通知发件人改变地址。发件人随后可以向承运商通知新的地址。It is easy to see why coordination between each of these entities may be required. In a first scenario, the recipient may not be present to receive the delivery. Communication between the carrier and the recipient can facilitate delivery by the entities agreeing on when and/or where delivery will be accomplished. In the second scenario, the sender can request the carrier to change the delivery address of the package. And, in the third scenario, the sender and recipient can agree between them to modify aspects affecting package delivery, and notify the carrier of the change (this can then involve either the first or second scenario). Thus, in many cases, a communication in one of the foregoing situations (eg, between a sender and a recipient) may be followed by another coordinated situation (eg, involving a sender and a carrier). For example, the recipient may notify the sender of a change of address after the sender has shipped the package, but before delivery is complete. The sender can then notify the carrier of the new address.

如可以看到的，协调的前两种情况以某种形式涉及承运商，并且影响承运商如何或何时完成包裹递送。在很多情况下，对承运商的影响很大地依赖于与包裹递送相关的特定事实。例如，约定包裹递送的发件人可以要求收件人并且仅是收件人的签名。这可以排除收件人将包裹递送到邻居的请求。当然，如果收件人与发件人进行通信，则发件人可以进而授权承运商在没有接收人签名的情况下递送包裹，而有效地放弃签名要求。因为各种协调的组合和通信是可以的，所以只提供一些示例来表示本发明的各种实施方式。As can be seen, the first two cases of coordination involve the carrier in some form and affect how or when the carrier completes package delivery. In many cases, the impact on the carrier depends heavily on the specific facts related to the delivery of the package. For example, the sender of an agreed package delivery may require the signature of the recipient and only the recipient. This can preclude the recipient from requesting that the package be delivered to a neighbor. Of course, if the recipient communicates with the sender, the sender can in turn authorize the carrier to deliver the package without the recipient's signature, effectively waiving the signature requirement. Because various coordinated combinations and communications are possible, only a few examples are provided to represent various embodiments of the invention.

承运商与收件人之间的通信Communication between carrier and recipient

在高级别，承运商与收件人之间的通信通常涉及用于协调或个性化包裹递送的信息的交换。通常，虽然没有要求，但是收件人知道即将发生的包裹递送。这可以通过几种方式发生。在一个普通实施方式中，承运商可以通知收件人即将发生的递送。虽然其它形式(包括其他形式的电子消息发生(例如，短消息服务、自动语音电话呼叫、传真消息、所提供的(host)网站消息发生、即时消息发生等))是可以的，但是这可以通过电子邮件通知而发生。在其他实施方式中，发件人可以通知收件人已运输了包裹。这在其中发件人是收件人已经从其订购了物品的商人并且当包裹已经实际上被交付到承运商时发件人进行通知的情况下是很普通的。通常，发件人还将向收件人提供递送的跟踪号。在其他实施方式中，收件人可以根据其它事实而预期包裹(例如，收件人订购商品并预期递送)。在这种情况下，收件人可以主动地访问由承运商经营的包裹跟踪网站，来确认包裹递送的状态。At a high level, communication between a carrier and a recipient typically involves the exchange of information used to coordinate or personalize package delivery. Often, although not required, the recipient is aware of the impending package delivery. This can happen in several ways. In one common implementation, the carrier can notify the recipient of an impending delivery. This can be done by e-mail notification. In other implementations, the sender can notify the recipient that the package has been shipped. This is common where the sender is the merchant from whom the recipient has ordered the item and the sender notifies when the package has actually been delivered to the carrier. Typically, the sender will also provide the recipient with a tracking number for the delivery. In other implementations, the recipient may anticipate the package based on other facts (eg, the recipient ordered merchandise and expected delivery). In this case, the recipient can proactively visit a package tracking website operated by the carrier to confirm the status of the package delivery.

通常，一旦收件人知道即将发生的递送，收件人就可以发起用于个性化包裹递送的请求。收件人可以按照不同的方式传达该请求，包括电子消息发生，例如通过电子邮件或网站访问、通过电话或其他形式。该请求通常向承运商提供递送员在包裹递送中使用的信息。这种信息可以包括包裹的识别信息(例如，通过跟踪号)、与应当在递送日的何时递送包裹、应当将其放在递送地址的何处相关的请求、或者其它特殊的处理信息。Typically, once a recipient is aware of an impending delivery, the recipient can initiate a request for personalized package delivery. The recipient may communicate the request in various ways, including electronically, such as by email or website visit, by telephone or otherwise. This request typically provides the carrier with information that the courier uses in delivering the package. Such information may include identifying information for the package (eg, by tracking number), requests as to when the package should be delivered on the delivery day, where it should be placed at the delivery address, or other special handling information.

虽然经常在收件人知道存在要递送的包裹之后提供个性化递送信息，但是也可以较早提供该信息。具体地说，收件人可以在包裹运输到收件人之前指示递送优选或指令。例如，收件人可以提供个性化递送信息，作为包裹递送的长期有效的指令或优选。因此，即使当前没有被安排递送到收件人的包裹，该递送优选也应用于所有未来的递送。在其他实施方式中，可以在初始递送尝试之后提供递送信息。虽然承运商可以优选在初始递送尝试之前接收这种信息，但是本发明的实施方式预见了收件人在初始递送尝试之前和/或之后指示递送优选。While personalized delivery information is often provided after the recipient knows there is a package for delivery, it can also be provided earlier. Specifically, the recipient may indicate delivery preferences or instructions prior to shipping the package to the recipient. For example, recipients may provide personalized delivery information as standing instructions or preferences for package delivery. Thus, even if there are no packages currently scheduled for delivery to the recipient, this delivery preferably applies to all future deliveries. In other implementations, delivery information may be provided after an initial delivery attempt. While the carrier may prefer to receive such information prior to the initial delivery attempt, embodiments of the invention foresee the recipient indicating a delivery preference before and/or after the initial delivery attempt.

发件人与承运商之间的通信Communication between sender and carrier

类似地，发件人可以向承运商提供个性化递送信息。在一些实施方式中，发件人可以与其它相关的包裹递送信息的指示同时进行这种信息的指示。通常的情况是来自使用网络访问的商人的顾客订购信息，以及当下订单时顾客(通常是收件人)请求在递送时应当将物品放置在特定位置(例如，后门)。在运输包裹时，商人可以通过与该递送相关的特殊指令向承运商指示目的地地址，包括放置在后门。该信息可以包括发件人通过运输系统向承运商提供的其它运输信息。这种运输系统使发件人能够准备用于运输的包裹。Similarly, senders can provide carriers with personalized delivery information. In some embodiments, the sender may indicate such information concurrently with other related package delivery information. A common situation is customer ordering information from a merchant using network access, and when an order is placed the customer (usually the recipient) requests that the item should be placed in a specific location (eg, the back door) when it is delivered. When shipping a package, the merchant can indicate the destination address to the carrier, including placing at the back door, through special instructions related to that delivery. This information may include other shipping information provided by the sender to the carrier through the shipping system. This shipping system enables senders to prepare packages for shipping.

在另一实施方式中，顾客可以在已运输包裹之后通知商人特殊递送指令。在这种情况下，发件人(商人)可以通过参照包裹或收件人，向承运商传达该特殊递送指令。另选的是，如上所述，收件人可以在得知即将发生的递送之后直接向承运商指示这些指令。In another embodiment, the customer may notify the merchant of special delivery instructions after the package has been shipped. In this case, the sender (merchant) can communicate this special delivery instruction to the carrier by referring to the package or the recipient. Alternatively, as described above, the recipient may direct these instructions directly to the carrier after learning of the impending delivery.

在其他实施方式中，发件人提供的个性化递送信息可以源于发件人本身，而不是源于收件人。例如，收件人可以知道这是如果弄湿则会损坏的运输物品，因此提供指示如果在收件人不在的情况下将包裹留在收件人的递送地址，则用塑料包裹或覆盖该包裹的递送指令。作为另一示例，发件人可以要求所有收件人提供用于发放包裹的“现场”或亲自签名，并且向承运商提供该信息，作为长期有效的递送优选。In other embodiments, the personalized delivery information provided by the sender may originate from the sender itself rather than from the recipient. For example, the recipient can know that this is a shipping item that will be damaged if it gets wet, so provide instructions to wrap or cover the package in plastic if it is left at the recipient's delivery address in the recipient's absence. delivery instructions. As another example, a sender may require all recipients to provide an "on-the-spot" or in-person signature for release of the package, and provide this information to the carrier as a long-term delivery preference.

发件人与收件人之间的通信Communication between sender and recipient

发件人与收件人之间的通信本身不涉及承运商，并且不直接影响包裹递送。然而，该通信的典型结果是发件人或收件人随后会向与包裹递送相关的承运商传达个性化递送信息。以下情况是可能的：一方可以期望另一方联系承运商，或者可以便于通信以确保通信尽可能地无缝。例如，发件人可以与收件人进行通信并且得知收件人将不能接收包裹。发件人可以向收件人提供承运商的网络地址和包裹的跟踪号，以及如何通知承运商该情况的指令。因此，发件人使收件人便于向承运商指示其个性化递送信息。另选的是，发件人可以直接通知承运商该情况，此后，承运商可以联系收件人并通知他已经传达了他的递送优选。发件人可以获得收件人的电子邮件地址(例如在收件人向发件人下订单时)，并且可以为了使承运商能够向收件人传达运输状态信息而向承运商提供该地址。The communication between sender and recipient does not itself involve the carrier and does not directly affect package delivery. However, a typical result of this communication is that the sender or recipient then communicates personalized delivery information to the carrier associated with package delivery. It is possible that one party may expect the other to contact the carrier, or that communication may be facilitated to ensure that communication is as seamless as possible. For example, a sender may communicate with a recipient and learn that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. The sender can provide the recipient with the carrier's web address and the package's tracking number, as well as instructions on how to notify the carrier of the situation. Thus, the sender makes it easy for the recipient to instruct the carrier on their personalized delivery information. Alternatively, the sender can notify the carrier directly of the situation, after which the carrier can contact the recipient and inform him that his delivery preferences have been communicated. The sender may obtain the recipient's email address (such as when the recipient places an order with the sender) and may provide that address to the carrier in order to enable the carrier to communicate shipping status information to the recipient.

递送授权表(DAF)Delivery Authorization Form (DAF)

发件人或收件人请求个性化包裹递送的能力使得在初始递送尝试中根据收件人的优选成功地递送包裹的可能性更大。对于大多数情况，在初始尝试中递送包裹是优选的，因为其导致更快地将包裹递送到收件人，并且节省了承运商的资源。如上所述，由于各种原因而使得不总是在初始尝试中完成递送。例如，收件人可能不能接收包裹，并且仅在失败的递送尝试之后才知道所尝试的递送。在这些情况下，诸如UPS的很多服务提供商将在递送地点以显著的方式留下例如便签的指示，指示已进行了递送尝试。一种这样的纸质表格是UPS用来指示递送尝试的InfoNotice。收件人在到达递送地点时通常会看到该递送指示，然后知道失败的递送尝试。The ability for the sender or recipient to request personalized package delivery makes it more likely that the package will be successfully delivered according to the recipient's preferences during the initial delivery attempt. For most cases, delivering the package on the initial attempt is preferable because it results in faster delivery of the package to the recipient and saves the carrier's resources. As mentioned above, delivery is not always completed on the initial attempt for various reasons. For example, a recipient may not be able to receive a package, and only learn of an attempted delivery after a failed delivery attempt. In these cases, many service providers, such as UPS, will leave an indication, such as a sticky note, in a prominent manner at the delivery location, indicating that a delivery attempt has been made. One such paper form is the InfoNotice(R) used by UPS to indicate delivery attempts. Recipients typically see the delivery instructions when they arrive at the delivery location and then know of the failed delivery attempt.

本发明的一个实施方式公开了在第一次递送尝试之前向收件人提供即将发生的递送的通知，并且向收件人提供或者使收件人能够访问电子递送授权表(DAF)。通常，DAF是可以从发件人或承运商电子地提供给收件人(例如通过电子邮件)，或者可以由收件人例如通过承运商网站电子地访问的表。DAF的一个目的是向承运商提供在收件人不在场接收包裹的情况下留下包裹的授权。收件人然后可以打印该表，签名，并在第一次递送尝试之前将其张贴在递送地点。这使得收件人在不必在场的情况下在第一次递送尝试中接收包裹。One embodiment of the present invention discloses providing a recipient with notification of an impending delivery prior to a first delivery attempt and providing or enabling the recipient an electronic Delivery Authorization Form (DAF). Typically, a DAF is a form that can be provided electronically from the sender or carrier to the recipient (eg, via email), or can be accessed electronically by the recipient, such as through the carrier's website. One purpose of the DAF is to provide the carrier with authorization to leave a package without the recipient being present to receive it. The recipient can then print the form, sign it, and post it at the delivery location prior to the first delivery attempt. This allows the recipient to receive the package on the first delivery attempt without having to be present.

DAF的另一个目的是指示包裹递送的递送优选和/或递送指令。DAF可以包括与包裹递送相关的各种字段，并使得收件人能够在表上指示特定的递送优选(例如指示应当将包裹留在后门)。DAF可以由承运商或发件人生成，以在向收件人提供DAF之前完成这些字段中的一些。在其他实施方式中，收件人可以自己填写这些字段。Another purpose of the DAF is to indicate delivery preferences and/or delivery instructions for package delivery. The DAF may include various fields related to package delivery and enable recipients to indicate specific delivery preferences on the form (eg, indicate that the package should be left at the back door). A DAF may be generated by the carrier or sender to complete some of these fields before providing the DAF to the recipient. In other implementations, recipients can fill out these fields themselves.

在打印硬拷贝并将其张贴在递送地点的显著位置之后，递送人员在包裹递送时收回该DAF，并将该DAF与包裹或递送相关联。通常，该DAF包括使得递送人员通过由该递送人员在递送时携带的便携式计算装置将该DAF与包裹运输相关联的机器可读标记。在一些实施方式中，在向收件人提供DAF时，已经将具有所分配的标识符号的DAF与递送逻辑相关联。具体地说，在承运商将DAF发送给收件人时，承运商可以已经将DAF与收件人的包裹相关联。以下论述DAF的各种其他实施方式。After printing a hard copy and posting it prominently at the delivery location, the delivery person retrieves the DAF when the package is delivered and associates the DAF with the package or delivery. Typically, the DAF includes a machine-readable indicium that enables the delivery personnel to associate the DAF with package shipments via a portable computing device carried by the delivery personnel at the time of delivery. In some embodiments, the DAF with the assigned identification number is already associated with the delivery logic when the DAF is provided to the recipient. Specifically, the carrier may have associated the DAF with the recipient's package when the carrier sent the DAF to the recipient. Various other embodiments of the DAF are discussed below.

示例性收件人服务系统的结构Structure of an Exemplary Recipient Services System

图1是根据本发明的一个实施方式的收件人服务系统(CSS)104的高级框图。CSS 104通常包括计算系统122，其可以是微型计算机、大型机、服务器或现有技术中已知的其他计算装置。计算系统122通常包括处理器124、相关存储器126和输入/输出控制器128。计算系统122还可以包括盘存储器(storage)，用于存储一个或更多个数据库，例如收件人简档(Profile)数据库134(虽然在多种实施方式中，其可以本地存储在计算系统122中，但是图1中其被表示为远离该计算系统设置)。其他实施方式可以使用其他形式的数据存储器(例如，数据存储装置(datastore))，或者可以使用通过使用通信网络来访问的外部数据库。Figure 1 is a high-level block diagram of a recipient services system (CSS) 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.CSS 104 generally includescomputing system 122, which may be a minicomputer, mainframe, server, or other computing device known in the art.Computing system 122 generally includes aprocessor 124 , associatedmemory 126 and input/output controller 128 .Computing system 122 may also include disk storage for storing one or more databases, such as recipient profile (Profile) database 134 (although in various embodiments, it may be stored locally oncomputing system 122 , but it is shown in FIG. 1 as being set away from the computing system). Other embodiments may use other forms of data storage (eg, a datastore), or may use external databases accessed through the use of a communications network.

CSS 104可以使用电子邮件接口122发送并接收电子邮件，并且可以提供(host)可以通过网络接口114访问的网站。另选的是，独立的计算机(未示出)可以提供网站并且与计算系统122进行通信。CSS 104还可以包括电话接口115，用于向呼叫者提供交互语音应答(IVR)能力。电话接口116可以允许连接到使用能够与计算系统122进行通信的计算机118的顾客服务代表120。CSS 104还能够通过互联网与收件人计算机100通信，以及使用提示用户使用键盘按键(例如，按键式电话机)来输入信息的已知方法，通过IVR使用电话网络110与收件人108通信。因此，用户可以通过提供音频消息的电话呼叫来接收通知，并且通过按键输入进行响应来指示递送优选。在一些情况下，IVR的使用可能不如网络接口友好或灵活，但是它可以向那些不能通过计算机访问互联网的收件人提供更大的可用性。该系统还可以通过本领域中已知的其他方法与收件人进行通信。CSS 104还可以使用应用程序接口(API)150与收件人或发件人进行通信，这通常通过互联网102和WAN等进行。CSS 104 can useemail interface 122 to send and receive email, and can host a website that can be accessed throughnetwork interface 114. Alternatively, a separate computer (not shown) may host the website and communicate withcomputing system 122 . TheCSS 104 may also include a telephony interface 115 for providing interactive voice response (IVR) capabilities to callers.Telephone interface 116 may allow connection to acustomer service representative 120 using acomputer 118 capable of communicating withcomputing system 122 . TheCSS 104 is also capable of communicating with therecipient computer 100 over the Internet, and with therecipient 108 through the IVR using thetelephone network 110 using known methods of prompting the user to enter information using keypad keys (e.g., a touch-tone telephone). Thus, a user may receive a notification through a phone call providing an audio message, and respond with keystroke input to indicate delivery preference. In some cases, the use of an IVR may not be as user-friendly or flexible as a web interface, but it can provide greater usability to recipients who do not have computer access to the Internet. The system can also communicate with recipients by other methods known in the art. TheCSS 104 can also communicate with a recipient or sender using an Application Programming Interface (API) 150, typically over theInternet 102, WANs, and the like.

在各种实施方式中，CSS 104使用局域网(LAN)106或其他网络与承运商运营的其他系统130通信。在一个实施方式中，这些其他系统130中的一个是包裹级详情(PLD)数据库133。PLD数据库133可以维护与正在递送的包裹相关的信息，包括它的状态以及其他与包裹相关的信息。PLD数据库133的一个实施方式是QuantumView，其是UPS运营的存储并且提供收件人的个人包裹级信息的系统。在其他实施方式中，PLD数据库可以独立于QuantumView系统或与QuantumView系统不同。In various implementations, theCSS 104 communicates withother systems 130 operated by the carrier using a local area network (LAN) 106 or other network. In one embodiment, one of theseother systems 130 is a Package Level Detail (PLD)database 133 . ThePLD database 133 may maintain information related to the package being delivered, including its status and other package-related information. One embodiment of thePLD database 133 is QuantumView(R), which is a system operated by UPS that stores and provides individual package level information of recipients. In other embodiments, the PLD database may be independent or distinct from the QuantumView(R) system.

如所示出的，公知的是，收件人通常使用连接到互联网102的计算机100与CSS 104通信或访问CSS 104。虽然未示出，但是访问CSS 104的其他方式是可以的，例如通过使用无线访问装置。如所知道的，蜂窝电话、PDA和移动计算机可以用来发送并接收电子邮件消息，以及访问互联网。虽然这些未示出，但是这些收件人访问的形式也是可以的。As shown, it is known that the recipient typically communicates with or accesses theCSS 104 using acomputer 100 connected to theInternet 102. Although not shown, other ways of accessing theCSS 104 are possible, such as by using a wireless access device. As is known, cellular telephones, PDAs and mobile computers can be used to send and receive e-mail messages, as well as access the Internet. Although these are not shown, these forms of recipient access are also possible.

发件人系统152可以采用多个单独的计算系统，例如主发件人计算机140，用于与用于发送并接收电子邮件消息的电子邮件接口或系统142进行交互。在很多电子商务应用中，当已经运输了收件人的订货时，发件人可以向收件人发送电子邮件消息，电子邮件也提供跟踪号。发件人计算机140可以与运输系统144连接或者与其通信。这些系统在本领域中也是公知的，并且帮助准备用于运输的包裹。运输系统144可以收集包括收件人地址在内的与包裹和包裹递送相关的信息，并将该信息传达到承运商系统104，承运商然后将其存储在PLD数据库130中。最后，发件人系统152可以包括网络接口146，其可以由收件人用来例如通过发件人网站检查订购的状态。发件人计算机140还可以通过API 147与承运商系统104交互，或者可以简单地将收件人引导到承运商网站上的链接。类似地，CSS 104可以通过发件人的网络接口146、通过承运商系统中的API 150或者通过发件人系统147中的API与发件人140通信。在其他实施方式中，CSS 104可以与独立的由承运商运营的运输系统(未示出)通信，该运输系统进而与发件人运输系统144通信。虽然未示出，但是发件人系统152还可以包括电话接口，用于使得收件人能够通过电话与发件人通信，反之亦然。Sender system 152 may employ a number of separate computing systems, such asprimary sender computer 140, for interacting with email interface orsystem 142 for sending and receiving email messages. In many electronic commerce applications, when the recipient's order has been shipped, the sender can send an email message to the recipient, the email also providing a tracking number.Sender computer 140 may be connected to or in communication withshipping system 144 . These systems are also well known in the art and help prepare packages for shipping.Shipping system 144 may collect information related to packages and package delivery, including recipient addresses, and communicate this information tocarrier system 104 , which then stores it inPLD database 130 . Finally, thesender system 152 may include aweb interface 146 that may be used by the recipient to check the status of the order, eg, through the sender's website. Thesender computer 140 may also interact with thecarrier system 104 through theAPI 147, or may simply direct the recipient to a link on the carrier's website. Similarly, theCSS 104 may communicate with thesender 140 through the sender'sweb interface 146, through theAPI 150 in the carrier's system, or through the API in the sender'ssystem 147. In other embodiments, theCSS 104 may communicate with a separate carrier-operated transportation system (not shown), which in turn communicates with thesender transportation system 144. Although not shown, thesender system 152 may also include a telephone interface for enabling recipients to communicate with the sender by telephone, and vice versa.

特定收件人能力specific recipient capabilities

在本发明的各种实施方式中，收件人可以指示并个性化运输递送的递送优选。如自始至终使用的，“包裹”可以是容器、包件或者其他这种物品。“包裹”的递送因此涵盖一个或更多个这种物品的运输。因此，在很多情况下，描述一个以上包裹的运输，可以存在与运输中的不同包裹相关联的多种递送优选。本发明实施方式的范围涵盖递送优选和指令的各种选项和组合，以下提供了可能的实施方式的高级概述，但是并不旨在穷举。图8表示向收件人提供对递送经历进行个性化的能力的承运商网站的示例性站点地图。如图8中可以看到的，并且从以下描述可以更好地理解到，承运商可以是UPS，并且可以具有初始网页800来使得用户能够登录到UPS个性化递送网站。然后可以将用户引导到一系列网页，这些网页使得用户能够通过输入用户信息802、提醒(alert)/发放(release)804、递送指令806来进行注册，以及这些网页确认用户的注册信息808。如果用户已经注册，则可以将用户引导到用于更新用户优选的一系列网页810。可以将用户引导到指示递送改变请求的一系列网页820。如本领域所公知的，用户可以访问各种承运商顾客网页，例如使得用户能够向承运商发送消息的网页830(例如指示网站或UPS个性化递送服务的问题的消息)，或者用户可以访问具有常问的问题(FAQ)的网页840。In various implementations of the invention, recipients can indicate and personalize delivery preferences for shipping deliveries. As used throughout, a "package" may be a container, package, or other such item. Delivery of a "package" thus covers the transportation of one or more such items. Thus, in many cases describing the shipment of more than one package, there may be multiple delivery preferences associated with the different packages in transit. The scope of embodiments of the invention encompasses various options and combinations of delivery preferences and instructions, and the following provides a high-level overview of possible embodiments, but is not intended to be exhaustive. 8 represents an exemplary site map of a carrier website that provides recipients with the ability to personalize the delivery experience. As can be seen in Figure 8, and better understood from the description below, the carrier may be UPS and may have aninitial web page 800 to enable a user to log into the UPS Personalized Delivery website. The user may then be directed to a series of web pages that enable the user to register by enteringuser information 802, alert/release 804,delivery instructions 806, and which confirm the user'sregistration information 808. If the user is already registered, the user may be directed to a series ofweb pages 810 for updating the user's preferences. The user may be directed to a series ofweb pages 820 indicating delivery change requests. As is known in the art, a user may access various carrier customer web pages, such asweb page 830 that enables the user to send a message to the carrier (e.g., a message indicating a problem with the website or UPS Personalized Delivery Service), or the user may access a web page with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)web page 840.

收件人注册recipient registration

根据本发明的一个实施方式，用户可以向收件人服务系统104进行注册，以指示长期有效的递送优选和指令。收件人信息的这种集合被称为收件人简档。用户不必即将成为收件人(即，目前承运商没有正在处理递送给该用户的包裹)。然而，该用户被认为是潜在的收件人，因此在该实施方式和其他实施方式的范围内认为该用户是收件人。收件人的递送优选然后被处理并被应用于所有递送到该收件人的后续包裹。这些优选和指令被认为是缺省指示。经注册的收件人还可以对特定的包裹指示特定的递送优选，该特定的递送优选可以优先于长期有效或缺省优选。未注册的人不能提供长期有效的优选指示，但是仍然可以提供每包裹的优选。因此，可以认为非注册用户(在某些方面)具有提供给注册用户的能力的子集。According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user may register with therecipient services system 104 to indicate long-term delivery preferences and instructions. This collection of recipient information is called a recipient profile. The user does not have to be the recipient soon (ie, the carrier is not currently processing packages for delivery to the user). However, the user is considered a potential recipient, and thus is considered a recipient within the scope of this and other embodiments. The recipient's delivery is preferably then processed and applied to all subsequent packages delivered to that recipient. These preferences and instructions are considered default indications. Registered recipients may also indicate specific delivery preferences for specific packages, which may override standing or default preferences. Unregistered people can't provide long-term preference instructions, but can still provide per-package preferences. Therefore, non-registered users may be considered to have (in some respects) a subset of the capabilities provided to registered users.

收件人可以注册并请求所有即将发生的递送的通知。在一些实施方式中，承运商可以将长期有效的收件人优选信息存储在收件人简档数据库134中，并且将每包裹的优选信息存储在包裹级详情数据库133中。其他实施方式可以组合两种类型的信息并将其存储在收件人简档数据库134中。可以在PLD数据库133中并入标志指示，用于指示收件人递送优选可以应用于对该收件人的特定包裹的递送。其它变型也是可能的并且在本发明的范围内。Recipients can sign up and request notification of all upcoming deliveries. In some implementations, the carrier may store long-lived recipient preference information in therecipient profile database 134 and per-package preference information in the package-level details database 133 . Other implementations may combine both types of information and store it in therecipient profile database 134 . Flag indications may be incorporated in thePLD database 133 to indicate that recipient delivery preferences may apply to the delivery of a particular package to that recipient. Other variations are possible and within the scope of the invention.

虽然注册本身不是独立的递送优选，但是注册是使得收件人请求特定收件人服务并设置特定优选的能力。一旦进行了注册，用户就可以回顾、更新、或者控制他们的优选。因此注册和递送优选的指示可以一起发生。一旦进行了注册，用户就可以在不必重新注册的情况下指示优选。收件人注册可以是对于处理收件人可以选择的任意后续收件人服务所需的。例如，在没有注册的情况下，一些承运商可以不提供每包裹的递送优选指示服务。While registration itself is not an independent delivery preference, registration is the ability for recipients to request specific recipient services and set specific preferences. Once registered, users can review, update, or control their preferences. Registration and delivery of preferred indications can thus occur together. Once registered, the user can indicate a preference without having to re-register. Recipient registration may be required to process any subsequent recipient services that the recipient may choose. For example, some carriers may not offer per-package delivery preference indication services without registration.

如图1所示，注册可以由访问CSS 104的收件人通过使用收件人计算机100(例如，家用计算机和工作计算机等)访问由CSS 104提供的网站来进行。一旦进入该网站，收件人就可以注册为CSS 104的用户。另选的是，收件人可以直接通过电话108，或者通过电话或者亲自在承运商运输中心或分配中心之一与顾客服务代表120进行联系来进行注册。注册的过程也可以包括对收件人进行认证或授权。例如，可以要求收件人输入对于收件人唯一的标识符(例如，驾照号、社会保险号和信用卡号等)。然后可以通过CSS 104联系或访问第三方数据库以确认或验证该信息来验证该唯一标识符。通常，在这里描述的任何处理中，不论是否与注册或本发明的其他方面相关联，以及不论是否通过网站、电话或其他访问方法进行，承运商都可以在接受并处理影响包裹递送的输入之前，要求用户提供认证信息。As shown in FIG. 1, registration may be performed by arecipient visiting CSS 104 by using recipient computer 100 (e.g., a home computer and work computer, etc.) to access a website provided byCSS 104. Once on the site, recipients can register as users ofCSS 104. Alternatively, the recipient may register directly byphone 108, or by contacting acustomer service representative 120 by phone or in person at one of the carrier's shipping centers or distribution centers. The process of registration may also include authenticating or authorizing the recipient. For example, the recipient may be required to enter an identifier unique to the recipient (eg, driver's license number, social security number, credit card number, etc.). This unique identifier can then be verified by contacting or accessing a third-party database throughCSS 104 to confirm or verify this information. Generally, in any of the processing described herein, whether or not in connection with registration or other aspects of the invention, and whether through a website, telephone or other method of access, the Carrier may, prior to accepting and processing input affecting the delivery of a package, Requires the user to provide authentication information.

图9表示向作为CSS 104的用户或者想要对CSS 104进行注册的收件人呈现的典型网络屏幕截图。如图所示，用户可以为了安全的目的而提供唯一用户ID 902和口令904。在登录906或者对CSS 104进行注册时，提示用户提供各种用户简档信息。该网站可以是信息性的并提供用于简要说明收件人可用的服务的概要信息部分1000。如图10所示，可以提示用户提供用户信息或联系信息，例如他们的姓名1002和地址1004。可以要求对该信息进行确定(例如姓名、第一地址行、城市、州和邮政编码)，并可以用粗体指示。如上所示，例如，CSS 104可以例如通过访问第三方数据库来验证并认证由收件人提供的信息是正确的。根据收件人选择的服务，可以要求这些部分允许CSS 104在各种情况下联系收件人。也可以要求收件人输入他的电话号码1006和主要电子邮件地址1008。在各种实施方式中，可以要求收件人提供另选的电子邮件地址以及口令安全问题和答案。已注册的用户可能已预前提供了该信息，并且可以被引导到不同的网页，以简单地更新他的优选。FIG. 9 represents a typical network screenshot presented to a user who is aCSS 104 or a recipient who wants to register with theCSS 104. As shown, the user may provide aunique user ID 902 andpassword 904 for security purposes. Upon logging in 906 or registering withCSS 104, the user is prompted to provide various user profile information. The website may be informational and provides asummary information section 1000 briefly describing the services available to the recipient. As shown in FIG. 10 , the user may be prompted to provide user or contact information, such as theirname 1002 and address 1004 . Identification of this information (such as name, first address line, city, state, and zip code) may be required and may be indicated in bold. As indicated above, for example,CSS 104 may verify and certify that the information provided by the recipient is correct, such as by accessing a third-party database. Depending on the service chosen by the recipient, these sections may be required to allowCSS 104 to contact the recipient in various circumstances. The recipient may also be required to enter hisphone number 1006 andprimary email address 1008. In various implementations, the recipient may be required to provide an alternate email address and password security question and answer. A registered user may have previously provided this information and may be directed to a different web page to simply update his preferences.

该系统可以将特定服务仅限于特定收件人(例如，具有过去包裹递送最小级别的收件人)。可以免费、按阶段收取费用(flat fee)或每次服务(例如，每次递送)费用来提供服务。也可以向收件人提供分等级的服务级别。记帐计划(billing plan)也可以根据收件人在特定时间范围内接收的运输量而变化。因此，可以不对特定的大量用户收费。可以根据每次发生(例如，对信用卡收费)或者通过周期记帐(例如，对预先建立的帐户收费或者邮寄单独的发票)来进行记帐。The system can limit certain services to only certain recipients (eg, recipients with a minimum level of past package deliveries). Services may be provided for free, on a flat fee, or on a per-service (eg, per-delivery) fee. Graded service levels may also be provided to recipients. Billing plans can also vary based on how much shipping a recipient receives within a certain time frame. Therefore, a specific large number of users may not be charged. Billing can be done on a per occurrence basis (eg, charging a credit card) or by periodic billing (eg, charging a pre-established account or mailing a separate invoice).

递送通知delivery notice

在注册收件人服务时或之后，收件人可以选择接收未来递送的通知(如图11中“递送提醒”所示)。可以使用各种通信手段来进行通知，包括电子邮件通知和电话通知。使用收件人提供的电子邮件地址进行电子邮件通知。可以在注册1008(参见图10)时，或者在收件人选择接收递送通知1110(图11)时，提供该电子邮件地址。在一些实施方式中，可以指示多个地址，可以将通知引导到个人数字助理(PDA)、蜂窝电话、计算机、寻呼机或其他装置。可以使用其他形式的电子消息发送来进行通知，包括短消息通知和即时消息发送等。参照图11，收件人可以选择在承运商系统检测到包裹的最早时间发送电子邮件通知1102，或者可以在安排递送的24小时内发送电子邮件通知1104。在其他实施方式中(未示出)，可以在包裹递送处理的一些其他时间发送电子邮件通知(例如在安排递送那天的上午)。如果收件人选择接收电子邮件通知1102或电子邮件提醒1104，则收件人可能必须输入或确认他的电子邮件地址1110，来确保CSS 104可以向收件人发送通知。Recipients may choose to receive notifications of future deliveries when or after signing up for Recipient Services (shown as "Delivery Reminders" in Figure 11). Notifications may be made using various means of communication, including email notifications and telephone notifications. Email notifications using the email address provided by the recipient. This email address may be provided upon registration 1008 (see FIG. 10 ), or when the recipient elects to receive delivery notifications 1110 ( FIG. 11 ). In some implementations, multiple addresses may be indicated and notifications may be directed to a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, computer, pager, or other device. Other forms of electronic messaging may be used for notification, including short message notification and instant messaging, among others. Referring to Figure 11, the recipient can choose to have an email notification 1102 sent at the earliest time the package is detected by the carrier's system, or can send anemail notification 1104 within 24 hours of scheduled delivery. In other implementations (not shown), email notifications may be sent at some other time in the package delivery process (eg, in the morning of the day delivery is scheduled). If the recipient chooses to receive email notifications 1102 oremail reminders 1104, the recipient may have to enter or confirm hisemail address 1110 to ensure that theCSS 104 can send notifications to the recipient.

例如，也可以使用自动设备来对收件人指示的电话号码进行拨号并且播放预先录制的指定递送信息的通告，来进行电话递送通知。收件人可以选择在递送的二十四小时内接收电话提醒1106。在图11所示的实施方式中，收件人可以选择用于接收电话提醒的时间窗口选项1108。例如，收件人可以选择上午电话提醒(8a.m.-12p.m.)、下午电话提醒(12p.m.-5p.m.)或者晚上提醒(5p.m.-8p.m.)。Telephone delivery notifications may also be made, for example, using an automated device that dials a recipient indicated telephone number and plays a pre-recorded announcement specifying delivery information. The recipient can choose to receive aphone alert 1106 within twenty-four hours of delivery. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the recipient may select atime window option 1108 for receiving phone reminders. For example, recipients can choose a morning call reminder (8a.m.-12p.m.), an afternoon call reminder (12p.m.-5p.m.), or an evening call reminder (5p.m.-8p.m.) .

如图11所示，可以向收件人呈现各种选择框(例如电子邮件通知1102、电子邮件提醒1104和电话提醒1106)，并且收件人可以选择这些选项的一个或更多个。例如，收件人可以选择接收电子邮件通知和电话提醒，或者可以选择接收电子邮件通知和电子邮件提醒，而没有电话提醒。因此，各种组合都是可以的，包括在不同时间发送的多个通知、或者通过不同媒介向不同收件人联系方式(例如电子邮件地址，通过短消息服务，或者电话号码)发送多个通知。通知提醒也可以提供估计递送时间窗口的指示。As shown in FIG. 11 , various selection boxes (eg, email notification 1102 ,email reminder 1104 , and phone reminder 1106 ) can be presented to the recipient, and the recipient can select one or more of these options. For example, recipients may choose to receive email notifications and phone alerts, or may choose to receive email notifications and email alerts but no phone alerts. Therefore, various combinations are possible, including multiple notifications sent at different times, or via different mediums to different recipient contact details (e.g. email addresses, via SMS, or telephone numbers) . Notification reminders may also provide an indication of an estimated delivery time window.

通常，虽然其他实施方式可以对每次递送(可以包括多个包裹)提供通知，但是本实施方式对每个包裹提供通知。该通知可以包括其他信息，例如服务类别、发件人、重量、价值或者保存在用于运输的PLD数据库中的任何其他信息。通常，通知要求用户对递送通知服务进行注册，尽管在其他实施方式中，根据“一次性(one-time)”来提供通知，其中发件人提供收件人地址信息并请求向收件人提供通知。承运商提供的递送通知与发件人提供的通知无关。承运商也可以提供与要求用户为了指示递送优选而进行注册的其它服务无关的递送通知服务。In general, this embodiment provides notifications per package, although other embodiments may provide notifications per delivery (which may include multiple packages). The notification may include other information such as class of service, sender, weight, value, or any other information held in the PLD database for the shipment. Typically, notifications require the user to register with a delivery notification service, although in other implementations, notifications are provided on a "one-time" basis, in which the sender provides recipient address information and requests delivery to the recipient. notify. Delivery notices provided by the carrier are independent of those provided by the sender. Carriers may also provide delivery notification services independent of other services that require users to register in order to indicate delivery preferences.

当输入其递送优选时，收件人也可以选择包裹发放1112，这授权承运商在没有获得签名的情况下在第一次递送尝试中递送包裹。下面在“包裹发放”中进一步描述该服务。When entering their delivery preferences, the recipient can also selectPackage Release 1112, which authorizes the carrier to deliver the package on the first delivery attempt without obtaining a signature. This service is described further below in "Package Release".

递送指令delivery instructions

在注册时或之后，收件人可以选择或指示与所有未来包裹递送相关联的各种递送指令，或者在接收到特定递送的通知之后对该递送选择或指示各种递送指令。收件人可以将这些指令设定为所有未来包裹递送的缺省指令、针对给定条件(例如，时间范围和特定递送等)的特定指令，或者一次性指示(例如，每次递送或每个包裹)。在最后这种情况下，可以要求收件人提供跟踪号或其他运输标识符。如图11所示，为了使收件人将递送优选个性化到他的特定递送地点，可以要求收件人输入“地址类型”1114，例如收件人住在住宅中还是公寓中(或者类似住所)。At or after registration, the recipient may select or indicate various delivery instructions associated with all future package deliveries, or after receiving notification of a particular delivery for that delivery. Recipients can set these instructions as default instructions for all future package deliveries, as specific instructions for given criteria (e.g., time frame and specific deliveries, etc.), or as one-off instructions (e.g., pack). In this last case, the recipient may be required to provide a tracking number or other shipping identifier. As shown in Figure 11, in order for the recipient to personalize delivery preferences to his particular delivery location, the recipient may be required to enter an "address type" 1114, such as whether the recipient lives in a residence or apartment (or similar ).

递送指令例如可以包括在递送地址的特定地点，如果收件人不在场来本人接收递送，则可以将包裹留在该特定地点。参照图12A，在本发明的一个实施方式中，住在住宅或单独的住所单元中的收件人可以指示承运商将包裹留在前门、后门、侧门、庭院、平台、门廊或车库(由递送指令来表示这些选项1200)。另选的是，收件人可以指示将包裹留给邻居，并在1202中提供的空间中提供邻居的街道地址或公寓号。在另一实施方式中，收件人可以指示对于应当将包裹留下的地点没有优选。除了选择或提供递送指令1200之外，收件人可以为递送人员手动输入附加指令1204。作为示例，这些附加递送指令1204可以指示有锁的箱子或大门的密码，或者可以指示递送人员使用塑料覆盖包裹。Delivery instructions may include, for example, a specific location at the delivery address where the package may be left if the recipient is not present to receive the delivery in person. Referring to FIG. 12A, in one embodiment of the invention, a recipient living in a residence or separate dwelling unit can instruct the carrier to leave the package at the front door, back door, side door, patio, deck, porch, or garage (by delivery). instructions to represent these options 1200). Alternatively, the recipient may instruct to leave the package with a neighbor and provide the neighbor's street address or apartment number in the space provided at 1202 . In another embodiment, the recipient may indicate that there is no preference as to where the package should be left. In addition to selecting or providingdelivery instructions 1200, the recipient may manually enteradditional instructions 1204 for the delivery personnel. As examples, theseadditional delivery instructions 1204 may indicate a combination for a locked box or gate, or may instruct the delivery person to use a plastic-covered package.

类似地(参照图12B)，如果收件人住在公寓或类似住所，则收件人可以提供可以对这种住所更具体的递送指令1210。例如，收件人可以指示各种可以留下包裹的地点之一，包括公寓建筑的前台或门房。如上所述，收件人可以指示将包裹留给邻居，并且可以在1212中提供的字段中输入邻居的公寓号。收件人也可以提供附加指令1214，例如进入公寓建筑的代码、安全有锁的箱子的密码，或者对另一包裹存放的地点或密码的指示(例如在公寓联合体的公共递送地点)。Similarly (see FIG. 12B ), if the recipient lives in an apartment or similar residence, the recipient may providedelivery instructions 1210 that may be more specific to such residence. For example, the recipient can indicate one of various places where the package can be left, including the front desk of an apartment building or a concierge. As noted above, the recipient may instruct to leave the package with a neighbor and may enter the neighbor's apartment number in the field provided in 1212. The recipient may also provideadditional instructions 1214, such as a code to enter the apartment building, a code to a secure locked box, or directions to another package deposit location or code (eg, at a public delivery location at an apartment complex).

承运商可以通过将适当的消息发送到递送人员携带的便携式计算装置，将收件人指示的递送指令(如图12A和12B所示)传达到递送人员，该便携式计算装置具有用于显示收件人选择的递送优选的文本消息或其他图形信息的显示器。The carrier may communicate recipient-indicated delivery instructions (as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B ) to the delivery person by sending an appropriate message to a portable computing device carried by the delivery person that has a A display of human choice for delivering preferred text messages or other graphical information.

如图13所示，在收件人已经提供了如上所述的递送优选和递送指令之后，CSS 104将确认收件人的联系信息和所指示的优选和指令。As shown in Figure 13, after the recipient has provided delivery preferences and delivery instructions as described above, theCSS 104 will confirm the recipient's contact information and indicated preferences and instructions.

如上所述，收件人可以在注册时最初指示递送指令和/或优选，从而CSS 104向所有未来递送应用这些指令和优选。如下所述，收件人也可以在任何时间修改或更新这些优选，或者可以对单独的包裹递送单独地对它们进行修改。As noted above, recipients may initially indicate delivery instructions and/or preferences when registering, wherebyCSS 104 applies these instructions and preferences to all future deliveries. Recipients may also modify or update these preferences at any time, or they may be modified individually for individual package deliveries, as described below.

包裹发放parcel delivery

在注册时或之后，收件人也可以选择包裹发放服务1112(参见图11)，包裹发放服务允许收件人指示在没有收件人的签名的情况下可以在第一次递送尝试中将包裹(或者多个包裹)发放到递送地点。这与以下描述的预先递送授权服务类似。该服务可以由收件人在注册时选择，或者可以例如在接收到即将发生的递送的通知之后，根据每个包裹或每次递送来指示。在一些实施方式中，发件人可以要求签名，并且收件人的放弃不能优先于发件人对签名的请求。在其他实施方式中，承运商可以确定递送周围的环境不适于在收件人不在的情况下发放包裹，因此可以忽视包裹发放请求。At or after registration, the recipient can also select a package release service 1112 (see FIG. 11 ), which allows the recipient to indicate that the package can be released on the first delivery attempt without the recipient's signature. (or multiple packages) to the delivery location. This is similar to the pre-delivery authorization service described below. This service may be selected by the recipient upon registration, or may be indicated on a per-package or per-delivery basis, for example, upon receipt of notification of an impending delivery. In some implementations, the sender may require a signature, and the recipient's waiver cannot override the sender's request for a signature. In other embodiments, the carrier may determine that the environment surrounding the delivery is not suitable for releasing the package in the absence of the recipient, and therefore may ignore the package release request.

递送改变请求Submit a Change Request

递送改变请求(DCR)服务(参见图14)使得收件人能够改寄或者影响包裹的递送。在概念上，这与其中收件人可以指示将包裹留给邻居的前述递送优选类似。然而，当该改变请求要求在沿递送路线的不同站处进行递送(例如，在较远的地址)时，可以认为该能力是DCR。通常，例如，虽然在注册可能递送给收件人的未来包裹时可以在指定时间段内指示DCR，但是DCR根据每个包裹或每次递送来应用。参照图14，如果向特定包裹应用DCR，则要求收件人输入包裹的跟踪号1402。The Delivery Change Request (DCR) service (see Figure 14) enables recipients to reroute or affect the delivery of a package. This is similar in concept to the aforementioned delivery preference where the recipient could instruct to leave the package with a neighbor. However, when the change request requires delivery at a different station along the delivery route (eg, at a remote address), the capability may be considered DCR. Typically, a DCR is applied on a per-package or per-delivery basis, for example, although a DCR may be indicated for a specified period of time when registering a future package for possible delivery to a recipient. Referring to Figure 14, if a DCR is applied to a particular package, the recipient is required to enter the tracking number 1402 of the package.

收件人随后可以从多个DCR类型中进行选择，包括：改寄包裹、拒绝递送、重新安排递送或者预定取货(will call)。“改寄包裹”请求1404指示当收件人作出该请求时承运商将包裹递送到收件人指定的另选的本地地址和/或接收人。“返回运输人”请求1406指示承运商将包裹返回发件人或运输人，并且可以要求收件人指示收件人的返回原因。“重新安排递送”请求1408指示承运商在收件人请求中的由收件人指定的日期和/或时间将包裹递送到原始递送地点(例如，收件人的家中)。“预定取货”请求1410指示承运商在收件人请求中的由收件人指定的地点和期间保存包裹，以由收件人来提取。本领域的技术人员将容易理解：存在不脱离本发明的精神和范围的其他指令选项。在表示收件人可以如何通过承运商网站指示DCR信息的附图中，公开了很多的这些能力以及对于这些能力所需的相关信息要求。Recipients can then choose from a number of DCR types including: redirect the package, refuse delivery, reschedule delivery, or will call. "Redirect Package" request 1404 instructs the carrier to deliver the package to an alternate local address and/or recipient specified by the recipient when the recipient makes the request. A "Return to Carrier" request 1406 instructs the carrier to return the package to the sender or carrier, and may ask the recipient to indicate the recipient's reason for the return. A "reschedule delivery" request 1408 instructs the carrier to deliver the package to the original delivery location (eg, the recipient's home) on the date and/or time specified by the recipient in the recipient's request. The "Schedule Pickup" request 1410 instructs the carrier to hold the package for pickup by the recipient at the location and period specified by the recipient in the recipient's request. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are other instruction options that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. Many of these capabilities and the associated information requirements required for these capabilities are disclosed in the accompanying figures showing how recipients can indicate DCR information through the carrier's website.

在图14中所示的实施方式中，收件人被限于对每个包裹或每次递送仅选择一个DCR。在其他实施方式(未示出)中，收件人可以能够选择一个以上的DCR。例如，收件人可以在安排递送的那天前往度假村度假。收件人然后可以选择“重新安排递送”和“改寄包裹”，以安排晚两天递送，并且在度假村进行递送。In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, recipients are limited to selecting only one DCR per package or per delivery. In other implementations (not shown), the recipient may be able to select more than one DCR. For example, the recipient could be on vacation at a resort on the day delivery is scheduled. The recipient can then select "Reschedule Delivery" and "Reroute Package" to schedule a two-day late delivery and have it delivered at the resort.

如图15所示，如果收件人选择“改寄包裹”1404，则将收件人引导到提供改寄包裹的必须信息的网页。例如，收件人可以输入包裹要递送到的公司的名称1502。通常要求收件人对“改寄”请求提供接收人姓名1504。在图15表示的实施方式中，收件人可以将包裹递送改寄到他的工作地址而不是他的家庭地址。在这种情况下，“接收人姓名”1504与收件人姓名1510相同，即，John Smith。收件人可能必须输入或确认他的姓名1510和电话号码1512。还要求收件人对改寄请求输入另选的地址1506。收件人可以被限于指定另选的本地地址，可以由承运商确定另选的本地地址的范围。例如，承运商可以将改寄请求限定为位于沿相同递送路线的地址，或者由相同中心机构进行服务的地址。As shown in FIG. 15, if the recipient selects "Reroute the package" 1404, the recipient will be directed to a web page providing the necessary information for redirecting the package. For example, the recipient may enter the name 1502 of the company to which the package is to be delivered. Recipients are generally required to provide a recipient name 1504 for a "redirect" request. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the recipient can redirect the package delivery to his work address instead of his home address. In this case, "Recipient Name" 1504 is the same as Recipient Name 1510, ie, John Smith. The recipient may have to enter or confirm his name 1510 and phone number 1512. The recipient is also required to enter an alternate address 1506 for the redirection request. Recipients may be limited to specifying alternative local addresses, the range of which may be determined by the carrier. For example, a carrier may limit redirection requests to addresses located along the same delivery route, or serviced by the same central facility.

还可以要求收件人提供在改寄地址的接收人的电话号码1508。“改寄包裹”服务还使得收件人能够提供可以与改寄地址相关联的特殊处理指令1514。例如，收件人可以指定将包裹留给改寄递送地点的接待员，并输入接待员的或者办公室的主要电话号码。如图16所示，承运商可以将收件人引导到确认用于改寄包裹请求的收件人的输入信息的网页。The recipient may also be asked to provide the recipient's phone number 1508 at the redirection address. The "Redirect Package" service also enables recipients to provide special handling instructions 1514 that may be associated with a redirect address. For example, the recipient can specify to leave the package with a receptionist at a redirection delivery location and enter the receptionist's or office's primary phone number. As shown in FIG. 16, the carrier may direct the recipient to a web page that confirms the recipient's input information for the request to redirect the package.

如果收件人选择“返回运输人”1406(图14)，则将收件人引导到指示将包裹返回运输人的原因1700的网页(参见图17)。这些原因可以是在运输包裹之后收件人确定收件人不再想要该物品。返回的另一个原因可以是收件人在某日期之前需要该包裹，并确定发件人太晚运输包裹从而没有任何用处。本领域的普通技术人员可以理解：收件人可以具有在已运输包裹之后将运输返回发件人的各种原因。还可以要求收件人提供收件人姓名1702和电话号码1704，从而当返回包裹时发件人将具有该信息，并且可以将该信息与所运输的包裹相关联。如可以理解的，因为收件人可能已预先输入了该信息(例如，参见图10)，所以CSS 104可以自动地在收件人访问的每一个后续网页上填写这些字段，从而收件人不必重复地输入该信息。收件人也可以输入用于返回运输的特殊处理指令1706。例如，收件人可以指示将包裹递送到发件人的后门。作为另一个示例，发件人可以指示以较低等级的服务返回包裹，从而收件人和发件人不必担负附加费用。图18表示确认收件人在“返回运输人”递送改变请求中提供的信息的网页。If the recipient selects "Return to Carrier" 1406 (FIG. 14), the recipient is directed to a web page indicating the reason for returning the package to the carrier 1700 (see FIG. 17). These reasons may be that after shipping the package the recipient determines that the recipient no longer wants the item. Another reason for a return could be that the recipient needs the package by a certain date and determines that the sender is shipping the package too late to be of any use. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the recipient may have various reasons for returning the shipment to the sender after the package has been shipped. The recipient may also be required to provide the recipient's name 1702 and phone number 1704 so that when the package is returned the sender will have this information and can associate this information with the package being shipped. As can be appreciated, since the recipient may have pre-entered this information (see, for example, Figure 10),CSS 104 can automatically fill in these fields on every subsequent web page the recipient visits, so the recipient does not Enter this information repeatedly. The recipient may also enter special handling instructions 1706 for return shipments. For example, the recipient can instruct the package to be delivered to the sender's back door. As another example, the sender may instruct the package to be returned with a lower level of service so that the recipient and sender are not incurring additional costs. Figure 18 shows a web page confirming the information provided by the recipient in the "Return to Carrier" delivery change request.

如果收件人选择“重新安排递送”1408(图14)，则将收件人引导到对指示用于重新安排递送请求的特定指令的网页(参见图19)。该网页可以向收件人提供信息性指令1900，并指示收件人选择的新递送日期必须在所安排的递送日期后至少一天。收件人可以选择新的递送日期1902，并输入或确认他的姓名1904和电话号码1906。收件人还可以确认或提供用于经重新安排的递送的特殊递送指令1908。如上所述，CSS 104可以自动完成收件人姓名和电话号码。类似地，可以根据收件人在指示递送指令时提供的信息来填写特殊处理指令1908(参见图12A，附加指令1204，以及图12B，附加指令1214)。如果CSS 104自动地包括特殊处理指令1908，则可以根据收件人对重新安排的递送的优选，对它们进行删除、改变或不进行操作。图20表示收件人提供的重新安排递送信息的确认网页。If the recipient selects "Reschedule Delivery" 1408 (FIG. 14), the recipient is directed to a web page with specific instructions for rescheduling the delivery request (see FIG. 19). The web page may provide informative instructions 1900 to the recipient and indicate that the new delivery date selected by the recipient must be at least one day after the scheduled delivery date. The recipient can select anew delivery date 1902 and enter or confirm hisname 1904 and phone number 1906. The recipient may also confirm or providespecial delivery instructions 1908 for the rescheduled delivery. As mentioned above,CSS 104 can autocomplete recipient names and phone numbers. Similarly, special handling instructions 1908 (see FIG. 12A,additional instructions 1204, and FIG. 12B, additional instructions 1214) may be populated based on information provided by the recipient when instructing delivery instructions. If theCSS 104 automatically includesspecial handling instructions 1908, they may be deleted, changed, or left untouched, depending on the recipient's preference for rescheduled delivery. FIG. 20 shows a confirmation web page for rescheduled delivery information provided by the recipient.

最后，如果收件人选择“预定取货”1410该包裹，则将收件人引导到提供附加信息的网页(图21)。收件人可以确认他的姓名2102和电话号码2104，并可以确认或提供特殊处理指令2106。CSS 104可以根据收件人的递送地址，自动确定保存包裹以用于提取的承运商机构。例如，CSS 104可以使用收件人的邮政编码(例如，在图10中作为收件人的联系信息1002的一部分提供的)来确定最近的UPS店铺。网页将向收件人呈现提取地点信息2110(例如，机构名称、地址和电话号码)。网页也可以包括超级链接2114，来使收件人能够查看承运商机构地点的地图(以下论述)。CSS 104也可以提供承运商机构的工作时间2112。收件人然后可以指示保存包裹的日期或日期范围2116。在各种实施方式中，承运商可以仅保存预定取货的包裹特定时间段(例如，从递送安排日期开始一周)，并自动向收件人提供该日期范围。该网页可以包括免责条款(disclaimer)2118，用于指示如果收件人在所提供的日期没有提取包裹，则将包裹返回运输人。Finally, if the recipient selects "Schedule Pickup" 1410 the package, the recipient is directed to a web page that provides additional information (FIG. 21). The recipient can confirm hisname 2102 andphone number 2104, and can confirm or providespecial handling instructions 2106. TheCSS 104 can automatically determine the carrier agency to hold the package for pickup based on the recipient's delivery address. For example, theCSS 104 may use the recipient's zip code (eg, provided as part of the recipient'scontact information 1002 in FIG. 10 ) to determine the nearest UPS store. The web page will present the recipient with pickup location information 2110 (eg, institution name, address, and phone number). The web page may also include ahyperlink 2114 to enable the recipient to view a map of the carrier's facility location (discussed below).CSS 104 may also provide carrier agency hours of operation. The recipient may then indicate a date ordate range 2116 to save the package. In various implementations, the carrier may only store packages scheduled for pickup for a specific time period (eg, one week from the delivery schedule date) and automatically provide that date range to the recipient. The web page may include adisclaimer 2118 instructing that the package be returned to the carrier if the recipient does not pick up the package by the date provided.

图22表示确认收件人的预定取货请求的确认网页。如果收件人点击“查看地图”超级链接2114(图21)，则可以将收件人引导到显示承运商机构地点的地图。在图23中表示的实施方式中，CSS 104可以使用收件人的地址和承运商机构地址，来向收件人提供地图2300和方向2302，以指示如何到达承运商机构来提取包裹。FIG. 22 shows a confirmation web page confirming a recipient's scheduled pickup request. If the recipient clicks on the "View Map" hyperlink 2114 (FIG. 21), the recipient may be directed to a map showing the location of the carrier establishment. In the embodiment represented in FIG. 23 , theCSS 104 may use the recipient's address and the carrier facility address to provide the recipient with amap 2300 and directions 2302 indicating how to reach the carrier facility to pick up the package.

虽然针对收件人访问各种网页来提供信息描述了上述递送改变请求，但是本发明的其它实施方式使得收件人能够通过电话来提供递送改变请求信息。例如，进行“改寄包裹”请求的收件人可以通过电话接口(包括IVR)115呼叫承运商，并且使用IVR(交互语音应答)或者通过将信息传达给可以将该信息输入到与CSS 104进行通信的计算机118中的顾客服务代表120，来提供所要求的信息。通常，收件人提供的任何输入(用于递送改变请求或其它请求)也可以由发件人、或者收件人指定的代理来提供。While the above-described delivery change requests are described with respect to recipients accessing various web pages to provide information, other embodiments of the invention enable recipients to provide delivery change request information by telephone. For example, a recipient making a "reroute package" request can call the carrier through a telephone interface (including IVR) 115 and either use the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) or by passing the information to the Acustomer service representative 120 at thecomputer 118 communicates to provide the requested information. Generally, any input provided by the Recipient (for delivery of change requests or other requests) may also be provided by the Sender, or a Recipient-designated agent.

递送改变请求也可以由发件人而不是由收件人来进行，或者除了收件人之外也可以由发件人来进行。发件人可以主动地进行发件人请求DCR，或者响应于收件人的请求而进行发件人请求DCR。在前者的情况下，发件人可能将错误的物品放置在包裹中，并指示与上述“返回运输”DCR类似的DCR。在这种情况下，因为发件人可以进行DCR，所以该DCR可以是“召回包裹”DCR。在后者的情况下，收件人可能认识到在递送包裹时他将在不同的地址。收件人可以联系发件人并指示改寄包裹的地址，而不是联系承运商告知该信息。发件人然后可以代表收件人进行递送改变请求，并且提供改寄包裹的所有必要信息。Delivery change requests can also be made by the sender instead of the recipient, or by the sender in addition to the recipient. Sender-requested DCR may be performed by the sender on its own initiative, or in response to a recipient's request. In the case of the former, the sender may place the wrong item in the package and indicate a DCR similar to the "Return Shipping" DCR described above. In this case, since the sender can make a DCR, the DCR can be a "Package Recall" DCR. In the latter case, the recipient may realize that he will be at a different address when the package is delivered. Instead of contacting the carrier with this information, the recipient can contact the sender and indicate where to redirect the package. The sender can then make a delivery change request on behalf of the recipient and provide all necessary information to reroute the package.

收件人简档的修改和更新Recipient Profile Modifications and Updates

如上所述，CSS 104的注册用户可以在注册之后的任何时间，更新或修改其用户简档，包括通知优选、递送指令和递送改变请求(一般地参见图24-27)。也可以根据每个包裹或每次递送来进行这些修改和更新。例如，响应向收件人的电子邮件地址发送的电子邮件通知，收件人可以访问承运商网站(主动地或通过电子邮件中提供的链接)，提供包裹的跟踪号，并指示包裹的特定递送指令或DCR。As noted above, registered users ofCSS 104 may update or modify their user profile, including notification preferences, delivery instructions, and delivery change requests, at any time after registration (see generally FIGS. 24-27 ). These modifications and updates can also be done on a per package or per delivery basis. For example, in response to an email notification sent to the recipient's email address, the recipient may visit the carrier's website (either unsolicited or via a link provided in the email), provide the package's tracking number, and instruct specific delivery of the package instruction or DCR.

图24表示使得收件人能够更新其用户信息的网页。收件人可以更新他的姓名2402、电话号码2406和电子邮件地址2408，但是不能更新其地址2404。假定包裹已在送往收件人地址的途中，如果收件人希望更新该递送的递送地址，则他必须如上所述进行改寄包裹请求。在其他实施方式中，收件人可能能够更新或修改其地址(未示出)，但是该修改仅应用于未来的递送，而不是目前正在送往其递送地址的途中的递送。收件人可以更新其用户信息的其他方面，例如其主要电子邮件2408、另选电子邮件或者安全问题和回答。Figure 24 shows a web page that enables recipients to update their user information. The recipient can update hisname 2402, phone number 2406 and email address 2408, but not his address 2404. Assuming that the package is already en route to the recipient's address, if the recipient wishes to update the delivery address for this delivery, he must make a redirect package request as described above. In other embodiments, recipients may be able to update or modify their address (not shown), but the modification only applies to future deliveries, not deliveries currently en route to their delivery address. Recipients can update other aspects of their user information, such as their primary email 2408, alternate emails, or security questions and answers.

类似地，如参照图11所述，图25中所示的网页使得收件人能够更新其递送优选。图26A表示如果收件人住在住宅中，则使收件人能够更新其递送优选的网页。同样，图26B表示如果收件人住在公寓、城镇家中或住宅单元中，则使收件人能够更新其递送优选的网页。图27表示确认收件人对其用户信息、递送优选和递送指令进行的更新的网页。虽然没有具体示出，但是可以理解，除了修改收件人的长期有效或缺省的递送优选和指令之外，CSS 104还使得收件人能够针对特定包裹或递送更新其简档。例如，图24-27中表示的网页可以包括用于输入特定包裹的跟踪号的字段，并且可以通过类似的网页来引导收件人针对特定递送增加或修改任何优选或指令。Similarly, as described with reference to Figure 11, the web page shown in Figure 25 enables recipients to update their delivery preferences. Figure 26A shows a web page that enables a recipient to update their delivery preferences if the recipient lives in a residence. Likewise, Figure 26B shows a web page that enables recipients to update their delivery preferences if they live in an apartment, town home, or residential unit. Figure 27 shows a web page confirming updates made by recipients to their user information, delivery preferences, and delivery instructions. Although not specifically shown, it is understood that in addition to modifying the recipient's long-standing or default delivery preferences and instructions, theCSS 104 also enables the recipient to update their profile for a particular package or delivery. For example, the web pages represented in Figures 24-27 may include fields for entering a tracking number for a particular package, and the recipient may be directed through a similar web page to add or modify any preferences or instructions for a particular delivery.

用于收件人指示的个性化递送服务的承运商包裹处理Carrier Package Handling for Personalized Delivery Service Indicated by Recipient

图2表示用于根据收件人指示的个性化递送优选来处理包裹的一个实施方式。如可以理解的，保持在本发明的范围内的变型和修改是可以的。Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment for handling packages according to personalized delivery preferences indicated by the recipient. As can be appreciated, variations and modifications are possible while remaining within the scope of the invention.

在步骤200通过由承运商的包裹处理系统对包裹进行处理，来开始该处理。通常为包裹分配包裹标识符，并使用表示跟踪号的机器可读形式的标识符对包裹进行编码。这种标识符在本领域中是公知的，并被用来跟踪通过处理的各种阶段的包裹。通常，在承运商对包裹进行处理期间对包裹扫描(读取)多次。这通常在承运商首先处理包裹时进行，此后在将其从递送交通工具装载和卸载或者在包裹传送中心进行处理的各点处进行。The process begins atstep 200 by processing the package by the carrier's package handling system. Packages are typically assigned a package identifier, and the package is encoded with the identifier in a machine-readable form representing the tracking number. Such identifiers are well known in the art and are used to track packages through various stages of processing. Typically, the package is scanned (read) multiple times during processing by the carrier. This is usually done when the package is first processed by the carrier and thereafter at various points where it is loaded and unloaded from the delivery vehicle or processed at a package transfer center.

在步骤202，假定设备在某些点处扫描包裹，以确定如何处理包裹。在该处理期间，可以访问PLD数据库133来读/写包裹级别数据，以确定将包裹传送到哪里。当读取包裹数据时，在步骤204确定收件人是否已选择通知即将发生的向收件人名称或地址的递送。如上所述，该服务通常以电子邮件或电话通知消息的形式，向收件人提供即将发生的包裹递送的通知。如果收件人已选择了该服务，则下一步骤206向收件人通知该包裹。Atstep 202, it is assumed that the device scans the package at some point to determine what to do with the package. During this process, thePLD database 133 can be accessed to read/write package level data to determine where to deliver the package. When the package data is read, it is determined atstep 204 whether the recipient has chosen to be notified of an impending delivery to the recipient's name or address. As mentioned above, the service provides recipients with notifications of impending package deliveries, usually in the form of email or phone notification messages. If the recipient has opted for the service, thenext step 206 notifies the recipient of the package.

电子邮件消息通常提供到承运商网站的链接。收件人可以点击该链接，来提供关于包裹递送的优选和指令。如上所述，经注册的收件人可以更新已对CSS 104注册的优选或指令。在其他实施方式中，未注册的用户可以对该特定的递送输入或指示递送优选。在任一情况下，假定收件人已进行以上操作，承运商计算系统在步骤208接受收件人的递送优选和/或指令。承运商然后在步骤210将该信息存储在CSS 104中(例如存储在收件人简档数据库134中)，作为收件人简档或收件人简档记录。在其他实施方式中，承运商可以另选地将收件人的优选存储在PLD数据库133中，作为用于该特定运输的记录。Email messages often provide a link to the carrier's website. Recipients can click on the link to provide preferences and instructions regarding package delivery. As noted above, registered recipients can update preferences or instructions registered withCSS 104. In other embodiments, an unregistered user may enter or indicate a delivery preference for that particular delivery. In either case, the carrier computing system accepts the recipient's delivery preferences and/or instructions atstep 208, assuming the recipient has done so. The carrier then stores this information in CSS 104 (e.g., in recipient profile database 134) atstep 210 as a recipient profile or recipient profile record. In other embodiments, the carrier may alternatively store the recipient's preferences in thePLD database 133 as a record for that particular shipment.

假定继续传送包裹，直到将其装载在用于递送的最终递送交通工具上。大约此时，CSS 104确定是否存在任何指示的递送优选。个性化递送优选或指令的确定可以在将包裹放置在递送交通工具上之前(例如，当承运商的分拣和处理系统传送包裹时)或者在将其放置在递送交通工具上之后，或者在这两个时间(例如，如果收件人还在递送日修改个性化递送指令，则可能发生)进行。如图2所示，CSS 104可以确定收件人是否已指示个性化递送优选和指令，而与收件人是否已选接收递送通知无关。Assume that the package continues to be conveyed until it is loaded on the final delivery vehicle for delivery. About this time,CSS 104 determines whether there are any indicated delivery preferences. Determination of personalized delivery preferences or instructions can be made prior to placing the package on the delivery vehicle (e.g., when the carrier's sorting and handling system delivers the package) or after placing it on the delivery vehicle, or at this Both times (may occur, for example, if the recipient also modifies the personalized delivery instructions on the delivery day). As shown in FIG. 2, theCSS 104 can determine whether the recipient has indicated personalized delivery preferences and instructions regardless of whether the recipient has opted in to receive delivery notifications.

CSS 104可以通过查询收件人简档数据库134，或通过访问PLD数据库133来确定该情况。如这里所述，通常根据要存储的信息的类型，可以将个性化递送优选和指令的指示存储在PLD数据库133中或收件人简档数据库134中。在将个性化递送指令存储在PLD数据库133中的情况下，CSS 104可以通过指示例外处理的日期来设置一标志，从而将信息正确地传送到与包裹递送相关的递送人员。TheCSS 104 may determine this by querying therecipient profile database 134, or by accessing thePLD database 133. As described herein, indications of personalized delivery preferences and instructions may be stored in thePLD database 133 or in therecipient profile database 134, generally depending on the type of information to be stored. Where personalized delivery instructions are stored in thePLD database 133, theCSS 104 can set a flag by indicating the date of exception handling so that the information is properly communicated to the delivery personnel associated with the package delivery.

一旦已在步骤214中确定了要向收件人提供个性化递送，则CSS 104通过访问收件人简档数据库(如果适合，或者是PLD数据库)中的收件人简档记录来确定所指示的特定优选和/或指令(在步骤212)。CSS 104然后在步骤216将递送优选和指令传达给适当的包件处理系统，该系统通常涉及通过便携式计算装置将递送优选/指令传达到递送人员(在下面描述)。便携式计算装置然后通常通过在适当时间显示的文本或图形消息来通知递送人员该优选/指令。如果CSS 104在步骤214确定收件人没有指示个性化递送优选/指令，则承运商在步骤218在标准递送程序下将包裹递送给收件人。Once it has been determined instep 214 that personalized delivery is to be provided to the recipient, theCSS 104 determines the indicated delivery by accessing the recipient profile record in the recipient profile database (or the PLD database, if applicable). specific preferences and/or instructions (at step 212). TheCSS 104 then communicates delivery preferences and instructions to the appropriate package handling system atstep 216, which typically involves communicating delivery preferences/instructions to delivery personnel via a portable computing device (described below). The portable computing device then notifies the delivery personnel of this preference/instruction, typically via a text or graphical message displayed at the appropriate time. If theCSS 104 determines atstep 214 that the recipient has not indicated personalized delivery preferences/instructions, then the carrier delivers the package to the recipient under standard delivery procedures atstep 218.

图3中示出了用于通过这种方式处理包裹的示例性系统。在图3中，承运商包裹处理系统(PHS)300接收包裹302，该PHS可以包括分拣设备、包裹处理设备、以及用于指示该设备如何处理包裹的相关计算机和处理系统。这种包裹处理系统300包括例如在美国专利5804802(通过引入并入其内容)中公开的能够通过传送跟踪号的机器可读标记(indicia)对包裹进行识别的各种系统。An exemplary system for handling packages in this manner is shown in FIG. 3 . In FIG. 3, a package 302 is received by a carrier package handling system (PHS) 300, which may include sorting equipment, package handling equipment, and associated computers and handling systems for instructing the facility how to handle the package. Such package handling systems 300 include systems such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,804,802 (the contents of which are incorporated by reference) that enable the identification of packages by machine-readable indicia that convey tracking numbers.

当处于承运商的PHS 300的分拣设施中时，包裹302通常被扫描或者在包裹的正常处理中被识别。在识别包裹时，扫描设备可以根据存储在收件人简档数据库中的收件人地址来检查收件人地址。这可以通过经由路径306将该地址传送到承运商的CSS 104来完成。While in the sortation facility of the carrier's PHS 300, the package 302 is typically scanned or otherwise identified during normal processing of the package. When identifying a package, the scanning device may check the recipient address against the recipient address stored in the recipient profile database. This can be accomplished by passing the address to the carrier'sCSS 104 via path 306.

另选的是，与CSS 104通信的PHS 300可以确定对于该包裹存在例外。例如，CSS 104可以与收件人简档数据库进行通信，使用该收件人地址来确定收件人已指示了特定的递送优选或指令，并且可以将该信息或“例外”传回到PHS 300。作为示例，该“例外”可以是收件人的指示将包裹改寄到不同的递送地址的递送指令。Alternatively, the PHS 300 in communication with theCSS 104 may determine that an exception exists for the package. For example, theCSS 104 may communicate with a recipient profile database, use the recipient address to determine that the recipient has indicated specific delivery preferences or instructions, and may pass this information or "exception" back to the PHS 300 . As an example, the "exception" may be a delivery instruction from the recipient directing the package to be redirected to a different delivery address.

在这种情况下，PHS 300可以通过通信链路306从CSS 104接收对于特定收件人或包裹递送要求例外处理的信息。根据需要，可以对所有相关包裹批量地周期性地发送该消息，或者对每一个包裹单独地发送该信息。另选的是，当通知CSS 104地址匹配时，PHS 300可以从该CSS接收要求特殊处理的指示。在任何情况下，PHS 300都通过路径316将包裹转移到例外处理中心(EHC)312。在例外处理中心，进一步的处理系统和/或人员根据通过通信路径308从CSS 104接收的信息，确定特定收件人或包裹的“例外”可能是什么(例如，应当将包裹改寄到另一地址)。这可能必须打印新运输标签并将其粘附在包裹上，并且通过路径318将该包裹转发回包裹的正常处理流304。在一些实施方式中，CSS 104可以直接通知EHC 312要求包裹的个性化递送。在这种情况下，EHC 312可以确定已将包裹装载到包裹递送交通工具上，并且使用通信基础结构314(例如，图7中表示的系统)来传达个性化递送指令，该通信基础结构将指令无线中继到递送人员携带的便携式计算装置。In this case, PHS 300 may receive information fromCSS 104 via communication link 306 that an exception is required for a particular recipient or package delivery. This message can be sent periodically in batches for all relevant packages, or individually for each package, as desired. Alternatively, when thenotification CSS 104 addresses match, the PHS 300 may receive an indication from the CSS that special handling is required. In any event, the PHS 300 transfers the package to an exception handling center (EHC) 312 via a path 316. At the Exception Processing Center, further processing systems and/or personnel determine what an "exception" to a particular recipient or package might be based on information received fromCSS 104 via communication path 308 (e.g., should the package be rerouted to another address). address). This may entail printing a new shipping label and affixing it to the package, and forwarding the package back to the normal processing flow 304 of the package via path 318 . In some implementations, theCSS 104 may directly notify the EHC 312 to request personalized delivery of the package. In this case, EHC 312 may determine that the package has been loaded onto the package delivery vehicle and communicate personalized delivery instructions using communications infrastructure 314 (e.g., the system shown in FIG. Wirelessly relay to a portable computing device carried by the delivery person.

最后，CSS 104还可以通过链路310将个性化递送优选或指令直接传送到通信基础结构314，该通信基础结构将信息传达到递送人员使用的便携式计算装置。这些系统有助于确保在递送期间的适当时间，通知与处理包裹相关的便携式计算装置。Finally,CSS 104 may also communicate personalized delivery preferences or instructions vialink 310 directly to communications infrastructure 314, which communicates the information to a portable computing device used by the delivery person. These systems help ensure that the portable computing device associated with handling the package is notified at the appropriate time during delivery.

预先递送授权pre-delivery authorization

服务概述Service Overview

预先递送授权(ADA)服务与上述“包裹发放”服务类似。然而，ADA服务涉及用于指示包裹发放的电子递送授权表(DAF)的使用。这是本发明另一实施方式，用于向收件人提供个性化递送经历。在各种实施方式中，以电子格式(例如电子邮件的PDF文件附件)提供DAF，该DAF可以打印并张贴在递送地点，以由负责递送包裹的递送人员取回。通常，这应用在其中收件人或其代表不在场来接收递送的包裹，但是希望提供不管怎样都可以将包裹留在房屋处的指示的情况。目前，进行最初递送尝试，将纸质表格留在递送地址，以指示不成功的递送尝试；该纸条可以后来由收件人签名并留在后续递送尝试的递送地址，以指示递送人员留下包裹。ADA提供了避免初始不成功的递送尝试的能力；换句话说，ADA向收件人提供了在第一次递送尝试之前授权包裹递送的能力。The Advance Delivery Authorization (ADA) service is similar to the "Package Release" service described above. However, ADA service involves the use of an electronic Delivery Authorization Form (DAF) for directing package release. This is another embodiment of the invention for providing a personalized delivery experience to recipients. In various embodiments, the DAF is provided in an electronic format (eg, a PDF file attachment to an email) that can be printed and posted at the delivery location for retrieval by the delivery person responsible for delivering the package. Typically, this applies in situations where the recipient or their representative is not present to receive a delivered package, but it is desirable to provide an indication that the package can be left at the premises anyway. Currently, for an initial delivery attempt, a paper form is left at the delivery address to indicate an unsuccessful delivery attempt; the note can later be signed by the recipient and left at the delivery address for subsequent delivery attempts to instruct the delivery person to leave pack. ADA provides the ability to avoid initial unsuccessful delivery attempts; in other words, ADA provides the recipient with the ability to authorize package delivery prior to the first delivery attempt.

ADA通过在初始递送之前向收件人提供递送的预先知识，并且向收件人提供留在房屋(例如，在前门)处的递送授权表(DAF)来完成该处理。递送人员可以知道或可以不知道DAF的预先存在，但是在遇到DAF时将相应地递送包裹。当然，存在一些可以排除使用DAF的服务选项(例如，发件人要求“现场”或本人签名，或者如果包裹是COD并且要求付费等)。为了说明的目的，假定不存在排除使用DAF的限制。The ADA does this by providing the recipient with prior knowledge of the delivery prior to initial delivery, and by providing the recipient with a Delivery Authorization Form (DAF) to leave at the premises (eg, at the front door). The delivery personnel may or may not be aware of the pre-existence of the DAF, but will deliver the package accordingly when a DAF is encountered. Of course, there are some service options that can preclude the use of DAF (e.g. the sender requires an "on-site" or in-person signature, or if the package is COD and requires payment, etc.). For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that there are no restrictions that preclude the use of DAF.

图4提供了预先递送授权服务的一个实施方式的高级概述。在图4中，假定CSS 104向收件人412通知即将发生的包裹递送。收件人在收件人计算机100上查看通知消息。该通知消息可以包括附件，该附件包括任何已知文件格式的DAF。这使得收件人能够本地地打印该表，例如在收件人的打印机101上打印。Figure 4 provides a high-level overview of one embodiment of a pre-delivery authorization service. In FIG. 4, it is assumed thatCSS 104 notifies recipient 412 of an impending package delivery. The recipient views the notification message on therecipient computer 100 . The notification message may include an attachment including a DAF in any known file format. This enables the recipient to print the form locally, eg on the recipient'sprinter 101 .

同时，CSS通知与和递送人员相关的便携式计算装置400进行通信的DIAD更新系统402。参照图7更详细地论述DIAD更新系统402的各个组件。向便携式计算装置400提供与在递送人员404尝试递送包裹414时可能遇到的DAF表相关的信息。与向便携式计算装置400提供的DAF表相关的信息可以向递送人员指示收件人请求DAF或者向收件人提供DAF，因此指示递送人员应当在递送地址注意DAF。At the same time, the CSS notifies the DIAD update system 402 in communication with the portable computing device 400 associated with the delivery person. The various components of the DIAD update system 402 are discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 7 . Portable computing device 400 is provided with information related to DAF forms that delivery personnel 404 may encounter when attempting to deliver package 414 . Information related to the DAF form provided to the portable computing device 400 may indicate to the delivery person that the recipient requests a DAF or that the recipient is provided with a DAF, thus indicating that the delivery person should be aware of the DAF at the delivery address.

在接收到即将发生的包裹递送的通知消息时，收件人可以知道他可能不在场来接受递送。因此，收件人对DAF 416进行填写和签名，并将DAF 416放置在显眼地点，例如递送地址420的前门。在到达递送地址时，递送人员404观察并取回DAF 416，并且知道根据DAF 416上指示的指令或优选留下包裹。DAF可以具有唯一标识符号，便携式计算装置400可以记录和/或验证该唯一标识符号，并且该唯一标识符号使得DAF能够与运输相关。总之，DAF将可能不成功的递送尝试转换为成功递送。Upon receiving a notification message of an impending package delivery, the recipient may know that he may not be present to accept the delivery. Accordingly, the recipient completes and signs the DAF 416 and places the DAF 416 in a prominent place, such as the front door of the delivery address 420. Upon arrival at the delivery address, the delivery person 404 observes and retrieves the DAF 416 and knows to leave the package according to the instructions or preferences indicated on the DAF 416. The DAF may have a unique identification number that the portable computing device 400 may record and/or verify and that enables the DAF to be associated with the shipment. In summary, DAF converts potentially unsuccessful delivery attempts into successful deliveries.

这只是该服务的一个变型，下面提供各种实施方式的更完整的描述。This is just one variation of the service, and a more complete description of various implementations is provided below.

递送授权表生成和向收件人的传达Delivery Authorization Form Generation and Communication to Recipients

可以由各种实体向收件人提供递送授权表(DAF)，包括承运商、发件人或另一方。通常使用电子通信向收件人提供DAF，包括电子邮件、互联网或本领域已知的任何其它通信方法。收件人可以直接地接收DAF(例如，作为电子邮件附件)，或者可以接收提示收件人请求DAF的信息(例如，通过访问网站并请求DAF)。收件人可以通过电话或无线通信接收该信息，并随后使用收件人的计算机访问互联网以获取表格。收件人可以通过拨号、数字用户专用线(DSL)、电缆互联网、无线或本领域已知的访问互联网的任何其它方式来访问互联网。The Delivery Authorization Form (DAF) may be provided to the recipient by various entities, including the carrier, sender, or another party. DAF is typically provided to recipients using electronic communication, including email, the Internet, or any other method of communication known in the art. The recipient may receive the DAF directly (eg, as an email attachment), or may receive information prompting the recipient to request the DAF (eg, by visiting a website and requesting the DAF). The recipient may receive this information by telephone or wireless communication and then use the recipient's computer to access the Internet to obtain the form. Recipients can access the Internet via dial-up, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable Internet, wireless, or any other means of accessing the Internet known in the art.

DAF通常包括与包裹递送相关联的字段，用于输入信息，例如日期(例如收件人对DAF进行签名的日期)、发件人姓名和/或地址、运输的跟踪号、收件人姓名、收件人的地址和电话号码、所希望的包裹递送地点(例如收件人的前门或后门、车库和邻居的地址等)、收件人的打印名称和收件人的签名。DAF还可以包括指示收件人填写并执行DAF的指令，以及与使用DAF相关的责任限制。DAF还可以向递送人员提供随后取回DAF的指令。单独的DAF可以具有相关序列号。该序列号可以最初只与DAF相关联，并被承运商用来将所执行的DAF与运输相关联。该后一相关联通常在递送尝试时进行。如以下进一步描述的，通常，递送人员在递送尝试时取回DAF并对与递送相关联的序列号进行记录或读取。DAFs typically include fields associated with package delivery for entering information such as date (such as the date the recipient signed the DAF), sender name and/or address, tracking number for shipment, recipient name, Recipient's address and phone number, desired package delivery location (e.g., recipient's front or back door, garage and neighbor's address, etc.), recipient's printed name, and recipient's signature. The DAF may also include instructions directing recipients to complete and execute the DAF, as well as limitations of liability associated with the use of the DAF. The DAF may also provide instructions to the delivery person for subsequent retrieval of the DAF. Individual DAFs may have associated serial numbers. This serial number may initially be associated only with the DAF and used by the carrier to associate the DAF performed with the shipment. This latter association is typically done at delivery attempt time. As described further below, typically, at the time of a delivery attempt, the delivery personnel retrieves the DAF and records or reads the serial number associated with the delivery.

图6表示可以由诸如UPS的承运商使用的递送授权表(DAF)600的一个实施方式。DAF可以包括一般信息字段602，用于识别表格的目的或名称，并识别承运商。日期字段604可以提供收件人执行该表格的日期的指示。顾客指令部分606向收件人提供进一步说明表格的目的以及如何填写的指令。“运输信息”部分608提供用于输入发件人姓名或地址、跟踪号、收件人的个人信息(例如姓名、地址和电话号码)的各种字段。然而，DAF可以包括比图6中表示的信息更多或更少的信息，或者向收件人提供一些已完成的信息(而不是空白的字段)。承运商或发件人可以在将DAF传达给收件人之前完成该表格。Figure 6 shows one embodiment of a Delivery Authorization Form (DAF) 600 that may be used by a carrier such as UPS. The DAF may include ageneral information field 602 to identify the purpose or name of the form, and to identify the carrier.Date field 604 may provide an indication of the date the recipient executed the form.Customer Instructions section 606 provides instructions to the recipient further explaining the purpose of the form and how to fill it out. The "Shipping Information"section 608 provides various fields for entering the sender's name or address, tracking number, recipient's personal information such as name, address, and phone number. However, the DAF may include more or less information than represented in Figure 6, or provide the recipient with some completed information (instead of blank fields). The carrier or sender can complete the form before communicating the DAF to the recipient.

“包裹地点”部分610可以提供个性化递送优选信息，包括预先打印的关于应当将包裹留在哪的选项。例如，“包裹地点”部分610可以在其他选项中提供“复选”框，用于指示递送人员是将包裹留在前门、后门、庭院还是办公室。如所示出的，“包裹地点”部分610还包括请求将包裹留给邻居的选项，并为收件人提供了指示邻居地点的地址或其他描述的空间。在一个实施方式(未示出)中，DAF可以包括指示收件人指示递送人员不能递送到递送地址以外的地址的指令。这可能是因为递送人员遵循预先计划的递送路线，并且接收DAF上的另选地址请求可能与预先计划的路线不一致。The "Package Location"section 610 may provide personalized delivery preference information, including pre-printed options as to where the package should be left. For example, the "Package Location"section 610 may provide, among other options, a "check" box indicating whether the delivery person left the package at the front door, back door, yard, or office. As shown, the "Package Location"section 610 also includes an option to request that the package be left with a neighbor and provides space for the recipient to indicate an address or other description of the neighbor's location. In one embodiment (not shown), the DAF may include instructions instructing the recipient to instruct the delivery person not to deliver to addresses other than the delivery address. This may be because the delivery person follows a pre-planned delivery route, and receiving an alternate address request on the DAF may not coincide with the pre-planned route.

可以为手写信息提供字段，例如附加的递送指令或优选，并且提供用于授权包裹发放的签名行。在其他实施方式中，收件人可以在打印出表格之前通过在计算机上使用电子编辑工具来完成表格。例如，在一个实施方式中，收件人能够通过使用计算机鼠标大致仿效收件人的签名的形状，来对表格进行“签名”。下面进一步描述提供电子签名的处理。Fields may be provided for handwritten information, such as additional delivery instructions or preferences, and a signature line for authorizing package release. In other embodiments, the recipient may complete the form by using an electronic editing tool on a computer before printing out the form. For example, in one embodiment, the recipient can "sign" the form by using a computer mouse to roughly follow the shape of the recipient's signature. The process of providing an electronic signature is described further below.

可以包括“服务提供商指令”部分612，用于向递送人员提供关于如何处理DAF的各种指令。最后，“合法性”部分614可以提供承运商的免责条款或其它合法通知。A "Service Provider Instructions"section 612 may be included to provide delivery personnel with various instructions on how to handle the DAF. Finally, a "Legal"section 614 may provide a carrier's disclaimer or other legal notice.

DAF的其它实施方式可以是与图6中表示的DAF 600不同的尺寸、形状和配置。不要求尺寸适合标准8.5×11英寸的纸张，而是可以更小。Other embodiments of the DAF may be of different sizes, shapes and configurations than theDAF 600 shown in FIG. 6 . It is not required to be sized to fit standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper, but can be smaller.

将DAF传达给收件人Communicate DAF to recipient

返回到图1，收件人可以接收作为从CSS 104发送的电子邮件消息中的电子附件的DAF。另选的是，收件人可以通过网络接口114接收DAF，例如通过主动地访问承运商网站。在另一实施方式中，独立的计算机(未示出)可以提供该承运商网站，并与计算系统122进行通信来向收件人提供DAF。在其他实施方式中，收件人可以从发件人140接收作为电子邮件消息中的电子附件的DAF，或者通过发件人的网络接口146访问发件人网站来接收DAF。Returning to FIG. 1 , recipients may receive DAFs as electronic attachments in email messages sent fromCSS 104. Alternatively, the recipient may receive the DAF through theweb interface 114, such as by actively visiting a carrier website. In another embodiment, a separate computer (not shown) may provide the carrier website and communicate withcomputing system 122 to provide the DAF to the recipient. In other implementations, the recipient may receive the DAF from thesender 140 as an electronic attachment in an email message, or by accessing the sender's website through the sender'sweb interface 146 .

CSS 104可以与收件人计算机100通信，并使用电子邮件接口112通过电子邮件(例如，作为*.pdf附件)提供DAF。另选的是，该CSS可以在电子邮件消息中提供超级连接以由收件人访问承运商网站，或者收件人可以主动地访问该网站以获取DAF。对于不具有或者没有选择使用计算机的收件人，可以通过电话网络110或其他通信方法以传真的形式提供DAF。TheCSS 104 can communicate with therecipient computer 100 and provide the DAF via email (e.g., as a *.pdf attachment) using theemail interface 112. Alternatively, the CSS may provide a hyperlink in the email message for the recipient to access the carrier's website, or the recipient may actively visit the website to obtain the DAF. For recipients who do not have or choose not to use a computer, the DAF may be provided by facsimile over thetelephone network 110 or other communication method.

收件人通常通过收件人计算机100与发件人的网络接口146进行通信。典型场景开始于收件人执行产品的在线购买。发件人接收订购信息(例如产品标识符、顾客标识符和运输信息，以及订购特有的其它信息)。发件人将适当的信息传送给其运输系统144，该运输系统进而将特定信息传送给承运商。通常使用互联网将信息传送到承运商，通常通过API 150，但是可以使用其它接口。The recipient typically communicates with the sender'snetwork interface 146 through therecipient computer 100 . A typical scenario begins with a recipient performing an online purchase of a product. The sender receives order information (eg, product identifier, customer identifier, and shipping information, as well as other information specific to the order). The sender communicates the appropriate information to itsshipping system 144, which in turn communicates specific information to the carrier. The information is typically communicated to the carrier using the Internet, usually through theAPI 150, but other interfaces may be used.

承运商然后将使用该运输信息在PLD数据库中建立包裹或运输的记录，为该包裹分配跟踪号。承运商然后向发件人提供该跟踪号。此后，发件人向提供该跟踪号的承运商提供包裹，使承运商能够容易地将包裹与PLD信息相关联。这可以使用基于条形码、射频识别(RFID)标签或装置等的已知扫描系统来完成。The carrier will then use this shipping information to create a record of the package or shipment in the PLD database, assigning a tracking number to the package. The carrier then provides the tracking number to the sender. Thereafter, the sender provides the package to the carrier providing the tracking number, enabling the carrier to easily associate the package with the PLD information. This can be done using known scanning systems based on barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or devices, or the like.

承运商可以根据服务的类别将估计递送日期传达给发件人。可以通过网络接口114、通过电子邮件接口112发送电子邮件消息，或者通过API 150将其传达给发件人。Depending on the category of service, the carrier may communicate an estimated delivery date to the sender. The email message may be sent via theweb interface 114, via theemail interface 112, or communicated to the sender via theAPI 150.

发件人然后可以进一步将特定信息(例如，估计递送日期和跟踪号)传达给收件人。这通常经由发件人的电子邮件接口142通过电子邮件消息来进行。另选的是，承运商可以通过承运商的电子邮件接口112在电子邮件中将该信息直接传达给收件人。在其他实施方式中，前述电子邮件可以传送使得收件人能够链接到适当的网站来获知估计递送日期的超级链接。The sender can then further communicate certain information (eg, estimated delivery date and tracking number) to the recipient. This is typically done with an email message via the sender'semail interface 142 . Alternatively, the carrier may communicate this information directly to the recipient via the carrier'semail interface 112 in an email. In other embodiments, the aforementioned email may convey a hyperlink enabling the recipient to link to an appropriate website for an estimated delivery date.

可能的服务流和操作配置Possible Service Flows and Operational Configurations

发件人、承运商和收件人之间的通信存在很多可能性。图5a和5b公开了各种实施方式，并且不旨在作为每个选项的详尽描述。There are many possibilities for communication between sender, carrier and recipient. Figures 5a and 5b disclose various embodiments and are not intended to be an exhaustive description of every option.

图5a和5b中所示的实施方式基于以下的情况：收件人使用互联网从商人(即，发件人)订购物品，该商人然后向顾客运输产品。通过收件人向发件人下订单，在步骤500开始该处理。该步骤可以按照多种不同的方式进行，例如通过收件人使用收件人计算机来通过互联网与发件人网站进行交互。发件人通常为订单分配标识号，并向发件人的运输系统(参见与图1相关的以上论述)提供相关运输信息。在步骤502，发件人构造(例如，选择并包装)产品。在步骤504，发件人通过运输系统144向承运商提供相关运输信息(例如，收件人姓名、地址和电话号码)，以通过承运商运输产品。发件人可以通过承运商的API 150提供信息，并相应地从承运商接收跟踪号(未示出)。The implementation shown in Figures 5a and 5b is based on a scenario where a recipient uses the Internet to order an item from a merchant (ie sender) who then ships the product to the customer. The process begins atstep 500 by the recipient placing an order with the sender. This step can be performed in a number of different ways, such as by the recipient using the recipient's computer to interact with the sender's website over the Internet. The sender typically assigns an identification number to the order and provides relevant shipping information to the sender's shipping system (see above discussion in relation to Figure 1). Atstep 502, the sender constructs (eg, selects and packages) the product. Atstep 504, the sender provides relevant shipping information (eg, recipient name, address, and phone number) to the carrier via theshipping system 144 to ship the product via the carrier. The sender can provide information through the carrier'sAPI 150 and receive a tracking number (not shown) from the carrier accordingly.

承运商接收的包裹通常带有标签，该标签具有以机器可读形式打印的跟踪号。这种标识符在本领域是已知的，并且被用来跟踪通过处理的各个阶段的包裹。也可以使用其他形式的包裹标识，例如RFID标签。通常，在承运商对包裹进行处理期间扫描(例如，“读取”)包裹多次。在步骤504，发件人向承运商提供包裹，承运商的包裹处理设备扫描包裹，以确定如何处理该包裹。在该处理期间，可以访问承运商的PLD数据库133，以读取或写入包裹级别数据。Packages received by the carrier are usually labeled with a tracking number printed in machine-readable form. Such identifiers are known in the art and are used to track packages through various stages of processing. Other forms of package identification, such as RFID tags, may also be used. Typically, a package is scanned (eg, "read") multiple times during processing by the carrier. Atstep 504, the sender provides the package to the carrier, and the carrier's package handling equipment scans the package to determine how to handle the package. During this process, the carrier'sPLD database 133 may be accessed to read or write package level data.

预先递送授权服务基于以下的情况：收件人预先知道即将发生的递送。可以通过发件人在步骤506向收件人发送运输通知消息，来通知收件人即将发生的递送。通常，当收件人下订单时，收件人提供电子邮件地址，以使收件人可以通过电子邮件接收这种通知。另选的是，承运商可以在步骤510向收件人发送运输通知消息。如此处其他地方所述，承运商可以通过之前的注册知道收件人的电子邮件地址，或者可以从承运商或包裹级别数据获得该信息。通常，在承运商已确定估计递送日期之后，承运商向收件人发送该消息。在任一方面(即，在步骤506或步骤510)，发送到收件人的消息可以在其他信息当中包括：发件人提供的订购号、承运商提供的跟踪号和估计递送日期。在其他实施方式中，发送到收件人的电子邮件可以提供到发件人或承运商网站的超级链接。The pre-delivery authorization service is based on the fact that the recipient has prior knowledge of an impending delivery. The recipient may be notified of the impending delivery by the sender sending a shipping notification message to the recipient atstep 506 . Typically, when a recipient places an order, the recipient provides an email address so that the recipient may receive such notification by email. Alternatively, the carrier may send a shipping notification message to the recipient atstep 510 . As noted elsewhere here, the carrier may know the recipient's email address through previous registration, or it may obtain that information from carrier or package level data. Typically, the carrier sends the message to the recipient after the carrier has determined an estimated delivery date. In either aspect (ie, atstep 506 or step 510), the message sent to the recipient may include, among other information, an order number provided by the sender, a tracking number provided by the carrier, and an estimated delivery date. In other implementations, the email sent to the recipient may provide a hyperlink to the sender's or carrier's website.

如以下详细论述的，在步骤508，收件人可以从发件人提供的电子邮件或承运商提供的电子邮件链接到发件人网站，并进行到步骤560。另选的是，如以下详细描述的，在步骤512，收件人可以从任一电子邮件链接到承运商网站，并进行到步骤520。在一另选方面，收件人可以主动地访问发件人网站，并进行到步骤560，或者可以主动地访问承运商网站，并进行到步骤520。如前所述，在接受并处理任何影响向收件人的包裹递送的信息之前，承运商可以要求各种认证信息。As discussed in detail below, atstep 508 the recipient may link to the sender's website from an email provided by the sender or an email provided by a carrier and proceed to step 560 . Alternatively, atstep 512 the recipient may link to the carrier's website from any email and proceed to step 520, as described in detail below. In an alternative aspect, the recipient may actively visit the sender's website and proceed to step 560 , or may actively visit the carrier's website and proceed to step 520 . As previously mentioned, carriers may require various authentication information before accepting and processing any information that affects the delivery of the package to the recipient.

在一个方面(未示出)，如上所述，电子邮件还可以包括用于收件人填写并签名的递送授权表。可以通过电子邮件的附件来提供该表格，或以电子图像格式在电子邮件的正文中直接提供该表格，电子图像格式例如为*.pdf、*.gif或其他可网络传输的图像格式。收件人然后可以使用收件人的打印机打印出该DAF。收件人然后可以填写其它信息当中的任何必要的信息，例如日期、跟踪号、收件人姓名、地址和电话号码、发件人姓名、以及所希望的递送地点。收件人然后签名表格。另选的是，收件人可以使用收件人的计算机来填写该信息。收件人然后打印出完成的表格并签名。收件人然后可以将经签名的DAF粘贴在递送地点或位置，例如收件人的前门。将在正常程序下进行递送，并且递送人员在递送包裹时取回经签名的DAF，并根据收件人在DAF上进行的指示来递送包裹。In one aspect (not shown), the email may also include a delivery authorization form for the recipient to complete and sign, as described above. The form can be provided as an attachment of the email, or directly provided in the body of the email in an electronic image format such as *.pdf, *.gif or other image formats that can be transmitted over the network. The recipient can then print out the DAF using the recipient's printer. The recipient can then fill in any necessary information among other information, such as date, tracking number, recipient name, address and phone number, sender name, and desired delivery location. The recipient then signs the form. Alternatively, the recipient can use the recipient's computer to fill in the information. The recipient then prints out the completed form and signs it. The recipient can then stick the signed DAF at the delivery location or location, such as the recipient's front door. Delivery will be made under normal procedures and the delivery personnel will retrieve the signed DAF upon delivery of the package and deliver the package according to the instructions made by the recipient on the DAF.

在本发明的另一方面，如上所述，发件人可以向收件人服务系统104进行注册，并选择接收入站包裹的通知和所指示的递送优选。当发件人在步骤504向承运商提供相关运输信息时，可以将该信息更新到承运商的PLD数据库。PLD数据库133然后可以与收件人简档数据库134进行通信，以确定收件人是否已向CSS 104进行了注册。假定收件人已选择了被约定到收件人姓名或地址的运输的通知消息，则CSS 104触发要发送到收件人的通知消息。该自动通知通常包括跟踪号、服务、参考号或所安排的递送日期。该通知消息还可以包括递送授权表，该递送授权表以电子图像格式(例如，*.pdf、*gif或其他可网络传输的图像)作为电子邮件的附件来提供，或者通过到承运商网站的超级链接来提供。该DAF可以已指示了特定的运输具体信息，例如发件人姓名、收件人姓名、地址和电话号码、跟踪号，以及相关DAF序列号。收件人直接从电子邮件打印该DAF并签名，而不需要手动填写除日期之外的任何信息，并将该DAF放置在预期递送地点，以由递送人员取回。In another aspect of the invention, a sender may register withrecipient services system 104 and elect to receive notifications of inbound packages and indicated delivery preferences, as described above. When the sender provides relevant shipping information to the carrier atstep 504, this information can be updated to the carrier's PLD database. ThePLD database 133 may then communicate with therecipient profile database 134 to determine whether the recipient is registered with theCSS 104. TheCSS 104 triggers a notification message to be sent to the recipient, assuming the recipient has selected a notification message for a shipment scheduled to the recipient's name or address. This automatic notification typically includes a tracking number, service, reference number or scheduled delivery date. The notification message may also include a delivery authorization form provided as an attachment to an email in an electronic image format (e.g., *.pdf, *gif, or other web-transferable image) or via a Hyperlinks are provided. The DAF may have indicated certain shipment specifics such as sender name, recipient name, address and phone number, tracking number, and associated DAF serial number. The recipient prints and signs the DAF directly from the email without having to manually fill in any information other than the date, and places the DAF at the intended delivery location for pickup by the delivery person.

通过承运商网站的预先签名授权Pre-signed authorization via carrier website

在步骤512，收件人通过在来自发件人或承运商的电子邮件中提供的超级链接，或主动地访问承运商网站。承运商网站可以向收件人呈现运输汇总，包括其状态、估计递送日期、跟踪号和发件人等。在步骤520，收件人确认运输的状态。在步骤522，收件人可以确定他将不能在估计递送日期接收该递送，并因此向承运商请求DAF。在步骤522，承运商的CSS 104生成DAF。生成DAF的步骤可以包括完成DAF的各个字段。例如，因为CSS 104与PLD数据库133通信，所以其可以获取包裹级别数据(例如，发件人的信息、包裹跟踪号、发件人姓名和地址)，并且可以使用该信息填写DAF的字段(以上参照图6描述的)。另选的是，承运商可以简单地生成空白DAF。在任一情况下，承运商在步骤526向收件人发送该DAF(虽然可以使用其它方式，但是通常通过互联网)。Atstep 512, the recipient visits the carrier's website via a hyperlink provided in an email from the sender or carrier, or proactively. The carrier's website can present the recipient with a summary of the shipment, including its status, estimated delivery date, tracking number, sender, and more. Atstep 520, the recipient confirms the status of the shipment. Atstep 522, the recipient may determine that he will not be able to receive the delivery by the estimated delivery date, and therefore request a DAF from the carrier. Instep 522, the carrier'sCSS 104 generates a DAF. The step of generating the DAF may include completing various fields of the DAF. For example, becauseCSS 104 communicates withPLD database 133, it can obtain package level data (e.g., sender's information, package tracking number, sender name and address), and can use this information to fill in the fields of DAF (above described with reference to Figure 6). Alternatively, the carrier can simply generate a blank DAF. In either case, the carrier sends the DAF to the recipient at step 526 (usually via the Internet, although other means may be used).

完成或半完成的DAF可以包括与运输相关的跟踪号，以及与DAF相关的序列号。如果收件人向CSS 104注册了特定的递送优选，则DAF还可以反映这些优选，包括特殊递送指令，例如当收件人不在家时递送人员应当将包裹留在哪里。承运商确定的个性化递送优选可以基于收件人简档数据库134中保存的优选。另选的是，收件人可以填写DAF来向递送人员指令或指示将包裹留在前门、后门、侧门、庭院、平台、门廊、车库、车棚、邻居家或其它特殊递送指令。A completed or semi-completed DAF may include a tracking number associated with the shipment, as well as a serial number associated with the DAF. If the recipient has registered specific delivery preferences with theCSS 104, the DAF can also reflect these preferences, including special delivery instructions, such as where the delivery personnel should leave the package when the recipient is not at home. The personalized delivery preferences determined by the carrier may be based on preferences maintained in therecipient profile database 134 . Alternatively, the recipient can fill out the DAF to instruct or instruct the delivery person to leave the package at the front door, back door, side door, yard, deck, porch, garage, carport, neighbor's house, or other special delivery instructions.

因此，可以将在步骤524生成的DAF个性化到特定收件人和特定运输。该CSS然后在步骤526向收件人发送DAF(通常通过电子邮件)。另选的是，该网站可以向收件人提供递送授权表的电子图像，例如，*.pdf、*.gif或其他可网络传输的图像。收件人然后可以获取DAF的电子图像。在接收到DAF时，收件人可以进行到步骤580，使用收件人的打印机打印出该DAF。如果CSS 104在步骤524产生了DAF的大部分或全部的必要信息，则收件人只需打印出该DAF，填写任何缺少的信息，例如日期，并对该DAF进行签名。另选的是，如果在步骤524产生了少于所有的必要信息并且将其包括在DAF中，则收件人然后可以填写在其他信息当中的任何缺少的和/或必要的信息，例如跟踪号、收件人姓名、地址和电话号码，以及发件人姓名。收件人然后可以对表格进行签名。另选的是，收件人可以在打印之前使用收件人的计算机100填写该信息。收件人然后可以打印出已完成的表格并对其进行签名。Accordingly, the DAF generated atstep 524 can be personalized to a specific recipient and specific shipment. The CSS then sends the DAF (typically via email) to the recipient atstep 526 . Alternatively, the website may provide the recipient with an electronic image of the delivery authorization form, eg, *.pdf, *.gif, or other web-transferable image. The recipient can then obtain an electronic image of the DAF. Upon receipt of the DAF, the recipient may proceed to step 580 to print out the DAF using the recipient's printer. If theCSS 104 produced most or all of the necessary information for the DAF atstep 524, the recipient simply prints out the DAF, fills in any missing information, such as a date, and signs the DAF. Alternatively, if atstep 524 less than all of the necessary information was generated and included in the DAF, the recipient can then fill in any missing and/or necessary information among other information, such as a tracking number , the recipient's name, address, and phone number, and the sender's name. The recipient can then sign the form. Alternatively, the recipient can use the recipient'scomputer 100 to fill in the information prior to printing. The recipient can then print out the completed form and sign it.

收件人然后可以将经签名的DAF粘贴到递送地址的特定地点或位置，例如收件人的前门(步骤582)。在步骤584，在正常程序下进行递送，并且递送人员将在递送包裹时取回经签名的DAF，并且知道根据DAF上指示的指令递送包裹。下面更详细地论述递送人员在递送包裹时和之后采取的不同程序。The recipient may then paste the signed DAF to a specific location or location of the delivery address, such as the recipient's front door (step 582). Atstep 584, the delivery is made under normal procedure and the delivery personnel will retrieve the signed DAF when delivering the package and know to deliver the package according to the instructions indicated on the DAF. The different procedures that delivery personnel take while and after delivering a package are discussed in more detail below.

返回步骤520，收件人可以另选地请求提供在线签名(步骤530)以授权包裹递送。如果收件人请求提供在线签名，则承运商网站可以要求收件人同意与提供在线签名相关的特定合法限制或责任。例如，承运商网站可以提供“条款和条件”，收件人必须通过点击指示“我同意”这些条款和条件的框来同意该“条款和条件”。承运商和发件人都可以从收件人要求该合法授权。在一个实施方式(未示出)中，承运商(或发件人)可以要求收件人向承运商存档签名，以提供在线签名。例如，收件人可能必须在请求在线签名选项之前，向承运商提供纸的(即，手写的)签名。承运商也可以向收件人提供与提供纸的签名来授权未来的在线签名的合法性或责任相关的语言。Returning to step 520, the recipient may alternatively request an online signature (step 530) to authorize package delivery. If the recipient requests an online signature, the Carrier Site may require the recipient to agree to certain legal restrictions or responsibilities associated with providing the online signature. For example, a carrier website may offer "terms and conditions" that the recipient must agree to by clicking on a box indicating "I agree" to these terms and conditions. Both the carrier and the sender can demand this legal authorization from the recipient. In one embodiment (not shown), the carrier (or sender) may require the recipient to file a signature with the carrier to provide an online signature. For example, the recipient may have to provide the carrier with a paper (ie, handwritten) signature before requesting the online signature option. The carrier may also provide language to the recipient regarding the legality or liability of providing a paper signature to authorize future online signatures.

在步骤532，承运商的CSS 104然后确认是否接受在线签名来授权该包裹的递送。这可以包括CSS 104与发件人系统152通信，以确定是否可接受在线签名。另选的是，该信息可以是包裹级别数据的部分，CSS104可以与PLD数据库133通信，以确定是否可接受在线签名。如果不接受，则在步骤534，系统通知收件人拒绝在线签名请求，并向收件人提供使用DAF来授权运输递送的选项。该系统可以按照很多不同的方式来提供该选项，例如自动向收件人发送包括DAF的电子邮件，或者在承运商网站上自动向收件人提供说明已拒绝在线签名请求的消息并提供可在线打印的DAF。如果授权在线签名，则收件人在步骤536提供其在线签名。可以通过提供电子或数字签名或通过本领域的其它已知方法来进行该操作。Instep 532, the carrier'sCSS 104 then confirms whether to accept the online signature to authorize delivery of the package. This may include theCSS 104 communicating with thesender system 152 to determine if the online signature is acceptable. Alternatively, this information may be part of the package level data and theCSS 104 may communicate with thePLD database 133 to determine if an online signature is acceptable. If not, then atstep 534 the system notifies the recipient of the rejection of the online signature request and provides the recipient with the option to use the DAF to authorize shipping delivery. The system can provide this option in many different ways, such as automatically sending the recipient an email including the DAF, or automatically providing the recipient with a message on the carrier's website stating that the online signature request has been declined and providing an online Printed DAFs. If an online signature is authorized, the recipient provides his or her online signature atstep 536 . This can be done by providing an electronic or digital signature or by other methods known in the art.

如以下进一步描述的，如果在步骤534接受在线签名，则可以按照各种方式来提供在线签名。例如，可以简单地通过收件人点击同意特定的合法“条款和条件”的框来提供“在线签名”。如下所述，在其他实施方式中，可以将收件人引导到具有使用鼠标或其他定点设备指示其签名的图形框的网页。一旦承运商已接受签名，则承运商系统更新PLD数据库中的运输信息(步骤548)，来指示已提供用于包裹发放的授权签名。如果包裹还未离开运输机构，则该信息将成为包裹级别数据的一部分，并且授权递送人员递送包裹，而在递送时不要求签名。As described further below, if an online signature is accepted atstep 534, the online signature may be provided in a variety of ways. For example, an "online signature" can be provided simply by the recipient clicking a box agreeing to certain legal "terms and conditions." As described below, in other implementations, recipients may be directed to a web page with a graphic box indicating their signature using a mouse or other pointing device. Once the carrier has accepted the signature, the carrier system updates the shipping information in the PLD database (step 548) to indicate that an authorized signature has been provided for package release. If the package has not yet left the shipping agency, this information becomes part of the package-level data and the delivery person is authorized to deliver the package without requiring a signature upon delivery.

另选的是，如果包裹已在送往收件人的途中，则可以将经更新的PLD信息传达给与递送包裹的递送人员相关联的便携式计算装置，例如UPS的递送人员所携带的DIAD(递送信息获取装置)。通常对于每一个安排要递送的包裹向DIAD上载承运商包裹处理系统的信息。2002年8月23日提交的美国专利申请No.10/227147公开了DIAD的多个方面，在此通过引用并入其全部内容。CSS 104可以向包裹处理系统传达任何一般递送信息或包裹特定信息，当对发件人或运输更新递送信息时，该包裹处理系统进而向DIAD转发信息。传送给DIAD的信息可以是各种形式，包括注释、提醒或与所指示的收件人相关联的程序详情(下面进一步论述)。递送人员于是具有已在递送时或之前提供了在线签名的信息，并将递送包裹(步骤550)，而不要求收件人对递送进行签名。Alternatively, if the package is already en route to the recipient, the updated PLD information may be communicated to a portable computing device associated with the delivery person delivering the package, such as a DIAD (DIAD) carried by the delivery person at UPS. delivery information acquisition device). Information about the carrier's package handling system is typically uploaded to DIAD for each package scheduled for delivery. Various aspects of DIADs are disclosed in US Patent Application No. 10/227147, filed August 23, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TheCSS 104 can communicate any general delivery information or package specific information to the package handling system which in turn forwards the information to the DIAD when the delivery information is updated for the sender or shipping. Information communicated to the DIAD may be in various forms, including notes, reminders, or program details associated with the indicated recipients (discussed further below). The delivery person then has information that an online signature has been provided at or prior to delivery, and will deliver the package (step 550) without requiring the recipient to sign for delivery.

在另一实施方式中，当通过承运商网站访问运输的状态(步骤520)时，收件人可以请求签名放弃(步骤540)来实现包裹发放。包裹发放使得收件人能够指示在没有收件人签名的情况下可以发放包裹(或多个包裹)。承运商然后可以与发件人进行通信来确定是否允许放弃签名(步骤542)。另选的是，是否要求签名可以是存储在PLD数据库133中的包裹级别数据的一部分。作为另一示例，承运商可能已预先从发件人接收到指示要求签名并且不能放弃签名的信息。如上所述，如果在步骤544同意签名放弃，则CSS使用该信息更新PLD数据库，并根据步骤548继续。如果不能放弃签名，则可以根据正常递送程序递送包裹，并且在运输时要求收件人签名(未示出)。另选的是，在步骤546，承运商可以向收件人传达指示还未接受签名放弃的更新通知消息。该消息可以包括电子图像格式(例如，*.pdf、*.gif或其他可网络传输的图像)的递送授权表的附件，或者可以包括到提供在线访问DAF的承运商网站的超级链接。收件人然后可以根据步骤580进行操作。In another embodiment, when accessing the status of the shipment through the carrier's website (step 520), the recipient may request a signature waiver (step 540) to effect release of the package. Package release enables a recipient to indicate that a package (or packages) may be released without the recipient's signature. The carrier may then communicate with the sender to determine if a signature waiver is permitted (step 542). Alternatively, whether a signature is required may be part of the package level data stored in thePLD database 133 . As another example, the carrier may have previously received information from the sender indicating that a signature is required and cannot be waived. As noted above, if the signature waiver is agreed atstep 544 , the CSS updates the PLD database with this information and continues according tostep 548 . If the signature cannot be waived, the package may be delivered according to normal delivery procedures, and the recipient's signature (not shown) is required upon shipment. Alternatively, atstep 546, the carrier may communicate an update notification message to the recipient indicating that the signature waiver has not been accepted. The message may include an attachment to the Delivery Authorization Form in electronic image format (eg, *.pdf, *.gif, or other web-transferable image), or may include a hyperlink to a carrier's website that provides online access to the DAF. The recipient can then proceed according tostep 580.

通过发件人网站的预先签名授权Pre-signed authorization via sender website

返回步骤508，收件人可以通过在来自发件人(或者承运商)的电子邮件中提供的超级链接来访问发件人网站，或者主动地访问发件人网站，并且随后可以进行到步骤560，在步骤560收件人可以确认运输的状态。如上所述，发件人网站可以通过路径562提供到承运商网站的超级链接，此后收件人进行步骤520。另选的是，可以通过承运商与发件人计算机之间的API来链接发件人和承运商网站，发件人可以通过路径562从承运商请求运输状态信息，承运商可以通过路径564向发件人返回要显示在发件人网站上的运输状态信息。Returning to step 508, the recipient may visit the sender's website via a hyperlink provided in an email from the sender (or carrier), or actively visit the sender's website, and may then proceed to step 560 , atstep 560 the recipient can confirm the status of the shipment. As described above, the sender's website may provide a hyperlink to the carrier's website viapath 562, after which the recipient proceeds to step 520. Alternatively, the sender and carrier website may be linked through an API between the carrier and the sender's computer, the sender may request shipping status information from the carrier viapath 562, and the carrier may request shipping status information from the carrier viapath 564. The sender returns shipping status information to be displayed on the sender's website.

收件人然后可以在步骤570请求签名放弃。如果发件人授权放弃签名要求，则发件人将该信息传达给承运商(步骤572)。可以通过电子邮件、经由发件人和承运商的网络接口通过互联网、通过API或通过本领域已知的任何其它方式来进行传达。承运商然后如步骤548中那样进行处理，使用已放弃了签名要求的信息来更新PLD数据库133。递送人员然后递送包裹，而在递送时不要求收件人签名(步骤550)。The recipient can then request a signature waiver atstep 570. If the sender authorizes the waiver of the signature requirement, the sender communicates this information to the carrier (step 572). Communication may be via email, via the Internet via the sender's and carrier's web interfaces, via an API, or by any other means known in the art. The carrier then proceeds as instep 548, updating thePLD database 133 with the information that the signature requirement has been waived. The delivery person then delivers the package without requiring the recipient's signature upon delivery (step 550).

返回步骤560，根据本发明的另一实施方式，在通过发件人网站确认运输状态时，收件人可以在步骤574请求递送授权表。发件人网站然后可以向收件人提供直接访问承运商网站以获得DAF的手段(路径566)，并如步骤524中那样进行。发件人可以通过电子邮件、通过发件人网站上的超级链接，或者通过本领域已知的任何其它方式，向收件人提供该链接。另选的是，发件人系统通过路径566与承运商网站通信(例如，通过经由API访问承运商系统)，并向承运商请求DAF。承运商然后生成DAF(包括在其他信息当中的任何相关信息，例如收件人姓名、地址和电话号码，以及运输的跟踪号)。如以下更详细描述的，DAF还可以包括与DAF相关联的序列号。Returning to step 560, according to another embodiment of the present invention, upon confirming the shipping status via the sender's website, the recipient may request a delivery authorization form atstep 574. The sender's website may then provide the recipient with direct access to the carrier's website to obtain the DAF (path 566), and proceed as instep 524. The sender may provide the link to the recipient via email, via a hyperlink on the sender's website, or by any other means known in the art. Alternatively, the sender system communicates with the carrier website via path 566 (eg, by accessing the carrier system via an API) and requests the DAF from the carrier. The carrier then generates a DAF (including, among other information, any relevant information such as recipient name, address and phone number, and tracking number for the shipment). As described in more detail below, the DAF may also include a serial number associated with the DAF.

承运商然后通过路径568向发件人传达该DAF(例如，通过发件人的API 147)。发件人然后在步骤576中向收件人提供或发送该DAF。发件人可以以电子图像格式(例如，*.pdf、*gif，或其它可网络传输的图像格式)作为电子邮件中的附件向收件人提供该表格，或者可以提供超级链接以使得收件人能够访问表格的在线版本。如上所述，收件人然后进行到步骤580。The carrier then communicates the DAF to the sender via path 568 (e.g., via the sender's API 147). The sender then provides or sends the DAF to the recipient instep 576. The sender may provide the form to the recipient as an attachment in an email in an electronic image format (e.g., *.pdf, *gif, or other network-transferable image format), or may provide a hyperlink to enable People can access the online version of the form. The recipient then proceeds to step 580 as described above.

当发件人在步骤576向收件人提供DAF时(或者可能当承运商在系统中的多个点提供该DAF时)，该DAF可以包括或可以不包括相关序列号。下面描述在发件人提供的DAF上包括或排除序列号的多种可能性。递送人员使用的程序依赖于DAF上的序列号的存在。DAF可以被完全填写、签名、注明日期，并具有相关序列号，在这种情况下，在正常递送程序下进行递送。When the sender provides the DAF to the recipient at step 576 (or possibly when the carrier provides the DAF at multiple points in the system), the DAF may or may not include an associated serial number. The various possibilities for including or excluding serial numbers on the DAF provided by the sender are described below. The program used by the delivery personnel relies on the presence of the serial number on the DAF. The DAF may be fully completed, signed, dated, and have an associated serial number, in which case, delivered under normal delivery procedures.

如前面结合图4所述，在正常递送程序下，可以通过诸如DIAD的便携式计算装置400向递送包裹的递送人员传达经更新的收件人优选信息。当CSS在步骤524将序列号与DAF相关联时，CSS可以将该信息更新到(图4的)DIAD更新系统402，并指示收件人将使用DAF，并且提供该DAF的序列号。DIAD更新系统402然后将该信息传达到递送包裹的递送人员的(图4的)DIAD 400。在递送包裹并取回DAF时，递送人员可以扫描该DAF，并且DIAD确认该DAF的序列号是由DIAD更新系统402与运输进行了关联的序列号。如果DIAD更新系统402未更新或者向DIAD 400传达该序列号，则递送人员可以扫描该DAF，作为该序列号与运输的最初关联。As previously described in connection with FIG. 4, under normal delivery procedures, the updated recipient preference information may be communicated to the delivery personnel delivering the package via a portable computing device 400, such as a DIAD. When the CSS associates the serial number with the DAF atstep 524, the CSS may update this information to the DIAD update system 402 (of FIG. 4) and indicate that the recipient will use the DAF and provide the serial number for that DAF. The DIAD update system 402 then communicates this information to the DIAD 400 (of FIG. 4 ) of the delivery person who delivered the package. When the package is delivered and the DAF is retrieved, the delivery person can scan the DAF and the DIAD confirms that the DAF's serial number is the serial number associated with the shipment by the DIAD update system 402 . If the DIAD update system 402 has not updated or conveyed the serial number to the DIAD 400, the delivery person can scan the DAF as the original association of the serial number with the shipment.

通过承运商网站的电子签名Electronic signature via carrier website

图28表示收件人在承运商网站提供电子签名的实施方式。如可以看到的，在步骤1，顾客(例如，收件人)可以登录到发件人网站，以例如检查收件人的订单的状态。在发件人网站，收件人可以点击超级链接来链接到承运商网站。在步骤2，承运商网站预先填写已预先存储在PLD数据库中的运输信息。如自始至终所述的，运输信息可以是包裹或运输的跟踪号、收件人地址、收件人的唯一标识符等。在步骤3，收件人登录到承运商网站，并被呈现包括了在步骤2预先填写的数据的DAF。在承运商网站，向收件人呈现收件人可以在其中提供数字签名的图形框。例如，收件人可以使用计算机鼠标或其他定点设备(例如，跟踪球(trackball)、跟踪点(trackpoint)等)，来在该框中签名。在其他实施方式中，可以通过选择或点击指示由此提供签名的框，或者通过将收件人姓名键入到文本框中并指示所键入的姓名代表收件人签名，来提供电子签名。承运商网站还可以包括认证特征(未示出)，以验证提供签名的人是收件人(或者收件人的授权代表)。例如，承运商网站可以要求收件人提供其社会保险号、驾照号、信用卡号，或对收件人唯一的任何其它标识符。承运商然后可以通过使用第三方或第三方数据库来验证该信息，以对收件人进行认证。Figure 28 shows an embodiment where the recipient provides an electronic signature at the carrier's website. As can be seen, atstep 1, a customer (eg, recipient) may log into the sender's website, eg, to check the status of the recipient's order. On the sender's website, the recipient can click on the hyperlink to link to the carrier's website. In step 2, the carrier website pre-populates the shipping information that has been pre-stored in the PLD database. As stated throughout, shipping information may be a package or shipment tracking number, recipient address, recipient's unique identifier, etc. At step 3, the recipient logs into the carrier website and is presented with a DAF including the data pre-filled in step 2. At the carrier's website, the recipient is presented with a graphical box in which the recipient can provide a digital signature. For example, the recipient may use a computer mouse or other pointing device (eg, trackball, trackpoint, etc.) to sign in the box. In other implementations, an electronic signature may be provided by selecting or clicking a box indicating that a signature is thereby provided, or by typing a recipient's name into a text box and indicating that the typed name signs on behalf of the recipient. The carrier website may also include an authentication feature (not shown) to verify that the person providing the signature is the recipient (or an authorized representative of the recipient). For example, the carrier website may require the recipient to provide their social security number, driver's license number, credit card number, or any other identifier unique to the recipient. The carrier can then verify this information by using a third party or a third party database to authenticate the recipient.

收件人还可以在DAF上完成承运商未预先填写的任何信息。CSS104获取该电子签名并存储它(与收件人完成的任何附加信息一起)。由于该电子签名还未与包裹递送相关联或用来发放包裹递送，所以此时可以将该电子签名存储为“无效(inactive)”。在一个实施方式中，可以将该信息存储在PLD数据库中。在其它实施方式中，可以将该信息的一些或全部存储在收件人简档数据库中。一旦承运商网站获取了电子签名和其他信息，则向收件人呈现完成的DAF。在步骤4，收件人可以打印经签名的DAF并将其张贴在递送地址的地点(例如在前门)。Recipients can also complete any information on the DAF that is not pre-filled by the carrier.CSS 104 captures the electronic signature and stores it (along with any additional information completed by the recipient). Since the electronic signature has not yet been associated with or used to issue a package delivery, the electronic signature may be stored as "inactive" at this time. In one embodiment, this information may be stored in a PLD database. In other implementations, some or all of this information may be stored in a recipient profile database. Once the carrier website has captured the electronic signature and other information, the completed DAF is presented to the recipient. At step 4, the recipient can print the signed DAF and post it at the delivery address location (eg, at the front door).

在向收件人递送包裹时，递送人员取回该DAF，并且可以使用诸如DIAD的便携式计算装置对其进行扫描。在图28中所示的实施方式中，该DAF包括可以指示跟踪号和/或DAF的唯一序列号的机器可读标记。如自始至终所述的，该步骤用来将包裹与DAF相关联。递送人员(driver)然后发放该包裹。When delivering a package to a recipient, the delivery person retrieves the DAF and can scan it using a portable computing device such as a DIAD. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the DAF includes machine-readable indicia that may indicate a tracking number and/or a unique serial number of the DAF. As described throughout, this step is used to associate the package with the DAF. A driver then releases the package.

在步骤6，向DIAD获取系统(DCS，以下进一步描述)上载递送信息。在步骤7，CSS 104根据跟踪号，对所有从发件人运输的包裹从DCS请求包裹状态信息。在步骤8，从DCS检索所请求的数据，并对所有递送的包裹返回结果。然后可以将该信息存储在PLD数据库中。在步骤9，根据特定参数，保留或忽略(override)在步骤3提供的电子签名。如果递送人员基于检索包括电子签名的DAF来发放包裹，则保留或存储该电子签名，并且保持该电子签名与DAF相关联。然而，当完成DAF时，收件人可以指示在邻居的地址进行递送。如果递送人员向所指示的邻居发放包裹，则递送人员可以在附加DAF上获得邻居的签名。该经签名的DAF及其签名将优先于收件人提供的电子签名。类似地，收件人可以最初认为他不在家来接受递送，并因此可能已在步骤3完成并签名DAF。然而，因为各种原因，收件人可能实际上在递送时在场，并且可以提供“现场”签名。在DIAD上接收到“现场”签名时，该签名优先于在步骤3提供的电子签名。然后可以从存储有收件人的电子签名的数据库中去除收件人的电子签名。At step 6, the delivery information is uploaded to the DIAD Acquisition System (DCS, described further below). In step 7, theCSS 104 requests package status information from the DCS for all packages shipped from the sender based on the tracking number. At step 8, the requested data is retrieved from the DCS and the results are returned for all delivered packages. This information can then be stored in the PLD database. In step 9, the electronic signature provided in step 3 is retained or overridden according to certain parameters. If the delivery person releases the package based on retrieving a DAF that includes an electronic signature, then retain or store the electronic signature and keep the electronic signature associated with the DAF. However, when the DAF is complete, the recipient can instruct delivery to be made at the neighbor's address. If the delivery person releases the package to the indicated neighbor, the delivery person can obtain the neighbor's signature on the attached DAF. This signed DAF and its signature will take precedence over the electronic signature provided by the recipient. Similarly, the recipient may initially accept the delivery assuming he is not at home, and thus may have completed and signed the DAF at step 3. However, for various reasons, the recipient may actually be present at the time of delivery and may provide an "on-site" signature. When a signature is received "on site" on DIAD, this signature takes precedence over the electronic signature provided at step 3. The recipient's electronic signature can then be removed from the database in which the recipient's electronic signature is stored.

在步骤10，发件人可以登录到安全承运商网站，并被提供经签名的DAF的可视表示。发件人然后可以打印具有电子签名的电子DAF，并为发件人记录而保存该DAF。类似地，承运商(例如，通过顾客服务中心或代表)可以访问承运商网站并获取该DAF以及相关信息和签名。这可能对在收件人简档数据库和PLD数据库中更新与收件人或运输相关的数据有用。At step 10, the sender may log on to the secure carrier website and be provided with a visual representation of the signed DAF. The sender can then print the electronic DAF with the electronic signature and save the DAF for the sender's record. Similarly, the carrier (eg, through a customer service center or representative) can access the carrier's website and obtain the DAF along with related information and signatures. This may be useful for updating recipient or shipment related data in the recipient profile database and the PLD database.

用于将序列号与DAF相关联的可能方案Possible schemes for associating serial numbers with DAFs

本领域的技术人员可以想到，以下描述的可能性只是代表性的，而并不排除其它可能性或其组合。Those skilled in the art can imagine that the possibilities described below are only representative, and do not exclude other possibilities or combinations thereof.

可能性1：DAF上不包括序列号或者不向收件人提供序列号Possibility 1: The serial number is not included on the DAF or is not provided to the recipient

在DAF没有与其相关联的序列号的情况下，存在递送人员要遵循的递送程序的多个选项。例如，递送人员可以在递送时选择序列号以与DAF相关联。递送人员可以通过从现有的纸质递送通知复制编号或选择存储在DIAD中的值来选择编号。递送人员在DAF上人工书写该编号。另选的是，递送人员可以具有在每个贴纸(sticker)上打印有连续的序列号的一卷或一片贴纸，其中各个递送人员具有不同范围的序列号贴纸，从而递送人员可以从该片或卷上剥下贴纸并将其粘贴到DAF上。递送人员然后可以将该序列号输入到DIAD中，以将值与DAF相关联。此外，该贴纸可以以条形码或其它机器可读形式来提供序列号，从而递送人员可以扫描该贴纸并扫描包裹，以将序列号与跟踪号相关联。作为另一种另选方式，当递送人员返回承运商机构时，可以将手动输入到DAF上的序列号或者粘贴到DAF上的贴纸的序列号传送到CSS和/或其它承运商系统。In the event that a DAF does not have a serial number associated with it, there are several options for the delivery procedure to be followed by the delivery person. For example, the delivery person may select a serial number to associate with the DAF at the time of delivery. The delivery person can select the number by copying the number from an existing paper delivery notice or by selecting a value stored in DIAD. The delivery person manually writes this number on the DAF. Alternatively, the delivery person may have a roll or sheet of stickers with consecutive serial numbers printed on each sticker, where each delivery person has a different range of serial number stickers, so that the delivery person can select from the sheet or Peel off the sticker on the roll and stick it to the DAF. The delivery person can then enter that serial number into the DIAD to associate the value with the DAF. Additionally, the sticker can provide the serial number in a barcode or other machine-readable form, so that a delivery person can scan the sticker and scan the package to associate the serial number with the tracking number. As a further alternative, the serial number manually entered on the DAF or on a sticker affixed to the DAF may be transmitted to the CSS and/or other carrier system when the delivery person returns to the carrier facility.

递送人员将序列号与还不具有相关序列号的DAF相关联的第二选项是承运商向其递送人员提供一叠空白DAF，从而当递送人员遇到没有相关序列号的DAF时，他可以从他的一叠空白DAF取出一张DAF(与现有UPS InfoNotice表类似)，并将该序列号与经签名的DAF相关联。作为一个示例(如图6中的“服务提供商指令”中所示)，递送人员遇到没有序列号的DAF。递送人员然后可以从所提供的一叠获取空白DAF(例如，UPS InfoNotice)，并使用扫描装置扫描该DAF。递送人员然后可以将所扫描的、序列号相关联的DAF放置在递送地点，以指示递送了包裹并取回了经签名的DAF，递送人员然后可以在经签名的DAF上提供的空间中人工写下所扫描的DAF的序列号。递送人员然后可以返回承运商机构，并向记录设施提供具有人工输入的序列号的经签名DAF，以在CSS中进行更新。作为附加措施，递送人员可以扫描空白DAF的序列号并扫描包裹，以使得在系统中序列号与运输的跟踪号相关联，并且当递送人员向承运商机构返回经签名的表格和人工输入的序列号时，记录中心只需验证序列号与跟踪号的关联。A second option for the delivery person to associate a serial number with a DAF that does not yet have an associated serial number is for the carrier to provide his delivery person with a stack of blank DAFs so that when the delivery person encounters a DAF that does not have an associated serial number, he can retrieve it from the His stack of blank DAFs takes a DAF (similar to the existing UPS InfoNotice(R) form) and associates the serial number with the signed DAF. As an example (as shown in "Service Provider Instructions" in Figure 6), the delivery person encounters a DAF without a serial number. The delivery person can then take a blank DAF (eg, UPS InfoNotice(R)) from the provided stack and scan the DAF using the scanning device. The delivery person can then place the scanned, serial number-associated DAF at the delivery location to indicate that the package was delivered and the signed DAF was retrieved, the delivery person can then manually write in the space provided on the signed DAF The serial number of the DAF scanned under. The delivery person can then return to the carrier facility and provide the facility of record with the signed DAF with the manually entered serial number for update in the CSS. As an additional measure, the delivery person can scan the serial number of the blank DAF and scan the package so that in the system the serial number is associated with the shipment's tracking number and when the delivery person returns to the carrier agency the signed form and the manually entered sequence When using a serial number, the Records Center only needs to verify the association of the serial number with the tracking number.

将序列号与已签名但没有相关序列号的DAF相关联的另一选项是递送人员在递送时与CSS进行通信(例如通过DIAD)。递送人员可以将包裹或运输的跟踪号输入到系统中，CSS处理该信息，例如通过访问PLD数据库以检索包裹信息并生成相关序列号，然后向递送人员返回序列号(例如通过DIAD)，用于递送人员将该序列号与DAF相关联。递送人员然后可以在DAF上提供的空间中人工写下该序列号。在该方面，CSS可以已将跟踪号与所提供的序列号相关联，从而当递送人员向承运商机构返回经签名的表格并人工输入序列号时，记录中心只需验证序列号与跟踪号的关联。Another option for associating a serial number with a DAF that is signed but does not have an associated serial number is for the delivery person to communicate with the CSS at the time of delivery (eg via DIAD). The delivery person may enter the tracking number of the package or shipment into the system and the CSS processes this information, for example by accessing the PLD database to retrieve the package information and generate the associated serial number, which is then returned to the delivery person (for example via DIAD) for The delivery person associates the serial number with the DAF. The delivery person can then manually write down the serial number in the space provided on the DAF. In this regard, the CSS may already associate the tracking number with the serial number provided so that when the delivery person returns the signed form to the carrier agency and manually enters the serial number, the Center of Records need only verify the alignment of the serial number with the tracking number. associated.

可能性2：承运商向发件人提供预定范围的序列号Possibility 2: The carrier provides the sender with a predetermined range of serial numbers

第二种可能性是承运商可以向发件人分配一定范围的序列号，来根据需要进行分配。承运商必须向每个发件人分配唯一的值来避免重复。这使得发件人能够直接向收件人提供具有来自预定范围的序列号的DAF。这避免了在步骤360发件人必须在路径370与CSS通信以请求具有相关序列号的DAF。因此，如果因为某些原因，发件人系统不能在路径370和372与承运商系统进行通信，则在收件人在步骤360这样进行请求时，发件人仍然可以向收件人提供序列号相关联的DAF。另选的是，如果发件人在路径370从承运商请求DAF并且承运商向发件人发回的所生成的DAF不包括序列号，则发件人可以将来自预定范围的序列号与该DAF相关联。发件人可以按照某种方式控制DAF以包括序列号(例如通过编辑电子图像以包括序列号)，或者可以将其提供给收件人并指示收件人在DAF上人工地填写序列号。A second possibility is that the carrier can assign a range of serial numbers to the sender to assign as needed. Carriers must assign unique values to each sender to avoid duplication. This enables senders to provide DAFs directly to recipients with serial numbers from a predetermined range. This avoids at step 360 the sender having to communicate with the CSS at path 370 to request a DAF with the associated serial number. Therefore, if for some reason the sender's system is unable to communicate with the carrier system at paths 370 and 372, the sender can still provide the serial number to the recipient when the recipient so requests at step 360 The associated DAF. Alternatively, if the sender requests a DAF from the carrier on path 370 and the generated DAF that the carrier sends back to the sender does not include a serial number, the sender can combine a serial number from a predetermined range with the DAFs are associated. The sender can control the DAF in some way to include the serial number (eg, by editing the electronic image to include the serial number), or it can provide it to the recipient and instruct the recipient to manually fill in the serial number on the DAF.

另选的是，如果发件人在路径370从承运商请求DAF并且承运商生成包括序列号的DAF相关信息，或者如果承运商发送具有至少包括序列号的最少信息的DAF，则发件人可以在步骤362向收件人提供该序列号相关的DAF，并且不必分配来自承运商所提供的预定范围的序列号。Alternatively, if the sender requests a DAF from a carrier at path 370 and the carrier generates DAF-related information including a serial number, or if the carrier sends a DAF with minimal information including at least a serial number, the sender may The DAF associated with the serial number is provided to the recipient at step 362 and does not necessarily assign a serial number from the predetermined range provided by the carrier.

将在正常程序下进行可能性2下的递送。递送人员可以取回经签名的DAF并且扫描序列号，从而将该序列号与CSS中的跟踪号相关联。另选的是，递送人员返回承运商机构并且可以向记录中心提供该DAF，从而可以在承运商系统中将序列号与运输正式相关联。Delivery under possibility 2 will be made under normal procedures. The delivery person can retrieve the signed DAF and scan the serial number, thereby correlating the serial number with the tracking number in the CSS. Alternatively, the delivery person returns to the carrier facility and can provide the DAF to the center of record so that the serial number can be formally associated with the shipment in the carrier's system.

可能性3：承运商向发件人请求的每个DAF分配单独的序列号Possibility 3: The carrier assigns a separate serial number to each DAF requested by the sender

第三可能性允许发件人与承运商系统进行通信(例如，通过每个系统的API或者每个系统的网络接口)，从而每次收件人在步骤360从发件人请求DAF时，发件人将通过路径370与承运商进行通信，并且承运商在步骤304生成序列号。承运商通过路径372将该信息传回给发件人。A third possibility allows the sender to communicate with the carrier system (e.g., via each system's API or each system's web interface) so that each time the recipient requests a DAF from the sender at step 360, the sender The shipper will communicate with the carrier via path 370, and the carrier generates a serial number at step 304. The carrier passes this information back to the sender via path 372.

如果在DAF上提供并包括序列号，则在正常程序下进行可能性3下的递送。递送人员可以取回经签名的DAF并扫描序列号，从而序列号与CSS中的跟踪号相关联。如果不从承运商向发件人提供序列号，则递送人员可以遵循在可能性1中描述的递送程序。Delivery under Possibility 3 is done under normal procedure if provided on DAF and includes serial number. The delivery person can retrieve the signed DAF and scan the serial number so that the serial number correlates with the tracking number in the CSS. If the serial number is not provided to the sender from the carrier, the delivery person can follow the delivery procedure described inpossibility 1.

预先递送授权的示例应用Sample Application for Pre-Delivery Authorization

现在使用本发明的一个实施方式来描述向收件人提供预先递送授权的系统和方法。该描述表示了收件人使用该服务的一种可能的方法，并不表示该服务的所有可以变型或可能出现的可能事件。A system and method for providing pre-delivery authorization to recipients will now be described using one embodiment of the present invention. This description represents one possible way for the recipient to use the service, and does not represent all possible events that may vary or may occur with the service.

收件人通过访问发件人网站从发件人订购产品。在订购产品时，收件人提供相关信息，例如，收件人姓名、地址、电子邮件地址、电话号码和其它识别信息，包括订购和/或运输信息。发件人将订购号与该订购相关联。发件人向承运商提供适当的运输信息，并被提供跟踪号。向承运商提供带有该跟踪号的包裹。The recipient orders a product from the sender by visiting the sender's website. When ordering Products, the recipient provides relevant information such as the recipient's name, address, email address, telephone number and other identifying information, including ordering and/or shipping information. The sender associates an order number with the order. The sender provides the appropriate shipping information to the carrier and is provided with a tracking number. Provide the carrier with the package with this tracking number.

承运商然后处理该包裹，并且通过现有的程序来通知收件人预期的包裹递送日期。该通知可以包括到承运商网站的超级链接或其他链接，以及跟踪号。收件人然后可以点击该链接或者使用该链接来连接到承运商网站。另选的是，如果收件人已预先接收到跟踪号或其他运输识别号，则收件人可以主动地访问承运商网站并指示该跟踪号。The carrier then processes the package and, through existing procedures, notifies the recipient of the expected delivery date of the package. The notice may include a hyperlink or other link to the carrier's website, as well as a tracking number. The recipient can then click or use the link to connect to the carrier's website. Alternatively, if the recipient has previously received a tracking number or other shipping identification number, the recipient may proactively visit the carrier's website and indicate the tracking number.

在访问承运商网站时，收件人确认运输的状态。承运商网站提供信息，例如跟踪号、运输中的包裹的数量以及与运输处于递送处理中的位置有关的信息(例如在中心等待递送、在途中等)。运输状态通常提供递送的估计时间和/或日期。假定收件人确定他在期望的递送时间不在，则收件人从承运商网站请求DAF。When visiting the carrier's website, the recipient confirms the status of the shipment. The carrier's website provides information such as tracking numbers, the number of packages in transit, and information about where the shipment is in the delivery process (eg, at a hub awaiting delivery, en route, etc.). Shipping status typically provides an estimated time and/or date of delivery. Assuming the recipient determines that he is not available at the desired delivery time, the recipient requests a DAF from the carrier's website.

CSS生成DAF，其包括跟踪号、发件人姓名和地址、收件人姓名、地址和电话号码，以及序列号。DAF也可以包括收件人可以预先向承运商提供的特殊递送指令，例如优选递送地点或位置。在生成DAF时，CSS通过承运商网站向收件人提供DAF，从而收件人可以直接从网站打印DAF。另选的是，CSS可以提供到承运商网站的超级链接，收件人可以在承运商网站得到DAF以进行打印。另一个另选方案是CSS生成到收件人的电子邮件，该电子邮件包括DAF作为附件或在电子邮件的正文中包括DAF。The CSS generates a DAF that includes the tracking number, sender name and address, recipient name, address and phone number, and serial number. The DAF can also include special delivery instructions that the recipient can provide to the carrier in advance, such as a preferred delivery location or location. When generating the DAF, the CSS provides the DAF to the recipient through the carrier's website, so that the recipient can print the DAF directly from the website. Alternatively, the CSS can provide a hyperlink to the carrier's website where the recipient can obtain the DAF for printing. Another alternative is for the CSS to generate an email to the recipient that includes the DAF as an attachment or includes the DAF in the body of the email.

CSS随后可以更新DIAD更新系统402并指示为收件人生成DAF和相关序列号。DIAD更新系统402然后在包裹的递送日的适当时间将该信息传达到递送人员的DIAD(以下进一步论述)。The CSS can then update the DIAD update system 402 and instruct a DAF and associated serial number to be generated for the recipient. The DIAD update system 402 then communicates this information to the delivery person's DIAD at the appropriate time on the package's delivery day (discussed further below).

在收件人打印从承运商提供的DAF之后，收件人可以填写承运商未填写的任何信息(例如，如果收件人具有以前没有与运输相关联的另选电话号码，或者与在收件人的特殊递送优选中提供的地址不同的另选递送地址)。收件人对该表格进行签名并注明日期。收件人将DAF附着在预期递送地点(例如收件人的前门或后门)。After the recipient prints the DAF provided from the carrier, the recipient can fill in any information not filled in by the carrier (for example, if the recipient has an alternate phone number not previously Alternative delivery address different from the address provided in the person's special delivery preference). The recipient signs and dates the form. The recipient attaches the DAF at the intended delivery location (eg, the recipient's front or back door).

递送人员在递送时取回经签名的DAF并随后递送包裹。递送人员可以扫描该DAF来读取序列号并确认该序列号是该特定递送的DIAD中指示的序列号。The delivery person retrieves the signed DAF upon delivery and then delivers the package. The delivery person can scan the DAF to read the serial number and confirm that it is the serial number indicated in the DIAD for that particular delivery.

承运商提供的个性化递送信息(CPPDI)Carrier Provided Personalized Delivery Information (CPPDI)

如到目前为止所描述的，向DIAD(或其他便携式计算装置)提供的信息是源自发件人或收件人的个性化递送信息。存在可以向DIAD提供的与包裹递送相结合的源自承运商本身的另一类信息。认为该信息是承运商提供的个性化递送信息，或者CPPDI。As described so far, the information provided to the DIAD (or other portable computing device) is personalized delivery information originating from the sender or recipient. There is another type of information originating from the carrier itself that can be provided to the DIAD in conjunction with package delivery. Think of this information as the Carrier Provided Personalized Delivery Information, or CPPDI.

通常，承运商递送人员负责沿规定路线递送包裹。在很多情况下，递送人员变得对路线很熟悉，并扩展对路线、沿路线的收件人及其递送优选，以及属于沿该路线的包裹递送的其它信息的个人知识。例如，递送人员可以知道特定老年收件人的身体情况(例如背部不好)，并且应当将包裹留在前门的桌子上。该老年收件人可以不通过前述系统或方法将该信息传达给承运商，而是可以在某些时间点(例如在前一递送时)亲自通知递送人员。递送人员还可以知道特定收件人家中时常有狗或其他动物。递送人员通常在内心“存储”这类信息，但是在由临时司机替换或代替正规递送人员的情况下，该临时司机不知道该信息。Typically, carrier delivery personnel are responsible for delivering packages along prescribed routes. In many cases, delivery personnel become familiar with the route and expand personal knowledge of the route, recipients along the route and their delivery preferences, and other information pertaining to package delivery along the route. For example, a delivery person may know that a particular elderly recipient has a medical condition (such as a bad back) and should leave the package on the table by the front door. Instead of communicating this information to the carrier through the aforementioned systems or methods, the elderly recipient may notify the delivery person himself at some point in time (eg, on a previous delivery). The delivery person may also know that dogs or other animals are often present in the home of a particular recipient. The delivery person usually "stores" such information internally, but in the event that the regular delivery person is replaced or replaced by a temporary driver, the temporary driver is unaware of this information.

因此，上述的相同基础结构和系统(其存储并处理收件人和发件人的递送优选和指令)也可以是用于存储并提供其他信息的基础。该其他信息可以是承运商(例如，递送人员)在特定递送地址观察到的信息、特定路线信息(例如路况或绕道)等。因此，如果正规的递送人员生病，则可以向临时或替代司机提供这种承运商提供的信息。承运商也可以向各条递送路线的递送人员(正规或临时)的DIAD提供该信息，来辅助递送人员完成递送。Thus, the same infrastructure and system described above, which stores and processes recipient and sender delivery preferences and instructions, may also be the basis for storing and providing other information. This other information may be information observed by the carrier (eg, delivery personnel) at a specific delivery address, specific route information (eg, road conditions or detours), and the like. Thus, such carrier-provided information could be provided to a temporary or alternate driver if a regular delivery person becomes ill. The carrier may also provide this information to the DIAD of the courier (regular or temporary) for each delivery route to assist the courier in completing the delivery.

定制的收取和递送(CPaD)数据的类型Types of Customized Pickup and Delivery (CPaD) Data

可以将收件人和发件人提供的个性化递送优选和指令以及上述CPPDI总称为定制的收取和递送(CPaD)数据。通常，可以将CPaD数据分类为至少三类：程序、提醒和注释。类别之间的区别通常涉及传送什么信息、以及承运商系统和DIAD如何以及何时对信息进行处理。在其他实施方式中，可以定义更多或更少的类别。以下的区别不旨在限定信息的类别，而是提供关于什么信息落入哪一类别的一般指导。此外，可以不必向DIAD传达CPaD数据作为这些类别的一部分，而是以与自始至终所述不同的方式或不同的时间将CPaD数据发送到DIAD。Personalized delivery preferences and instructions provided by recipients and senders, together with the CPPDI described above, can be collectively referred to as Customized Pickup and Delivery (CPaD) data. In general, CPaD data can be classified into at least three categories: programs, reminders, and notes. The distinction between categories generally concerns what information is transferred, and how and when the information is processed by the carrier's system and DIAD. In other implementations, more or fewer categories may be defined. The following distinctions are not intended to limit the categories of information, but to provide general guidance on what information falls into which category. Furthermore, instead of communicating CPaD data to DIAD as part of these categories, CPaD data may be sent to DIAD in a different manner or at a different time than described throughout.

提醒是一种类型的CPaD数据，包括必须由递送人员处理的信息。通常，必须在完成到收件人的递送之前，或者在递送人员进行到递送路线上的下一站之前，处理提醒。提醒的一个示例可以是递送是COD(Cash-on-Delivery货到付款)并且通知递送人员只可以从收件人接受经证明的支票或汇票的指示。在一个实施方式中，DIAD向递送人员显示指示该递送涉及提醒的图标。因为递送人员必须处理该提醒，所以可以中断或阻止DIAD的特定屏幕功能，直到承运商处理了该提醒(即，读取、检查、和/或确认或响应该提醒)为止。Reminders are a type of CPaD data that include information that must be addressed by delivery personnel. Often, reminders must be processed before the delivery to the recipient is complete, or before the delivery person proceeds to the next stop on the delivery route. An example of a reminder could be an instruction that the delivery is COD (Cash-on-Delivery) and informing the delivery person that only certified checks or money orders can be accepted from the recipient. In one embodiment, the DIAD displays an icon to the delivery person indicating that the delivery involves a reminder. Because the delivery personnel must process the reminder, certain screen functions of the DIAD may be interrupted or blocked until the carrier has processed the reminder (ie, read, checked, and/or acknowledged or responded to the reminder).

注释是另一类型的CPaD数据。注释涉及一般信息性质的信息。通常，注释包括可以忽略的信息，因为不要求递送人员在进行该递送或其他递送之前确认该信息或对该信息进行响应。注释的示例可以是指示在收件人递送地址存在大狗的消息，并且递送人员应当知道该狗。该类型的消息只是信息性的，并且递送人员可以在递送人员方不采取任何特定行动的情况下，读取并忽略该类型的消息。Annotations are another type of CPaD data. Notes refer to information of a general informational nature. Typically, notes include information that can be ignored because the delivery person is not required to confirm or respond to the information before making that or other deliveries. An example of a note could be a message indicating that there is a large dog at the recipient delivery address and that the delivery person should be aware of the dog. Messages of this type are informational only and can be read and ignored by the delivery person without any specific action being taken on the part of the delivery person.

程序是另一类型的CPaD数据，其向递送人员提供指示包裹递送需要遵循的特定程序或协议的信息。在很多情况下，程序伴随着提醒和/或注释。例如，如果向DIAD发送指示包裹是COD的提醒，则一旦递送人员确认了该提醒，就可以向他呈现COD递送所遵循的特定程序。例如，程序消息可以提醒递送人员在接受COD递送的支票或汇票之前获得识别证据。类似地，如果向DIAD发送指示在房屋通常存在大狗的注释，则程序可以接着指示可以将包裹留在前门廊以避免遇到狗。Procedures are another type of CPaD data that provide delivery personnel with information indicating specific procedures or protocols that need to be followed for package delivery. In many cases, procedures are accompanied by reminders and/or notes. For example, if a reminder is sent to the DIAD indicating that the package is a COD, once the delivery person acknowledges the reminder, he can be presented with the specific procedure followed for COD delivery. For example, a procedural message may remind delivery personnel to obtain proof of identification before accepting a check or money order for delivery by COD. Similarly, if a note is sent to DIAD indicating that there are often large dogs in the house, the program may then indicate that the package may be left on the front porch to avoid encountering the dog.

可以理解，提醒、注释和程序可以向递送人员指示各种消息或信息，可以将提醒、注释和程序彼此结合地发送到DIAD，以传递该信息。可以在DIAD上以文本和/或图形(例如，包括图标)的形式来呈现提醒、注释和程序。该信息可以是“固定(canned)”文本或自由形式文本的形式。因此，可以向递送人员提供特定的公共类型的信息(即，可以多次出现并且通常不参照任何特定收件人或递送的那些提醒、注释和程序)，作为“固定”文本。例如，指示递送人员必须在进行下一个递送之前扫描DAF上的机器可读标记的提醒可以是“固定”文本。另一方面，对于特定递送或收件人更特定并且通常不会遇到的信息可以被提供为由该消息的发起者确定的那样(例如，以自由形式文本)。因此，CSS 104可能必须生成指示在收件人递送地址存在大狗的自由形式的注释。此外，除了文本或图标之外，可以使用声音警报(例如，声音和蜂鸣声等)，使得DIAD能够向递送人员提供存在CPaD数据的附加指示。It will be appreciated that the reminders, notes and procedures can indicate various messages or information to the delivery personnel and that the reminders, notes and procedures can be sent in conjunction with each other to the DIAD to convey this information. Reminders, notes, and procedures can be presented on the DIAD in textual and/or graphical (eg, including icons) form. This information may be in the form of "canned" text or free-form text. Accordingly, certain public types of information (ie, those reminders, notes, and procedures that may occur multiple times and generally do not refer to any particular recipient or delivery) can be provided to the delivery person as "fixed" text. For example, a reminder that a delivery person must scan a machine-readable indicia on the DAF before making the next delivery can be "fixed" text. On the other hand, information that is more specific to a particular delivery or recipient and not normally encountered may be provided as determined by the originator of the message (eg, in free-form text). Therefore,CSS 104 may have to generate a free-form comment indicating that there is a large dog at the recipient delivery address. Additionally, audible alerts (eg, sounds and beeps, etc.) may be used in addition to text or icons, enabling the DIAD to provide an additional indication to the delivery person that CPaD data is present.

向DIAD触发提醒、注释和程序Trigger reminders, notes and programs to DIAD

提醒、注释和程序之间的区别不仅在于这些消息中的每一个提供的不同类型的信息，而且在于可以触发将该信息发送到递送人员携带的便携式计算装置(例如，DIAD)的方式。可以根据递送人员是否在进行递送、收取或递送与收取的组合来触发提醒、注释和程序。另选的是，可以只在一周的特定几天、对特定递送地址、仅在递送人员是临时司机(与“正规”司机相对)时等，才触发提醒、注释和程序。因此，可以存在任意数量的触发将提醒、注释和程序发送到DIAD的标准。The difference between reminders, notes, and programs is not only the different types of information each of these messages provide, but also the manner in which this information can be triggered to be sent to a portable computing device (eg, DIAD) carried by the delivery person. Reminders, notes, and programs can be triggered based on whether the delivery person is making a delivery, pickup, or a combination of delivery and pickup. Alternatively, reminders, notes and programs could be triggered only on certain days of the week, for certain delivery addresses, only when the delivery person is a casual driver (as opposed to a "regular" driver), etc. Thus, there can be any number of criteria that trigger sending reminders, notes, and procedures to the DIAD.

作为示例，正规司机可以注意到大狗总在特定地址。该司机可以联系承运商(例如，通过DIAD，或者通过顾客服务代表等)，并通知承运商应当将CPPDI输入到承运商系统，来指示在该地址存在狗。在CSS 104中，然后可以触发以各种方式呈现该信息。在一种情况下，CSS 104可以仅在临时或新司机在该地址递送或收取包裹时才触发该信息。可以以注释的形式触发该消息，从而不要求司机进行响应，并与一周的哪一天无关来进行触发。As an example, a regular driver may notice that a big dog is always at a particular address. The driver may contact the carrier (eg, through DIAD, or through a customer service representative, etc.) and notify the carrier that the CPPDI should be entered into the carrier system to indicate the presence of the dog at the address. InCSS 104, that information can then be triggered to render in various ways. In one instance, theCSS 104 can only trigger the message when a temporary or new driver delivers or picks up a package at that address. The message can be triggered in the form of a note, so that no driver is required to respond, and regardless of the day of the week.

作为另一示例，收取地点可能由于在该地点的火灾而关闭两个星期。可以以提醒的形式向递送人员提供该信息，并要求递送人员确认该消息。因为这种情况可以影响递送人员该日的递送和收取路线，所以在递送人员的工作时间(shift)开始时可以触发将该消息发送到DIAD，并且可以每天发送该收取地点被关闭的消息。可以发送该信息，而与递送人员是否是正规司机或临时司机无关。As another example, a pickup location may be closed for two weeks due to a fire at the location. This information can be provided to the delivery person in the form of a reminder, and the delivery person is asked to acknowledge the message. Since this situation can affect the delivery and pickup route of the delivery person for the day, the message can be triggered to be sent to the DIAD at the beginning of the delivery person's shift and can be sent daily that the pickup location is closed. This information can be sent regardless of whether the delivery person is a regular driver or a temporary driver.

作为另一示例，DIAD通常向递送人员提供该日要沿递送路线递送和收取的物品的列表。可以在工作时间开始时向递送人员呈现该列表，作为一般信息。在这种情况下，在工作时间开始时，递送人员可以查看需要进行的收取和递送站的列表，并可以查看与每站或者与该日的路线相关联的任何提醒、注释和程序。然而，也可以在递送人员到达每个收取和递送地点时，触发呈现这些相同的提醒、注释和程序。As another example, DIADs typically provide delivery personnel with a list of items to be delivered and picked up along the delivery route for that day. This list can be presented to the delivery person at the start of business hours as general information. In this case, at the start of business hours, the delivery person can view a list of pickup and delivery stops that need to be made and can review any reminders, notes and procedures associated with each stop or with the route for that day. However, these same reminders, notes and procedures can also be triggered to present when the delivery person arrives at each pick-up and delivery location.

因此，存在可以触发将CPaD发送到DIAD的方式和时间的很多组合。Thus, there are many combinations of how and when sending a CPaD to a DIAD can be triggered.

用于向DIAD存储和触发CPaD数据的系统System for storing and triggering CPaD data to DIAD

以上示例假定已正确地将CPaD数据载入到DIAD，用于当日的递送和收取。这要求在承运商的各种信息系统中维护CPaD数据，从而可以在必要时正确地将该信息下载到DIAD。The above example assumes that CPaD data has been properly loaded into DIAD for same day delivery and pickup. This requires maintaining CPaD data in the carrier's various information systems so that this information can be properly downloaded to DIAD when necessary.

图7表示包括涉及如上所述向DIAD提供CPaD数据的多个信息系统的示例性承运商系统。调度计划系统(DPS)700是定义各个包裹递送交通工具在承运商运营的任何给定地域中采用的路线的系统。该系统通常具有使得用户(例如，“DPS用户”)能够对各个地址、收件人、收取帐户和收取事件输入提醒、注释和程序的接口。DPS使得DPS用户不仅能够创建CPaD数据，而且能够编辑、检查并删除CPaD数据。DPS将该信息编译为DIAD计划702，其包含与DPS用户在DPS中指定的各个地址、收件人、收取帐户和/或收取和递送事件相关联的提醒、注释和程序。在一个实施方式中，DPS将DIAD计划712发送到DIAD控制系统(DCS)704，以传送到DIAD 714。FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary carrier system including multiple information systems involved in providing CPaD data to DIAD as described above. Dispatch Planning System (DPS) 700 is a system that defines the routes that individual package delivery vehicles take in any given geographic area in which the carrier operates. The system typically has an interface that enables a user (eg, "DPS User") to enter reminders, notes, and procedures for various addresses, recipients, collection accounts, and collection events. DPS enables DPS users not only to create CPaD data, but also to edit, review and delete CPaD data. The DPS compiles this information into aDIAD plan 702 containing reminders, notes, and procedures associated with each address, recipient, collection account, and/or collection and delivery event specified in the DPS by the DPS user. In one embodiment, the DPS sends theDIAD plan 712 to the DIAD control system (DCS) 704 for transfer to the DIAD 714.

因为DPS 700对给定交通工具的路线和调度计划进行安排，所以DPS 700具有在特定服务地域中对任何交通工具安排的每次收取和递送的信息。因此，可以将任何与收取或递送相关联的CPaD数据传送到与收取或递送相关联的DIAD，而不涉及预装载辅助系统(PAS)710。然而，如以下进一步描述的，CPaD数据可以与收取或递送地址相关联，并且可以通过不同的路线将CPaD数据发送到DIAD。在这种情况下，预装载辅助系统(PAS)710接收包裹(工作单位(Units of Works)或“UOW”)，并根据由DPS 700定义的预装载计划706将它们分配到特定递送交通工具。通常，在一地域中存在很多递送交通工具，必须将进入到承运商处理设施的每个包裹传递到适当的递送工具，以按照特定顺序装载。预装载计划706定义了应当如何引导包裹，并且PAS 710使用该预装载计划706，来将包裹物理地转移到适当的递送交通工具，以按照规定的顺序装载。BecauseDPS 700 schedules routes and schedules for a given vehicle,DPS 700 has information for every pickup and delivery scheduled for any vehicle in a particular service territory. Thus, any CPaD data associated with a pickup or delivery can be communicated to the DIAD associated with the pickup or delivery without involving the Preload Assist System (PAS) 710 . However, as described further below, the CPaD data can be associated with a pick-up or delivery address, and the CPaD data can be sent to the DIAD via a different route. In this case, Preload Assist System (PAS) 710 receives packages (Units of Works or “UOWs”) and assigns them to specific delivery traffic according toPreload Schedule 706 defined byDPS 700 tool. Typically, there are many delivery vehicles in a territory, and each package that enters a carrier's processing facility must be delivered to the appropriate delivery vehicle for loading in a specific order. Thepreload plan 706 defines how the packages should be directed and is used by thePAS 710 to physically transfer the packages to the appropriate delivery vehicle for loading in the prescribed order.

PAS 710从CPaD矩阵文件708检索CPaD数据。虽然未示出，但是DPS 700和DCS 704也可以从CPaD矩阵文件708检索数据。CPaD矩阵文件708可以包括与收件人地址、特定包裹或其他数据相关联的CPaD数据。可以按照各种方式生成该文件，包括通过顾客服务代理输入数据。该代理可以接收由发件人使用与承运商系统连接的发件人运输系统而生成的CPaD数据。在其他实施方式中，可以从与承运商网站交互的收件人(例如，如上所述，响应接收递送通知)接收CPaD数据。如上所述，在各种其他实施方式中，CPaD数据可以是递送人员或承运商提供的CPPDI。CPaD矩阵文件708也可以包括区域相关的信息、程序相关的数据、一般运输者相关的数据和特定运输者编号数据。PAS 710 retrieves CPaD data fromCPaD matrix file 708. Although not shown,DPS 700 and DCS 704 may also retrieve data fromCPaD matrix file 708.CPaD matrix file 708 may include CPaD data associated with recipient addresses, specific packages, or other data. This file can be generated in a variety of ways, including entering data by a customer service agent. The agent may receive CPaD data generated by the sender using the sender's shipping system interfaced with the carrier's system. In other implementations, CPaD data may be received from a recipient interacting with a carrier website (eg, in response to receiving a delivery notification, as described above). As noted above, in various other implementations, the CPaD data may be CPPDI provided by the delivery person or carrier. TheCPaD matrix file 708 may also include region-related information, program-related data, general carrier-related data, and carrier-specific number data.

对于每个装载到递送交通工具上的包裹，PAS 710检查是否在CPaD矩阵文件708中存在任何相关联的CPaD数据，并将该信息与提醒、注释和程序一起传送给DIAD。PAS 710通过使用路线管理器(RM)712作为管道，向适当的DIAD 714提供与装载到递送交通工具上的包裹相关的CPaD数据。如上所述，该DIAD 714还从提供与路线和递送相关的信息的DCS 704接收与包裹相关的信息。通常，在开始该日的递送之前，使用有线连接向DIAD 714提供CPaD数据，在此期间将包裹相关的信息下载到DIAD。在一些实施方式中，可以在递送交通工具已出发进行该日的递送之后，将CPaD信息无线发送到DIAD。该数据的无限传输可以使用任何已知的无线数据传送机制。For each package loaded onto the delivery vehicle, thePAS 710 checks to see if there is any associated CPaD data in theCPaD matrix file 708 and transmits this information to the DIAD along with reminders, notes, and procedures.PAS 710 provides CPaD data related to packages loaded onto delivery vehicles to the appropriate DIAD 714 by using Route Manager (RM) 712 as a conduit. As noted above, the DIAD 714 also receives package-related information from the DCS 704, which provides routing and delivery-related information. Typically, the CPaD data is provided to the DIAD 714 using a wired connection prior to commencing delivery for the day, during which time package-related information is downloaded to the DIAD. In some implementations, the CPaD information may be sent wirelessly to the DIAD after the delivery vehicle has departed for the day's delivery. The unlimited transmission of this data can use any known wireless data transfer mechanism.

用于将CPaD数据与其他数据进行链接的CPaD矩阵文件和方法CPaD matrix files and methods for linking CPaD data with other data

如上所述，CPaD矩阵文件可以包含各种CPaD数据以及其他相关数据，例如运输数据。在高级别，可以将“递送”表示为存储在具有各种字段的数据库中的记录。可以基于任意不同的字段(包括运输者(例如发件人身份、地址或唯一的发件人识别号)、包裹(例如，跟踪号)、收件人(例如，收件人姓名、地址或唯一的收件人识别号)和递送卡车路线等)对“递送”的数据库记录进行概念索引或者将其视为记录的集合。As mentioned above, a CPaD matrix file can contain various CPaD data as well as other related data such as transport data. At a high level, a "delivery" can be represented as a record stored in a database with various fields. Can be based on any of a variety of fields, including carrier (e.g., sender identity, address, or unique sender identification number), package (e.g., tracking number), recipient (e.g., recipient name, address, or unique consignee identification number) and delivery truck route, etc.) to conceptually index the database records of a "delivery" or think of it as a collection of records.

可以将与有关递送的记录相关联的任何特定数据字段视为运输相关数据，并且在这里将其称为“递送相关数据(DRD)”。在实施方面，CPaD数据(其可以与运输无关或与运输有关)可以与CPaD矩阵文件内的任何DRD相关联或链接。例如，每个包裹递送都与收件人地址相关联。因此，收件人地址是可以链接到CPaD数据的DRD的一个示例。每个递送还与运输者(发件人)相关联。因此，运输者是可以链接到特定的一条CPaD数据的DRD的另一种形式。DRD的另一示例是包裹标识符，例如跟踪号，跟踪号是很多承运商分配给每个包裹和/或递送的字母数字值，并且通常用于跟踪目的。CPaD数据也可以链接到包裹跟踪号。因此，CPaD数据可以与和递送相关联的任意DAD或者一组DAD相关联。因此，承运商提供的CPPDI、或收件人和发件人个性化信息可以链接到特定包裹或递送的DRD。Any particular data field associated with a delivery-related record can be considered shipping-related data, and is referred to herein as "delivery-related data (DRD)." In terms of implementation, CPaD data (which can be transport-independent or transport-related) can be associated or linked to any DRD within the CPaD matrix file. For example, every package delivery is associated with a recipient address. Thus, a recipient address is an example of a DRD that can be linked to CPaD data. Each delivery is also associated with a transporter (sender). Thus, transporters are another form of DRD that can be linked to a specific piece of CPaD data. Another example of a DRD is a package identifier, such as a tracking number, which is an alphanumeric value assigned to each package and/or delivery by many carriers and is often used for tracking purposes. CPaD data can also be linked to package tracking numbers. Thus, CPaD data may be associated with any DAD or set of DADs associated with delivery. Thus, the CPPDI provided by the carrier, or the recipient and sender personalization information, can be linked to the DRD for a particular package or delivery.

各种示例表示可以如何将CPaD数据与不同DRD相关联。如上所述，可以为特定包裹的递送提供收件人个性化递送指令或优选。因此，CPaD数据(个性化递送指令)与可以是包裹跟踪号的DRD链接。通过将个性化递送指令与包裹跟踪号相关联，相关承运商系统能够在正确的时间向DIAD提供适当的信息。例如，如果CPaD数据包含在收件人地址的后门进行递送的指示，则通过将该信息链接到包裹跟踪号，可以在递送人员将包裹递送到收件人地址时，向DIAD提供该信息作为注释。Various examples show how CPaD data can be associated with different DRDs. As noted above, the recipient may be provided with personalized delivery instructions or preferences for the delivery of a particular package. Thus, the CPaD data (Personalized Delivery Instructions) is linked to the DRD which can be the package tracking number. By associating personalized delivery instructions with package tracking numbers, relevant carrier systems are able to provide DIAD with the right information at the right time. For example, if the CPaD data contains an indication that delivery was made at a backdoor at the recipient address, by linking that information to the package tracking number, this information can be provided to the DIAD as a note when the delivery person delivers the package to the recipient address .

作为另一示例，如果CPaD数据是指示特定收取地点关闭两周的CPPDI，则该CPaD数据可以与相关DRD(即，收取地点的地址(例如发件人地址))链接。通过链接该数据，相关承运商系统将知道在递送日开始时向DIAD触发该信息，从而递送人员知道不开往该地点。As another example, if the CPaD data is a CPPDI indicating that a particular pick-up location is closed for two weeks, the CPaD data may be linked to the associated DRD (ie, the address of the pick-up location (eg, sender's address)). By linking this data, the relevant carrier systems will know to trigger this message to the DIAD at the start of the delivery day so that the delivery person knows not to drive to that location.

作为另一示例，考虑正常地安排在每个工作日收取包裹的零售业务。在正常装载码头正在修缮时，该业务可以请求在给定时间段将特定装载码头用于所有包裹收取/递送。在这种情况下，该信息可以指示应当在给定时间段使用特定装载码头。应当在给定时间段将该递送优选信息与收取/递送地址相关联。这可以避免必须将CPaD数据链接到在该地点递送和/或收取的每个包裹。As another example, consider a retail business that normally schedules pickup of packages every business day. While normal loading docks are being repaired, the business may request that a particular loading dock be used for all package pickup/delivery for a given time period. In this case, the information may indicate that a particular loading dock should be used for a given period of time. This delivery preference information should be associated with a pick-up/delivery address for a given period of time. This avoids having to link CPaD data to every package delivered and/or picked up at that location.

用于将CPaD数据链接到DRD的各种可能性是可能的，以下列表表示了可以如何链接CPaD数据的几种可能性。例如，递送优选可以与以下的信息相关联：收件人地址、特定收件人的地址、该建筑内的个人收件人、多层建筑的收件人楼层、递送的特定包裹的收取地点、一组包裹的收取地点、运输者编号，或包裹跟踪号。Various possibilities are possible for linking CPaD data to DRD, the following list represents several possibilities of how CPaD data can be linked. For example, delivery preferences may be associated with the following information: recipient address, address of a particular recipient, individual recipients within the building, recipient floor of a multi-story building, pick-up location for a particular package delivered, Pick-up location, carrier number, or package tracking number for a group of packages.

CPaD数据与DRD的链接或关联是相关的，因为其可以影响何时和如何在DIAD中显示和/或加载CPaD数据(例如，使递送人员知道CPaD数据的条件)，以及承运商可以如何存储递送优选数据。例如，如果递送优选与包裹跟踪号链接，则可以存储递送优选，或将其与包裹级别详情数据库记录链接。如果将其链接到服务地点，则可以使用独立数据库来存储信息。Linking or association of CPaD data with DRD is relevant because it can affect when and how CPaD data is displayed and/or loaded in DIAD (e.g., making delivery personnel aware of the conditions of CPaD data), and how carriers can store deliveries Preferred data. For example, if a delivery preference is linked to a package tracking number, the delivery preference can be stored, or linked to a package level detail database record. If it is linked to a service location, a separate database can be used to store the information.

结论in conclusion

根据前面的描述和相关附图中呈现的优点和教导，本发明所属领域的技术人员将想到，这里阐述的本发明的很多修改和其它实施方式。因此，可以理解，本发明不限于所公开的特定实施方式，并且这些修改和其他实施方式旨在包括在所附权利要求的范围内。虽然这里采用了特定术语，但是它们仅用于在一般和描述的意义，而不是为了限制的目的。Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the inventions pertain having the benefit and teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (26)

1. preferred systems of sending that is used to handle from the user, this system comprises:

Package-level details database is used to store first record of the parcel of carrier transport, and described record comprises package identification number;

Addressee's profiles database is used to store second record, and this second record comprises that described user's contact details and at least one send preferably;

Processor, this processor and described package-level details database and described addressee's profiles database communicate, and described processor is constructed to:

From described package-level details database, retrieve described first record for the parcel in the transportation;

According to the definite addressee who is associated with described parcel of described record;

From described second record of described addressee's profile data library searching;

Produce the described addressee's of described transportation notification message, described notification message comprises described package identification number;

Use described user's described contact details that described notification message is sent to described addressee, wherein before sending trial the first time of described parcel, send described notification message; And

Transmit indication described at least one send preferred second message; And

Portable computing, this portable computing is associated with the delivery person of sending described parcel, described portable computing receives described second message, and to described delivery person show indication described at least one send preferred text message.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein, the delivery location that described text message indication should be placed at described addressee's transmit address place parcel.

3. system according to claim 1, wherein, described notification message is the telephone message that is directed to the telephone number that is associated with described user, wherein, described user's described contact details comprise described telephone number.

4. system according to claim 1, wherein, described notification message indicate described parcel send estimated date, described package identification number and to the URL of common carrier website.

5. system according to claim 4, wherein, described notification message is the email message that is directed to the e-mail address that is associated with described user, described user's described contact details comprise described e-mail address.

6. system according to claim 4, wherein, described common carrier website is constructed to receive indication from described user and sends preferred input to the delivery applications second of described parcel.

7. system according to claim 1, wherein, described send in preferred described at least one send preferably include from sending in following group preferred:

Redirect and send preferably, be used for indication described parcel is redirected user's assigned address,

Refusal is sent preferred, and be used for indication and described package delivery do not arrived described user,

Rearrange and send preferably, be used in reference to and send described parcel after being shown in the fixed time, and

Being scheduled to get goods sends preferably, be used to indicate described common carrier to preserve described parcel, being extracted by described user, the described predetermined goods of getting is sent and is preferably included described common carrier and preserve described parcel with first indication in the place of extracting and preserve second indication of described parcel with time period of extracting.

8. system according to claim 1, wherein, described processor also is constructed to receive the described input of sending preferred modification of indication from described user.

9. one kind is used for sending preferred systems from addressee's reception, and this system comprises:

Package-level details database, it is constructed to store the package-level detail records of the parcel of parcel carrier transport, and described record comprises the addressee's of the package identification number of described parcel and described parcel indication;

Addressee's profiles database, it is constructed to store addressee's record of described addressee;

Processor, itself and described package-level details database and described addressee's profiles database communicate, and wherein said processor is constructed to:

The notice that response sends to described addressee receives input from described addressee, and is described defeated

Go into to comprise that at least one sends preferred indication and described package identification number;

With described package identification number store explicitly described at least one send preferred described indication, and

Transmission comprises that at least one sends preferred second message; And

Portable computing, this portable computing is associated with the delivery person of sending described parcel, and described portable computing receives described second message.

10. system according to claim 9, wherein, described notice is generated by described processor.

11. system according to claim 9, wherein, described notice is first message, is used to indicate the estimated date of sending and the described package identification number of described transportation.

12. system according to claim 9, wherein, described processor with described at least one send preferred described indication and be stored in the described package-level details database.

13. system according to claim 9, wherein, described processor with described at least one send preferred described indication and be stored in described addressee's profiles database.

14. system according to claim 9, wherein, described notice is the email message that is directed to the e-mail address that is associated with described addressee, and described e-mail address is stored in described addressee's profiles database in advance.

15. system according to claim 9, wherein, described at least one send preferred described indication and comprise delivery person placed the indication of the locality of described parcel in this delivery person of addressee's transmit address place.

16. one kind is used to wrap up common carrier and sends method from sender's parcel to the addressee, this method may further comprise the steps:

Described parcel common carrier receives parcel from described sender;

Set up parcel records in the package-level details database by the operation of described parcel common carrier, wherein the package-level detail records comprises the package tracking that is associated with described parcel number;

Determine that described addressee receives the email message sent of expection of the described parcel of indication;

Message is sent to described addressee from described parcel common carrier, and wherein, this message comprises the estimation date of delivery of described parcel and described package tracking number;

Provide a plurality of preferred option of sending to described addressee;

Receive indication from described a plurality of preferred indications of selecting the preferred option of sending of sending from described addressee;

With described package tracking number store explicitly described send preferred;

Described sending preferably is sent to the portable computing that is carried by the delivery person of sending parcel, wherein, sending parcel on the same day and before sending parcel, to described portable computing transmit send preferred; And

Described delivery person is given described addressee according to described sending preferably with described package delivery.

17. method according to claim 16, wherein, message is comprised from the described step that described parcel common carrier sends to described addressee: use the e-mail address that is associated with described addressee, email message is sent to described addressee from described parcel common carrier, described email message comprises station address, be used to provide the package status information by the parcel of described package tracking number identification, described method also comprises:

In the request that receives the described package status information of the described parcel of request by the website of described station address identification from described addressee; And

Described a plurality of preferred option of sending is provided in described website.

18. method according to claim 16, wherein, message is comprised from the described step that described parcel common carrier sends to described addressee: telephone calling, and use the described telephone number that is associated with the addressee to send audio message to described addressee from described parcel common carrier, described method is further comprising the steps of:

Receive from described addressee that indication is described sends preferred key response.

19. method according to claim 16 wherein, is describedly sent preferred indication in locality that addressee's transmit address place delivery person is placed described parcel.

20. method according to claim 16 wherein, before delivery person is carried out the package delivery trial, receives the preferred indication of sending of the described parcel of indication from described addressee.

21. method according to claim 16, wherein, number storing described sending explicitly with described package tracking preferably includes: storage is described in addressee's profiles database sends preferably, and with described package tracking sign number is set explicitly in described package-level details database.

22. a common carrier is sent the method for parcel, this method may further comprise the steps:

Receive log-on message in the website from the user, described log-on message comprise user contact infonnation and be used for one or more parcel that described common carrier will send to described user send send preferred indication;

Create addressee's profile record of described user in addressee's profiles database, described addressee's profile record comprises with described user, described user contact infonnation and describedly sends the user identifier that preferred indication is associated;

Described common carrier writes down the package-level details data of described parcel, and described package-level details data comprise the addressee of described transportation;

Compare by addressee's identifier, described parcel is identified as described user's inbound parcel described unique user identifier and described parcel;

Be wrapping to sending of described user to described user notification is described;

Send a message to the portable computing that is carried by the delivery person of sending described parcel, wherein, this message transmits the described preferred indication of sending; And

Send preferred indication and give described addressee according to described described package delivery.

23. method according to claim 22, wherein, comprise that from described user's reception the described step of the log-on message of sending preferred indication comprises: receive how indication should handle described one or more parcel in the transmit address delivery person that is associated with described user the indication of sending from described user.

24. method according to claim 25 wherein, comprises to the described described step of sending that is wrapping to described user of described user notification:

Be generated to described user's electronic information, described electronic information indication will be sent the estimated date of sending of described parcel and described parcel to described user; And

Before the sending of described parcel, send described electronic information to described user by the mode of selecting by described user.

25. method according to claim 24, this method also comprises:

Will wrap up the specific preferred described electronic information of sending to the delivery applications of described parcel in response to indication, receive input from described user, sending that wherein said parcel is specific preferably has precedence over the described preferred indication of sending.

26. method according to claim 25 wherein, receives the specific described step of sending preferred input of parcel that indication will be applied to described parcel from described user and comprises:

The indication that changes request is sent in reception, and described sending changes the instruction of sending that request comprises that the described common carrier of indication is redirected described parcel; And

To redirect described parcel according to described instruction to portable computing reception and registration.

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