CN1564993A

CN1564993A - Inbound and outbound shipment notification methods and systems

Info

Publication number: CN1564993A
Application number: CN02819686.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·弗朗茨; 伊丽莎白·G·普林顿; 尤金·B·小温姆比
Original assignee: United Parcel Service of America Inc
Current assignee: United Parcel Service of America Inc; United Parcel Service Inc
Priority date: 2001-10-05
Filing date: 2002-10-04
Publication date: 2005-01-12
Also published as: JP5128258B2; WO2003032227A3; JP2005506609A; JP2008150215A; WO2003032227A2; CA2462752A1; MXPA04003221A; EP1433110A2; WO2003032227B1

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods to provide a user with visibility to packages that are inbound to and outbound from the user. A preferred embodiment describes a subscription system that allows the user to determine the frequency and format of package visibility information, and various tools are disclosed to automate and customize the presentation of package visibility information to the user.

Description

Be transported into and transport the advice of shipment method and system

Technical field

The invention provides a kind of need not to use follow the tracks of number and service method and system based on integrated information be provided.Disclose reporting system and method, be used for providing up-to-date package information to the user on one's own initiative.

Background technology

Package tracking is an indispensable part of package delivery service, and it makes the client can follow the tracks of goods that they send or the goods of issuing them.Because the appearance of internet, make the client can their goods of on-line tracing such as the commercial common carrier of UnitedParcel Service (UPS).Some enterprises have carried out further development to package tracking, the package tracking function are integrated in their the interior business system.Like this, these enterprises can trigger business activity based on the travel position information that receives from commercial common carrier.

To a great extent, package tracking service as known in the art is one by one operated parcel, and requires the client to use the package tracking relevant with the parcel that will follow the tracks of number to inquire about carrier database.Therefore, for being transported into (inbound) or transporting the very big company of (outbound) volume of goods transported, be difficult to follow the tracks of current all parcels that transporting.These companies are subjected to individually to follow the tracks of the puzzlement of the burdensome task of a large amount of parcels through regular meeting, and arrive its harbour and can not get feeling to be caught unprepared when helping to send parcel fully when unusual a large amount of parcels.Therefore, in the industry cycle there are needs to the package tracking method and system that can overcome this problem and other problem.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the user system and method to the observability (visibility) of the parcel that mails to user place or send from the user is provided.Preferred embodiment has been described the frequency that allows the user to determine the parcel visibility information and the reservation system of form, and discloses various subtend users and provide the instrument that the process of parcel visibility information is carried out robotization and customization.

According to one embodiment of present invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; The visibility engine of communicating by letter (visibility engine) with carrier database, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and be transported into the transit information that parcel is associated.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package-level managing detailed catalogue of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; The visibility engine of communicating by letter with carrier database, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and uses the address designation in the package-level managing detailed catalogue to discern the parcel that mails to the address designation that is associated with the user; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and be transported into the transit information that parcel is associated.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and is transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, and this subscriber computer is further configured to sending the package tracking request that is transported into by the parcel visibility engine.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and be transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, and this subscriber computer is further configured and is the form transmission transit information of request visibility engine with appointment.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and is transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, wherein, this subscriber computer is further configured to asking visibility engine to send transit information with at least a form in XML form, CSV numeric format and the flat file format.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And by network with state the subscriber computer that visibility engine communicates more, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and be transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, wherein, this subscriber computer is further configured the frequency that receives transit information into specifying.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and is transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, wherein, this subscriber computer be further configured for reception be transported into notification service and be transported into notice of delivery service at least a service.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and described visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and is transported into the transit information that parcel is associated, wherein, this parcel visibility engine is further configured the projected delivery date that is transported into parcel for calculating.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and to have received package tracking method about the information of the parcel of issuing the user, this package tracking method may further comprise the steps: be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this is transported into reservation and has also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data; Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting; By being compared with the transportation data of being obtained, this at least one address designation discerns the parcel of issuing the user; That collects the parcel discerned is transported into the package tracking data; And be transported into reservation according to this and will be transported into the package tracking data and send to the user.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and to have received package tracking method about the information of the parcel of issuing the user, this package tracking method may further comprise the steps: be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this is transported into reservation and has also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data; Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting; By being compared with the transportation data of being obtained, this at least one address designation discerns the parcel of issuing the user; That collects the parcel discerned is transported into the package tracking data; And be transported into reservation according to this and will be transported into the package tracking data and send to the user, each in wherein said at least one address designation all is associated with unique receiver address.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and to have received package tracking method about the information of the parcel of issuing the user, this package tracking method may further comprise the steps: be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this is transported into reservation and has also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data; Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting; By being compared with the transportation data of being obtained, this at least one address designation discerns the parcel of issuing the user; That collects the parcel discerned is transported into the package tracking data; And be transported into reservation according to this and will be transported into the package tracking data and send to the user, wherein carry out and send the step that is transported into the package tracking data according to be transported into frequency of subscribing appointment by this.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and to have received package tracking method about the information of the parcel of issuing the user, this package tracking method may further comprise the steps: be the be transported into reservation of user creation base in expense, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this is transported into reservation and has also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data; Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting; By being compared with the transportation data of being obtained, this at least one address designation discerns the parcel of issuing the user; That collects the parcel discerned is transported into the package tracking data; And be transported into reservation according to this and will be transported into the package tracking data and send to the user.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and to have received package tracking method about the information of the parcel of issuing the user, this package tracking method may further comprise the steps: be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this is transported into reservation and has also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data; Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting; By being compared with the transportation data of being obtained, this at least one address designation discerns the parcel of issuing the user; That collects the parcel discerned is transported into the package tracking data; And be transported into reservation according to this and will be transported into the package tracking data and send to the user, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and is associated with the common carrier account, and the step that user's parcel is issued in this identification comprises this at least one address designation and common carrier account and the transportation data obtained are compared.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind ofly for the parcel that sends from the user provides the package tracking system of observability, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check package information, and discerns the parcel that sends from the user; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and this visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and transport the transit information that parcel is associated.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind ofly for the parcel that sends from the user provides the package tracking system of observability, this package tracking system comprises: storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system; With the visibility engine that carrier database communicates, this visibility engine is configured to check package information, and discerns the parcel that sends from the user; And the subscriber computer that communicates by network and this visibility engine, this subscriber computer is configured to receive and transports the transit information that parcel is associated, wherein, this subscriber computer is further configured to sending by described parcel visibility engine and transports the package tracking request, and asks described visibility engine to send described transit information with the form of appointment and the frequency of appointment.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and can receive package tracking system about the information of the parcel issuing the user and send from the user, this package tracking system comprises: the carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system; The visibility engine that communicates with carrier database; The subscriber computer that communicates with this visibility engine; Wherein this visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing the user by this at least one address designation and described transit information are compared; And this visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein this transports to subscribe to have specified with user's accounts associated and identifies, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from the user by this account sign and transit information are compared, and this visibility engine is further configured to providing the package information of the parcel of issuing the user and sending from the user to be transported into or to transport frequency specified in the reservation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and can receive package tracking system about the information of the parcel issuing the user and send from the user, this package tracking system comprises: the carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system; The visibility engine that communicates with carrier database; The subscriber computer that communicates with this visibility engine; Wherein this visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing the user by this at least one address designation and this transit information are compared; Wherein this visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein this transports to subscribe to have specified with user's accounts associated and identifies, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from the user by this account sign and transit information are compared, and this visibility engine is further configured to providing the package information of the parcel of issuing the user and sending from the user to be transported into or to transport form specified in the reservation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and can receive package tracking system about the information of the parcel issuing the user and send from the user, this package tracking system comprises: the carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system; The visibility engine that communicates with carrier database; The subscriber computer that communicates with this visibility engine; Wherein this visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing the user by this at least one address designation and this transit information are compared; And this visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein this transports to subscribe and has specified and user's accounts associated sign, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from the user by this account sign is compared with transit information; And retrieve automatically package information at the line file download tool.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and can receive package tracking system about the information of the parcel issuing the user and send from the user, this package tracking system comprises: the carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system; The visibility engine that communicates with carrier database; The subscriber computer that communicates with this visibility engine; Wherein this visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing the user by this at least one address designation and this transit information are compared; And this visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein this transports to subscribe and has specified and user's accounts associated sign, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from the user by this account sign is compared with transit information; And reside in automatic visit and file download application on the described computing machine, wherein this application deployment is asked for generate XML according at least one user definition parameter, and retrieves and store package information according to being transported into or transporting address specified in the reservation and form.

According to another embodiment of the invention, described a kind of user of making and can receive package tracking system about the information of the parcel issuing the user and send from the user, this package tracking system comprises: the carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system; The visibility engine that communicates with carrier database; The subscriber computer that communicates with this visibility engine; Wherein this visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein this is transported into to subscribe and has specified at least one address designation that is associated with the user, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing the user by this at least one address designation and this transit information are compared; And wherein this visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein this transports to subscribe and has specified and user's accounts associated sign, and this visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from the user by this account sign is compared with transit information; And make the user can ask to obtain wrapping up proactive notification instrument by the proactive notification of the incident in the process of carrier system.

Description of drawings

Above the present invention is summarized, now accompanying drawing is described, accompanying drawing and not drawn on scale, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the The general frame according to the observability baggage systems of the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows the processing flow chart that is used to create the step that is transported into the observability reservation.

Fig. 3 A and 3B have shown from the user and have obtained the webpage that is transported into subscription information.

Fig. 4 A and 4B have shown that the prompting user subscribes the webpage that associates with one or more address designation with being transported into.

Fig. 5 is the processing flow chart that shows the step be used to create address designation.

Fig. 6 shows the processing flow chart that is used to create the step that transports the observability reservation.

Fig. 7 A-7C has shown from the user and has obtained the webpage that transports subscription information.

Fig. 8 A and 8B have shown that explanation is with the common carrier account with transport the webpage that related certain methods is carried out in reservation.

Fig. 9 is the processing flow chart that shows the step be used to set up total keeper.

Figure 10 is the processing flow chart that shows the step be used to create secondary keeper.

Figure 11 is the system diagram that shows according to the communication between the various backend applications of the XML online tool of the embodiment of the invention and parcel visibility systems.

How Figure 12 shows processing XML processing of request process flow diagram.

Figure 13 is the processing flow chart that shows the step of the application program be used to install and dispose automatic loading.

Figure 14 has shown the proactive notification instrument according to the embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

Below with reference to accompanying drawing the present invention is carried out more detailed description, shown the preferred embodiments of the present invention in the accompanying drawing.But the present invention can many different forms implement, and it should be interpreted as be subject to embodiment described here; On the contrary, it is comprehensive and complete in order to expose that these embodiment are provided, and makes those skilled in the art can understand scope of the present invention comprehensively.In institute's drawings attached, similar label is represented similar element.

Under the teaching of above-mentioned explanation and accompanying drawing, those skilled in the art in the invention will expect multiple improvement of the present invention and other embodiment.Therefore, be appreciated that to the invention is not restricted to disclosed specific embodiment that various improvement and other embodiment are contained within the scope of the appended claims.Although adopted specific term at this, they only use with general and descriptive mode, and are not used in limitation of the present invention.

General introduction

At this a kind of parcel observability tracker 10 (hereinafter being called parcel visibility systems 10) that is transported into and transports is described, this system makes can discern those parcels just in transit such as the commercial common carrier of UPS, or fortune gives the specific user, or send from the specific user.In a preferred embodiment, generate tracking notifications 15, and it is sent to the user by one or more reporting systems described here by common carrier.In a preferred embodiment, these notify 15 for the user provides package-level detail (PLD) information 20, and this package-level managing detailed catalogue comprises destination and source transit information, and in the transportation, deliver failure (exception) and delivery data.In other disclosed embodiment, the additional notifications data that offer the user include but not limited to dilivery date and time of delivery, delivery point, reference signs, cash on delivery (COD) quantity and signature image.

One ingredient of parcel visibility systems 10 is an address designation 25, hereinafter is called LID25.LID 25 is unique signs, for given user has specified specific posting address.As hereinafter in greater detail, LID 25 and user specific information make it possible to select the user to receive about issuing the user and/or from mailing to the package information of the parcel that the address that is associated with LID 25 sends together.

Following paragraph has been described and how have been used LID to come to provide as the user according to the embodiment of the invention to be transported into observability.When the user created LID 25, process began.Next, the user indicates dealer of his or her dealer that this LID 25 is included in the transit information of the parcel that mails to that address.When the parcel that betransported comprised this LID 25, common carrier obtained PLD 20 data that comprise LID 25, and the parcel visibility systems 10 identify the parcel be to mail to the address that is associated with LID 25.As described herein, in a preferred embodiment, discern the parcel that mails to given user by LID 25 and consignor's UPS account number.The user regularly receives the information about the parcel that mails to assigned address of the determined form of user's subscription information.

Transporting under the situation of shipping, by LID 25 being included in those with the observability that realizes in the tracked parcel wrapping up by the consignor.When parcel process carrier system, parcel is scanned, and PLD 20 data are sent to parcel visibility systems 10.Then, with the package information format, and to send it to the user by subscribing designated time intervals and form.In this way, the user can receive regular up-to-date information, and this up-to-date information has been determined the address and the estimated time of delivery of the parcel that he or she sends.

Parcel visibility systems 10 also comprises management function, this function make the user can as total keeper (corporate administrtor) authorize and control to the visit of user account.In a preferred embodiment, this management comprises at least one among Multistage Control and LID keeper, total keeper and the nusrmgr.cpl person.Partly or entirely can authorize other people's visit, use or revising user account among these keepers.And in a preferred embodiment, one or more among these keepers can be controlled safety, quality and the charging of user account.

The observability baggage systems

Fig. 1 is the The general frame according to observability baggage systems 10 of the present invention.Subscriber computer 30 communicates by network 40 and parcel observability front end 35.In a preferred embodiment, subscriber computer visits parcel observability front end 35 by the website on the internet, and document is sent to the browser application of operation on subscriber computer 30.

Observability front end 35 also communicates with visibility engine 45, and visibility engine 45 communicates with one or more subscription data base 50, parcel observability database 55 and one or more carrier database 60 again.In a preferred embodiment, visibility engine 45 resides on the identical server (hereinafter being called parcel observability server 65) with database.But one of ordinary skill in the art will be recognized one or more database at an easy rate and can reside on the server or other computer system of separation.And will be described these parts respectively; Can one or more application program and/or database be divided into independent application program and/or file according to alternate manner known in function or this area.

In a preferred embodiment, observability front end 35 is configured to obtain user profile from subscriber computer 30, and is a kind of approach that tracking notifications 25 is offered the user.Visibility engine 45 is process user information, package tracking information and the rear end or the server-side application that communicate with common carrier and custom system.Subscription data base 50 is the databases that store user and account management data.In order to illustrate, only shown the individual data storehouse; Yet the member of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that user and subscription information can be stored in a plurality of databases.Parcel observability database 55 is the storage areas that store about the information that is transported into and transports parcel.In a preferred embodiment, from parcel observability database 55, obtain to be used to generate the data of tracking notifications 15.Carrier database shown in Figure 1 60 expressions be database in the carrier system, this database storing is relevant for PLD 20 information of just in transit parcel.Member of ordinary skill in this area will recognize at an easy rate and can adopt a plurality of databases to realize this function.

Being transported into the parcel observability handles

Following paragraph will be described as the user to be provided and will be addressed to the processing of observability of the parcel of one or more LID 25 that is associated with this reservation.Fig. 2 is that explicit user create to be subscribed to receive the processing flow chart about the step of the visibility information that is transported into parcel.

In step 1, the user signs in in the visibility systems.Preferably, the user capture website, and import log-on message by the webpage of special this function of realization.Alternatively, but user's contact customer service broker, and this customer service agent is input to information in the parcel visibility systems 10 in response to user's instruction.If the user registers in this visibility systems, login process can require the user to input effective user ID and password so.If the user is new user, then need to point out the user to import another step of individual and/or charge information.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the common carrier operation parcel visibility systems 10 of UPS, and require the user being authorized to have effective common carrier account before the visit parcel visibility systems 10.In this case, the user profile from the common carrier account who is pre-existing in can be sent to parcel visibility systems 10 from the carrier account data storehouse, re-enter this information and need not new user.Under any circumstance, obtain necessary user profile, and it is kept in the subscription data base 50.

In step 2, the prompting user creates and is transported into the reservation title.For the user, this reservation title should have uniqueness, because a user has multinomial reservation.But be associated with the specific user, so, subscribe title and need not to possess uniqueness for all users owing to subscribe.For example, first user who has an enterprise with two warehouses has created first and has been transported into reservation " Inboundfor Main Street warehouse " and second and is transported into reservation " Inbound for Maple Avenuewarehouse ", as long as these reservation titles possess uniqueness for this first user, even so second user for other user account has used identical reservation title, also it doesn't matter.

In step 3, the prompting user will subscribe and the charging account association.In a preferred embodiment, this association needs, because parcel visibility systems 10 is Fare Collection Systems.Yet, the present invention is used as free system, have superiority equally, in this case, can omit and will subscribe the step that is associated with the charging account.

Fig. 3 A and 3B show the screen-picture that can be used for obtaining from the user webpage that is transported into subscription information.In this diagram, be transported into and transport observability tracker 10 and become commercialized and be QuantumView ^TMSystem, the part that is transported into of this system is called Quantum View Inbound ^TMBy this webpage, the user can import the reservation title of maximum 21 characters in subscribing denominational 100.The user by following optional method with reservation and charging account association, a kind of method be manual in subscribing charging account hurdle 105 input charging account, another kind of method is to specify a charging account in subscribing charging account menu 110 from the charging account tabulation that is associated with this user.

The charging account be transported into the related of reservation and can automatically carry out, also can need other authorisation step.In a preferred embodiment, when the user attempts charging account and new reservation are carried out when related, parcel visibility systems 10 automatically generates the authorization requests Email that sends to the e-mail address that is associated with this charging account.In some cases, the charging account can have a plurality of e-mail addresses and/or be authorized to increase subscribing the personnel that ratify for this account, and can point out the user that creating new reservation to select from the personnel that are authorized to ratify this request.Those skilled in the art can recognize and can carry out approval process by other known in Email, fax, webpage or this area method.

In the step 4 of Fig. 2, the user can be transported between the service option at two and select: be transported into and notify and be transported into and notice of delivery.In a preferred embodiment, being transported into the notification service option provides the projected delivery date that is transported into parcel and delivers failure up-to-date information (exception updates) (if change dilivery date) for the user.This service also can provide out of Memory, comprises Shipping Date, plans dilivery date (SDD), delivers failure up-to-date information (comprising the failure of delivering goods) (under the situation of having calculated the dilivery date of replanning (RDD)), sender and address of the addressee information and LID 25.In a preferred embodiment, be transported into the notice of delivery service option and comprise all features that are transported into the notification service option, add delivery information, comprise dilivery date and time, signature, COD amount, reference signs and complete Shipping Address about the parcel that mails to LID 25 or receive from LID 25.In a preferred embodiment, provide by one or more common carrier application program or by other known in this area method and finish the required transit information of these services.And then obtain relevant information, and send it to user by visibility engine.

In step 5, the user can compose one or more LID 25 to give and subscribe.In a preferred embodiment, adopt one of following three kinds of methods to carry out related with reservation LID 25: for new LID 25 is created in reservation, the user can select from existing LID 25 tabulations or the user can import LID 25 by hand.Hereinafter will describe the process of creating new LID 25 in detail; Therefore, following paragraph adds existing LID 25 to newly be transported in the reservation process with describing.

Fig. 4 A and 4B be show can be used for pointing out the user with one or more LID 25 be transported into reservation carry out related webpage screen-picture.In this example, the user can be linked to another webpage and creates new LID 25, selects existing LID 25 or manual input LID 25 from LID drop-down menu 115.What Fig. 4 B showed is the LID tabulation that is associated with reservation, and the user can select to add LID 25 to this tabulation or deletion LID 25 from this tabulation.In a preferred embodiment, each LID 25 is associated with a keeper at least, and must this request of approval before adding to LID 25 in the reservation.LID 25 is added to the approval of request in the reservation and 120 pairs of these requests of LID keeper and/or refusal can carry out by Email, fax, webpage or by other known in this area communication means.In alternative embodiment, LID 25 can needed authorization code or password before related with subscribing.In another embodiment, can ratify specific user in advance carries out related with new reservation specific LID 25.Other method of maintenance management safety and control is known in this area, and also can be used among the present invention, hereinafter will describe the other details about the management level.

In the step 6 of Fig. 2, the prompting user selects to be transported into the form that notice is subscribed.In a preferred embodiment, numerical value, flat file or the XML file that circular document is formatted as CSV will be transported into.But other file layout also is known in this area, and with the present invention equal advantage is arranged.In one embodiment of the invention, the prompting user imports e-mail address in step 6, and the circular document of appropriate formatization is sent to the user as e-mail attachment.In another embodiment, must be transported into circular document from webpage or other local download, and e-mail address is used for notifying the user when file is ready to download.Other method that transmission is transported into notification data is known in this area, discusses hereinafter, and in booking process, the user can select and/or dispose any means in these methods in step 6.

Following paragraph will be described the process of creating new LID 25.Fig. 5 shows the processing flow chart of creating the step of new LID 25 according to preferred embodiment of the present invention user.

In step 10, the prompting user uses the combination of numeral and/or letter to import new LID25.In a preferred embodiment, the LID 25 that is imported by the user should be unique sign, and this unique identification will be used to report transit information by parcel visibility systems 10.Also point out description that the user provides LID 25 and the receiver address related with LID 25.

In a preferred embodiment, when the user had created new LID 25, this user just became the LID keeper 120 of this LID25, and had approval or refuse the ability that other user uses the request of this LID 25.Like this, when a user created new LID 25, this user must at first agree to put (click-thru) permission agreement, and this protocol requirement user accepts the terms and conditions (step 15) relevant with LID keeper 120 role.In alternative embodiment, the founder of LID 25 can not have LID keeper 120 responsibility automatically, can specify single LID keeper 120 for any LID of a user or one group of user's establishment.In addition, but the permission agreement off-line that is associated with LID keeper 120 input or import by other known in this area method.

The step 20 of LID constructive process requires the user to carry out related with LID25 one or more dealer's account number.The user can carry out related with LID 25 any a plurality of dealer account number according to the wish of oneself.In a preferred embodiment, have only those parcels just in being transported into the notice report, to report from the related dealer of account and LID 25.Allow LID keeper 25 to limit those and the account of dealer that specific LID 25 is associated, the security and the control that are transported into notification procedure are provided thus.For example, when unwarranted dealer or other entity were included in LID 25 in the parcel, the user just can not receive and not be transported into notice, also not need to pay dues.In a preferred embodiment, in being transported into notification data, include only those and LID information is included in mandate dealer in the parcel that mails to the receiver address that is associated with LID 25.

In step 25, the user has created new LID 25, and indication dealer is included in this LID25 in the parcel that mails to the receiver address that is associated with this LID 25.In one embodiment, dealer's e-mail address is associated with the dealer account number, and an envelope Email can be received by dealer when adding dealer's account number to LID 25.In alternative embodiment, in the LID constructive process, comprise other step, this step can customize the user to the Email of issuing dealer, indicates them to use new LID 25.Those skilled in the art will be easy to recognize that other method to dealer's move instruction is known in this area, have equal advantage with the present invention.Like this, in another embodiment, the transmission of LID 25 information from the user to his or her dealer can be carried out outside parcel visibility systems 10.

In step 30, the LID 25 that this is new of dealer adds in the transit information of the parcel that mails to the receiver address that is associated with this LID 25.Depend on dealer, LID 25 information can import by hand in the freight transport system that maybe can be comprised in dealer and automatically involved each mail among the PLD 20 of parcel of receiver address.In a preferred embodiment, parcel visibility systems 10 is operated by common carrier, and common carrier is that the LID data keep specific hurdle.When dealer mail to parcel the receiver address that is associated with LID 25 and is included in LID 25 in the transit information, the back-end system of common carrier can identify this LID 25 data, and sends package information to visibility engine 45.Discern, make up and upgrade the package information of those parcels in the carrier system of the LID data of parcel visibility engine 45 in having transit information.Then, according to specific reservation requirement, adopt the Notification Method acquisition of information of hereinafter description and it is reported to the user.

Transporting the parcel observability handles

Following paragraph will be described as the processing that the user provides the observability of the parcel that sends from one or more user account number.Fig. 6 is that explicit user create to be subscribed to receive the processing flow chart about the step of the visibility information that transports parcel.

In step 100, the user signs in to parcel visibility systems 10.Preferably, log-on message is imported by the webpage of special this function of realization in the user capture website.Alternatively, but user's contact customer service representative, and this Customer Service Representative wraps up the information input in the visibility systems 10 in response to user's indication.If the user registers in visibility systems, login process can require the user to input effective user ID and password so.If this user is new user, so also need other step to point out the user to import individual and/or charge information.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the common carrier operation parcel visibility systems 10 of UPS, and require the user being authorized to have effective common carrier account before the visit parcel visibility systems 10.In this case, the user profile from the common carrier account who is pre-existing in can be sent to parcel visibility systems 10 from the common carrier user account database, re-enter this information and need not this new user.Under any circumstance, obtain necessary user profile, and it is stored in the subscription data base 50.

In step 110, the prompting user creates and transports the reservation title.For the user, this transports the reservation title should have uniqueness, because a user can have multinomial reservation.But the situation of subscribing title is identical with being transported into, and will transport to subscribe to be associated with the specific user, and for all users, transport the reservation title and need not to possess uniqueness.

In step 120, the prompting user selects available a plurality of transporting between the subscription option, and these options comprise: transport notice, notice of delivery and delivery failure notification.In a preferred embodiment, transporting the notification service option provides about transporting the complete information of parcel, comprises the important supply chain state up-to-date information that obtains by Shipping Date, delivery failure and delivery details.In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the user can add other data element that is associated with transport parcel in the notice report to.In a preferred embodiment, the notice of delivery service option provides delivery details and detailed list of goods information, comprise Shipping Date, dilivery date and time, reference signs, complete Shipping Address, COD amount and other delivery information of accumulative total, can also these information be customized according to the needs of unique user.At last, delivery failure notification service option provides the information about the parcel of not sending on schedule.In a preferred embodiment, the user of selective reception delivery failure notification option can receive the projected delivery date of delivering the status of fail up-to-date information and replanning.In a preferred embodiment, by one or more common carrier application program or be provided for finishing the transit information of these services by other known in this area method.Obtain relevant information by visibility engine then, and send it to user.

In step 130, the prompting user will transport to subscribe and be associated with the charging account.In a preferred embodiment, this association is essential, because parcel visibility systems 10 is Fare Collection Systems.Yet, the present invention is used as free service, have equal advantage, in this case, can omit to transport and subscribe the step that is associated with the charging account.

Fig. 7 A has shown to the screen-picture of 7C and can be used for obtaining the webpage that transports subscription information from the user.In this diagram, be transported into and transport observability tracker 10 and become commercialized and be QuantumView ^TMSystem, the part that transports of this system is called Quantum View Outbound ^TMBy this webpage, the user can import the reservation title of maximum 21 characters in subscribing denominational 100.The user selects following method that reservation is associated with the charging account, a kind of method is manual input charging account in subscribing charging account hurdle 105, and another kind of method is to specify a charging account during the charging account who is associated with this user from subscribe charging account menu 110 tabulates.

The charging account with transport the related of reservation and can carry out automatically, perhaps need other authorisation step.In a preferred embodiment, when the user attempts charging account and new reservation are carried out when related, parcel visibility systems 10 generates the authorization requests Emails that send to the e-mail address that is associated with this charging account automatically.In some cases, the charging account can have a plurality of e-mail addresses and/or be authorized to increase subscribing the personnel that ratify for this account, and the prompting user that creating new reservation selects from the personnel that are authorized to ratify this request.Those skilled in the art will recognize and can carry out approval process by other known in Email, fax, webpage or this area method.

In the step 140 of Fig. 6, the prompting user imports the carrier account number 125 that one or more will be used to transport notification service.In a preferred embodiment, when by the carrier system shipping parcel, carrier account number 125 is the account number of being used by the common carrier client.When using and transporting when subscribing carrier account number 125 shipping parcel that are associated, by visibility engine 45 identifications, combination and renewal information about this parcel.Then, according to the requirement that transports reservation, adopt one or more Notification Method of hereinafter describing to collect package information.

The screen-picture of Fig. 8 A and 8B has shown carrier account number 125 has been carried out related certain methods with transporting to subscribe.An alternative option is that the user can select from the drop-down menu of carrier account number 125.In a preferred embodiment, this drop-down menu has shown with establishment and has transported the carrier account number 125 that the people's of reservation user ID is associated.Alternatively, the user can import carrier account number 125 in the account number hurdle.If the user imports carrier account number 125 by hand, proving program will confirm whether the account number of being imported is effective common carrier account so.In addition, if the user is not authorized to use the carrier account number of being imported, system 10 just generates the Email that request is authorized so, and this request is sent to the e-mail address that is associated with the common carrier account of user's input.

Return Fig. 6, in step 150, the prompting user subscribes the selection form for transporting notice.In a preferred embodiment, the form that transports circular document selects to comprise numerical value file, flat file or the XML file of CSV.Other file layout also is known in this area, and has equal advantage with the present invention.In one embodiment of the invention, the prompting user imports e-mail address, and the circular document of appropriate formatization is sent to the user as e-mail attachment.In another embodiment, can transport circular document from webpage or other local download, and e-mail address is used to notify these files of user to be ready to download.Other method that transmission transports notification data is known in this area, and discusses hereinafter, and the user can select and/or dispose arbitrary method in these methods in the step 140 in transporting booking process.

Create total keeper

Following paragraph is described the process that adopts parcel visibility systems 10 creative management persons.In a preferred embodiment, control user account and information, to guarantee that having only authorized users could subscribe and ask charges to user account by the keeper.

The first order management of user account is total keeper 175, in a preferred embodiment, total keeper 175 is authorized to create its own management request, approval or refuses request, request Additional Services, the email notification that receives request co-pending that other user proposes, prevents to authorize by the management request in future of each user's proposition and to one or more secondary keeper 180.Fig. 9 is the overall process flow figure that shows according to the total keeper's 175 required steps of the establishment of the embodiment of the invention.Usually, this processing need everyone be confirmed the request of user to the group management authority by the account.Here used " account everyone " speech refers to the user that the account is possessed of control power or is authorized to exercise the administrative power of this account.

In step 200, the user sends the request of the group management authority that receives user account.In a preferred embodiment, the user account of prompting user specified request mandate, and with Email send to the account everyone.Everyone can ratify or refuse this request the account.If get the Green Light, this processing proceeds to step 210 so, and if user request is rejected, wrap up visibility systems 10 so and just notify the user by other known in Email, web document or this area notification means.

In step 210, everyone receives the notice of the administration authority request of being submitted to the account.Can carry out this notice by other known in Email, fax, United States Post Office, fax, webpage or this area means of communication.In a preferred embodiment, this notice comprises the PIN that is generated by parcel visibility systems 10 in response to the request of group management authority.

In step 220, activate this PIN.If everyone has still asked the user of group management authority the account, so the account everyone can login parcel visibility systems 10 and activate PIN.If but total keeper 175 be not the account everyone, so the account everyone be responsible for PIN is transmitted to the user who receives the group management authority.In this case, need account everyone and total keeper 175 one of them or the two all sign in to visibility systems 10 and activate PIN.Yet one of ordinary skill in the art will be recognized and can use the alternative process of authorizing administration authority in the present invention.For example, in an alternative embodiment, everyone receives have the user to ask the notice of group management authority the account.In order to ratify this request, everyone will login parcel visibility systems 10 account.In case everyone has ratified this request the account, just generate PIN, and it is directly sent to new total keeper 175.In certain embodiments, the two activates PIN to need account everyone and total keeper 175, and in other embodiments, only needs one among account everyone and the total keeper 175 to activate PIN.In another alternative embodiment, the administrative login picture that total keeper 175 can sign in to parcel visibility systems 10 activates PIN, and need carry out initial log in the time of subscribing, to guarantee receiving PIN by right user.Can carry out the activation of PIN by the whole bag of tricks known in this area.In a preferred embodiment, in case activated the hyperlink of PIN uniform resource locator (URL), PIN just is activated.

Another available in the preferred embodiment of the present invention other management of level is secondary keeper 180.Figure 10 is the overall process flow figure that shows according to secondary keeper of the establishment 180 required steps of the embodiment of the invention.In step 300, the user sends the request that receives secondary administrator right.In a preferred embodiment, the user can ask two types secondary administrator right 180, comprises the authority of approval reservation charging request and the authority of visit account's transit information.For those skilled in the art, the secondary administrator right of other type is clearly.

In step 310, the user is sent to total keeper 175 to the request of secondary administrator right.In a preferred embodiment, total keeper 175 of account has the authority of ratifying or refusing the request of secondary administrator right.In alternative embodiment, must everyone ratify or refuse request by the account, or must ratify secondary administrator request together by account everyone and total keeper 175 to secondary administrator right.In another alternative embodiment, everyone can give the power that the request of 180 pairs of secondary administrator rights of secondary keeper is ratified or refused total keeper 175 and/or account.

In step 320, approval or refusing user's are to the request of secondary administrator right.In a preferred embodiment, approval and/or the refusal with secondary administrator request sends to the user by Email.Alternatively, upgrade the user's overview in the parcel visibility systems 10, with approval or the refusal of reflection to request, and the user must determine the state of request by checking his or her overview (profile).The one of ordinary skilled in the art will be easy to recognize that other method that solicited status is provided is known in this area, and in the present invention available.In a preferred embodiment, the one or more personnel with authority of approval and refusal management request can also make explanations to the reason of approval and/or refusal.This additional information can offer by Email or by user's overview and send requesting users.For example, if the user is rejected the request of administration authority, the user can fetch acquisition about asking the additional information of unaccepted reason by the chain of clicking in the his or her overview so.

The available supervisory level of in the preferred embodiment of the present invention another is LID keeper 120.As mentioned above, LID keeper 120 task is that approval and/or refusal use or visit the LID that is transported in the reservation.Distribute a LID keeper 120 although can be each LID 25, a plurality of LID 25 can be distributed to a LID keeper 120.In a preferred embodiment, the user of establishment LID 25 bears LID keeper 120 responsibility automatically.In an alternative embodiment, account everyone, total keeper 175 or one or more secondary keeper 180 bear LID keeper 120 task.Like this, in this alternative embodiment, at least one keeper must ratify the use of LID in being transported into reservation 25.

Reporting system

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises various Notification Methods and system.On the basis of subscribing, parcel visibility systems 10 makes the user can receive the subclass of the trace information relevant with the parcel of issuing the user or send from the user.User's information available includes but not limited to delivery information, delivers failure information, detailed list of goods and origin information.Hereinafter will go through each information in these information.

In a preferred embodiment, the user can subscribe visibility systems 10 of the present invention by the website on the internet.This processing may be that charge is subscribed, and the user can select to subscribe the subclass of the service that provides.In one embodiment, the user can select to subscribe three kinds and transports service (deliver failure notification, transport notice and notice of delivery) and two kinds and be transported into service (be transported into and notify and be transported into and notice of delivery).If the user has subscribed more than one based on the service of subscribing, so just point out the user to import or specify and serve corresponding reservation title with this.In addition, as subscribing a part of handling, also point out the user to specify information is sent to the file layout that this user adopts.In one embodiment, the user must specify a kind of file layout that is used for all booking services.But in alternative embodiment, the user can be the different file layout of different services selection.For illustration purpose, the processing that the user asks the XML file layout has been described in the paragraph below.The XML form is known in this area, and the one of ordinary skilled in the art will recognize that known multiple other file layout can be with in the present invention.

Transport the observability service and provide a kind of method that obtains data-message on the basis of request for subscribing user, this data-message comprises the package information of one or more carrier account number.In one embodiment, transport visibility systems comprise three kinds of users can be in subscribing processing procedure service specified: transport notice, delivery failure notification and notice of delivery.Usually, transporting notice provides information about the parcel that sends from subscribing user, these information to include but not limited to by Shipping Date, deliver the supply chain state up-to-date information that failure and delivery details obtain.Notice of delivery provides delivery details and detailed list of goods information, comprises Shipping Date, dilivery date and time, reference signs, complete Shipping Address and the COD amount that adds up.Deliver failure notification information about the parcel that can't send on schedule is provided, and deliver failure notification in a preferred embodiment and comprise the dilivery date of replanning.

Be transported into the observability service and provide a kind of method that obtains data-message on the basis of request for the user, this data-message comprises the transit information of one or more UPS account numbers.In one embodiment, be transported into visibility systems comprise two kinds of subscribing user can be in subscribing processing procedure service specified: be transported into notice and be transported into and notice of delivery.Be transported into notice the projected delivery date that is transported into parcel is provided, and any delivery failure up-to-date information that may change dilivery date.In a preferred embodiment, this service also can provide out of Memory, comprises Shipping Date, plans dilivery date, delivers failure up-to-date information (if having calculated the dilivery date of replanning), sender and address of the addressee information and LID25.Be transported into notice of delivery and comprise all these features, comprise in addition, comprise dilivery date and time, signature, COD amount, reference signs and complete Shipping Address about the delivery information of the parcel that mails to LID 25 or receive at LID 25.

At the line file download tool

Figure 11 is the system schematic that shows according to the communication between the various backend application of line file download tool (hereinafter being called XML online tool 200) and visibility systems 10 of the embodiment of the invention.XML online tool 200 is used as the application programming interface between user and the back-end system.Adopting XML at this is because it is a kind of file format known in this area, and those of ordinary skill will be easy to recognize that other file layout also can be used among the present invention.

In the figure, subscribing searching system 205 is the backend applications of wrapping up in the visibility systems 10, and it communicates by network 40 and XML online tool 200, to handle and to manage and list and retrieve the reservation file from subscription data base 50.Another back-end system and the XML online tool 200 that are referred to herein as member service application program 210 communicate, so that security and access rights and privilege to be provided to the user.

How Figure 12 shows process user XML processing of request flow process.In step 400, the user submits to XML online tool 200 with the XML request.In step 410, this XML request of XML online tool 200 checkings.The access rights of checking user to XML online tool 200 and relevant version thereof are handled in checking.In a preferred embodiment, the user must submit effective user ID, password and access permission numbering to, and these information are sent to member service application program 210 by network 40.If the user by proper authorization, handles so and just continues execution in step 420, in the request of step 420 processing XML.If but because the user does not submit effective user ID and password to or causes checking to be handled because the user is not authorized to carry out institute's requested operation to fail, XML online tool 200 just returns the error code of this problem of expression so.

In step 420, XML online tool 200 sends the XML request to and subscribes searching system 205 by network 40, and subscribes searching system 205 these requests of checking in step 430.In a preferred embodiment, subscribe the form that searching system 205 checkings constitute the data of XML request.For example, if what transmit in XML request is to subscribe title or filename, subscribes searching system 205 so and just confirm whether reservation and/or the filename received have correct data length and character types.

The XML request that the user submits to can comprise different kinds of information.For example, user's all read datas (also not offering user's data promptly) not that can ask that the specific user identifies.Alternatively, the user can submit user ID and at least one reservation to, and in this case, the user will receive the not read data that is associated with specified reservation.As another example, the XML request can comprise user ID, subscribe title and at least one filename.In this case, subscribe searching system 205 and obtain all data of specified reservation (read and do not read), and format, and these data are returned to the filename of appointment.In another example, the user can ask all data (read and do not read) of the user ID within appointed day and time range.In another example, the user can ask within appointed day and time range all data for the user ID of particular subscription title.These are the data retrieval request that the user can pass through a few type of XML instrument 200 submissions.Those skilled in the art will be easy to recognize and can adopt described system and handle the XML request of submitting other type to.

In step 440, subscribe searching system 205 and communicate, and obtain data designated in user's the XML request with subscription data base 50.In step 450, subscribe 205 pairs of data of searching system and format, and send it to XML online tool 200 by network 40.At last, in step 460, XML online tool 200 will return to the client through replying of correct formatization.

Automatically load

Another aspect of the present invention is a kind of automatic visit and file download application 250 (hereinafter being referred to as automatic loading application programs 250), and makes the user can plan the method for the automatic download of its subscription data.Automatic loading application programs 250 is installed on the subscriber's computer system, and this client computer system and XML online tool 200 communicate, and generate the XML request according to user-defined parameter.According to the plan of client definition, automatically loading application programs 250 automatically generates user's XML request, retrieve user data, and with its with by the user be transported into and/transport the form of subscribing appointment be kept at by the user be transported into and/transport the reservation appointed positions.

Figure 13 shows the processing flow chart of installing and disposing the step of automatic loading application programs 250.In step 500, the user obtains the copy of automatic loading application programs 250.In a preferred embodiment, the user downloads automatic loading application programs 250 from provider's website.Alternatively, can automatic loading application programs 250 be offered the user by file transmitting method known in CD-ROM or other electronic media or other this area.

In step 510, the user can install automatic loading application programs 250 by carrying out the installation executable file.In case automatic loading application programs 250 has been installed, has just been pointed out the user to input user ID and password.In step 520, send user ID and password to XML online tool 200, and it is forwarded to member service application program 210 by network 40.In a preferred embodiment, access privilege is authorized in 210 controls of member service application program.As the part of the installation and the configuration of automatic loading application programs 250, member service application program 210 requires the user to agree one or more and use and the relevant permission agreement of calling party data.In step 530, the user agrees one or more permission agreements, and access key is distributed to the user.In one embodiment, the access key of distributing to the user is embedded in all communications between automatic loading application programs 250 and the user automatically.Alternatively, if the configuration or reconfigure automatic loading application programs 250, then point out the user to re-enter access key.

In step 540, the prompting user disposes automatic loading application programs 250.In a preferred embodiment, config option comprises the ability of one or more reservation titles; The ability of specified file format (including but not limited to the numerical value of XML, flat file or CSV); The frequency of Data Update (fixed time of promptly one of a week day or several days and/or date of enterprise); With the objective that sends file.In addition, the user also can specify the type of the record that will download automatically.In this way, the user can customize download according to his or her specific needs.The one of ordinary skilled in the art will recognize at an easy rate according to the present invention can have multiple customized file to download the method for intended application program.

In step 550, in case install and disposed automatic loading application programs 250, it just automatically generates and submits to the XML request according to the plan of being created by the user for the user.In this way, the user can receive the automatic renewal of its user data, and need not to adopt XML online tool 200 to submit the XML request by hand to, or connection website and download user data by hand from it.If loading application programs 250 has run into problem when attempting to send XML request and download user data automatically, will show error message so.Under the situation that network breaks down, automatically loading application programs 250 attempts connecting back-end systems three times or more times.If loading application programs 250 can't connect automatically, show error message after so just attempting the last time.In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the state of activation that automatic loading application programs 250 compares by each reservation of user's appointment, and only return and activate the user data of subscribing.If the one or more not activation in loading application programs 250 definite a plurality of reservations of being asked automatically, then loading application programs 250 returns the error code that the unactivated state of reservation is asked in expression automatically.Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, if reservation state becomes state of activation by non-activation or suspended state, then loading application programs 250 returns additional messages automatically.

The proactive notification instrument

Another aspect of the present invention is a kind of reporting system and method, is used for the state variation of the one or more parcels of proactive notification.In a preferred embodiment, proactive notification instrument 275 make the user can ask to be wrapped up or the shipping processing procedure in the notice of critical event, include but not limited to: delivery, deliver failure (delay) and send to.Adopt proactive notification instrument 275, any one occurrence in these incidents can be notified to the user on one's own initiative, and/or can ask notice is sent to other people.

Opposite with said system, proactive notification instrument 275 uses package trackings number rather than user's reference signs to determine the information that will obtain.Different with the user of above-mentioned reporting system and method, the user of proactive notification instrument 275 does not require the acquisition service subscription.When proactive notification instrument 275 was operated as chargeable service, this instrument made it possible to charge based on notification service, and the request mode of notification service is a corresponding package tracking of request number.

Can be one or more parcel request notices.In a preferred embodiment, subscribing user can with notification type comprise shipping order, deliver failure notification and notice of delivery.Shipping order is to issue one or more individuals' email notification message, is used for notice request person's Affiliates List: common carrier has been received parcel or goods.Thereby deliver failure notification is when planning to have taken place dilivery date to issue when dilivery date is replanned in variation one or more individuals' email notification message.Notice of delivery is the email notification message about sending to of issuing one or more individuals, and comprises date, time and the addressee's of parcel or goods name.

Figure 14 has shown the proactive notification instrument 275 according to the embodiment of the invention.The user communicates by network 40 and proactive notification engine 280.Notification engine 280 is divided into the front-end and back-end application program.When work, the user uses web browser to pass through network 40 visit proactive notification front ends 285.Front-end application 285 makes the user can ask the proactive notification service, and obtains the required information (hereinafter being called the notice request data) of the request of processing.Front-end application 285 obtains the notice request data from the user, and the data in the checking request.In a preferred embodiment, front-end application 285 prompting users specify the one or more package trackings that will notify number.For each package tracking of asking number, the request user specifies the type that institute ask to notify (promptly deliver, deliver fail and/or send to) and the e-mail address that is used to notify (or in this area known other Notification Method).In addition, charge if proactive notification is handled, then front-end application 285 obtains and charges and/or payment information.In one embodiment, control accounting processing (promptly communicating) by front-end application 285 with charging and/or payment system.In an alternative embodiment, to obtain charge information by front-end application 285, and send it to backend applications 290, backend applications 290 controls are chargeed and/or payment processes.

Proactive notification backend applications 290 receives the notice request data that obtained by front-end application 285, and with this data storage in proactive notification database 295.Termly or according to the plan of user's appointment, backend applications 290 number is inquired about one or more common carrier track databases 60 according to package tracking.Each when coupling takes place in the whole life of parcel, backend applications 290 just based on service, follow the tracks of number and/or the state variation type is objects of informing E-mail server 300 establishments.In a preferred embodiment, send this object to informing E-mail server 300 by other known in message queue or this area message intermediate equipment then.Informing E-mail server 300 receives this object from backend applications 290, and extracts notification data from this object.Be correct proactive notification message with this data map then, and send it to an Email Recipient (or a plurality of addressee) of appointment in the object.

Claims

1. package tracking system that the observability that is transported into parcel is provided, it comprises:

Storage is about the carrier database of the package information of one or more parcels of just transporting in carrier system;

With the visibility engine that described carrier database communicates, described visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and the parcel of the address designation that is associated with the user is mail in identification; With

By the subscriber computer that network and described visibility engine communicate, described subscriber computer is configured to receive with described being transported into and wraps up the transit information that is associated.

2. according to the system of claim 1, wherein be stored in described package information in the described carrier database and comprise package-level detail at described parcel.

3. according to the system of claim 2, wherein said visibility engine is configured to discern the described parcel that is transported into by the described address designation in the described package-level detail.

4. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to sending the package tracking request that is transported into by described parcel visibility engine.

5. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to asking described visibility engine to send described transit information with the form of appointment.

6. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to asking described visibility engine to send described transit information with at least a form in XML form, CSV numeric format and the flat file format.

7. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured the frequency that receives described transit information into specifying.

8. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer be further configured for reception be transported into notification service and be transported into the notice of delivery service at least a service.

9. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said parcel visibility engine is further configured to calculating the described projected delivery date that is transported into parcel.

10. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to receiving the described projected delivery date that is transported into parcel.

11. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said parcel visibility engine is further configured to wrapping up Shipping Date, plan dilivery date, delivering the failure up-to-date information and in dilivery date of replanning at least one sends to described subscriber computer.

12. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to receiving and wraps up Shipping Date, plans dilivery date, delivers at least one in the dilivery date of failing up-to-date information and replanning.

13. according to the system of claim 1, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to obtaining at least one in dilivery date, time of delivery, signature, COD amount, reference signs and the complete Shipping Address and sending it to described subscriber computer.

14. a package tracking method, this method make the user can receive the information about the parcel of issuing described user, said method comprising the steps of:

Be transported into reservation for described user creates, wherein said be transported into to subscribe specified at least one address designation that is associated with described user, and describedly be transported into reservation and also specified and receive form and the frequency that is transported into the package tracking data;

Obtain the transportation data of the parcel that just in carrier system, is transporting;

By being compared, described at least one address designation and the described transportation data of obtaining discern the parcel of issuing described user;

Collect described identification parcel be transported into the package tracking data; With

Be transported into reservation the described package tracking data that are transported into are sent to described user according to described.

15. according to the method for claim 14, each in wherein said at least one address designation all is associated with unique receiver address.

16., wherein comprise at least a in XML file, CSV numerical value file and the flat file by the described described form of subscribing appointment that is transported into according to the method for claim 14.

17. according to the method for claim 14, wherein saidly be transported into reservation and also specified: the described package tracking data that are transported into comprise Shipping Date, plan dilivery date, deliver the failure up-to-date information and in dilivery date of replanning at least one.

18. according to the method for claim 14, wherein said be transported into to subscribe specified: the described package tracking data that are transported into comprise Shipping Date, plan dilivery date and deliver the failure up-to-date information.

19. according to the method for claim 18, wherein said be transported into to subscribe specified: the described package tracking data that are transported into also comprise in dilivery date and time, signature, COD amount, reference signs and the complete Shipping Address at least one.

20. according to the method for claim 14, wherein according to carrying out the described step that is transported into the package tracking data of transmission by the described described frequency of subscribing appointment that is transported into.

21., wherein send the described package tracking data that are transported into according to the described described form of subscribing appointment that is transported into according to the method for claim 14.

22., also comprise to described user and collect the described step that is transported into the expense of reservation according to the method for claim 14.

23. according to the method for claim 22, wherein said expense is based on the quantity of described tracked parcel.

24. according to the method for claim 14, wherein said being transported into subscribed and the common carrier account association.

25. according to the method for claim 24, wherein the identification step of parcel of issuing described user comprises described at least one address designation and described common carrier account and the described transportation data of obtaining is compared.

26. a package tracking system, this system provide the observability of the parcel that sends from the user, described system comprises:

With the visibility engine that described carrier database communicates, described visibility engine is configured to check described package information, and discerns the parcel that sends from described user; With

By the subscriber computer that network and described visibility engine communicate, described subscriber computer is configured to receive with described transporting and wraps up the transit information that is associated.

27. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to sending the package tracking request that transports by described parcel visibility engine.

28. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to asking described visibility engine to send described transit information with the form of appointment.

29. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured to asking described visibility engine to send described transit information with at least a form in XML form, CSV numeric format and the flat file format.

30. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said subscriber computer is further configured the frequency that receives described transit information into specifying.

31. according to the system of claim 26, at least a service that transports in notification service, notice of delivery service and the service of delivery failure notification for providing is provided wherein said visibility engine.

32. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to the up-to-date information of important supply chain state is provided by Shipping Date, delivery failure and delivery details.

33. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to delivery details and detailed list of goods information are provided, and comprises that collected Shipping Date, dilivery date and time, reference signs, complete Shipping Address and COD measure.

34. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to the information about the acknowledgement of consignment parcel of not sending on schedule is provided.

35. according to the system of claim 26, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to providing estimate the dilivery date of delivering the status of fail up-to-date information and replanning.

36. a package tracking method, this method make the user can receive the information about the parcel that sends from described user, said method comprising the steps of:

Transport reservation for described user creates, wherein said transporting subscribed one or more parameters of having specified account's sign and having transported the package tracking data about transmission;

By being compared with the described transportation data of obtaining, described account's sign discerns the parcel that sends from described user;

Collect described identification parcel transport the package tracking data; With

According to described one or more parameters the described package tracking data that transport are sent to described user.

37., wherein specify the one or more parameters that transport the package tracking data about transmission to comprise to specify to send the described frequency that transports the package tracking data according to the method for claim 36.

38., wherein specify the one or more parameters that transport the package tracking data about transmission to comprise to specify to send the described date and time that transports the package tracking data according to the method for claim 36.

39., wherein specify the one or more parameters that transport the package tracking data about transmission to comprise to specify to send the described file layout that transports the package tracking data according to the method for claim 36.

40. a package tracking system, this system make the user can receive the information about the parcel of issuing the user and sending from the user, described system comprises:

The carrier database of the transit information of the parcel that storage is just being transported in carrier system;

The visibility engine that communicates with described carrier database;

The subscriber computer that communicates with described visibility engine;

Wherein, described visibility engine is configured to be transported into reservation for the user creates, wherein said be transported into to subscribe specified at least one address designation that is associated with described user, and described visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel of issuing described user by described at least one address designation and described transit information are compared;

Wherein, described visibility engine is further configured to transporting reservation for the user creates, wherein said transport to subscribe specified and described user's accounts associated sign, and described visibility engine is configured to discern the parcel that sends from described user by described account's sign is compared with described transit information.

41. according to the system of claim 40, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to being transported into or describedly transporting the frequency of appointment in the reservation package information about the parcel of issuing described user and sending from described user is provided with described.

42. according to the system of claim 40, wherein said visibility engine is further configured to being transported into or describedly transporting the form of appointment in the reservation package information about the parcel of issuing described user and sending from described user is provided with described.

43. according to the system of claim 40, also comprise automatic retrieval package information at the line file download tool.

44. system according to claim 40, also comprise the automatic visit and the file download application that reside on the described subscriber computer, wherein said application deployment is for generating XML request according at least one user-defined parameter, and retrieves and store package information in the described position that is transported into or transports appointment in the reservation and with the described form of appointment that is transported into or transports in the reservation.

45. according to the system of claim 40, also comprise the proactive notification instrument, this proactive notification instrument makes described user can ask described parcel is carried out proactive notification by the incident in the process of described carrier system.