CN101203873A

CN101203873A - Systems and methods for providing personalized delivery services

Info

Publication number: CN101203873A
Application number: CNA2006800223747A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔·S·里佐; 苏梅特·什罗夫; 罗伯特·克林根贝格
Original assignee: United Parcel Service of America Inc
Current assignee: United Parcel Service of America Inc; United Parcel Service Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2006-06-20
Publication date: 2008-06-18

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

Be used to provide the system and method for personalized delivery service

Technical field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to by public common carrier (common carrier) provides customization control and dirigibility to sender, addressee and the common carrier (carrier) of article sent such as parcel post (parcel) or parcel (package).

Background technology

The package delivery business is usually directed to three main entities in the delivery process of parcel: common carrier, sender and addressee.Common carrier is arranged the package delivery between sender and the addressee usually, and is commonly called package delivery provider, service provider or public common carrier.The sender is the entity that parcel is betransported, and can be called as consignor or promoter.The appointment recipient of parcel is the addressee.Parcel be used as mail-order or the situation of transporting based on the part of the shopping of internet under, the sender is the businessman usually, the addressee is this businessman's client.

The processing of sending parcel is widely known by the people.Usually, the article that sender's preparation will be transported, the classification (for example, normal delivery or express delivery) of selection common carrier and service arranges common carrier to obtain the keeping of parcel.This can take parcel the access locations of common carrier or arrange common carrier to collect in sender's place to wrap up and carry out by the sender.In case common carrier acquires, this common carrier sends to the treatment facility in cities and towns or addressee's coverage with parcel.Usually use delivery vehicle then, package delivery is arrived the addressee.

Usually, common carrier keeps sending the fixed course of parcel, will stop in suitable addressee's address and attempts sending parcel along this route.Sending in the experience of optimum, common carrier wraps up package delivery in maiden attempt to reception on the scene addressee.

Yet, be not optimum as expecting, sending experience under many circumstances, in initial the trial, successfully do not send parcel.There are the many reasons that this situation occurs.General reason is that the addressee does not exist, and therefore can not sign for parcel.In some cases, this can not be a problem because delivery location is confirmed as reliable and/or with send relevant service type and can not need signature.For example, service type can not need the addressee to sign to sending, and perhaps can deposit the chest that lock is arranged that safety is provided for parcel.Yet under many circumstances, service type (perhaps other restriction) needs the recipient on the scene and sign for sending.This causes addressee and common carrier to enter various programs coordinating delivered later and attempt.

For such as handle every day of UPS millions of send send provider, the trial of sending of each failure all needs extra time and resource to be used to coordinate delivered later to attempt.This not only causes the efficient of common carrier to reduce, and owing to do not send parcel as early as possible, and causes the addressee and can be the undesirable experience of sending of sender.

Therefore, in order to realize the optimum experience of sending, between sender, common carrier and addressee, need to coordinate.The realization of all being interested in of all each side is fast sent.

Yet, under many circumstances, can occur postponing, schedule can change, and perhaps all three partss can not exclusively know the details of sending.For example, the sender can postpone to provide the parcel that will transport, and therefore causes postponing to be delivered to addressee's the expection date.Alternatively, because the addressee does not exist, send so can not receive.For example, the addressee can leave delivery location in short time, perhaps spends a holiday outside.Usually, the addressee sends and can not receive in the inhabitation address in the work of normal delivery time durations.Perhaps the addressee can plan on the scene, but can not be on the scene because schedule changes.

In other cases, can send, but be optimal situation.For example, can finish sending of parcel, but the position (placement) that is wrapped in addressee's delivery location can be desirable different with the addressee.For example, the addressee can wish common carrier with package delivery to side door rather than main entrance to avoid stolen.Perhaps, the addressee can often use side door rather than main entrance.The addressee can wish parcel is placed in the safe chest that lock is arranged, but does not notify common carrier to be used to open this password that chest of lock is arranged (combination).

Therefore, need to allow the system and method for coordination bigger between sender, common carrier and the addressee of parcel, thereby in package delivery is handled, realizes successfully and the optimum experience of sending, and do not waste resource and generation unnecessary delay.

Description of drawings

So summarily described the present invention, existing accompanying drawing needn't be drawn in proportion with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the high-level diagram according to addressee's service of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram that be used to provide addressee service method of expression according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the figure of expression according to the further details of the ingredient of addressee's service system of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 collects high-level diagram with delivery system according to the customization that communicates with delivery person of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 a and 5b represent according to the various addressee's service method of providing of various embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 6 represents exemplary delivery authorization list according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the embodiment of the architecture of the expression common carrier information handling system that is used to provide personalized delivery service;

Fig. 8-27 represents the map of website and represents the exemplary screen shots of various embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 28 is illustrated on the electronic delivery authorization list and receives signature from the addressee, and makes sender and common carrier can visit the exemplary process of the table of having signed.

Embodiment

Referring now to accompanying drawing the present invention is described more completely hereinafter, the present invention shown in the drawings some rather than all embodiment.In fact, these inventions can be implemented according to multiple different form, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment of setting forth here; But, provide these embodiments, so that the disclosure satisfies applicable legal provisions.In institute's drawings attached, similar unit like the Reference numeral representation class.

Service Overview

In the sending of parcel, relate to three main entities: sender, common carrier and addressee.Coordinate and personalized method and system in order the various personalized delivery service that can occur in conjunction with package delivery to be provided, to have defined the experience of sending that is used between these three entities.The dirigibility of the various means of communication between these entities and the various information that can transmit make common carrier can adapt to various unpredictalbe situation that can occur in conjunction with package delivery.The communication relevant and coordinate and when sender or addressee ask, to occur with the personalization of delivery service.

Though under the background of package delivery, disclose embodiment disclosed herein, but principle of the present invention can be applied to sending of other article, comprises that shipping, the service by the dispatch service personnel provide or relate to any other type application of sending or sending.Therefore, as used herein, term " parcel " is not limited to parcel post, and is meant by common carrier or service provider and sends or the goods or the service of any other type of sending.

High-level, send the customization and the personalized coordination that can require or relate between following of experience:

(1) common carrier and addressee,

(2) sender and common carrier, and

(3) sender and addressee.

Can be interpreted as easily what can require coordination between in these entities each.Under first scene, the addressee can be absent from the scene to receive and send.Decide through consultation by entity and to finish the time and/or the place of sending that communicating by letter can make between common carrier and the addressee sent facility.Under second scene, the sender can ask the transmit address of common carrier change parcel.And under the 3rd scene, sender and addressee can decide through consultation between them and revise the many aspects that influence package delivery, and notice this variation of common carrier (this can relate to first scene or second scene then).Therefore, under many circumstances, the communication in one of afore-mentioned (for example, between sender and addressee) can be the another kind of situation of coordinating (for example, relating to sender and common carrier) afterwards.For example, the sender after the shipping parcel, but finish send before, the addressee can notify the sender to change the address.The sender can notify new address to common carrier subsequently.

As can be seen, preceding two kinds of situations of coordination relate to common carrier with certain form, and influence common carrier and how or when to finish package delivery.Under many circumstances, the influence to common carrier depends on the specific fact relevant with package delivery greatly.For example, the sender of agreement package delivery can require the addressee and only be addressee's signature.This can get rid of the addressee with the request of package delivery to neighbours.Certainly, if addressee and sender communicate, then the sender can and then authorize common carrier to send parcel under the situation that does not have the recipient to sign, and abandons the requirement of signing effectively.Because the combination of various coordinations is fine with communicating by letter, so only provide some examples to represent various embodiment of the present invention.

Communicating by letter between common carrier and the addressee

High-level, communicating by letter between common carrier and the addressee is usually directed to be used to coordinate or the exchange of the information of personalized package delivery.Usually, though do not require, the addressee knows imminent package delivery.This can take place by several modes.In a common embodiment, common carrier can notify that the addressee is imminent to send.Though other form (comprises that other forms of electronic information (for example takes place, Short Message Service, robocall calling, Fax Messaging, (host) website message generation that is provided, instant message generation etc.)) be fine, but this can take place by email notification.In other embodiments, the sender can notify the addressee to transport parcel.This therein the sender be that the addressee has ordered the businessman of article and is very common under the parcel situation that the sender notifies when in fact being delivered to common carrier from it.Usually, the sender also will provide the tracking of sending number to the addressee.In other embodiments, the addressee can true expect parcel (for example, the addressee orders the goods and expects and send) according to other.In this case, the addressee can visit the package tracking website of being managed by common carrier on one's own initiative, confirms the state of package delivery.

Usually, in case the addressee knows imminent sending, the addressee just can initiate to be used for the request of personalized package delivery.The addressee can pass on this request according to different modes, comprises that electronic information takes place, and for example passes through Email or website visiting, passes through phone or other forms.The information that this request provides the expressman to use in package delivery to common carrier usually.This information can comprise parcel identifying information (for example, by follow the tracks of number), with should send when sending parcel, should placing it in relevant where request or other particular processing information of transmit address of day.

Though after the addressee that is everlasting knows the parcel that existence will send, provide personalized delivery information, also can more early provide this information.Specifically, the addressee can send preferred or instruction in package shipment indication before the addressee.For example, the addressee can provide personalized delivery information, as the permanently effective instruction of package delivery or preferred.Therefore, even the current parcel that is not arranged to be delivered to the addressee, this is sent and preferably also is applied to sending of all futures.In other embodiments, can after attempting, initial delivery provide delivery information.Though common carrier can be preferably receives this information before initial delivery is attempted, embodiments of the present invention predicted the addressee before initial delivery is attempted and/or indication afterwards send preferred.

Communicating by letter between sender and the common carrier

Similarly, the sender can provide personalized delivery information to common carrier.In some embodiments, the indication of this information is carried out in the indication of the package delivery information that the sender can be relevant with other simultaneously.Common situation is the client's ordering information from the businessman who uses access to netwoks, and client (normally addressee) request should be placed on article ad-hoc location (for example, back door) when sending when placing an order.When shipping parcel, the businessman can indicate destination-address to common carrier by sending relevant special instruction with this, comprises being placed on the back door.This information can comprise other transit information that the sender provides to common carrier by transportation system.This transportation system makes the sender can prepare the parcel that is used to transport.

In another embodiment, client can notify the businessman special delivery instructions after the shipping parcel.In this case, sender (businessman) can pass on this special delivery instructions to common carrier by with reference to parcel or addressee.Alternatively, as mentioned above, the addressee can directly indicate these instructions to common carrier after learning imminent sending.

In other embodiments, the personalized delivery information that the sender provides can come from sender itself, rather than comes from the addressee.For example, the addressee can know that this is if get wet then the conveying objects that can damage, if therefore provide indication the addressee not situation under parcel is stayed addressee's transmit address, then with plastic wraps or cover the delivery instructions of this parcel.As another example, the sender can require all addressees to be provided for providing " scene " of parcel or sign in person, and provides this information to common carrier, as permanently effective sending preferably.

Communicating by letter between sender and the addressee

Communicating by letter between sender and the addressee itself do not relate to common carrier, and directly do not influence package delivery.Yet the typical consequence of this communication is that sender or addressee can pass on personalized delivery information to the common carrier relevant with package delivery subsequently.Following situation is possible: one can get in touch common carrier with expectation the opposing party, perhaps can be so that communication is seamless as much as possible to guarantee communication.For example, the sender can communicate and learn that the addressee can not receive parcel with the addressee.The sender can provide the tracking number of the network address of common carrier and parcel to the addressee, and instruction how to notify this situation of common carrier.Therefore, the sender makes the addressee be convenient to indicate its personalized delivery information to common carrier.Alternatively, the sender can directly notify common carrier this situation, and after this, common carrier can be got in touch the addressee and be notified him to pass on his sending preferred.The sender can obtain addressee's e-mail address (for example the addressee when the sender places an order), and can pass on travel position information and provide this address to common carrier to the addressee in order to make common carrier.

Send authorization list (DAF)

Sender or addressee ask the ability of personalized package delivery to make that the possibility of preferably successfully sending parcel according to the addressee is bigger in initial delivery is attempted.For most applications, it is preferred sending parcel in initial the trial, because it causes quickly package delivery being arrived the addressee, and the resource of having saved common carrier.As mentioned above, owing to making always not finish in initial the trial, sends a variety of causes.For example, the addressee may not receive parcel, and only just knows sending of being attempted after sending of failure attempted.In these cases, will stay for example indication of memo in significant mode in delivery location such as a lot of service providers of UPS, indication has carried out sending trial.A kind of such paper list is that UPS is used to refer to the InfoNotice  that sends trial.The addressee can see usually that when arriving delivery location this sends indication, knows the trial of sending of failure then.

An embodiment of the invention disclosed before for the first time sending trial and provide imminent notice of sending to the addressee, and provided or make the addressee can visit electronic delivery authorization list (DAF) to the addressee.Usually, DAF can offer addressee (for example passing through Email) electronically from sender or common carrier, perhaps the table that can for example be visited electronically by the common carrier website by the addressee.The purpose of DAF is to be provided at the addressee to common carrier to be absent from the scene and to stay the mandate of parcel under the situation that receives parcel.The addressee can print this table then, signature, and before sending trial for the first time, it is posted in delivery location.This makes the addressee send reception parcel in the trial for the first time under situation that needn't be on the scene.

Another purpose of DAF is preferred and/or the delivery instructions of sending of indication package delivery.DAF can comprise the various field relevant with package delivery, and makes that the addressee can specific the sending preferably of indication (for example indication should be stayed the back door with parcel) on table.DAF can be generated by common carrier or sender, with before the addressee provides DAF, finish in these fields some.In other embodiments, the addressee can oneself fill in these fields.

Be posted in printed hard copy and with it after remarkable position of delivery location, delivery person is regained this DAF when package delivery, and with this DAF with parcel or send and be associated.Usually, this DAF comprises the machine-readable markers that makes that delivery person is associated this DAF by the portable computing that is carried by this delivery person with package shipment when sending.In some embodiments, when the addressee provides DAF, the DAF that will have an identifier that is distributed with send logic and be associated.Specifically, when common carrier sent to the addressee with DAF, common carrier can be associated DAF with addressee's parcel.Below discuss various other embodiments of DAF.

The structure of exemplary addressee's service system

Fig. 1 is the high level block diagram according to addressee's service system (CSS) 104 of an embodiment of the invention.CSS 104 generally includes computing system 122, and it can be microcomputer, large scale computer, server or other calculation elements well known in the prior art.Computing system 122 generally includes processor 124, relational storage 126 and i/o controller 128.Computing system 122 can also comprise disk storage (storage), be used to store one or more database, for example addressee's profile (Profile) database 134 is (though in numerous embodiments, it can be stored in the computing system 122 this locality, but it is represented as away from this computing system setting among Fig. 1).Other embodiments can use other forms of data-carrier store (for example, data storage device (datastore)), perhaps can use the external data base by using communication network to visit.

CSS 104 can use email interface 122 to send and receive Email, and can provide (host) can pass through the website of network interface 114 visits.Alternatively, independently the computing machine (not shown) can provide the website and communicate with computing system 122.CSS 104 can also comprise telephony interface 115, and being used for provides Interaction Voice Response (IVR) ability to the caller.Telephony interface 116 can allow to be connected to the customer service of the computing machine 118 that use can communicate with computing system 122 and represent 120.CSS 104 can also communicate by letter with addressee's computing machine 100 by the internet, and uses the prompting user to use keyboard (for example, touch-tone telephone) to come the known method of input information, uses telephone network 110 to communicate by letter with addressee 108 by IVR.Therefore, the user can come reception notification by the call that audio message is provided, and by button input respond indicate send preferred.In some cases, the use of IVR may be friendly or flexible not as network interface, but it can not provide bigger availability by the addressee of computer access internet to those.This system can also communicate by additive method as known in the art and addressee.CSS 104 can also use application programming interfaces (API) 150 and addressee or sender to communicate, and this is undertaken by internet 102 and WAN etc. usually.

In various embodiments, CSS 104 uses Local Area Network 106 or other networks to communicate by letter with the other system 130 of common carrier operation.In one embodiment, in these other systems 130 is package-level details (PLD) database 133.PLD database 133 can be safeguarded the information relevant with the parcel of sending, and comprises its state and other information relevant with parcel.An embodiment of PLD database 133 is QuantumView , and it is the storage of UPS operation and the system that addressee's individual package-level information is provided.In other embodiments, the PLD database can be independent of QuantumView  system or different with QuantumView  system.

Go out as shown, be well known that, the addressee uses the computing machine 100 that is connected to internet 102 to communicate by letter with CSS 104 usually or visits CSS 104.Though not shown, other modes of visiting CSS 104 are fine, for example by using wireless accessing device.Road as known, cell phone, PDA and mobile computer can be used for sending and receiving email message, and access internet.Though these are not shown, the form of these addressee's visits also is fine.

Sender system 152 can adopt a plurality of independent computing systems, and for example main sender's computing machine 140 is used for carrying out alternately with the email interface or the system 142 that are used to send and receive email message.In a lot of E-business applications, when having transported addressee's order, the sender can be to addressee's send Email message, and Email also provides to be followed the tracks of number.Sender's computing machine 140 can be connected with transportation system 144 or communicate with.These systems also are known in the art, and the parcel that helps preparation to be used to transport.The information relevant with parcel and package delivery that comprises address of the addressee can be collected by transportation system 144, and communicates the information to carrier system 104, and common carrier is stored in it in PLD database 130 then.At last, sender system 152 can comprise network interface 146, and it can be used for for example checking the state of ordering by the sender website by the addressee.Sender's computing machine 140 can also be mutual with carrier system 104 by API 147, perhaps can simply the addressee be directed to the link on the common carrier website.Similarly, the network interface 146 that CSS 104 can be by the sender, communicate by letter with sender 140 by the API 150 in the carrier system or by the API in the sender system 147.In other embodiments, CSS 104 can with independently communicate by letter this transportation system and then communicate by letter with sender ships system 144 by transportation system's (not shown) of common carrier operation.Though not shown, sender system 152 can also comprise telephony interface, be used to make the addressee to communicate by letter with the sender by phone, vice versa.

The particular recipient ability

In various embodiments of the present invention, sending that the addressee can indicate and personalized transportation is sent is preferred.As using from start to finish, " parcel " can be container, parcel post or other this article.The transportation of sending so contain one or more this article of " parcel ".Therefore, under many circumstances, the transportation of parcel more than is described, can exist with transportation in multiple the sending preferably that be associated of different parcels.The scope of embodiment of the present invention contains sends variety of option and combination preferred and instruction, the high-level overview of possible embodiment below is provided, but has not been intended to exhaustive.Fig. 8 represents to provide sending the exemplary map of website that experience is carried out the common carrier website of personalized ability to the addressee.As can seeing among Fig. 8, and can understand better that from following description common carrier can be UPS, and can have Initial page 800 and make the user can sign in to the UPS personalization to send the website.The user can be directed to a series of webpages then, these webpages make the user to register by input user profile 802, prompting (alert)/granting (release) 804, delivery instructions 806, and these webpages are confirmed users' log-on message 808.If the user registers, then the user can be directed to and be used to upgrade the preferred a series of webpages 810 of user.The user can be directed to indication and send a series of webpages 820 that change request.As known in the art, the user can visit various common carrier client webpages, for example make the user can send the webpage 830 (for example indicating the message of the problem of the personalized delivery service of website or UPS) of message to common carrier, perhaps the user can visit the webpage 840 with the problem (FAQ) of often asking.

Addressee's registration

According to an embodiment of the invention, the user can register to addressee's service system 104, to indicate permanently effective sending preferably and instruction.This set of addressee information is called as addressee's profile.The user needn't be about to become addressee's (that is, common carrier is not being handled the parcel that is delivered to this user at present).Yet this user is considered to potential addressee, therefore thinks that this user is the addressee in the scope of this embodiment and other embodiments.Sending of addressee is preferred processed then and be applied to the follow-up parcel that all are delivered to this addressee.These preferably are considered to default indication with instruction.Chartered addressee can also to the indication of specific parcel specific send preferred, this is specific send preferably can have precedence over permanently effective or default preferred.Unregistered people can not provide permanently effective preferred indication, but the preferred of every parcel still can be provided.Therefore, can think that nonregistered user (in some aspects) has the subclass of the ability that offers the registered user.

The addressee can register and ask all imminent notices of sending.In some embodiments, common carrier can be stored in permanently effective addressee's preference information in addressee's profiles database 134, and the preference information of every parcel is stored in the package-level details database 133.Other embodiments can make up two types information and it is stored in addressee's profiles database 134.Can in PLD database 133, incorporate sign indication into, be used to indicate the addressee to send and preferably can be applied to sending this addressee's specific package.Other modification also is possible and within the scope of the invention.

Though registration itself is not independently to send preferably, registering is to make the addressee ask the particular recipient service and certain preferred ability is set.In case register, the user just can look back, upgrades or control their preferred.Therefore registering and send preferred indication can take place together.In case register, the user just can indicate under the situation that needn't re-register preferably.Addressee's registration can be to serve required for any follow-up addressee that the processing addressee can select.For example, under the situation that does not have registration, some common carriers can not provide sending of every parcel preferred indication service.

As shown in Figure 1, registration can be undertaken by the website that CSS 104 provides by using the visit of addressee's computing machine 100 (for example, home computer and working computers etc.) by the addressee of visit CSS 104.In case enter this website, the addressee just can be registered as the user of CSS 104.Alternatively, the addressee can directly pass through phone 108, perhaps by phone or represent 120 to get in touch and register in one of carrier transport center or distributing center and customer service in person.The process of registration also can comprise the addressee is authenticated or authorizes.For example, can require the addressee to import for the unique identifier of addressee (for example, license number, SSN (social security number) and credit number etc.).Then can be by CSS 104 contact or visit third party database to confirm or to verify that this information verifies this unique identifier.Usually, here in any processing of Miao Shuing, no matter whether be associated with registration or other aspects of the present invention, no matter and whether undertaken by website, phone or other access methods, common carrier requires the user that authentication information is provided before can and handling in acceptance and influencing the input of package delivery.

Fig. 9 represents to as the user of CSS 104 or want representative network screenshot capture that the addressee that CSS 104 registers is presented.As shown in the figure, the user can provide unique user ID 902 and password 904 for purpose of safety.When registering in login 906 or to CSS 104, the prompting user provides various subscriber profile information.This website can be informational and be provided for the summary info part 1000 of the service that the brief description addressee can use.As shown in figure 10, can point out the user that user profile or contact details are provided, for example their name 1002 and address 1004.Can require this information is determined (for example name, first address line, city, state and postcode), and can indicate with runic.As implied above, for example, it is correct that CSS 104 can for example verify and authenticate the information that is provided by the addressee by the visit third party database.According to the service that the addressee selects, can require these parts to allow CSS 104 to get in touch the addressee in all cases.Also can require the addressee to import his telephone number 1006 and main e-mail address 1008.In various embodiments, can require the addressee that e-mail address and the password security problem and the answer of alternative are provided.Registered user prerequisite has in advance supplied this information, and may be directed to different webpages, to upgrade his preferred simply.

This system can only limit to specific service particular recipient (for example, having the addressee of package delivery minimal level in the past).Can be freely, collect the charges (flat fee) or each service (for example, at every turn sending) expense provides service by the stage.Also can provide graduate service class to the addressee.The plan (billing plan) of keeping accounts also can change according to the freight volume that the addressee receives in the special time scope.Therefore, can be not to specific a large number of users charge.Can according to each generation (for example, to credit card charge) or by the cycle keep accounts (for example, to account's charge of setting up in advance or post independent invoice) keep accounts.

Delivery notification

The registration addressee when serving or afterwards, the addressee can selective reception future the notice (shown in " sending prompting " among Figure 11) of sending.Can use various means of communication to notify, comprise email notification and Advise By Wire.The e-mail address that uses the addressee to provide carries out email notification.Can when registration 1008 (referring to Figure 10), perhaps when addressee's selective reception delivery notification 1110 (Figure 11), provide this e-mail address.In some embodiments, a plurality of addresses be can indicate, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), cell phone, computing machine, pager or other devices notice can be directed to.Can use other forms of electronic information to send and notify, comprise short message notification and instant message transmission etc.With reference to Figure 11, the addressee can be chosen in the earliest time send Email that carrier system detects parcel and notify 1102, perhaps can notify 1104 by send Email in 24 hours that arrange to send.(not shown) can be notified at some other times send Emails that package delivery is handled (for example in the morning of arranging to send that day) in other embodiments.If addressee's selective reception email notification 1102 or reminding e-mail 1104, then the addressee may must import or confirm his e-mail address 1110, guarantees that CSS 104 can send notice to the addressee.

For example, also can use automatic equipment to come telephone number to addressee indication to dial and the announcement of the designated delivery information of played pre-recorded, carry out the phone delivery notification.The addressee can be chosen in and receive phone prompting 1106 in the twenty four hours of sending.In embodiment shown in Figure 11, the addressee can select to be used to receive the time window option one 108 that phone is reminded.For example, the addressee can select to remind in phone prompting in the morning (8a.m.-12p.m.), phone prompting in afternoon (12p.m.-5p.m.) or evening (5p.m.-8p.m.).

As shown in figure 11, can present various choice boxs (for example email notification 1102, reminding e-mail 1104 and phone remind 1106) to the addressee, and the addressee can select these options one or more.For example, the addressee can the selective reception email notification and phone remind, perhaps can selective reception email notification and reminding e-mail, and do not have phone to remind.Therefore, various combinations all are fine, and are included in a plurality of notices that different time sends or send a plurality of notices by different media to different addressee's contact methods (e-mail address for example, by Short Message Service, perhaps telephone number).Reminder announced also can provide the indication of estimating the Delivery time window.

Usually, though other embodiments can provide notice to send (can comprise a plurality of parcels) at every turn, present embodiment provides notice to each parcel.This notice can comprise other information, for example service type, sender, weight, be worth or be kept at any other information of the PLD database that is used for transporting.Usually, the notice request user to delivery notification service register, although in other embodiments, provide notice according to " disposable (one-time) ", wherein the sender provide address of the addressee information and the request provides notice to the addressee.The notice that delivery notification that common carrier provides and sender provide is irrelevant.Common carrier also can provide and require the user to send preferred and the irrelevant delivery notification service of other service that register in order to indicate.

It is sent when preferred when input, and the addressee also can select parcel to provide 1112, and this authorizes common carrier to send parcel in the trial sending for the first time under the situation that does not obtain signature.In " parcel is provided ", further describe this service below.

Delivery instructions

In when registration or afterwards, the addressee can select or indicate the various delivery instructions that are associated with all following package delivery, perhaps receiving the notice of particular delivery after, this is sent selection or indicates various delivery instructions.The addressee can be set at these instructions the default instructions of all following package delivery, at specified criteria () specific instruction for example, time range and particular delivery etc., perhaps disposable indication (for example, send or each parcel) at every turn.In the end in this case, can require the addressee to provide to follow the tracks of number or other transportation identifiers.As shown in figure 11, will send preferred personalization to his particular delivery place in order to make the addressee, and can require the addressee to import " address style " 1114, for example the addressee stays in the dwelling house still in the apartment (perhaps similar residence).

Delivery instructions for example can be included in the locality of transmit address, sends if the addressee is absent from the scene to receive in person, then parcel can be stayed this locality.With reference to Figure 12 A, in an embodiment of the invention, the addressee who stays in dwelling house or the independent unit, residence can indicate common carrier that parcel is stayed Qianmen, back door, side door, garden, platform, porch or garage (representing these option ones 200 by delivery instructions).Alternatively, the addressee can indicate and leave parcel for neighbours, and neighbours' street address or apartment number are provided in the space that provides in 1202.In another embodiment, the addressee can indicate for the place that parcel should be stayed not preferred.Except selecting or provide the delivery instructions 1200, the addressee can manually import extra-instruction 1204 for delivery person.As example, these additional delivery instructions 1204 can be indicated the chest of lock or the password at gate, perhaps can indicate delivery person to use plastics to cover parcel.

(with reference to Figure 12 B) similarly, if the addressee stays in apartment or similar residence, then the addressee can provide can be to this residence delivery instructions 1210 more specifically.For example, the addressee can indicate and variously can stay one of place of parcel, comprises the foreground or the gatekeeper of apratment building.As mentioned above, the addressee can indicate and leave parcel for neighbours, and input neighbours' apartment number in the field that can provide in 1212.The addressee also can provide extra-instruction 1214, and the code, the safety that for example enter apratment building have the password of the chest of lock, the perhaps indication of place that another parcel is deposited or the password common delivery place of apartment association (for example).

Common carrier can be by sending to the portable computing that delivery person is carried with suitable message, the delivery instructions (shown in Figure 12 A and 12B) of addressee indication is communicated to delivery person, and this portable computing has and is used to the display of sending preferred text message or other graphical informations that shows that the addressee selects.

As shown in figure 13, the addressee provide aforesaid send preferred and delivery instructions after, CSS 104 will confirm the addressee contact details and indicated preferably and instruct.

As mentioned above, the addressee can indicate delivery instructions and/or preferred at first when registration, thereby CSS 104 is to these instructions of all following delivery applications and preferred.As described below, the addressee also can revise at any time or upgrade that these are preferred, perhaps can make amendment to them separately to independent package delivery.

Parcel is provided

In when registration or afterwards, the addressee also can select parcel to provide service 1112 (referring to Figure 11), and the parcel service of providing allows addressee's indication can will wrap up (perhaps a plurality of parcel) and be issued to delivery location sending in the trial for the first time under the situation of the signature that does not have the addressee.This and the authorization service of sending in advance described below are similar.This service can be selected in when registration by the addressee, perhaps can be for example after receiving imminent notice of sending, and according to each parcel or send and indicate at every turn.In some embodiments, the sender can require the signature, and the addressee abandon can not have precedence over the sender to the signature request.In other embodiments, the environment around common carrier can be determined to send be unsuitable for the addressee not situation under provide parcel, therefore can ignore parcel and provide request.

Send and change request

Sending to change asks (DCR) service (referring to Figure 14) to make the addressee can redirect or influence sending of parcel.Conceptive, this can indicate with addressee wherein and leave parcel for neighbours aforementioned and send preferred class seemingly.Yet, when this change request requires can think that this ability is DCR when sending (for example, in address far away) along the place, difference station of delivery routes.Usually, for example, though at the appointed time indicate DCR in the section when wrapping up the future that registration may be delivered to the addressee, DCR is according to each parcel or send at every turn and use.With reference to Figure 14,, then require the addressee to import the tracking numbers 1402 of parcel if use DCR to specific package.

The addressee can select from a plurality of DCR types subsequently, comprising: redirect parcel, refuse to send, rearrange and send or the predetermined goods (will call) of getting.Local address and/or the recipient that common carrier arrives package delivery the alternative of addressee's appointment when the addressee makes this request indicated in request 1404 " to redirect parcel ".Request 1406 indication common carriers return parcel to sender or carrier " to return the carrier ", and can require the addressee to indicate addressee's the reason of returning." rearrange and send " request 1408 indication common carriers in addressee request by addressee's named date and/or time with package delivery to original delivery location (for example, in addressee's the family)." predetermined get goods " request 1410 indication common carriers in addressee's request by the place of addressee's appointment and during preserve parcel, to extract by the addressee.Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that: have other instruction options that do not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The expression addressee how in the accompanying drawing by common carrier website indication DCR information, these a lot of abilities are disclosed and for the required relevant information requirement of these abilities.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the addressee is limited to each parcel or sends at every turn and only select a DCR.In other embodiment (not shown), the addressee can select more than one DCR.For example, the addressee can go to the holiday village to spend a holiday in that day of arranging to send.The addressee can select " rearrange and send " and " redirecting parcel " then, send to arrange late two days, and sends in the village on holiday.

As shown in figure 15, if the addressee selects " redirecting parcel " 1404, then the addressee is directed to the webpage that the necessary information of redirecting parcel is provided.For example, the addressee can import the title 1502 of the company that parcel will be delivered to.Usually require the addressee to provide recipient's name 1504 to " redirecting " request.In the embodiment that Figure 15 represents, the addressee can redirect package delivery his work address rather than his home address.In this case, " recipient's name " 1504 is identical with addressee's name 1510, that is, and and John Smith.The addressee may must import or confirm his name 1510 and telephone number 1512.Also require the addressee to redirecting the address 1506 of request input alternative.The addressee can be limited to the local address of specifying alternative, can be determined the scope of the local address of alternative by common carrier.For example, common carrier can be defined as the address that is positioned at along identical delivery routes, the perhaps address of being served by identical central mechanism with the request of redirecting.

Can also require the addressee to be provided at the recipient's who redirects the address telephone number 1508." redirect parcel " service also make the addressee can provide can with redirect the special handling instruction 1514 that the address is associated.For example, the addressee can specify and leave parcel for redirect delivery location receptionist, and the input receptionist's or office main telephone number.As shown in figure 16, common carrier can be directed to the addressee webpage of confirming to be used to redirect the input information that wraps up the addressee who asks.

If the addressee selects " returning the carrier " 1406 (Figure 14), then the addressee is directed to the webpage (referring to Figure 17) that carrier's reason 1700 is returned parcel in indication.These reasons can be that the addressee determines that the addressee no longer wants these article after shipping parcel.The Another reason of returning can be that the addressee needed this parcel before certain date, thereby and definite sender too late shipping parcel without any use.Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that: the addressee can have a variety of causes that transportation is returned the sender after shipping parcel.Can also require the addressee that addressee's name 1702 and telephone number 1704 are provided, thereby the sender will have this information when returning parcel, and this information can be associated with the parcel that is transported.As will be appreciated, because the addressee may import this information (for example, referring to Figure 10) in advance, so CSS 104 can automatically fill in these fields on each subsequent web pages of addressee's visit, thereby the addressee needn't repeatedly import this information.The addressee also can import the special handling instruction 1706 that is used to return transportation.For example, the addressee can indicate the back door of package delivery to the sender.As another example, the sender can indicate with the service of lower grade and return parcel, thereby addressee and sender needn't undertake additional expense.Figure 18 represents to confirm that the addressee sends the webpage that the information that provides in the request is provided " returning the carrier ".

If the addressee selects " rearrange and send " 1408 (Figure 14), then the addressee is directed to the webpage (referring to Figure 19) that indication is used to rearrange the specific instruction of delivery request.This webpage can provide informedness instruction 1900 to the addressee, and the new date of delivery selected of indication addressee must be after the date of delivery of being arranged at least one day.The addressee can select new date of delivery 1902, and imports or confirm his name 1904 and telephone number 1906.The addressee can also confirm or be provided for the special delivery instructions 1908 of sending through rearranging.As mentioned above, CSS 104 can finish addressee's name and telephone number automatically.Similarly, can fill in special handling instruction 1908 (referring to Figure 12 A, extra-instruction 1204, and Figure 12 B, extra-instruction 1214) according to the information that the addressee provides when indicating delivery instructions.If CSS 104 automatically comprises special handling instruction 1908, then can they be deleted, change or not operate according to addressee preferred to sending of rearranging.Figure 20 represents the affirmation webpage of rearranging delivery information that the addressee provides.

At last, if the addressee selects " the predetermined goods of getting " 1410 these parcels, then the addressee is directed to the webpage (Figure 21) that additional information is provided.The addressee can confirm his name 2102 and telephone number 2104, and can confirm or provide special handling instruction 2106.CSS 104 can determine to preserve the common carrier mechanism of parcel to be used to extract automatically according to addressee's transmit address.For example, CSS 104 can use addressee's postcode (for example, providing as the part of addressee's contact details 1002 in Figure 10) to determine nearest UPS shop.Webpage will present extraction location information 2110 (for example, organization names, address and telephone number) to the addressee.Webpage also can comprise hyperlink 2114, makes the addressee can check the map (following argumentation) in common carrier mechanism place.CSS 104 also can provide the working time 2112 of common carrier mechanism.The addressee can indicate date or the date range 2116 of preserving parcel then.In various embodiments, common carrier can only be preserved the predetermined parcel special time period (for example, arranging the date to begin a week from sending) of getting goods, and provides this date range from the trend addressee.This webpage can comprise exemption clause (disclaimer) 2118, if be used to indicate the addressee not extract parcel on the date that is provided, then parcel is returned the carrier.

Figure 22 represents to confirm addressee's the predetermined affirmation webpage of getting the goods request.If the addressee clicks " consulting a map " hyperlink 2114 (Figure 21), then the addressee can be directed to the map that shows common carrier mechanism place.In the embodiment of representing in Figure 23, CSS 104 can use addressee's address and common carrier mechanism address, provides map 2300 and direction 2302 to the addressee, how to arrive common carrier mechanism with indication and extracts parcel.

Though at the addressee visit various webpages information description is provided above-mentioned sending change request, other embodiment of the present invention makes the addressee to provide by phone and sends the change solicited message.For example, the addressee who carries out " redirecting parcel " request can call out common carrier by telephony interface (comprising IVR) 115, and use IVR (Interaction Voice Response) or represent 120, desired information is provided by information being conveyed to the customer service that this information can be input in the computing machine 118 that communicates with CSS 104.Usually, any input of providing of addressee (be used to send change request or other request) also can be provided by the agency of sender or addressee's appointment.

Send to change and ask also can carry out, perhaps except the addressee, also can be undertaken by the sender by the sender rather than by the addressee.The sender can carry out the sender on one's own initiative asks DCR, perhaps carries out the sender in response to addressee's request and asks DCR.Under the former situation, the sender may be placed on the article of mistake in the parcel, and indication and the similar DCR of above-mentioned " returning transportation " DCR.In this case, because the sender can carry out DCR, so this DCR can be " recalling parcel " DCR.In the latter case, the addressee may recognize that he will be in different addresses when sending parcel.The addressee can get in touch the sender and indicate the address of redirecting parcel, rather than the contact common carrier is informed this information.On behalf of the addressee, the sender can send the change request then, and all necessary informations of redirecting parcel are provided.

The modification of addressee's profile and renewal

As mentioned above, the registered user of CSS 104 can upgrade or revise its user profiles in any time after the registration, comprised that notice is preferred, delivery instructions and send to change and ask (usually referring to Figure 24-27).Also can or send at every turn and carry out these modifications and renewal according to each parcel.For example, the email notification that response sends to addressee's e-mail address, the addressee can be provided by common carrier website (on one's own initiative or the link by providing in the Email), and the tracking number of parcel is provided, and the particular delivery instruction or the DCR of indication parcel.

Figure 24 represents to make that the addressee can upgrade the webpage of its user profile.The addressee can upgrade his name 2402, telephone number 2406 and e-mail address 2408, but can not upgrade its address 2404.Suppose parcel in being sent to the way of address of the addressee, if the addressee wishes to upgrade the transmit address that this is sent, then he must redirect the parcel request as mentioned above.In other embodiments, the addressee may can upgrade or revise its address (not shown), but this modifications only is applied to sending of future, rather than sending in the present way of being sent to its transmit address.The addressee can upgrade other aspects of its user profile, for example its main Email 2408, alternative Email or safety problem and answer.

Similarly, as described in reference Figure 11, the webpage shown in Figure 25 makes the addressee can upgrade it and sends preferably.Figure 26 A represents if the addressee stays in the dwelling house, then makes the addressee can upgrade it and sends preferred webpage.Equally, Figure 26 B represents then to make the addressee can upgrade it and send preferred webpage if the addressee stays in apartment, the cities and towns man or in the housing unit.Figure 27 represent to confirm the addressee to its user profile, send the webpage preferred and renewal that delivery instructions is carried out.Though do not specifically illustrate, be appreciated that except revise the addressee permanently effective or default send preferred and instruction, CSS 104 also makes the addressee or to send at specific package to upgrade its profile.For example, the webpage of expression can comprise the field of the tracking number that is used to import specific package among Figure 24-27, and can guide the addressee to increase at particular delivery or revise any preferred or instruction by similar webpage.

The common carrier parcel that is used for the personalized delivery service of addressee's indication is handled

Fig. 2 represents to be used for to send an embodiment preferably handling parcel according to the personalization of addressee's indication.As will be appreciated, keep variants and modifications within the scope of the invention to be fine.

By parcel being handled, begin this processing in step 200 by the parcel disposal system of common carrier.Be generally the package distribution package identifiers, and use the identifier of the machine-readable form that expression follows the tracks of number that parcel is encoded.This identifier is known in the art, and is used to follow the tracks of the parcel by the various stages of handling.Usually, during common carrier is handled parcel to package scans (reading) repeatedly.This at first handles parcel at common carrier usually and the time carries out, and after this it is being carried out from delivery vehicle loading and unloading or the each point handled at parcel transmission center.

In step 202, suppose that equipment is at some some place scanning parcel, to determine how to handle parcel.During this is handled, can visit PLD database 133 and come read/write parcel rank data, to determine where parcel is sent to.When reading package data, determine in step 204 whether the addressee has selected to notify imminent sending to addressee's title or address.As mentioned above, this service provides the notice of imminent package delivery usually with the form of Email or Advise By Wire message to the addressee.If the addressee has selected this service, then next step 206 is notified this parcel to the addressee.

Email message is provided to the link of common carrier website usually.The addressee can click this link, and the preferred and instruction about package delivery is provided.As mentioned above, chartered addressee can upgrade the preferred or instruction of CSS 104 having been registered.In other embodiments, unregistered user can import or indicate and send preferably this specific sending.In either case, suppose that the addressee has carried out above operation, the common carrier computing system is accepted the preferred and/or instruction of sending of addressee in step 208.Common carrier (for example is stored in this information stores in addressee's profiles database 134) in CSS 104 in step 210 then, as addressee's profile or addressee's profile record.In other embodiments, common carrier can be alternatively with preferably being stored in the PLD database 133 of addressee, as the record that is used for this specific transportation.

Suppose and continue to transmit parcel, up to it being loaded in the final delivery vehicle that is used to send.Approximately this moment, CSS 104 determines whether to exist sending of any indication preferred.The definite of preferred or instruction sent in personalization can be before being placed on parcel on the delivery vehicle (for example, when the letter sorting of common carrier and disposal system transmit parcel) or placing it on the delivery vehicle after, perhaps these two times (for example, if the addressee also sending day personalized delivery instructions of modification, then may be taken place) carry out.As shown in Figure 2, whether CSS 104 can determine whether the addressee has indicated personalization to send preferred and instruction, and selected the reception delivery notification irrelevant with the addressee.

CSS 104 can pass through inquiry addressee profiles database 134, or determines these situations by visit PLD database 133.As described here,, personalization can be sent indication preferred and that instruct and be stored in the PLD database 133 or in addressee's profiles database 134 usually according to the type of wanting canned data.Under situation about personalized delivery instructions being stored in the PLD database 133, CSS 104 can be provided with a sign by the date that the indication exception is handled, thereby information correctly is sent to the delivery person relevant with package delivery.

In case having determined in step 214 to provide personalization to send to the addressee, then CSS 104 writes down to determine indicated certain preferred and/or instruct (in step 212) by the addressee's profile in the visit addressee profiles database (if be fit to, or PLD database).CSS 104 will send preferred and instruction conveys to suitable parcel post disposal system in step 216 then, and this system is usually directed to will send preferably/instruct by portable computing be communicated to delivery person (being described below).Portable computing usually comes the delivery of notifications personnel should preferred/instruction by the text that shows between in due course or graphical messages then.If CSS 104 determines that in step 214 addressee does not indicate personalization to send preferably/instruct, then common carrier is given addressee with package delivery in step 218 under the standard delivery program.

The example system that is used for handling in this way parcel has been shown among Fig. 3.In Fig. 3, common carrier parcel disposal system (PHS) 300 receives parcel 302, and this PHS can comprise sorting arrangement, parcel treatment facility and be used to the correlation computer and the disposal system of indicating this equipment how to handle parcel.This parcel disposal system 300 for example comprise disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 5804802 (incorporating its content by introducing into) can be by transmitting the various systems that the machine-readable markers (indicia) of following the tracks of number is discerned parcel.

When in the letter sorting facility of the PHS 300 that is in common carrier, parcel 302 is scanned usually or is identified in the normal process of parcel.When the identification parcel, scanning device can be checked address of the addressee according to the address of the addressee that is stored in addressee's profiles database.This can be by finishing the CSS 104 that this address is sent to common carrier via path 306.

Alternatively, the PHS 300 that communicates by letter with CSS 104 can determine to have exception for this parcel.For example, CSS 104 can communicate with addressee's profiles database, uses this address of the addressee to determine that the addressee has indicated specific sending preferably or instruction, and this information or " exception " can be transferred back to PHS 300.As example, this " exception " can be the delivery instructions that different transmit addresses is redirected parcel in addressee's indication.

In this case, PHS 300 can require the information of exception processing by communication link 306 for particular recipient or package delivery from CSS 104 receptions.As required, can periodically send this message in bulk, perhaps each parcel be sent this information individually all relevant parcels.Alternatively, when notice CSS 104 matching addresses, PHS 300 can receive the indication that requires special processing from this CSS.Under any circumstance, PHS 300 all pass through path 316 with transfer of packages to exception processing enter (EHC) 312.In the exception processing enter, further disposal system and/or personnel are according to the information that receives from CSS 104 by communication path 308, and what (for example, parcel should be redirected another address) is " exception " of determining particular recipient or parcel may be.This may must print new shipping label and it is sticked to superscribes, and will wrap up by path 318 and to transmit back the normal process of wrapping up and flow 304.In some embodiments, CSS 104 can directly notify EHC 312 to require the personalization of parcel to send.In this case, EHC 312 can determine parcel to be loaded on the package delivery vehicles, and (for example use communication infrastructure 314, the system that represents among Fig. 7) passes on personalized delivery instructions, the portable computing that this communication infrastructure will instruct wireless relay to carry to delivery person.

At last, CSS 104 can also send personalization preferred or instruct and directly be sent to communication infrastructure 314 by link 310, and this communication infrastructure is communicated to the portable computing that delivery person is used with information.These systems help to guarantee the appropriate time between delivery period, and notice is wrapped up relevant portable computing with handling.

Send mandate in advance

Service Overview

Service class seemingly with above-mentioned " parcel is provided " to send mandate (ADA) service in advance.Yet the ADA service relates to and is used to indicate the use of wrapping up the electronic delivery authorization list of providing (DAF).This is another embodiment of the present invention, is used for providing personalization to send experience to the addressee.In various embodiments, provide DAF with electronic format (for example pdf document annex of Email), this DAF can print and be posted in delivery location, to be fetched by the delivery person of being responsible for sending parcel.Usually, this is applied in wherein addressee or its representative and is absent from the scene and receives the parcel of sending, and parcel can be stayed the situation of the indication of premises but be desirable to provide in any case.At present, send trial at first, paper list is stayed transmit address, to indicate the unsuccessful trial of sending; This paper slip can be signed by the addressee afterwards and be stayed the transmit address that delivered later is attempted, and stayed parcel with the indication delivery person.ADA provides the initial unsuccessful ability of sending trial of avoiding; In other words, ADA provides the ability of authorizing package delivery before sending trial for the first time to the addressee.

ADA is by providing the anticipatory knowledge of sending to the addressee before initial delivery, and provides to the addressee and to stay the authorization list of locating in house (for example, at the Qianmen) (DAF) of sending and finish this processing.Delivery person can be known maybe and can not know being pre-existing in of DAF, but will correspondingly send parcel when running into DAF.Certainly, exist some can get rid of the service option (for example, sender's requirement " scene " or my signature are if perhaps parcel is COD and requires paying etc.) of using DAF.For illustrative purposes, suppose the restriction that does not exist eliminating to use DAF.

Fig. 4 provides the high-level overview of an embodiment sending authorization service in advance.In Fig. 4, suppose that CSS 104 notifies imminent package delivery to addressee 412.The addressee checks notification message on addressee's computing machine 100.This notification message can comprise annex, and this annex comprises the DAF of any known file form.This makes the addressee can print this table locally, for example prints on addressee's printer 101.

Simultaneously, CSS notifies the DIAD update system 402 that communicates with the portable computing 400 relevant with delivery person.Discuss each assembly of DIAD update system 402 in more detail with reference to Fig. 7.Provide and attempt sending the information that DAF epiphase that parcel may run into closes in delivery person 404 at 414 o'clock to portable computing 400.The information of closing with the DAF epiphase that provides to portable computing 400 can be indicated the addressee to ask DAF or provides DAF to the addressee to delivery person, therefore indicates delivery person to note DAF at transmit address.

When receiving the notification message of imminent package delivery, the addressee can know that he may be absent from the scene and accept to send.Therefore, the addressee fills in DAF 416 and signs, and DAF 416 is placed on showy place, for example the Qianmen of transmit address 420.When arriving transmit address, delivery person 404 is observed also and is fetched DAF 416, and knows according to the instruction of indication on the DAF 416 or preferably stay parcel.DAF can have the unique identification symbol, and portable computing 400 can write down and/or verify this unique identification symbol, and this unique identification symbol makes that DAF can be relevant with transportation.In a word, DAF may unsuccessfully send and attempt being converted to success and send.

This is a modification of this service, and the more complete description of various embodiments is provided below.

Send that authorization list generates and to addressee's reception and registration

Can provide to the addressee by various entities and send authorization list (DAF), comprise common carrier, sender or the opposing party.Usually use electronic communication to provide DAF, comprise Email, internet or any other communication means known in the art to the addressee.The addressee can directly receive DAF (for example, as e-mail attachment), perhaps can receive the information (for example, by access websites and ask DAF) that the prompting addressee asks DAF.The addressee can receive this information by phone or radio communication, and the computer access internet that uses the addressee subsequently is to obtain form.The addressee can visit the internet by dialing, digital subscriber industrial siding (DSL), cable internet, any alternate manner wireless or access internet known in the art.

DAF generally includes the field that is associated with package delivery, be used for input information, for example tracking of date (for example addressee date that DAF is signed), sender's name and/or address, transportation number, addressee's name, addressee's address and telephone number, desirable package delivery place (for example address of addressee's Qianmen or back door, garage and neighbours etc.), addressee's printing title and addressee's signature.DAF can also comprise that the indication addressee fills in and carry out the instruction of DAF, and the responsibility restriction relevant with using DAF.DAF can also provide the instruction of fetching DAF subsequently to delivery person.Independent DAF can have correlated series number.This sequence number can only be associated with DAF at first, and is used for performed DAF is associated with transportation by common carrier.This back one is associated and carries out when sending trial usually.As described further below, usually, delivery person send fetch when attempting DAF and to send the sequence number that is associated and write down or read.

Fig. 6 represents can be by an embodiment sending authorization list (DAF) 600 that uses such as the common carrier of UPS.DAF can comprise general information field 602, is used to discern the purpose or the title of form, and the identification common carrier.Date field 604 can provide the addressee to carry out the indication on the date of this form.Client's operation part 606 provides purpose that further specifies form and the instruction of how to fill in to the addressee." transit information " part 608 is provided for importing the various field of sender's name or address, tracking number, addressee's personal information (for example name, address and telephone number).Yet DAF can comprise the information more more or less than the information of representing among Fig. 6, perhaps provides some completed information (rather than blank field) to the addressee.Common carrier or sender can finish this form before DAF is conveyed to the addressee.

" parcel place " part 610 can provide personalization to send preference information, comprises pre-printed about parcel being stayed which option.For example, " parcel place " part 610 can provide " final election " frame in other options, and being used to indicate delivery person is that parcel is stayed Qianmen, back door, garden or office.Go out as shown, " parcel place " part 610 comprises that also request leaves parcel for neighbours' option, and provides the address in indication neighbours places or the space of other descriptions for the addressee.In an embodiment (not shown), DAF can comprise that the indication addressee indicates delivery person can not be delivered to the instruction of transmit address address in addition.This may be because delivery person is followed preplanned delivery routes, and the alternative Address requests that receives on the DAF may be inconsistent with preplanned route.

Can be for hand-written information provide field, Fu Jia delivery instructions or preferred for example, and be provided for the signature line of authorizing parcel to provide.In other embodiments, the addressee can be by using the electronic editing instrument to finish form before printing form on computers.For example, in one embodiment, the shape that the addressee can roughly imitate addressee's signature by the mouse that uses a computer comes form is carried out " signature ".Further describe the processing that electronic signature is provided below.

Can comprising " service provider's instruction " part 612, being used for providing about how handling the various instructions of DAF to delivery person.At last, " legitimacy " part 614 can provide exemption clause or other legal notice of common carrier.

Other embodiment of DAF can be size, shape and the configuration different with the DAF that represents 600 among Fig. 6.Do not require that size is fit to the paper of 8.5 * 11 inches of standards, but can be littler.

DAF is conveyed to the addressee

Turn back to Fig. 1, the addressee can receive the DAF as the electronic accessories the email message that sends from CSS 104.Alternatively, the addressee can receive DAF by network interface 114, for example by visiting the common carrier website on one's own initiative.In another embodiment, independently the computing machine (not shown) can provide this common carrier website, and communicates to provide DAF to the addressee with computing system 122.In other embodiments, the addressee can be from the DAF of sender's 140 receptions as the electronic accessories the email message, and perhaps the network interface 146 visit sender websites by the sender receive DAF.

CSS 104 can communicate by letter with addressee's computing machine 100, and uses email interface 112 to provide DAF by Email (for example, as * .pdf annex).Alternatively, this CSS can provide super connection to be visited the common carrier website by the addressee in email message, and perhaps the addressee can visit this website on one's own initiative to obtain DAF.For not having or not selecting computed addressee, can provide DAF with the form of faxing by telephone network 110 or other communication meanss.

The addressee communicates by the network interface 146 of addressee's computing machine 100 with the sender usually.Typical scene starts from the on-line purchase that the addressee carries out product.The sender receives ordering information (for example product identifiers, customer identifier and transit information, and order distinctive out of Memory).The sender sends suitable information to its transportation system 144, this transportation system and then send customizing messages to common carrier.Usually internet usage is sent to common carrier with information, usually by API 150, but can use other interface.

Common carrier will use this transit information to set up the record of parcel or transportation then in the PLD database, for this package distribution is followed the tracks of number.Common carrier provides this tracking number to the sender then.After this, the sender provides parcel to the common carrier that this tracking number is provided, and common carrier can easily be associated parcel with PLD information.This can use based on the known scanning system of bar code, radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) label or device etc. and finish.

Common carrier can will estimate that date of delivery conveys to the sender according to the classification of service.Can pass through network interface 114, by email interface 112 send Email message, perhaps it is conveyed to the sender by API 150.

The sender then can be further conveys to the addressee with customizing messages (for example, estimate date of delivery and follow the tracks of number).This is undertaken by email message via sender's email interface 142 usually.Alternatively, common carrier can directly convey to the addressee with this information by the email interface 112 of common carrier in Email.In other embodiments, the aforementioned electronic mail can transmit and make the addressee can be linked to the hyperlink that the estimation date of delivery is known in suitable website.

Possible service flow and operative configuration

There are a lot of possibilities in communication between sender, common carrier and the addressee.Fig. 5 a and 5b disclose various embodiments, and are not intended to the detailed description as each option.

Embodiment shown in Fig. 5 a and the 5b is based on following situation: addressee's internet usage is ordered article from businessman's (that is, the sender), and this businessman is then to client's shipping products.Place an order to the sender by the addressee, begin this processing in step 500.This step can be carried out according to different ways, for example uses addressee's computing machine to come to be undertaken alternately by internet and sender website by the addressee.The sender is generally the order assigned identification number, and provides relevant transit information to transportation system's (referring to above argumentation relevant with Fig. 1) of sender.In step 502, sender's structure (for example, selection and packing) product.In step 504, the sender provides relevant transit information (for example, addressee's name, address and telephone number) by transportation system 144 to common carrier, to pass through the carrier transport product.The sender can provide information by the API 150 of common carrier, and correspondingly receives the tracking (not shown) from common carrier.

The parcel that common carrier receives has label usually, and this label has the tracking of printing with machine-readable form number.This identifier is known in this area, and is used to follow the tracks of the parcel by each stage of handling.Also can use other forms of parcel sign, for example the RFID label.Usually, scanning (for example, " reading ") is wrapped up repeatedly during common carrier is handled parcel.In step 504, the sender provides parcel to common carrier, and the parcel treatment facility scanning parcel of common carrier is to determine how to handle this parcel.During this is handled, can visit the PLD database 133 of common carrier, to read or to write parcel rank data.

Send authorization service in advance based on following situation: the addressee knows imminent sending in advance.Can send Transportation Notice message in step 506 to the addressee by the sender, notify that the addressee is imminent to send.Usually, when the addressee placed an order, the addressee provided e-mail address, so that the addressee can receive this notice by Email.Alternatively, common carrier can send Transportation Notice message to the addressee in step 510.As described in other places herein, common carrier can be known addressee's e-mail address by registration before, perhaps can obtain this information from common carrier or parcel rank data.Usually, after common carrier had determined to estimate date of delivery, common carrier sent this message to the addressee.At either side (that is, in step 506 or step 510), the message that sends to the addressee can comprise in the middle of other information: the tracking that the subscription number that the sender provides, common carrier provide number and estimate date of delivery.In other embodiments, the Email that sends to the addressee can be provided to the hyperlink of sender or common carrier website.

As discussed in detail below, in step 508, the e-mail chains that Email that the addressee can provide from the sender or common carrier provide is received the sender website, and proceeds to step 560.Alternatively, as described in detail below, in step 512, the addressee can receive the common carrier website from arbitrary e-mail chains, and proceeds to step 520.Aspect an alternative, the addressee can visit the sender website on one's own initiative, and proceeds to step 560, perhaps can visit the common carrier website on one's own initiative, and proceed to step 520.As previously mentioned, accepting and handling any influence before the information of addressee's package delivery, common carrier can require various authentication informations.

(not shown) in one aspect, as mentioned above, Email can also comprise be used for the addressee fill in and sign send authorization list.This form can be provided by the annex of Email, or in the text of Email, directly provide this form, but the electronic image form for example is the picture format of * .pdf, * .gif or other Network Transmission with the electronic image form.The addressee can use addressee's printer prints to go out this DAF then.The addressee can fill in the information of any necessity in the middle of the out of Memory then, for example the date, follow the tracks of number, addressee's name, address and telephone number, sender's name and desirable delivery location.Addressee's form of signing then.Alternatively, the addressee can use addressee's computing machine to fill in this information.The addressee is printed form and the signature of finishing then.The addressee can stick on delivery location or position with the DAF through signature then, for example addressee's Qianmen.To under normal procedure, send, and delivery person the time fetches DAF through signature sending parcel, and send parcel on DAF according to the indication that the addressee carries out.

In another aspect of this invention, as mentioned above, the sender can register to addressee's service system 104, and the notice of the inbound parcel of selective reception and indicated sending preferably.When the sender in step 504 when common carrier provides relevant transit information, can be with the PLD database of this information updating to common carrier.PLD database 133 can communicate with addressee's profiles database 134 then, to determine whether the addressee registers to CSS 104.Suppose that the addressee has selected to be arranged the notification message of the transportation of addressee's name or address, then CSS 104 triggers the notification message that will send to the addressee.The date of delivery that should automatically generally include tracking number, service, reference number or be arranged.This notification message can also comprise sends authorization list, this with the electronic image form (for example sends authorization list, but the image of .pdf, * gif or other Network Transmission *) annex as Email provides, and the hyperlink that perhaps passes through to the common carrier website provides.This DAF can indicate specific transportation specifying information, for example sender's name, addressee's name, address and telephone number, tracking number, and relevant DAF sequence number.The addressee directly prints this DAF and signature from Email, and does not need manually to fill in any information except that the date, and this DAF is placed on the expection delivery location, to be fetched by delivery person.

Signature authorises in advance by the common carrier website

In step 512, the hyperlink of addressee by in Email, providing from sender or common carrier, or visit the common carrier website on one's own initiative.The common carrier website can present transportation to the addressee and gather, and comprises its state, estimates date of delivery, follows the tracks of number and sender etc.In step 520, the addressee confirms the state that transports.In step 522, the addressee can determine that he can not estimate that date of delivery receives this and sends, and therefore to common carrier request DAF.In step 522, the CSS 104 of common carrier generates DAF.The step that generates DAF can comprise each field of finishing DAF.For example, because CSS 104 communicates by letter with PLD database 133, so it can obtain parcel rank data (for example, sender's information, package tracking number, sender's name and address), and can use this information to fill in the field of DAF (above describe) with reference to Fig. 6.Alternatively, common carrier can generate blank DAF simply.In either case, common carrier sends this DAF (though can make otherwise, passing through the internet usually) in step 526 to the addressee.

Finish or half-done DAF can comprise and the relevant tracking of transportation number, and the sequence number relevant with DAF.If the addressee has registered specific sending preferably to CSS 104, then DAF can also reflect that these are preferred, comprises special delivery instructions, and for example delivery person should be stayed parcel where when the addressee stays out.The personalization that common carrier is determined is sent preferably can be preferred based on what preserve in addressee's profiles database 134.Alternatively, the addressee can fill in DAF and to delivery person instruction or indication parcel be stayed Qianmen, back door, side door, garden, platform, porch, garage, bicycle shed, neighbour's or other special delivery instructions.

Therefore, can the DAF that generate in step 524 is personalized to particular recipient and specific transportation.This CSS sends DAF (passing through Email usually) in step 526 to the addressee then.Alternatively, this website can provide the electronic image of sending authorization list to the addressee, for example, but the image of * .pdf, * .gif or other Network Transmission.The addressee can obtain the electronic image of DAF then.When receiving DAF, the addressee can proceed to step 580, uses addressee's printer prints to go out this DAF.If CSS 104 has produced most of or whole necessary information of DAF in step 524, then the addressee only need be printed this DAF, fills in any information that lacks, date for example, and this DAF signed.Alternatively, be less than all necessary informations and it is included among the DAF if produced in step 524, then the addressee can fill in central any that lack and/or the necessary information of other information then, for example follow the tracks of number, addressee's name, address and telephone number, and sender's name.The addressee can sign to form then.Alternatively, the addressee can use addressee's computing machine 100 to fill in this information before printing.The addressee can be printed completed form then and it is signed.

The addressee can paste the DAF through signature the locality or the position of transmit address, for example addressee's Qianmen (step 582) then.In step 584, under normal procedure, send, and delivery person will the time fetch DAF through signature sending parcel, and know that the instruction of going up indication according to DAF sends parcel.Discuss delivery person in more detail below at the distinct program of sending when parcel and taking afterwards.

Return step 520, the addressee can alternatively ask to provide on-line signature (step 530) to authorize package delivery.If addressee's request provides on-line signature, then the common carrier website can require the addressee to agree specific legal limits or the responsibility relevant with on-line signature is provided.For example, the common carrier website can provide " terms and conditions ", and the addressee must agree these " terms and conditions " by the frame of clicking these terms and conditions of indication " I agree ".Common carrier and sender can require this legal authorization from the addressee.In an embodiment (not shown), common carrier (or sender) can require the addressee to common carrier file signature, so that on-line signature to be provided.For example, the addressee may provide (that is, hand-written) signature of paper to common carrier before request on-line signature option.Common carrier also can provide the legitimacy or the relevant language of responsibility of authorizing following on-line signature with the signature that paper is provided to the addressee.

In step 532, the CSS 104 of common carrier confirms whether to be received in line then to be signed and authorizes sending of this parcel.This can comprise that CSS 104 communicates by letter with sender system 152, to determine whether accepting on-line signature.Alternatively, this information can be parcel rank section data, and CSS104 can communicate by letter with PLD database 133, to determine whether accepting on-line signature.If do not accept, then in step 534, the notifications addressee refuses the on-line signature request, and provides the option that uses DAF to authorize transportation to send to the addressee.This system can provide this option according to a lot of different modes, for example send the Email comprise DAF from the trend addressee, perhaps on the common carrier website from the trend addressee furnish an explanation refuse the message of on-line signature request and provide can online printing DAF.If the mandate on-line signature, then the addressee provides its on-line signature in step 536.Can carry out this operation by electronics or digital signature or other known method by this area are provided.

As described further below, if accept on-line signature, then can provide on-line signature according to variety of way in step 534.For example, can click the frame of agreeing specific legal " terms and conditions " by the addressee simply " on-line signature " is provided.As described below, in other embodiments, the addressee can be directed to have and use mouse or other pointing devices to indicate the webpage of the graphical boxes of its signature.In case common carrier has been accepted signature, then carrier system is upgraded the transit information (step 548) in the PLD database, indicates the authorized signature that is provided for wrapping up granting.If parcel does not also leave transport establishment, then this information will become the part of parcel rank data, and authorize delivery person to send parcel, and not require signature when sending.

Alternatively, if parcel is in being sent to addressee's way, then the PLD information through upgrading can be conveyed to the portable computing that is associated with the delivery person of sending parcel, for example the entrained DIAD (delivery information deriving means) of the delivery person of UPS.Usually the parcel that will send for each arrangement is uploaded the information of common carrier parcel disposal system to DIAD.The U.S. Patent application No.10/227147 that submitted on August 23rd, 2002 discloses the many aspects of DIAD, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.CSS 104 can pass on any general delivery information or parcel customizing messages to the parcel disposal system, when delivery information is upgraded in sender or transportation, and this parcel disposal system and then to the DIAD forwarding information.The information that sends DIAD to can be various forms, comprises note, prompting or the program details (following further argumentation) that are associated with indicated addressee.So delivery person has when sending or before the information of on-line signature is provided, and will send parcel (step 550), and not require that the addressee signs to sending.

In another embodiment, when the state (step 520) by common carrier website visiting transportation, the addressee can ask for an autograph and abandon (step 540) and realize parcel granting.Parcel granting makes the addressee to indicate can provide parcel (or a plurality of parcel) under the situation that does not have the addressee to sign.Common carrier can communicate with the sender then and determine whether to allow to abandon signature (step 542).Whether alternatively, require to sign can be a part that is stored in the parcel rank data in the PLD database 133.As another example, common carrier may receive the information that indication requires signature and can not abandon signing from the sender in advance.As mentioned above, if abandon at step 544 agreement signature, then CSS uses this information updating PLD database, and continues according to step 548.If can not abandon signature, then can send parcel, and require addressee's (not shown) of signing in when transportation according to the normal delivery program.Alternatively, in step 546, common carrier can pass on indication also not accept the update notification message that signature is abandoned to the addressee.This message can comprise the annex of sending authorization list of electronic image form (for example, but the image of * .pdf, * .gif or other Network Transmission), perhaps can be included in the hyperlink that the common carrier of online access DAF website is provided.The addressee can operate according to step 580 then.

Signature authorises in advance by the sender website

Return step 508, the addressee can visit the sender website by the hyperlink that provides in the Email from sender's (perhaps common carrier), perhaps visit the sender website on one's own initiative, and can proceed to step 560 subsequently, can confirm the state that transports step 560 addressee.As mentioned above, the sender website can be provided to the hyperlink of common carrier website by path 562, and after this addressee carry out step 520.Alternatively, can link sender and common carrier website with API between sender's computing machine by common carrier, the sender can be by path 562 from common carrier request travel position information, and common carrier can return the travel position information that will be presented on the sender website by path 564 to the sender.

The addressee can ask for an autograph in step 570 then and abandon.If the sender authorizes and abandons the requirement of signing, then the sender conveys to common carrier (step 572) with this information.Can by Email, via the network interface of sender and common carrier by the internet, pass on by API or by any alternate manner known in the art.Common carrier is handled as in the step 548 then, uses the information of having abandoned the signature requirement to upgrade PLD database 133.Delivery person is sent parcel then, and does not require addressee's sign (step 550) when sending.

Return step 560, according to another embodiment of the present invention, by sender's site determining travel position the time, the addressee can send authorization list in step 574 request.The sender website can provide the means (path 566) of direct visit common carrier website with acquisition DAF to the addressee then, and carries out as in the step 524.The sender can pass through Email, pass through the hyperlink on the sender website, perhaps by any alternate manner known in the art, provides this link to the addressee.Alternatively, the sender system communicates by letter with the common carrier website (for example, by via the API Access carrier system) by path 566, and to common carrier request DAF.Common carrier generates DAF (being included in any relevant information in the middle of other information, for example addressee's name, address and telephone number, and the tracking of transportation number) then.As described in more detail below, DAF can also comprise the sequence number that is associated with DAF.

Common carrier is passed on this DAF (for example, by sender API 147) by path 568 to the sender then.The sender provides or sends this DAF to the addressee then in step 576.The sender can be with the electronic image form (for example, * .pdf, * gif, but or the picture format of other Network Transmission) provide this form to the addressee as the annex in the Email, perhaps can provide hyperlink so that the addressee can pro forma interview sheet online version.As mentioned above, the addressee proceeds to step 580 then.

When the sender in step 576 when this DAF is provided (perhaps may work as a plurality of points of common carrier in system) when the addressee provides DAF, this DAF can comprise or can not comprise correlated series number.The multiple possibility that comprises on the DAF that the sender provides or get rid of sequence number is described below.The program that delivery person is used depends on the existence of the sequence number on the DAF.DAF can be filled in fully, be signed, be dated, and has correlated series number, in this case, sends under the normal delivery program.

As the front in conjunction with as described in Fig. 4, under the normal delivery program, can be by passing on addressee's preference information to the delivery person of sending parcel through upgrading such as the portable computing 400 of DIAD.When CSS when step 524 is associated sequence number with DAF, CSS can be with this information updating to (Fig. 4's) DIAD update system 402, and the indication addressee will use DAF, and the sequence number of this DAF is provided.DIAD update system 402 communicates the information to (Fig. 4's) DIAD 400 of the delivery person of sending parcel then.When sending parcel and fetching DAF, delivery person can scan this DAF, and DIAD confirms that the sequence number of this DAF is to have carried out related sequence number by DIAD update system 402 with transportation.If DIAD update system 402 is not upgraded or pass on these sequence numbers to DIAD 400, then delivery person can scan this DAF, initial related as this sequence number and transportation.

Electronic signature by the common carrier website

Figure 28 represents that the addressee provides the embodiment of electronic signature in the common carrier website.As can be seen, in step 1, client's (for example, the addressee) can sign in to the sender website, with the state of the order of for example checking the addressee.In the sender website, the addressee can click hyperlink and be linked to the common carrier website.In step 2, the common carrier website is filled in the transit information that is stored in advance in the PLD database in advance.As described from start to finish, transit information can be tracking number, the address of the addressee of parcel or transportation, addressee's unique identifier etc.In step 3, the addressee signs in to the common carrier website, and is presented the DAF that has comprised the data of filling in advance in step 2.In the common carrier website, present the graphical boxes that the addressee can provide digital signature therein to the addressee.For example, addressee can use a computer mouse or other pointing devices (for example, tracking ball (trackball), trace point (trackpoint) etc.) are signed in this frame.In other embodiments, can perhaps represent addressee's signature, electronic signature is provided by selecting or click the frame that indication provides signature thus by the name that addressee's name is typed in the text box and indication is keyed in.The common carrier website can also comprise the authentication feature (not shown), and providing the people of signature with checking is addressee (perhaps addressee's authorised representative).For example, the common carrier website can require the addressee that its SSN (social security number), license number, credit number are provided, or any other identifier unique to the addressee.Common carrier can be verified this information by using third party or third party database then, so that the addressee is authenticated.

The addressee can also finish any information that common carrier is not filled in advance on DAF.CSS104 obtains this electronic signature and stores its (any additional information of finishing with the addressee).Because this electronic signature also is not associated with package delivery or is used for providing package delivery, so can be stored as this electronic signature " invalid (inactive) " this moment.In one embodiment, can be in the PLD database with this information stores.In other embodiments, some or all of this information can be stored in addressee's profiles database.In case the common carrier website has obtained electronic signature and other information, then presents the DAF that finishes to the addressee.In step 4, the addressee can print through the DAF of signature and with it and be posted in the place (for example at the Qianmen) of transmit address.

When sending parcel to the addressee, delivery person is fetched this DAF, and can use the portable computing such as DIAD that it is scanned.In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, this DAF comprises can indicators track number and/or the machine-readable markers of unique sequence number of DAF.As described from start to finish, this step is used for parcel is associated with DAF.Delivery person (driver) is provided this parcel then.

In step 6, obtain system's (DCS below further describes) to DIAD and upload delivery information.In step 7, CSS 104 is according to following the tracks of number, to all from parcels of sender ships from DCS request parcel status information.In step 8, retrieve the data of being asked from DCS, and to all parcel return results of sending.Then can be in the PLD database with this information stores.In step 9,, keep or ignore the electronic signature that (override) provides in step 3 according to special parameter.If delivery person comprises that based on retrieval the DAF of electronic signature provides parcel, then keep or store this electronic signature, and keep this electronic signature to be associated with DAF.Yet when finishing DAF, the addressee can indicate in neighbours' address and send.If delivery person is provided parcel to indicated neighbours, then delivery person can obtain neighbours' signature on additional DAF.This DAF and signature thereof through signature will have precedence over the electronic signature that the addressee provides.Similarly, the addressee can think at first that he is out and accept to send, and therefore may be at step 3 DAF that finishes and sign.Yet because a variety of causes, the addressee may be in fact on the scene when sending, and " scene " signature can be provided.When receiving " scene " signature on DIAD, the electronic signature that provides in step 3 is provided this signature.Can from the database of the electronic signature that stores the addressee, remove addressee's electronic signature then.

In step 10, the sender can sign in to safe common carrier website, and is provided the visual representation through the DAF of signature.The sender can print the electronics DAF with electronic signature then, and preserves this DAF for the sender writes down.Similarly, common carrier (for example, by customer service center or representative) can be visited the common carrier website and be obtained this DAF and relevant information and signature.This may be useful to the data relevant with addressee or transportation of renewal in addressee's profiles database and PLD database.

Be used for possible scheme that sequence number is associated with DAF

Those skilled in the art can expect that possibility described below is representational, and does not get rid of other possibility or its combination.

Do not comprise sequence number on the possibility 1:DAF or do not provide sequence number to the addressee

Under the situation of the sequence number that DAF is not associated with it, there are a plurality of options of the delivery program that delivery person will follow.For example, delivery person can select sequence number to be associated with DAF when sending.Delivery person can be selected numbering by the value that is stored in from existing papery delivery notification copy number or selection the DIAD.Delivery person is manually write this numbering on DAF.Alternatively, delivery person can have at each paster (sticker) upward prints volume or a slice paster that continuous sequence number is arranged, wherein each delivery person has the sequence number paster of different range, thereby delivery person can peel paster and it is pasted on the DAF from this sheet or volume.Delivery person can be input to this sequence number among the DIAD then, is associated will be worth with DAF.In addition, this paster can provide sequence number with bar code or other machine-readable form, thereby delivery person can scan this paster and scanning parcel, so that sequence number and tracking number are associated.As another kind of alternative means, when delivery person is returned common carrier mechanism, the sequence number that manually is input to the sequence number on the DAF or pastes the paster on the DAF can be sent to CSS and/or other carrier system.

Delivery person is associated sequence number with the DAF that does not also have correlated series number second option is that common carrier provides a folded blank DAF to its delivery person, thereby when delivery person runs into the DAF that does not have correlated series number, he can take out a DAF (similar with existing UPS InfoNotice  table) from his a folded blank DAF, and this sequence number is associated with DAF through signing.As an example (as shown in " service provider's instruction " among Fig. 6), delivery person runs into the DAF that does not have sequence number.Delivery person then can be from a folded blank DAF (for example, UPS InfoNotice ) that obtains who is provided, and uses scanister to scan this DAF.Delivery person can be placed on delivery location with the DAF that is scanned, sequence number is associated then, sent the DAF that wraps up and fetched through signature with indication, delivery person can manually be provided in the space that provides on the DAF of signature by the sequence number of the DAF that is scanned then.Delivery person can be returned common carrier mechanism then, and to the record facility provide sequence number with artificial input through signature DAF, in CSS, to upgrade.As addition thereto, delivery person can scan sequence number and the scanning parcel of blank DAF, so that the tracking of sequence number and transportation number is associated in system, and when delivery person when common carrier mechanism returns sequence number through the form of signature and artificial input, records center only need be verified the related of sequence number and tracking number.

With sequence number and another option of signing but not having the DAF of correlated series number to be associated be delivery person when sending and CSS communicate (for example passing through DIAD).Delivery person can number be input to the tracking of parcel or transportation in the system, CSS handles this information, for example by visit PLD database with the retrieval package information and generate correlated series number, return sequence number (for example passing through DIAD) to delivery person then, be used for delivery person this sequence number is associated with DAF.Manually write this sequence number in the space that delivery person can provide then on DAF.Aspect this, CSS can be number be associated with the sequence number that is provided following the tracks of, thereby returns through the form of signature and manually during list entries to common carrier mechanism when delivery person, and records center only need be verified the related of sequence number and tracking number.

Possibility 2: common carrier provides the sequence number of preset range to the sender

Second kind of possibility is that common carrier can distribute the sequence number of certain limit to the sender, distributes as required.Common carrier must distribute unique value to avoid repetition to each sender.This makes the sender directly to provide the DAF that has from the sequence number of preset range to the addressee.This has been avoided must be in the path 370 communicating by letter with CSS and having the DAF of correlated series number with request step 360 sender.Therefore, if because some reason, the sender system can not be in the path 370 and 372 and carrier system communicate, then the addressee when step 360 is asked like this, the DAF that the sender still can provide sequence number to be associated to the addressee.Alternatively, if the sender 370 does not comprise sequence number from common carrier request DAF and common carrier to the DAF that is generated that the sender beams back in the path, then the sender can be associated the sequence number from preset range with this DAF.The sender can control DAF to comprise sequence number (for example by the editing electronic image to comprise sequence number) according to certain mode, perhaps can provide it to the addressee and indicate addressee artificially on DAF to fill in sequence number.

Alternatively, if the sender 370 generates the DAF relevant information that comprises sequence number from common carrier request DAF and common carrier in the path, if perhaps common carrier sends the DAF with the minimum information that comprises sequence number at least, then the sender can provide this sequence number relevant DAF to the addressee in step 362, and the sequence number of the preset range that provides from common carrier needn't be provided.

To under normal procedure, carry out sending under the possibility 2.Delivery person can be fetched through the DAF of signature and scanning sequence number, thereby the tracking among this sequence number and the CSS number is associated.Alternatively, delivery person is returned common carrier mechanism and can be provided this DAF to records center, thereby can in carrier system sequence number formally be associated with transportation.

Possibility 3: common carrier distributes independent sequence number to each DAF of sender's request

The 3rd possibility allows sender and carrier system (for example to communicate, by the API of each system or the network interface of each system), thereby each addressee in step 360 when the sender asks DAF, the sender will communicate by path 370 and common carrier, and common carrier is at step 304 formation sequence number.Common carrier is returned to the sender by path 372 with this information.

If on DAF, provide and comprise and then under normal procedure, carry out sending under the possibility 3 by sequence number.Delivery person can be fetched through the DAF of signature and scanning sequence number, thereby the tracking among sequence number and the CSS number is associated.If do not provide sequence number from common carrier to the sender, then delivery person can be followed the delivery program of describing in possibility 1.

Send the example application of mandate in advance

Use an embodiment of the invention to describe now the system and method for sending mandate in advance is provided to the addressee.This description has represented that the addressee uses a kind of possible method of this service, does not represent all possible incidents that can modification maybe may occur of this service.

The addressee is by visiting the sender website from sender's ordering products.When ordering products, the addressee provides relevant information, and for example, addressee's name, address, e-mail address, telephone number and other identifying information comprise and ordering and/or transit information.The sender is associated subscription number with this order.The sender provides suitable transit information to common carrier, and is provided and follows the tracks of number.The parcel that has this tracking number is provided to common carrier.

Common carrier is handled this parcel then, and the package delivery date of notifying the addressee to expect by existing program.This notice can be included in hyperlink or other links of common carrier website, and follows the tracks of number.The addressee can click this link then or use this chain to fetch and be connected to the common carrier website.Alternatively, follow the tracks of number or other transportation identifiers if the addressee receives in advance, then the addressee can visit the common carrier website on one's own initiative and indicate this tracking number.

When visit common carrier website, the addressee confirms the state that transports.The common carrier website provides information, for example follows the tracks of number, the quantity of the parcel in the transportation and be in the relevant information in position in the delivery process (for example send in center waits, in transit medium) with transportation.Travel position provides the estimated time and/or the date of sending usually.Suppose that the addressee determines that he does not exist at the Delivery time of expectation, then the addressee is from common carrier web site requests DAF.

CSS generates DAF, it comprise follow the tracks of number, sender's name and address, addressee's name, address and telephone number, and sequence number.DAF also can comprise the special delivery instructions that the addressee can provide to common carrier in advance, for example preferred delivery location or position.When generating DAF, CSS provides DAF by the common carrier website to the addressee, thereby the addressee can directly print DAF from the website.Alternatively, CSS can be provided to the hyperlink of common carrier website, and the addressee can obtain DAF to print in the common carrier website.Another alternative arrangement is the Email that CSS is generated to the addressee, and this Email comprises that DAF comprises DAF as annex or in the text of Email.

CSS can upgrade DIAD update system 402 subsequently and be designated as the addressee and generate DAF and correlated series number.DIAD update system 402 communicates the information to the DIAD (following further argumentation) of delivery person then at the appropriate time of sending day of parcel.

Print after the DAF that common carrier provides the addressee, the addressee (for example can fill in any information that common carrier do not fill in, the alternative telephone number that was not associated before if the addressee has with transportation, perhaps with the different alternative transmit address in address that provides in preferred is provided addressee special).The addressee signs and dates this form.The addressee with DAF attached to the expection delivery location (for example addressee's Qianmen or back door).

Delivery person is fetched through the DAF of signature when sending and is sent parcel subsequently.Delivery person can scan this DAF and read sequence number and confirm that this sequence number is the sequence number of indicating among the DIAD of this particular delivery.

The personalized delivery information (CPPDI) that common carrier provides

As up to the present described, the information that provides to DIAD (or other portable computings) is the personalized delivery information that is derived from sender or addressee.The another kind of information that is derived from common carrier itself that combines with package delivery that existence can provide to DIAD.Think that this information is the personalized delivery information that common carrier provides, perhaps CPPDI.

Usually, the common carrier delivery person is responsible for sending parcel along fixed course.Under many circumstances, it is very familiar to route that delivery person becomes, and expansion and belongs to along the personal knowledge of the out of Memory of the package delivery of this route to route, along the addressee of route and send preferably.For example, delivery person can be known specific old addressee's physical condition (for example the back is bad), and parcel should be stayed on the desk at Qianmen.This old age, the addressee can not convey to common carrier by aforementioned system or method with this information, but can be some time point (for example last sending time) delivery of notifications personnel in person.Delivery person can also be known dog or other animals often in the particular recipient man.Delivery person is " storage " this category information usually at heart, but is being replaced by interim driver or replacing under the situation of regular delivery person, and this interim driver does not know this information.

Therefore, above-mentioned same infrastructure and system's (its storage is also handled the preferred and instruction of sending of addressee and sender) also can be the bases that is used to store and provide other information.These other information can be common carriers (for example, delivery person) in the observed information in particular delivery address, particular course information (for example road conditions or detour) etc.Therefore, if regular delivery person is sick, the information that can provide this common carrier to provide to interim or alternative driver then.Common carrier also can provide this information to the DIAD of the delivery person (regular or interim) of each bar delivery routes, comes the assisted delivery personnel to finish and sends.

The type of collecting and sending (CPaD) data of customization

What the personalization that addressee and sender can be provided sent that preferred and instruction and above-mentioned CPPDI be generically and collectively referred to as customization collecting and sending (CPaD) data.Usually, the CPaD data qualification can be at least three classes: program, prompting and note.How and when difference between the classification is usually directed to transmit what information and carrier system and DIAD is handled information.In other embodiments, can define more or less classification.Following difference is not intended to the classification of prescribed information, and provides about what information to fall into which kind of other general guide.In addition, can pass on the part of CPaD data to DIAD as these classifications, but with described different mode or different time send to DIAD with the CPaD data from start to finish.

Prompting is one type CPaD data, and comprising must be by the information of delivery person processing.Usually, must be before being accomplished to the sending of addressee, perhaps before delivery person proceeds to the next stop on the delivery routes, handle and remind.An example of reminding can be that to send be that COD (Cash-on-Delivery cashes on delivery) and delivery of notifications personnel are only to accept the indication of verified check or draft from the addressee.In one embodiment, this sends the icon that relates to prompting to DIAD to delivery person demonstration indication.Because delivery person must be handled this prompting, thus can interrupt or stop the specific screens function of DIAD, till common carrier has been handled this prompting (that is, read, check and/or confirm or respond this prompting).

Note is the CPaD data of another type.Note relates to the information of general information character.Usually, note comprises negligible information, does not send or other are confirmed this information before sending or this information is responded carrying out this because require delivery person.The example of note can be meant and be shown in the message that there is towser in addressee's transmit address, and delivery person should be known this dog.The message of the type is informational, and delivery person can not taked in delivery person side to read and ignore the message of the type under the situation of any specific action.

Program is the CPaD data of another type, and it provides the indication specific program that package delivery need be followed or the information of agreement to delivery person.Under many circumstances, program is accompanied by and reminds and/or note.For example, be the prompting of COD if send the indication parcel to DIAD, in case then delivery person has been confirmed this prompting, just can present COD and send the specific program of being followed to him.For example, program message can remind delivery person accepting to obtain the identification evidence before check that COD sends or the draft.Similarly, if send there is towser usually in indication in the house note to DIAD, then program can then be indicated and parcel can be stayed anticum to avoid running into dog.

Be appreciated that prompting, note and program can indicate various message or information to delivery person, prompting, note and program can be sent to DIAD, with being bonded to each other to transmit this information.Can on DIAD, the form with text and/or figure (for example, comprising icon) present prompting, note and program.This information can be the form of " fixing (canned) " text or free form text.Therefore, can provide the information (that is, can repeatedly occur and usually not with reference to any particular recipient or those promptings, note and the program of sending) of specific common type to delivery person, as " fixing " text.For example, the indication delivery person must carry out the next one send before the prompting of the machine-readable markers of scanning on the DAF can be " fixing " text.On the other hand, for particular delivery or the addressee is more specific and the information that usually can not run into may be provided in such (for example, with the free form text) that the promoter by this message determines.Therefore, CSS 104 may must generate there is the free form of towser in indication at addressee's transmit address note.In addition, except text or icon, can use audible alarm (for example, sound and buzzer etc.), make DIAD to provide the additional indication that has the CPaD data to delivery person.

Trigger prompting, note and program to DIAD

Each different kinds of information that provides in these message not only is provided in difference between prompting, note and the program, and is to trigger this information is sent to portable computing (for example, mode DIAD) that delivery person is carried.Can whether trigger prompting, note and program according to delivery person in the combination of sending, collecting or sending and collecting.Alternatively, can be only specific several days of a week, to the particular delivery address, only when delivery person is interim driver (relative with " regular " driver) etc., just trigger prompting, note and program.Therefore, can exist the triggering of any amount prompting, note and program to be sent to the standard of DIAD.

As example, regular driver can notice that towser is always in particular address.This driver can get in touch common carrier (for example, by DIAD, perhaps by the customer service representative etc.), and the notice common carrier should be input to CPPDI carrier system, indicates in this address to have dog.In CSS 104, can trigger then and present this information in every way.In one case, CSS 104 can only just trigger this information when interim or fresh driver send or collect parcel in this address.Can trigger this message with the form of note, thereby not require that the driver responds, and have nothing to do with which day of a week and to trigger.

As another example, access locations may be owing to the fire in this place is closed fortnight.Can provide this information to delivery person with the form of reminding, and require delivery person to confirm this message.Because this situation can influence sending of this day of delivery person and collect route, so when the working time of delivery person (shift) begins, can trigger this message is sent to DIAD, and can send the pent message of this access locations every day.Can send this information, and with delivery person whether be that regular driver or interim driver are irrelevant.

As another example, DIAD provides the tabulation of the article that this day will send and collect along delivery routes usually to delivery person.Can when beginning, the working time present this tabulation, as general information to delivery person.In this case, when the working time began, delivery person can be checked the tabulation of collecting and sending the station that need carry out, and can check and every station or any prompting, note and the program that are associated with the route of this day.Yet, also can be when delivery person arrives each and collects with delivery location, trigger and present these identical promptings, note and program.

Therefore, existence can trigger CPaD is sent to the mode of DIAD and a lot of combinations of time.

Be used for system to DIAD storage and triggering CPaD data

Above example supposition correctly is loaded into DIAD with the CPaD data, is used for sending and collecting of the same day.This requirement is safeguarded the CPaD data in the various infosystems of common carrier, thereby can correctly this download of information be arrived DIAD where necessary.

Fig. 7 represents to comprise and relates to the exemplary carrier system that a plurality of infosystems of CPaD data are provided to DIAD as mentioned above.Schedule System (DPS) the 700th defines the system of the route that each package delivery vehicles adopt in any given region of common carrier operation.This system has the user of making (for example, " DPS user ") usually can be to each address, addressee, collect the account and collect the interface of incident input prompting, note and program.DPS makes DPS user not only can create the CPaD data, and can edit, checks and delete the CPaD data.DPS is compiled as DIAD plan 702 with this information, and it comprises with each address, the addressee of DPS user's appointment in DPS, collects the account and/or collect and prompting, note and program that the incident of sending is associated.In one embodiment, DPS sends to DIAD control system (DCS) 704 with DIAD plan 712, to be sent to DIAD 714.

Because the route and the operation plan of 700 pairs of given vehicles of DPS are arranged, so DPS 700 has in the specific service region information of collecting and sending to any vehicles arrangement at every turn.Therefore, can be sent to and collect or send the DIAD that is associated with collecting or send the CPaD data that are associated any, and not relate to preloaded backup system (PAS) 710.Yet, as described further below, the CPaD data can with collect or transmit address is associated, and can the CPaD data be sent to DIAD by different routes.In this case, preloaded backup system (PAS) 710 receives parcel (work unit (Units of Works) or " UOW "), and according to the preloaded plan 706 by DPS 700 definition they is assigned to the particular delivery vehicles.Usually, have a lot of delivery vehicle in a region, each parcel that must will enter into the common carrier treatment facility is delivered to suitable means of delivery, to load according to particular order.How preloaded plan 706 should guide parcel if having defined, and PAS 710 these preloaded plans 706 of use, will wrap up and physically transfer to suitable delivery vehicle, loads with order according to the rules.

PAS 710 is from CPaD matrix file 708 retrieval CPaD data.Though not shown, DPS 700 and DCS 704 also can be from CPaD matrix file 708 retrieve data.CPaD matrix file 708 can comprise the CPaD data that are associated with address of the addressee, specific package or other data.Can generate this document according to variety of way, comprise by customer service agent input data.This agency can receive by the sender and use the sender ships system that is connected with carrier system and the CPaD data that generate.In other embodiments, can be from receiving the CPaD data with the mutual addressee in common carrier website (for example, as mentioned above, response receives delivery notification).As mentioned above, in various other embodiments, the CPaD data can be the CPPDI that delivery person or common carrier provide.CPaD matrix file 708 can comprise that also data and specific transporter that the relevant information in zone, the data that program is relevant, general transporter are correlated with number data.

Be loaded into parcel on the delivery vehicle for each, PAS 710 checks whether have any CPaD data that are associated in CPaD matrix file 708, and sends this information to DIAD with prompting, note and program.PAS 710 is by using route manager (RM) 712 as pipeline, to suitable DIAD 714 provide be loaded into delivery vehicle on the relevant CPaD data of parcel.As mentioned above, this DIAD 714 is also from providing with route and sending DCS 704 receptions of relevant information and the information that parcel is correlated with.Usually, before beginning the sending of this day, use wired connection to provide CPaD data, will wrap up relevant download of information during this period and arrive DIAD to DIAD 714.In some embodiments, can delivery vehicle set out carry out the sending of this day after, the CPaD information wireless is sent to DIAD.The unlimited transmission of these data can be used any known wireless data transfer mechanism.

Be used for CPaD matrix file and method that CPaD data and other data are linked

As mentioned above, CPaD matrix file can comprise various CPaD data and other related datas, for example transportation data.High-level, can " send " and be expressed as the record that is stored in the database with various field.Can ((for example comprise transporter's (for example sender's identity, address or unique sender's identifier), parcel based on different arbitrarily fields, follow the tracks of number), addressee's (for example, addressee's name, address or unique addressee's identifier) and delivery truck route etc.) data-base recording of " sending " is carried out conceptual index or with its set that is considered as writing down.

Can will be considered as transporting related data, and be referred to as " sending related data (DRD) " here with any particular data field that the relevant record of sending is associated.Aspect enforcement, CPaD data (it can be irrelevant with transportation or relevant with transportation) can be associated with any DRD in the CPaD matrix file or link.For example, each package delivery all is associated with address of the addressee.Therefore, address of the addressee is an example that can be linked to the DRD of CPaD data.Each is sent also and is associated with transporter (sender).Therefore, the transporter is the another kind of form that can be linked to the DRD of specific CPaD data.Another example of DRD is a package identifiers, for example follows the tracks of number, and following the tracks of number is the alphanumeric values that a lot of common carriers are distributed to each parcel and/or sent, and is generally used for following the tracks of purpose.The CPaD data also can be linked to package tracking number.Therefore, the CPaD data can with send any DAD or one group of DAD of being associated and be associated.Therefore, the CPPDI that provides of common carrier or addressee and the sender's customized information DRD that can be linked to specific package or send.

How various example shown can be associated the CPaD data with different DRD.As mentioned above, can provide the personalized delivery instructions of addressee or preferred for sending of specific package.Therefore, CPaD data (personalized delivery instructions) link with the DRD that can be package tracking number.By personalized delivery instructions and package tracking number are associated, relevant carrier system can provide suitable information to DIAD in the correct time.For example, if the CPaD data are included in the indication that send at the back door of address of the addressee, then by with this Info Link to package tracking number, can during to address of the addressee, provide this information as note package delivery in delivery person to DIAD.

As another example, if the CPaD data are CPPDI that the specific access locations of indication closed for two weeks, then these CPaD data can link with relevant DRD (that is, the address of access locations (for example sender address)).By linking this data, relevant carrier system will be known when sending day beginning and trigger this information to DIAD, thereby delivery person can not be known this place.

As another example, consider normally to be arranged in the retail trade that the every workday collects parcel.When the normal load harbour is being repaired, this business can ask preset time section specific loader wharf is used for all package pickup/send.In this case, this information can be indicated and should be used specific loader wharf in section preset time.Should this be sent preference information and collect in section preset time/transmit address is associated.This can be avoided the CPaD data being linked to each parcel of sending and/or collect in this place.

The various possibilities that are used for the CPaD data are linked to DRD are possible, have below represented how to link several possibilities of CPaD data.For example, send preferably and can be associated: access locations, the access locations of one group of parcel, transporter's numbering of the individual addressee in the address of address of the addressee, particular recipient, this building, addressee's floor of tier building, the specific package of sending, or package tracking number with following information.

The CPaD data link or related being correlated with DRD's, because when and how it can influence and to show in DIAD and/or (for example load the CPaD data, make delivery person know the condition of CPaD data), and how common carrier can be stored and send preference data.For example, number link, then can store and send preferably if send preferred and package tracking, or with it and wrap up rank details data-base recording and link.If it is linked to service location, then can use self contained data base to come canned data.

Conclusion

According to the advantage and the instruction that present in the description of front and the relevant drawings, those skilled in the art in the invention will expect, of the present invention a lot of modifications of Chan Shuing here and other embodiment.Therefore, be appreciated that to the invention is not restricted to disclosed specific implementations, and these are revised and other embodiments are intended to comprise within the scope of the appended claims.Though adopted particular term here, they only are used in meaning general and that describe, rather than the purpose in order to limit.

Claims

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.