WO2013020244A1 - A system for preventing mistaken delivery destination - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of delivering an item which includes the steps of: providing an information data carrier (IDC) on the item, the IDC having delivery destination information provided therein; reading the IDC delivery destination information with a mobile device having an IDC reader and a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the mobile device; comparing the position information with destination information; and determining whether the item is located on a designated destination route.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING MISTAKEN DELIVERY DESTINATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to mobile devices, and more

particularly to an information data carrier and information data carrier reader configured for tracking delivery destination of items.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Data reading devices read or obtain data or information from an information data carrier (IDC), such as a card having a magnetic strip (mag strip) or symbol indicia (such as one or two dimensional

symbologies), a RFID instrument, biometric information such as a fingerprint, retina, etc.

[0003] Data readers may be a mobile device, such as a hand held scanner, a portable data terminal (PDT), personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, etc..

[0004] Efforts regarding such systems have led to continuing

developments to improve their versatility, practicality and efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile device system.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary mobile device.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic block diagram of an exemplary

mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments may be in various forms and the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these

representative embodiments are described in detail so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope, structure, operation, functionality, and potential applicability to those skilled in the art. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The term "read", "reading", "scan" or "scanning" used herein refers to reading or extracting data from an information data carrier (IDC). The term imaging used herein refers to the taking or creation of an electronic image.

[0009] Exemplary methods may be conceived to be a sequence of steps or actions leading to a desired result and may be implemented as software. While it may prove convenient to discuss such software as if were embodied by a single program, most implementations will distribute the described functions among discrete (and some not so discrete) pieces of software. These pieces are often described using such terms of art as "programs." "objects." "functions." "subroutines," "libraries," ".dlls." "APIs." and "procedures." While one or more of these terms may find favor in the present description, there is no intention to limit the invention to the described configurations.

[00010] In general, the sequences of steps in the present methods require physical manipulation of physical quantities. These quantities take the form of optical, electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. Those of ordinary skill in the art conveniently refer to these signals as "bits", "values", "elements", "symbols", "characters", "images", "terms",

"numbers", or the like. It should be recognized that these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[00011] With respect to the software described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there exist a variety of platforms and languages for creating software for performing the methods outlined herein. Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO or any number of varieties of C. However, those of ordinary skill in the art also recognize that the choice of the exact platform and language is often dictated by the specifics of the actual system constructed, such that what may work for one type of system may not be efficient on another system. It should also be understood that the methods described herein are not limited to being executed as software on a computer or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), but may also be implemented in a hardware processor. For example, the methods may be implemented with HDL (Hardware Design Language) in an ASIC.

[00012] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary scanning system configuration, wherein a plurality of IDC readers 112 (or readers) are being operated or utilized to read IDCs.

[00013] An exemplary reader 1 12 may have a number of subsystems

supported by a housing 117 configured to be hand held. An exemplary reader 1 12 may have a number of subsystems for providing an operator with feedback as to operation or functionality of the reader. Various reading or operational modes may be either preprogrammed or be made menu selectable by an operator. [00014] Disposed in the housing may be one or more readers for obtaining information from an IDC, such as a symbol indicia (such as one or two dimensional symbologies), an RFID instrument, a card having a magnetic strip (mag strip) or biometric information such as a fingerprint, etc.

[00015] Exemplary data readers may be in communication (wired or

wireless) to a local data processing system 140, such as a cash register, customer station or employee station or local host/server 122 directly or through a charging station or base 138. An exemplary local server 122 or reader 112 may be in communication with network 120 and or a

remote/web server 134.

[00016] Exemplary readers may have a receiver that is in communication with a Global Positioning System (GPS) which is a space based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides location and time information.

[00017] A reader may be in communication (wired or wireless) with the

internet through the use of a local processing system 130, such as might be resident on a local server or computer having a wired or wireless router for providing internet service to a reader or readers such as bi-optic scanners or PDTs. The local processing system 130 may be in

communication via the internet with a remote/web server 134 through a wired or wireless connection for the transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or "wires". The distances involved may be short (a few meters as in television remote control) or very long (thousands or even millions of kilometers for radio communications).

Wireless communication may involve radio frequency communication. Applications may involve point-to-point communication, point-to-multipoint communication, broadcasting, cellular networks and other wireless networks. This may involve: cordless telephony such as DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications); Cellular systems such as 0G, 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G; Short-range point-to-point communication such as IrDA or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Wireless USB, DSRC

(Dedicated Short Range Communications); Wireless sensor networks such as ZigBee; Personal area networks such as Bluetooth or Ultra- wideband (UWB from WiMedia Alliance); Wireless computer networks such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), IEEE 802.1 1 branded as WiFi or HIPERLAN; or Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN) and Broadband Fixed Access (BWA) such as LMDS, WiMAX or HIPERMAN.

[00018] The Internet is the worldwide, publicly accessible network of

interconnected computer networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard Internet Protocol (IP). It is a "network of networks" that consists of millions of smaller domestic, academic, business, and government networks, which together carry various information and services, such as electronic mail, online chat, file transfer, and the interlinked Web pages and other documents of the World Wide Web. The IP is a data-oriented protocol used for communicating data across a packet-switched internetwork, and may be a network layer protocol in the internet protocol suite and encapsulated in a data link layer protocol (e.g., Ethernet). As a lower layer protocol, the IP provides the service of communicable unique global addressing amongst computers to provide a service not necessarily available with a data link layer.

[00019] An operator may aim a hand-held reader indicia reader 112 at a target containing an IDC, dataform, text, or other data to be collected and actuate a button or trigger 115 on the reader to control full or partial operation of the reader, such as to activate scanning of an IDC or reading a RFID tag. An IDC or dataform may be an originally machine generated symbology that is also machine readable, such as a 1-D barcode, a 2-D barcode, a 1-D stacked barcode, a logo, glyphs, color-codes, RFID, OCR, biometric, mag-stripe, etc.

[00020] Exemplary data readers are portable and wireless in nature thereby providing mobility and flexibility and form part of a wireless network in which data collected within the reader is communicated to a host computer situated on a backbone via a wireless link. Readers may include a radio or transceiver for communicating with a remote computer or server.

[00021] An exemplary reader 1 12 may be a portable data terminal (PDT), personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, etc.. A Portable Data Terminal, or PDT, is typically an electronic device that is used to enter or retrieve data via wireless transmission (WLAN or WWAN) and may also serve as a mobile device used in stores, warehouse, hospital, or in the field to access a database from a remote computer or location. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are handheld devices typically used as a personal organizer, and may have many uses such as calculating, use as a clock and calendar, playing computer games, accessing the Internet, sending and receiving E-mails, use as a radio or stereo, video recording, recording notes, use as an address book, and use as a spreadsheet.

[00022] PDTs may be equipped with the ability to query and receive and transmit data, such as software via a communication link, such as by radio link or wired link. Upgrading firmware from host processor to PDT (also referred to as uploading or pushing) and duplicating configuration parameters may be performed by reading specific indicia to ensure PDTs are operating at the proper revision and have the proper configuration parameters.

[00023] A PDT may be an electronic device that is used to enter or retrieve data via wireless transmission (WLAN or WWAN) and may also serve as an indicia mobile device used in a stores, warehouse, hospital, or in the field to access a database from a remote location.

[00024] Exemplary mobile devices (also referred to as smart phones,

handheld devices, handheld computers, PDAs, PDTs, etc.) may be described as pocket-sized computing devices, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keypad. In some mobile devices the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Enterprise digital assistants further extend the available functionality of mobile devices.

[00025] An Enterprise digital assistant (EDA) is a handheld computer

adapted for usage with SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) and Enterprise business Application software|Applications as a data capture mobile device. Such data capture applications include IBDC readers, biometrics, magnetic stripe, smart card and RFID data capture technologies used within communication networks such as WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks), Bluetooth, Wide area network|WAN/LAN/Personal Area Network|PAN voice and data communications, VOIP and GPRS Edge Communications.

[00026] In an exemplary embodiment a mobile device may be used for other functions such as for GPS real time data communications and indicia scanning for proof of delivery, etc.

[00027] Frequently items shipped in commerce are delivered to a mistaken or wrongful destination. In an exemplary embodiment, items being shipped are identified by an information data carrier (IDC) (such as a 2D barcode) provided on or with the item which carries information with regard to the item being shipped and destination information. The mobile device reads the IDC and is equipped with a GPS module and obtains current location information. The mobile device compares item destination information carried in an IDC on the item with current location information from the GPS module and a determination is made whether the item is on the designated route for reaching the destination. In an exemplary

embodiment, the device operator is notified only if the route is improper.

[00028] In an exemplary embodiment the mobile device reads the IDC and obtains current location information and transmits both to a local or remote host controller (such as a server). The controller makes a determination whether the item is on the designated route for reaching the destination and transmits the determination results back to the mobile device.

[00029] In an exemplary embodiment the mobile device reads the IDC and obtains current location information and transmits both to a local or remote host controller (such as a server). The controller makes a determination whether the item is on the designated route for reaching the destination and transmits determination results back to the mobile device only if the item is on an improper route.

[00030] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device operator is

provided with instructions for re-routing the item.

[00031] In an exemplary embodiment, re-routing instructions are coded into another IDC and provided on or with the item for future reading.

[00032] In an exemplary embodiment, an item being delivered is

temporarily stored in a temporary destination such as a warehouse. An operator may scan the IDC on the item in temporary storage.

[00033] In an exemplary embodiment, a mobile device reads an IDC on an item being shipped and compares the current position of the mobile device received from a GPS module with device destination information provided in the IDC. If the current position is not consistent with that provided or coded in the IDC, then from the item it may be inferred that the item is being or has been delivered to a wrong destination and that it should be re-delivered or re-routed.

[00034] In an exemplary embodiment, a mobile device reads an IDC and compares the current position of the mobile device received from a GPS module and a device destination provided on the mobile device with device destination information provided in the IDC. If the current position is not consistent with that provided or coded in the IDC, then from the item being shipped it may be inferred that the item is being delivered to a wrong destination and that it should be re-delivered or re-routed.

[00035] In an exemplary embodiment, a mobile device reads an IDC on an item being shipped and compares the current position of the mobile device received from a GPS module and a device destination provided on the mobile device with device destination information provided in the IDC. The mobile device may query a server (e.g. via wireless communication) for destination information from a server which would be sent to the mobile device. If the current position is not consistent with that provided or coded in the IDC, then it may be inferred that the item is being delivered to a wrong destination and that it should be re-delivered or re-routed.

[00036] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device provides a map on a display showing destination information, such as a map showing the intended destination of the shipped item.

[00037] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device provides a map on a display showing designated destination and/or re-routing information [00038] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device provides a map on a display showing destination information, such as a map showing both the designated destination and the current position of the shipped item.

[00039] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device provides a map the operator with re-routing instructions, either on a display on the mobile device or through an audible message.

[00040] Referring to Fig. 2, an exemplary mobile device data reader 1 12 may comprise a display, a trigger 115, a data collection device and other exemplary subsystems supported by a housing 1 17. Data may be transferred to and from the mobile device through a connector 132 or a wireless communication module 180.

[00041] Referring to Fig. 3, an exemplary mobile device 1 12 may comprise a number of exemplary subsystems, such as a laser scan engine 280 or laser scanning reader system for reading indicia on a target T. The laser scanning reader system may comprise a near laser controller 284 for controlling a near laser generator 288 for generating a near laser scanning pattern which is directed by an oscillating or rotating mirror 292 onto a near target T. The near laser scanning pattern is reflected off of the target and redirected by mirror 292 into a receive path comprising a laser light pass filter 296, a photodiode 300, an amplifier 304 and a digitizer 308. Laser controller 284 may also control a far laser generator 312 for generating a far laser scanning pattern which is directed by the oscillating or rotating mirror 292 onto a far target T. The far laser scanning pattern is reflected off of the target and redirected by mirror 292 into the receive path.

[00042] Digitizer 308 may convert an analog signal output by the

photodiode into a digital signal representative of the light reflected off of the targets. [00043] Exemplary laser scanners use a laser beam as the light source and employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the laser beam back and forth across the IDC. One or more photodiodes are used to measure the intensity of the light reflected back from the bar code. The light emitted by the reader is rapidly varied in brightness with a data pattem and the photodiode receive circuit is designed to detect only signals with the same modulated pattern.

[00044] An exemplary photodetector or photosensor may be comprised of one or more photodiodes that converts incident light energy into electric charge that is an output signal representative of light reflected off an IDC. The output of the photodetector may be processed utilizing one or more functions or algorithms to condition the signal appropriately for use in further processing downstream.

[00045] Laser light may be described as a spatially coherent, narrow low- divergence beam of light. The output signal of the photodetector may be processed utilizing one or more functions or algorithms to condition the signal appropriately for use in further processing downstream, including decoding of I DCs. Laser scanning reader system 280 may be configured for scanning an IDC at a distance Di and at a distance D₂, which is a shorter distance from the reader 112 than Di.

[00046] An exemplary data reader 1 2 my comprise one or more optical image engines (image indicia reader systems or optical scan engines) 414 for reading information bearing medium on a target T. Optical image engines capture and read images to detect and decode symbology located within the captured images. The optical image indicia reader systems may comprise one or more illumination source(s) 422 for illuminating an IDC with a beam or pattern of incoherent light in the form of an illumination pattern and a light receive circuit comprising an image sensor 432 for converting light reflected off a target T having an IDC provided thereon into representative output signals thereof. The output signal of the image sensor may be processed utilizing one or more functions or algorithms to condition the signal appropriately for use in further processing downstream, including decoding of IDCs.

[00047] In an exemplary embodiment, an indicia reader is provided both an optical image indicia reader and a laser scanner indicia reader, the activation of both readers being accomplished by an operator actuating a single trigger with multiple pulls.

[00048] The light receive circuit may utilize imaging optics to focus light on the image sensor 432. Illumination source 422 may comprise an illumination source and illumination optics.

[00049] An exemplary optical image indicia reader may have an aiming pattern generator 424 for transmitting an aiming pattern on the target to assist an operator to properly scan indicia on the target. The aiming pattern generator may comprise an aiming generator light source, an aiming aperture and aiming optics.

[00050] An exemplary image sensor converts light or other electromagnetic energy reflected off of a target and provides an output signal

representative thereof. Image sensor may be an array of pixels adapted to operate in a global shutter or full frame operating mode such as a color or monochrome 2D CCD, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS, CID, CMD, back- illuminated, etc. solid state image sensor. The image sensor may contain an array of light sensitive photodiodes (or pixels) that convert incident light energy into electric charge. Solid state image sensors allow regions of a full frame of image data to be addressed. [00051] Illumination and aiming light sources may comprise any light source to provide a desired illumination pattern at the target and may be one or more LEDs. Illumination and aiming light sources with different colors may be utilized. For example, in one such embodiment the image reader may include white and red LEDs, red and green LEDs, white, red, and green LEDs, or some other combination chosen in response to, for example, the color of the symbols most commonly imaged by the image reader. Different colored LEDs may be each alternatively pulsed at a level in accordance with an overall power budget.

[00052] Other exemplary mobile device subsystems or components

supported by the housing may include one or more local or on board processor(s) 170, local memory 172, a battery 218, a display 1 16, a key pad 214 and a wireless communications module180. The subsystems may communicate via one or more bus 168, data lines or other signal or data communication form. The indicia mobile device may communicate with one or more local processor(s) 1 18, a local host/server 122, local memory 166, network 120 or remote server host/server 134.

[00053] Other exemplary mobile device subsystems or components may be one or more data collection devices, such as an accelerometer 154, a GPS module 158, a speaker 160, a feedback LED 161 , etc.

[00054] Communications module 180 may provide a communication link from mobile device 112 to other mobile devices or to other systems such as a server/remote processor 134.

[00055] The processor(s) may be located on board or within the housing with other subsystems. The particulars of the functionality of the processor(s) and the mobile device may be determined by or based upon certain configuration settings or data which may be stored in firmware, remote or local memory.

[00056] An exemplary processor may be a mixed-signal array with on-chip controller devices designed to replace multiple traditional MCU-based system components with one single-chip programmable device. It may include configurable blocks of analog and digital logic, as well as programmable interconnects.

[00057] The subsystems in the mobile device may be connected by one or more bus 168, data lines or other signal or data communication form. Exemplary forms may be an Inter-IC bus such as a two wire interface (TWI), dedicated data bus, RS232 interface, USB, etc.

[00058] The processor(s) may include a predetermined amount of memory for storing firmware and data. The firmware may be a software program or set of instructions embedded in or programmed on the processor(s) which provides the necessary instructions for how the processor(s) operate and communicate with other hardware. The firmware may be stored in the flash memory (ROM) of the processor(s) as a binary image file and may be erased and rewritten. The firmware may be considered "semi-permanent" since it remains the same unless it is updated. This firmware update or load may be handled by a device driver.

[00059] The processor(s) may be utilized to perform a number of functional operations, which may involve the performance of a number of related steps, the particulars of which may be determined by or based upon certain configuration settings stored in firmware or memory which may be any one of a number of memory types such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc.. In addition some memory functions may be stored in memory provided as part of the processor(s). [00060] Exemplary functions of the processor(s) may be controlling operation the scan engine, decoding functions and operator interface functions. Operating software may be utilized to operate the processor(s) for such functions seemingly simultaneously or in a multitasking role. An exemplary mobile device operating software architecture may be

organized into processes or threads of execution.

[00061] Processor(s), memory and associated circuitry which perform or control the exemplary scan and decoding functions may be provided in the scan engine or on associated circuit boards which are located within the housing of the mobile device. Decoding is a term used to describe the interpretation of a machine readable code contained in the photodetector output signal.

[00062] An exemplary function of the processor(s) may be to decode

machine readable symbology provided within the target or captured image. One dimensional symbologies may include very large to ultra-small, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, Code 93, Code 11 , Code 39, UPC, EAN, MSI, or other 1 D symbologies. Stacked 1 D symbologies may include PDF, Code 16K, Code 49, or other stacked 1 D symbologies. 2D symbologies may include Aztec, Datamatrix, Maxicode, QR-code, or other 2D

symbologies.

[00063] Operation of the decoding, which may be executed in a user or

factory selectable relationship to a scanning routine, may be governed by parameters or configuration settings. Combinations of scanning and decoding parameters together define scanning-decoding relationships or modes which the mobile device will use. Two exemplary modes may be continuous or discontinuous. In the continuous mode (also referred to as continuous scanning mode, continuous streaming mode, streaming mode, fly-by scanning mode, on the fly scanning mode or presentation mode) the mobile device is held in a stationary manner and targets (such as symbols located on packages) are passed by the mobile device. In the continuous mode, the mobile device takes continuous scans one after another

(seriatim) and continuously decodes or attempts to decode some or all scanned targets. Discontinuous mode is a mode wherein scanning and/or decoding stops or is interrupted and initiated with an actuation event, such as pulling of a trigger 1 15, a timeout, or a successful read to restart. An exemplary utilization of the mobile device in discontinuous mode is via hand held operation. Decoding stops once the indicia mobile device is no longer triggered. The discontinuous mode is typically initiated because the operator knows a symbol is present.

[00064] Exemplary mobile devices may use memory or firmware to store certain mobile device settings or mobile device configuration settings.

Exemplary configuration settings may be selection of scanning distance, trigger functionality, pre-defined bar code output data based on the scan input, continuous scanning mode, discontinuous scanning mode or routine, decoding mode or routine, I/O configurations, symbology enablement, output interface functionality, min/max symbology character lengths, scan engine selection, illumination functionality, settings that affect the

functional operation of the processor(s), which codes are enabled for processing, aimer operation, engine orientation, illumination, photosensor functionality, software control, sales tracking or warranty tracking, mobile device capabilities, etc..

[00065] Mobile devices and a host system may be equipped with the ability to automatically query and communicate data, such as configuration settings or firmware amongst each other. Upgrading firmware from host to mobile device and duplicating configuration settings may be performed without human intervention to ensure mobile devices are operating at the same revision and have the same configuration settings reduces user frustration, down time, data integrity and increase efficiencies.

[00066] At predetermined time intervals a host system may broadcast

various information, such as firmware revision, configuration settings, etc.. The host may then download the newer files and update mobile devices during a time of inactivity. Mobile devices may use on board memory or firmware flash memory to store certain configuration settings.

[00067] Mobile devices may be configured by means of bar codes or via serial connection using serial commands. A GUI interface may be utilized for creating or reading serial commands, such as Visual Menu or similar such product. This may be done locally or remotely by connecting the mobile device either directly or through a network (such as the internet) to a remote computer and having the remote computer provide software upgrades.

[00068] Software upgrades may be necessary for migration from one

mobile device to new or other mobile devices, possibly different manufacturers. Upgrading may be simplified if the configuration of the mobile device being replaced is matched or matches the configuration of the equipment that it is replacing.

[00069] If the mobile device software is replaced, the mobile device may have the ability to automatically read out configuration settings information in memory and allow the software to adapt and use different methods of control, or different methods of decoding, etc.

[00070] An exemplary embodiment for upgrading may be to provide a PC based software tool to read out the non-default configuration settings from a target mobile device (the one being replaced) through a serial communication and then to flash the same or equivalent settings into the replacement equipment. This may be considered a direct configuration mapping method, that is, reading the configuration settings on a (old) Device A and flashing them into a (new) Device B.

[00071] Another exemplary embodiment may be to provide a PC based software tool that analyzes output scanned data of a known information bearing indicia from a target device (the one being replaced) and compares it with the output scanned data from the replacement mobile device. The software tool may interpret how the existing device is configured based on the difference between the two sets of scanned data. After interpolation of the configuration settings of the replacement mobile device, the software tool would configure the replacement mobile device to match the old or replacement mobile device. This may be considered indirect mapping, wherein the software tool interpolates the inner settings of an existing device from its operation, rather than by direct read out from memory or firmware.

[00072] Either exemplary embodiment may be integrated with a cross- browser, client-side DHTML menu builder such as Visual Menu. The configuration of a mobile device may be read out once and then

propagated many times using wireless or over-the-net configuration utilities, hard copy or video display menuing or other suitable means.

[00073] A user may update or replace one or more stored configuration settings or configuration setting data utilizing a remote updating system which may be done by connecting the mobile device either directly or through a network (such as the internet) to a remote processor. With appropriate software, the remote processor may be programmed to read certain configuration settings from the mobile device, such as software configuration. The remote processor may read the configuration setting data and utilize that data when downloading updates or new software. An operator may request from the remote processor for a software update. The request would be received by either computer, which could read the current software configuration resident on the mobile device and determine the appropriate update or replacement software.

[00074] An exemplary mobile device may support integrated sensor and receiver technologies (such as GPS receivers, etc.) that can monitor, collect and log location information.

[00075] In exemplary embodiment, the mobile device may be utilized for GPS navigation, real time data communications, IDC decoding for proof of delivery, digital signature capture, etc. The signature may be captured on the display of the mobile device. A form may be displayed on the display to provide desired signature location and other information.

[00076] Mobile digital signature capture devices are utilized in delivery and transportation applications for proof of delivery, the signature being stored with transaction details. Exemplary transaction details may be time of delivery, signatory's name, route information, etc. Signature capture completion information may be accomplished automatically or by triggering the device in some manner, such as by pushing a button or a particular position on the display.

[00077] In an exemplary embodiment, transaction details include data collected from an IDC.

[00078] In an exemplary embodiment, GPS coordinate information is

collected when an item being delivered and stored, combined with or associated with the signature capture data file. The two may be stored in a single data file. Additional authentication evidence of delivery of the item may be collected such as IDC information. The GPS coordinate

information may be utilized for future shipments to the same address to avoid additional address search efforts. Coordinate information may be input to a navigation application such as GOOGLE MAPS™ to determine delivery destination or delivery route.

[00079] In an exemplary embodiment a first delivery person delivers an item to a particular destination "Dl" and collects a digital signature along with the location coordinates utilizing the GPS. The signature, transaction details and/ or location coordinate information is transmitted to a navigation application resident on a server database. The information may be used by a second delivery person to deliver a future shipment to the same destination "Dl" in future by simply checking the navigation data base for addresses and may determine destination location information without having to take additional steps.

[00080] In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery location coordinate

information may be transmitted to a second mobile device.

[00081] Referring to Fig. 4, an exemplary method of operating an IDC

reading system begins with reading an IDC in a step 410, the IDC containing coded information regarding the destination of the item associated with the IDC that is being shipped. The IDC reader retrieves positional information in a step 414 and compares the position of the item with the destination information provided in the IDC in a step 418. A determination/query is made in a step 420 if the item on the proper delivery route. If not, the item is re-routed in a step 424. If the item is determined to be on a proper course, it is kept on it's current delivery route in a step 428. 082] It should be understood that the programs, processes, methods and apparatus described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of computer or network apparatus (hardware or software). Various types of general purpose or specialized computer apparatus may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein. While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been described as being implemented in software, in other embodiments hardware or firmware implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa. The illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps of the flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described, and more, fewer or other elements may be used in the block diagrams. Also, unless applicants have expressly disavowed any subject matter within this application, no particular embodiment or subject matter is considered to be disavowed herein.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of delivering an item comprising the steps of:

providing an information data carrier (IDC) on the item, the IDC having delivery destination information provided therein;

reading the IDC delivery destination information with a mobile device having an IDC reader and a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the mobile device;

comparing the position information with destination information; and, determining whether the item is located on a designated destination route.

2. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the determining is made by the mobile device.

3. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the determining is made by a host or remote computer.

4. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device operator is notified of the determining results.

5. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device operator is notified of the determining results only if the destination route is improper.

6. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device operator is provided with instructions for re-routing the item.

7. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein re-routing instructions are coded into an IDC and provided on or with the item for future reading.

8. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device provides a map on a display showing designated destination and/or rerouting information

9. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device provides a map on a display showing both the designated destination and the current position of the shipped item.

10. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the mobile device provides a map the operator with re-routing instructions through an audible message.

11. A method of delivering an item comprising the steps of:

delivering an item to a delivery destination;

collecting digital signature data on a mobile device having a global positioning system (GPS) for determining position information of the mobile device when the digital signature data is collected; and,

associating the digital signature data with the position information.

12. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 1 1 , wherein the digital signature data and position information are combined into a single data file.

14. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the digital signature data and position information are combined with delivery transaction information.

15. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the digital signature data and position information are transmitted to a server.

16. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the digital signature data and position information are transmitted to a second mobile device.

17. A method of delivering an item in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the digital signature data and position information are transmitted to a navigation application.