DE102015116741A1 - Shipment tracking for consignments that can not be processed by sorting systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Will be disclosed u. a. a method comprising: collecting data of a shipment (8) or obtaining acquired data of a shipment (8), the shipment (8) being provided with at least one information (80, 81) identifying the shipment (8) as a consignment to be tracked and classified as non-processible by a sorting facility (21), and wherein the sorting facility (21) is set up, respective data from consignments (8) processed by it and, if the processed consignments (8) respectively at least one piece of information (80, 81) which respectively identifies the processed items (8) as items to be tracked, automatically acquires at least one of these pieces of information (80, 81), and generates a delivery tracking event relating to the item (8 ) in a shipment tracking database (31) based at least on the acquired data or outputting the acquired data to generate such a shipment tracking event. Also disclosed are apparatus (222, 32) for carrying out and / or controlling this method, a system (1) having one or more devices for carrying out and / or controlling this method, and a computer program for implementing and / or controlling this method by means of one Processor (300).

Description

area

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to the shipment tracking for shipments, for example, large-format letters, which are not always fully automated in sorting systems and therefore can not be consistently detected by data technology.

background

In the meantime, for parcels being delivered by parcel services to their respective recipients, it is now common for parcel services to offer a parcel tracking service whereby the consignor and / or the consignee of a consignment can track the current delivery status of his consignment. The tracking service can use as an interface to the user (sender or recipient), for example, an Internet portal on which the user enters an identifier of the shipment and then informed about the current status of delivery of the shipment and possibly gets an expected delivery date. Alternatively, a notification service may be used as an interface to the user, for example by informing the user via e-mail, SMS or similar message formats about the current status of the delivery of the shipment and / or about changes in this status. The tracking service is based on the acquisition of the data of the shipment (for example, by scanning data applied on the shipment), in particular the identifier of the shipment, at one or more stations in the delivery chain. The detected identifier may then be stored, for example, together with a timestamp of the capture and the location of the capture in a shipment tracking database. For example, there exists for each item to be tracked an identifiable record, for example, via the identifier, which is enriched with the respective location and time information with each acquisition. The information about a transmission provided to a user via the interfaces already described is then based on the data record corresponding to this transmission in the transmission tracking database.

For letters, such a tracking service does not currently exist. This is not least due to the fact that data of letters, unlike parcels, are not recorded at all or at fewer stations in the delivery chain. In particular, as a rule, there is no recording of the data of a letter at the time of delivery to the recipient.

Summary of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

It would be desirable to be able to provide a mail tracking service also for letters, at least for large-format letters (so-called large letters) in which, for example, books are sent. It would also be desirable to be able to provide a tracking service which, without the need to collect the data of the shipment (in particular, a letter or large letter) at the time of delivery of the shipment, also considers the delivery of the shipment (for example at the recipient, or in a mailbox of the recipient). It would be desirable that no significant modifications to the sorting systems used to process the mailpieces (in particular letters and large letters) are required.

• – Erfassen von Daten einer Sendung oder Erhalten von erfassten Daten einer Sendung, wobei die Sendung mit zumindest einer Information versehen ist, die die Sendung als zu verfolgende Sendung kennzeichnet, und als von einer Sortieranlage nicht verarbeitbar klassifiziert wurde, und wobei die Sortieranlage eingerichtet ist, jeweilige Daten von von ihr verarbeiteten Sendungen und, falls die verarbeiteten Sendungen jeweils mit zumindest einer Information versehen sind, die die verarbeiteten Sendungen jeweils als zu verfolgende Sendungen kennzeichnet, jeweils zumindest eine dieser zumindest einen Information automatisch zu erfassen; und
• – Erzeugen eines Sendungsverfolgungsereignisses betreffend die Sendung in einer Sendungsverfolgungsdatenbank zumindest basierend auf den erfassten Daten oder Ausgeben der erfassten Daten zum Erzeugen eines derartigen Sendungsverfolgungsereignisses.

According to a first exemplary aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed which comprises:

• Acquiring data of a shipment or obtaining collected data of a shipment, the shipment being provided with at least one information identifying the shipment as a shipment to be tracked and classified as non-processible by a sorting facility, and wherein the sorting facility is set up, respective data of shipments processed by it and, if the processed shipments are each provided with at least one piece of information which respectively identifies the processed shipments as shipments to be tracked, in each case automatically detecting at least one of these at least one information; and
• Generating a shipment tracking event relating to the shipment in a shipment tracking database based at least on the acquired data or outputting the acquired data to generate such a shipment tracking event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method includes obtaining the captured data of the shipment and generating the shipment tracking event relating to Broadcast. In another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprises acquiring the data of the shipment and outputting the acquired data (in particular to another device, eg to a shipment tracking unit) for generating the shipment tracking event.

According to a second exemplary aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus arranged to carry out and / or control the method of the first aspect of the invention or comprising respective means for performing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be executed. One or more of the means may also be executed and / or controlled by the same unit. For example, one or more of the means may be formed by one or more processors.

According to a third exemplary aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including program code, wherein the memory and the program code are arranged with the at least one processor including a device (eg, the device having the processor and the memory) to at least execute and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention. In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be executed.

According to a fourth exemplary aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed which comprises one or more devices arranged to carry out and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention or means for carrying out and / or controlling the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be executed.

According to a fifth exemplary aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention when the computer program is run on the processor. A processor is to be understood in this specification to include control units, microprocessors, microcontroller units such as microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be executed. The computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network such as the Internet, a telephone or mobile network and / or a local network. The computer program may be at least partially software and / or firmware of a processor. It may equally be at least partially implemented as hardware. The computer program may for example be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, eg. B. a magnetic, electrical, electro-magnetic, optical and / or other storage medium. The storage medium may for example be part of the processor, for example a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof. The storage medium is, for example, representational, that is, tangible, and / or non-transitory.

These five aspects of the present invention have u. a. the below described - partly exemplary - properties.

Data of a shipment is detected or acquired data of a shipment is obtained. For example, the shipment may be a postcard, a letter, a large letter (used, for example, to send books), a maxi letter (used, for example, to send books or goods), a parcel or a parcel, albeit are also different types of shipments conceivable. A large letter has, for example, the following dimensions: a length of 10-35.3 cm, a width of 7-25 cm, a height of up to 2 cm and a weight of up to 500 g. For example, a Maxibrief has the following dimensions: a length of 10-35.3 cm, a width of 7-25 cm, a height of up to 5 cm and a weight of up to 1000 g. In particular, a consignment may be a letter by which books or goods are sent.

The data of the shipment are contained, for example, in a code printed on the shipment (for example on a label) or in a code associated with the shipment (eg contained in or on a label) mounted on it) contain readable memory, just to name a few possibilities. For example, the data may follow a predefined format. In the case of a code printed on the shipment, it may be, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode. Examples of a two-dimensional barcode are a QR code or a matrix code, for example a DataMatrix code. For example, a DataMatrix code is currently being used by Deutsche Post AG for data processing franking (IT franking). Private customers of Deutsche Post AG can use the DataMatrix code as part of the so-called "Internet brand".

The acquisition of the data includes, for example, the automatic readout of the data, for example from the code (eg by means of optical detection) or the memory (eg by means of radio-based detection, eg by technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)). or Near Field Communication (NFC)). The acquisition of the data takes place with means for acquiring the data, which are for example part of the devices according to the invention or of the system according to the invention. For example, if the method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises obtaining acquired data of a shipment, the acquired data has been detected as described above.

The data of the shipment may in particular comprise a (in particular unique) identifier of the shipment by means of which the shipment (for example in a shipment tracking database) can be distinguished from other shipments. The identifier may be, for example, a numeric or alphanumeric string. The data of the shipment may additionally or alternatively include, for example: a customer number of the sender, a product key (which identifies, for example, the type of shipment, eg "large letter"), possibly combined with an additional service / variant (eg. an indication that a proof of delivery must be provided), a posting date, customer-specific information (eg a customer-assigned, in particular unique identifier), etc .. The identifier for the shipment tracking can, for example, in the customer-specific Information should be included. The sender (customer) can then always use this identifier to refer to his own systems and / or process IDs.

The shipment whose data is collected has been classified as non-processable by a sorting facility. This classification can be done automatically, for example, by discharge from the sorting system, or manually, for example in the context of pre-sorting. The classifying can for example be part of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

For example, shipments may be classified as non-processable by the sorter if they have protruding edges and / or an irregular surface contour and / or a thickness above a predefined threshold. This may result in automatic transport of such shipments in the sorting facility to block or damage the sorting facility or damage such shipments or other shipments that are sorted along with such shipments in the sorting facility.

The result of the classification need not be explicitly associated with or noted on the program. For example, the classification leads only to the subsequent different handling of the consignment, for example automatically by the sorting system as shipments classified by the sorting system and manually by personnel at consignments not classified as being able to be processed by the sorting system.

In particular, the consignment classified as non-processible by the sorting system is not processed (or at least not completely processed by the sorting system, for example in the course of processing) by the sorting system (because of its classification). By way of example, the consignment of the sorting installation classified as non-processible by the sorting installation is not fed to the sorting installation for processing but, for example, processed separately (in particular manually) (for example, sorted).

The sorting system is set up, respective data of shipments processed by it and, if the processed shipments are each provided with at least one information that identifies the processed shipments as programs to be tracked, at least one of these at least one information automatically to capture. The recorded data of a processed consignment comprises, for example, at least partially the same data as in a consignment classified as non-processable, in particular at least one identifier of the processed consignment that can be used for consignment tracking.

The processing by the sorting system includes, in addition to the collection of the data of shipments, for example, the sorting of the items, for example, based on the delivery address of the shipment and / or the type of shipment.

The sorting system is located, for example, in a sorting center, for example a letter center, and serves for the automatic sorting of mailings, for example letters, large letters and maximum letters. A sorting center can be understood, for example, as a logistical device for the at least regionally bundled processing of shipments. The concept of letter centers as an example of sorting centers divides Germany into 10 upper regions and labels them with numbers from 0 to 9. Each upper region is subdivided into 10 regions, which in turn are designated from 0 to 9. This results in 99 possible regions, each marked with a two-digit guide number. The guide number forms the first two digits of the five-digit postal code. Each region has a center that provides two basic services: i) Letter Center Exit (BZA): All letters posted in the region are collected in the mail center, sorted by type of letter and guide number, and transported to the other mail centers provided; ii) Letter center entry (BZE): All letters addressed to the own routing number are sorted for delivery to the recipients and forwarded to the delivery districts.

The automatic detection of the respective data of a processed consignment and, if present, at least one piece of information that the processed consignment is a consignment to be tracked is therefore part of the sorting process in the sorting system, for example. In the detection, for example, an identifier contained in the data of the processed item, and at least one of the at least one item of information provided to the processed item and identifying the item being processed as a item to be tracked, can be detected. The at least one of the at least one pieces of information which identifies the processed mail item as a mail item to be tracked may, for example, be contained together with the data of the mail item being processed in a code (eg a 2D barcode) stored on an information carrier (e.g. As a label or the packaging / shell of the shipment) is applied, wherein the information carrier is either connected to the program or at least partially formed by the program itself.

For example, the sorting center automatically detects (for example, scans) the consignments delivered in the sorting center, the so-called BZE scan. For example, the BZE scan can capture information from the Datamatrix code. For example, it is checked based on information from the data matrix code, in particular the postage / franking value and possibly the product key, and additional (especially measured) information about the size and weight of the shipment, if the shipment was correctly franked. Information from the data matrix code can also be used to generate statistics on the characteristics of the processed consignments.

As already explained, the data of the processed mail item, in particular an identifier of the mailpiece, and at least one of the at least one information that the mailpiece is a mail item to be tracked can also be accommodated in the data matrix code. Thus, in the case of shipments processed by the sorting system in the context of the BZE scan, this information can be automatically recorded together with the information required for checking the correct franking and / or for generating statistics and used for a shipment tracking. For example, the location and / or an identifier of the sorting center and / or a time of the BZE scan may be used to form or enrich an item in the item tracking database that relates to the processed item.

While data / information for the shipment tracking can thus be collected for consignments processed by the sorting system as part of the processing by the sorting system, this is not possible for consignments which were classified as non-processible by the sorting system. Thus, the fact that there are a significant number of shipments that can not be processed by the sorting system hinders the provision of a tracking service for the shipments.

According to the invention, inter alia, it is proposed that the data of those items classified as non-processible by the sorting system are provided with at least one piece of information identifying them as items to be tracked (items provided with such information will subsequently also be considered as items to be tracked referred to). This is a total of a collection of the data of all to be tracked items, - that is, regardless of whether the items are processed by the sorting or not - and thus the provision of based on this collected data tracking service possible. For another consignment that has been classified as non-processable by the sorting system, but which is not provided with at least one piece of information indicating the further consignment However, for example, there is no acquisition of the data of the further shipment and no generation of a shipment tracking event.

The collection of data from those items to be tracked which are classified as non-processible by the sorting system may be manual or automatic. However, while those consignments which are processed by the sorting system can record the data for all consignments, regardless of whether they are consignments to be tracked or not, the consignments which are classified as non-processible by the sorting system are recorded Capturing the data advantageously takes place only if these items are to be tracked items. This can, in particular, if the detection has to be triggered manually, allow a considerable effort reduction and an associated increase in efficiency / cost reduction.

The items to be tracked are provided with at least one piece of information that identifies them as items to be tracked. For example, this information may be associated with the item (eg, printed on the item or a label of the item) in the same way as the item's data (to be collected). For example, this information can be contained together with the data of the program in a data record which, for example, obeys a predefined format. The data record may be detectable by machine, for example optically (eg by scanning) or by radio transmission (eg by means of RFID or NFC transmission). The data record can be contained in a code, for example in a DataMatrix code or another 2D barcode (or also a 1D barcode). The information that characterizes a program as a program to be tracked can be contained in a field of the DataMatrix code, for example. This may be, for example, a field that contains information about a product key (and possibly also an additional service / variant) of the shipment.

According to the invention, a program to be tracked can be provided not only with information identifying a program as a program to be tracked but with more than one information identifying the program as a program to be tracked. For example, a first information characterizing the program as a program to be tracked can not be recognized by a person without resources (eg without a decoder) as information identifying the program as a program to be tracked, whereas a second information, which identifies the program as a program to be followed by a person without aids as information that identifies the program as a program to be tracked, can be detected. The first information may be, for example, a code, for example a 1D or 2D barcode (eg the DataMatrix code). The code can be detectable, for example, optically or by radio. For example, the second information may be one or more predefined symbols, such as one or more letters (eg, "H"), and / or one or more words (eg, "shipment tracking"), which are printed on a label or the shipment itself. The person may then decide, for example, in the context of a manual sorting by the person of programs that are classified as not processable by the sorting system on the basis of the presence of the second information as to whether it is necessary to record (eg scanning) the data of the respective shipment ( in the presence of the second information) or not (in the absence of the second information).

At least based on the acquired data of the shipment to be tracked, classified as not processable by the sorting facility, a shipment tracking event relating to this shipment is generated (in particular automatically) in a shipment tracking database. Alternatively, the acquired data for generating a shipment tracking event concerning the shipment is output in a shipment tracking database at least based on the acquired data, in particular, a device different from a device that performs the capture. In particular, based on the recorded data of a consignment to be tracked, processed by the sorting installation (in particular automatically), a consignment tracking event concerning this processed consignment can be generated in the consignment tracking database. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method may further comprise generating a shipment tracking event relating to a shipment processed by the sorting facility whose data and at least one information identifying the processed shipment as a shipment to be tracked are automatically acquired. For example, for programs that are not to be tracked by the sorting system, no shipment tracking events are generated or at least not generated such shipment tracking events that are generated only at a predefined predetermined time after the acquisition of their respective data (or after receiving this acquired data) ,

In the following description, therefore, it is not distinguished with regard to the generation of the shipment tracking event, whether it is a consignment that can not be processed by the sorting system (or is classified as such) or a consignment processed by the sorting system.

For example, the shipment tracking database stores a plurality of shipment tracking events. For example, a shipment tracking event includes information about a collection of data from a shipment, such as the location and / or the station where the capture took place, and / or the time of capture and / or the time of generating the shipment tracking event. For example, multiple broadcast events relating to a broadcast may be grouped together in a broadcast specific dataset. For example, each shipment tracking event is associated with a particular shipment to which it contains information. The shipment tracking event further includes, for example, an identifier of the shipment and / or associated with such an identifier. This identifier, or an identifier associated with or associable with this identifier, is also included in the data of the transmission detected in the aforementioned acquisitions. Thus, when data of a shipment is collected at a station (eg, a scanning station, for example, as part of the sorting system), at least based on the collected data (including, in particular, the identifier of the shipment) a shipment tracking event relating to the shipment can be generated, e.g. indicates the location and / or the station of detection and / or the time of detection.

The shipment tracking database can also be designed as a database for proof of delivery. For example, it can then contain only one consignment tracking event for each consignment, which relates to the delivery of the consignment (to the consignee, ie to his place of residence or business, or to a mailbox of the consignee).

The generating of the tracking event occurs, for example, automatically, in particular triggered by the acquisition of the data or the receipt of the acquired data. However, the shipment tracking event does not have to occur immediately after acquiring the data of the shipment or receiving the captured data of the shipment, but may also be delayed. For example, according to a predefined rule, it may be determined when, after acquiring the data of a shipment or receiving the captured data of a shipment, a shipment tracking event is to be generated in the shipment tracking database. In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, the generated tracking event may also indicate a different location and / or a different station and / or a different time than the location, the station or the time of recording the data of the transmission.

For example, it may be determined by the predefined rule that, when data of a shipment is detected in a sorting center, a shipment tracking event is not generated until a predetermined time on the following day. In particular, this may imply that, if data from a consignment has been collected in a sorting center, it can almost certainly be assumed that the consignment will arrive at the consignee's (or a consignee's) mailbox the next day at a given time. was delivered. Data of a consignment recorded in the sorting center can thus be used to generate a consignment tracking event concerning the delivery of the consignment (at the consignee, or into a recipient's mailbox), without (at the consignee's or a recipient's mailbox) receiving a ( further) recording the data of the consignment (eg by the deliverer) would be required. The generated tracking event may then include, for example, the delivery address as the capture location and the acquisition timing at which the shipment tracking event was generated.

For example, the invention thus makes it possible inter alia to record data of a shipment to be tracked (in particular large letters and maximum letters) independently of whether or not the shipment can be processed by a sorting system and to generate a shipment tracking event relating to the shipment based on the acquired data, which, in particular, is only generated at a time determined according to a predefined rule after the acquisition of the data of the consignment. This makes it possible to provide a tracking service for shipments that are not all processable by a sorting facility without having to make major constructive changes to the sorting facility (for example, to ensure the processability of all shipments through the sorting facility) and without capturing the data shipments would be required at the time of delivery of the shipment.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the shipment tracking event is not generated until a second time, which is after a first time when the Data of the broadcast recorded or obtained the data obtained, the second time is determined by a predetermined rule, in particular at least as a function of the first time. Between the acquisition of the data of the consignment and the generation of the consignment tracking event, therefore, there is a period which may be, for example, several hours or days. The generation of the tracking event at a later (second) time than the (first) time of recording the data of the shipment makes it possible, for example, to save a collection of data of the shipment at a later (the second) time (in particular the delivery time). The prerequisite for this is the expectation that an event in the delivery process (for example the delivery of the consignment at the recipient or in a mailbox of the recipient), which is to be represented by the generated consignment tracking event, is likely to occur in the time interval between the first time and the second time If necessary, and as further explained below, concrete deviations (eg undeliverability of a single consignment, such as, for example, a faulty address or a general delay in the delivery of consignments in a delivery district, etc.) are recognized by this expectation and in these cases, generating the shipment tracking event can be suppressed or adjusted to the deviations. The generated tracking event may then include, for example, the time at which the shipment tracking event is generated and / or the delivery address (or mailbox address if delivered to a mailbox) as the location.

The (delayed) shipment tracking event may be generated, for example, such that at the first time the second time after the predetermined rule is determined and an order to generate the delayed shipment tracking event is generated, which is assigned the second time as the execution time. If the second time is reached, without in the meantime being instructed not to execute the order or until later than the second time, the order is executed and the shipment tracking event is generated.

In addition to generating the shipment tracking event concerning the shipment at the second time, generating another shipment tracking event regarding the shipment may also occur at the first time. The further shipment tracking event may in particular designate the location and / or the station and / or the time of acquisition of the data or of the acquisition of the acquired data. For the program, at least one program tracking event (which represents the actual acquisition of the data) exists in the program tracking database from the first time, and after the second time another program tracking event (which is a high probability event, in particular the delivery of the program, represents).

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the shipment tracking event may be a delivery event identifying the delivery of the shipment (eg, at the recipient, or into a mailbox of the recipient), and the second time will then be between taking into account a predetermined or estimated common time period the data of the shipment or the receipt of the recorded data of the shipment and their delivery determined. For example, the delivery event may merely contain the information that the shipment has been delivered (for example, at the recipient or in a mailbox of the recipient). Additionally or alternatively, the delivery event may include the second time it was generated and / or an address of the recipient. The usual time duration can be determined, for example, by averaging the respective durations measured in a plurality of real delivery processes from the acquisition of the data of a shipment to the actual delivery, whereby, for example, a predefined safety margin, for example one or several hours, is added to compensate for variances , The usual period of time may be location-dependent, for example, that is, different at different sorting centers or different delivery areas. The usual period of time is then determined, for example, by averaging measured time durations of real delivery processes that pass through a sorting center (for which a common time period is to be determined) or that take place in a delivery area (for which a common time period is to be determined) , The usual time period can also be determined or estimated even more differentiated over time. For example, for each delivery address of a shipment, a common time period may be measured or estimated, for example, taking into account the usual delivery routes.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, in the case of successful delivery of the shipment, no further delivery tracking event is generated in the shipment tracking database. In particular, therefore, no detection of the data of the shipment takes place at the time of delivery of the shipment, for example by the deliverer.

• – Erfassen von Daten einer weiteren Sendung oder Erhalten von erfassten Daten einer weiteren Sendung, wobei die weitere Sendung mit zumindest einer Information versehen wurde, die die weitere Sendung als zu verfolgende Sendung kennzeichnet, und die als von der Sortieranlage nicht verarbeitbar klassifiziert wurde, und
• – Erhalten einer Information, aus der hervorgeht, dass eine Zustellung der weiteren Sendung an den Empfänger der Sendung fehlgeschlagen ist oder dass sich die Zustellung der weiteren Sendung an den Empfänger der weiteren Sendung verzögern wird, wobei aufgrund der erhaltenen Information entweder kein Sendungsverfolgungsereignis betreffend die weitere Sendung, das auf den erfassten Daten beruht, in der Sendungsverfolgungsdatenbank erzeugt wird oder lediglich unter Berücksichtigung der erhaltenen Information ein Sendungsverfolgungsereignis betreffend die weitere Sendung in der Sendungsverfolgungsdatenbank erzeugt wird.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method further comprises:

• Acquiring data of another shipment or obtaining collected data of another shipment, the further shipment having been provided with at least one information identifying the further shipment as a shipment to be tracked and classified as non-processible by the sorting facility, and
• Obtaining information indicating that delivery of the further shipment to the consignee of the consignment has failed or that the delivery of the further consignment to the recipient of the further consignment will be delayed, whereby due to the received information, either no consignment tracking event relating to the further consignment A transmission based on the acquired data is generated in the shipment tracking database, or merely in response to the received information, a shipment tracking event relating to the further shipment in the shipment tracking database is generated.

This exemplary embodiment relates to the case that prior to the generation of the shipment tracking event for the further shipment, which is likewise a shipment to be tracked, which was classified as non-processable by the sorting system, information is received that a delivery of the further shipment to the recipient of the shipment has failed or that the delivery of the further shipment to the recipient of the further shipment will be delayed. This information reflects actual deviations from the usual delivery process, which is responded to by either not generating a shipment tracking event or merely generating a shipment tracking event taking into account the information received. For example, if this information is obtained within the above-described time period between the first time and the second time, an already created order for generating the shipment tracking event for the further transmission may be deleted (for example, in case of failed delivery of the further transmission due to erroneous address of the receiver) or whose execution time will be postponed further into the future (for example, in case of temporary delays in the delivery of broadcasts in general, for example due to adverse weather conditions, strikes, processing residues in the sorting center, etc.). The information that a delivery of the further shipment to the recipient of the shipment has failed can originate, for example, from a delivery agent and, for example, can also be included as a shipment tracking event in the shipment tracking database. The information that the delivery of the further shipment to the recipient of the further shipment will be delayed, can also come from the entrusted with the delivery of the consignment. Alternatively, in particular, if several shipments are affected by the delay, this information can for example come from a control center or control room, such as a control center of the sorting center in which the sorting system is located, or a control center or control room of a downstream in the delivery chain station, for example a station of a delivery district.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the consignment was discharged from the sorting plant during a sorting process and thereby classified as non-processible by the sorting plant. The sorting system can, for example, have an automatic incoming inspection, in which consignments, for example due to their thickness and / or surface condition, are classified as not being processable by the sorting system.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the shipment has been classified as non-processable by the sorting system as part of a manual pre-sorting process. The pre-sorting can be done, for example, before consignments are fed to the sorting system, for example immediately after the arrival of consignments in a sorting center. For example, before they are placed on a conveyor belt that leads to the sorting system, consignments are classified and sorted as non-processible by the sorting system, or initially placed on the conveyor belt with all other mail items and then taken down again when viewed as from the sorting system can not be classified as workable.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the data of the transmission is detected optically and / or radio-based by an information carrier connected to the transmission or at least partially formed by it. In the case of optical detection, the information carrier is for example a label or a packaging / casing of the item itself. In the case of radio-based registration, the information carrier is for example an electronic store, for example a memory of an RFID transponder or NFC chip. The optical detection can be done for example with a scanner. For example, the scanner may be detachably attached to or held by a person who processes (eg, sorts) the mailings classified as non-processible by the sorting system worn (for example, as glasses with a scan function or as a glove with a scan function). Alternatively, the scanner may also be attached to a device at a station where the shipments classified as non-processible by the sorting system are processed, for example on a trolley on which containers of consignments to be processed are transportable or on a linkage Contains containers used in the processing of non-sortable shipments (for example, containers into which these shipments are sorted). The radio-based detection can be done for example with a transponder reader or an NFC reader.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, at least one of the at least one information characterizing the program as a program to be tracked is present together with the data of the program on or in the information carrier. As already explained, at least one of the at least one piece of information can be contained, for example, together with the data of the mailing in a data set with a predefined format, for example printed on a label or packaging of the mail item, or stored in a memory element associated with the mailpiece. The information can then be detectable, for example, together with the data of the program, in particular by machine.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the data of the shipment and the at least one of the at least one information in the form of a code, in particular a 1D or 2D barcode, on a label associated with the shipment or the shipment itself (in particular their packaging or sleeve). The 2D barcode may be, for example, the DataMatrix code.

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, a further one of the at least one information characterizing the program as a program to be tracked is not contained in the code but still on the information carrier or other information carrier connected to the mail or at least partially is formed by this, imprinted. In this embodiment, therefore, there are two pieces of information that identify the item as being to be followed. A first of these information may be suitable, for example, primarily for automatic detection, for example in the context of the sorting process carried out by the sorting system. A second of this information may be suitable, for example, primarily for the detection by a person, for example, in order to be able to quickly and without aids recognize in the context of manual processing of non-processed by the sorting system classified programs, whether the data of the respective program must be recorded (second Information available) or not (second information not available).

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, at least one of the at least one information characterizing the shipment as a shipment to be tracked is present on or in an information carrier connected to the shipment. As already stated, the information carrier can be, for example, a label, the package / envelope of the item or an electronic store.

• – Detektieren, dass die Sendung mit zumindest einer der zumindest einen Information versehen ist, die die Sendung als zu verfolgende Sendung kennzeichnet, wobei das Erfassen der Daten der Sendung in Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass die Sendung mit der zumindest einen der zumindest einen Information versehen ist, die die Sendung als zu verfolgende Sendung kennzeichnet, erfolgt, und wobei für eine andere, als von der Sortieranlage nicht verarbeitbar klassifizierte Sendung, für die trotz Prüfung, ob sie mit zumindest einer Information versehen ist, die die andere Sendung als zu verfolgende Sendung kennzeichnet, nicht detektiert wurde, dass sie mit einer derartigen Information versehen ist, kein Erfassen der Daten der anderen Sendung stattfindet.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method further comprises:

• Detecting that the item is provided with at least one of the at least one items of information identifying the item to be tracked, wherein acquiring the item's data in response to detecting that the item provides the at least one of the at least pieces of information is, which identifies the consignment as a consignment to be tracked, and wherein for another, as not classifiable by the sorting system classified program for which, despite examination, whether it is provided with at least one information that the other program as a tracked program is not detected that it is provided with such information, there is no detection of the data of the other broadcast takes place.

In this embodiment, therefore, the acquisition of data of a shipment (classified as not processable by the sorting installation) is carried out only if the shipment is a shipment to be tracked (which is detected in the case of the presence of the at least one of the at least one information). The detection can take place, for example, by machine. The mail items classified as non-processible by the sorting system can be guided past a detection device on a transport path (eg a conveyor belt) on which a corresponding detection device is arranged. The detection device can be coupled to a detection device (and also form a common unit, for example in the form of an optical scanner), in order to detect one in the event of detection tracking program automatically trigger the capture of the data of the shipment. After the shipments have passed through the transport route, for example, further, in particular manual processing (for example sorting) of the shipments can follow. By way of example, the detection device and the detection device can be designed and arranged such that transmissions relating to the transport path can be analyzed both from above and from below, so that it is unimportant whether the information carriers (eg labels with the data of the transmission and the at least one of the at least one piece of information that it is a consignment to be tracked) of the consignments during transport on the transport route pointing up or down. Alternatively, the detection device and the detection device can also be designed and arranged such that transmissions relating to the transport path can only be analyzed from above or only from below. However, then an additional (for example manual) step is required in which the items are all placed on the transport path so that their information carriers point up or down. This can represent a partial step of the shipment of the consignments to the transport route.

The at least one of the at least one information, which identifies the program as a program to be followed, can be detected optically, for example. For example, this information can be configured as information that is particularly fast and / or robust to be detected, for example only as a symbol or a letter. The detection can then take place, for example, much faster than the detection / detection of a possibly additionally existing further of the at least one information that identifies the program as a program to be tracked, and together with the data of the program in a predefined data format, in particular a code (in particular the DataMatrix code).

According to an exemplary embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the collection of the data of the shipment is triggered by a person who has recognized that the shipment is provided with at least one of the at least one information that identifies the shipment as being to be followed. The devices of the invention and the system of the invention may include corresponding means for enabling triggering of the data of the shipment. Due to the fact that the consignment is classified as non-processible by the sorting system, a manual sorting of the consignment may be required, in which a person involved in the sorting must anyway look at a label of the consignment to sorting parameters (in particular the address of the consignee ) capture. It is therefore advantageous to integrate the acquisition of data from items to be tracked into this sorting process. As a result, costs for the purchase and maintenance of the transport route described in the previous embodiment with integrated detection and detection device and additional steps (in particular with regard to the programs that do not need to be tracked, but still have to go through the transport route) can be saved.

The detection of the data of the shipment is triggered, for example, by the fact that a person approximates a device with which the data of the shipment can be detected to the shipment or approximates the shipment to such a device and / or a physical action (for example by means of a gesture , or by operating a control element), which is detectable by a device with which the data of the shipment can be detected. The device may be, for example, a scanner that is active during the entire sorting process, but only when approaching a shipment or the label of the shipment data of the shipment detected, for example, because it captures only from a predefined minimum distance data from the shipment or the label can.

The at least one of the at least one information that identifies the program as a program to be tracked can, for example, be applied to the program with or without optical aids perceptible by a person (and in particular evaluable) optical identification, so that the person is able to do so to decide whether or not the program is to be tracked. Since the person anyway has to perceive the address of the program optically from the program or a label of the program in the course of the sorting process, it is advantageous to mark on the program or on the label of the program the at least one information which identifies the program as a program to be tracked , also in optical form. This is particularly advantageous if the information can be perceived and evaluated by the person without aids, since then the address of the recipient as well as the information can be detected by the person in one process, in particular at a glance.

The method according to the first aspect of the invention may further include, for example, outputting a person-perceivable indication that the shipment is provided with at least one of the at least one information that identifies the shipment as a to-be-tracked message to prompt the person to trigger the capture of the data of the shipment, the indication being for Consignments is issued, which are provided with at least one of the at least one information that identifies the respective program as being tracked consignment. The indication can be output visually and / or acoustically, for example. The outputting of the indication may, for example, be in response to a detection that the transmission has at least one of the at least one information characterizing the transmission as a transmission to be tracked.

The indication can be, for example, an optical indication that is displayed to the person by means of a device worn by the person, in particular a pair of glasses or a glove.

In particular, the optical indication can lead to at least a portion of the item, in particular at least one of the items identifying the item being tracked, being visually highlighted when viewed by the person, in particular by coloring and / or framing. The coloring and / or framing is then superimposed, for example, in the visual field or field of view of the user and superimposed on his normal perception. This technology is known in other areas as Augmented Reality (AR). By way of example, a mail item to be tracked can then be displayed in a signal color (eg with the address field being left out, which the person must be able to read well and, if appropriate, the information visually perceivable by the person, which identifies the mail as a mail to be tracked). For example, red, colored to make it clear to the person that the data of the shipment must be detected. For not to be tracked programs, for example, no visual emphasis.

Both the output of the perceptible by the person indication and thus the detection of the data of the shipment can be performed at least partially with the same device, in particular with a pair of glasses or a glove.

The above-described embodiments, which are generally independent of one another and exemplary embodiments of all aspects of the present invention, should also be understood to be disclosed in all combinations with one another.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are given in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures enclosed with the application are intended only for the purpose of clarification but not for determining the scope of protection of the invention. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and are merely exemplary of the general concept of the present invention. In particular, features included in the figures should by no means be considered as a necessary part of the present invention.

Brief description of the figures

Show it:

1 FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention. FIG.

2 FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a shipment provided with information identifying the shipment as a shipment to be tracked according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

3 FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the present invention. FIG.

4 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method, in the context of the present invention, for example, by the capture unit 210 the system of 1 can be executed;

5 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention, such as, for example, the shipment tracking controller 32 the system of 1 is performed;

6 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method used in the context of the present invention, for example by the sorter 221 the system of 1 can be executed;

7 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention, such as automated collection of data from shipments in the manual sorting station 22 the system of 1 is performed; and

8th FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention, such as by the detection unit 222 the system of 1 is performed.

Detailed Description of Some Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 according to the present invention. The system 1 includes a sorting center 2 , a shipment tracking unit 3 , a station 4 a delivery district, a delivery agent 5 , a network 6 , a computer 7 and a shipment 8th respectively. 8th' , The broad, solid arrows symbolize the flow of a variety of shipments through the delivery chain, the example here only the sorting center 2 , the delivery district station 4 and the deliverer 5 includes. The dashed arrows symbolize the logical flow of information from different components to the shipment tracking unit 3 ,

The sorting center 2 , which may for example be a letter center, initially includes a sorting system 21 , of which, however, several in the sorting center 2 can be provided.

The sorting system 21 is for automatically processing shipments 8th , in particular postcards, letters, large letters and Maxibriefen furnished. Part of the processing is in particular the collection of data of the shipments 8th through the detection unit 210 , but especially the sorting of the programs 8th , for example at least based on address information 82 (please refer 2 ). The shipments 8th For example, they can be sorted by delivery districts and then sorted to delivery counters 4 of which in 1 by way of example only one is shown (for example, with vehicles).

Not all shipments 8th can from the sorting system 21 are processed. This applies, as already stated, in particular for shipments 8th with irregular surface texture and / or for shipments 8th whose thickness exceeds a certain threshold. Therefore, first in a classification station 20 of the sorting center 2 a classification of incoming shipments as "processable by the sorting system" and "not processed by the sorting system" made. The classification station 20 may also be multiple, for example, a classification station 20 each one sorting system 21 be assigned. A classification station 20 may for example be formed by one or more persons, the incoming broadcasts 8th according to their suitability for processing by the sorting plant 21 classify (for example, by visual inspection) and then, depending on the result, the classification of either the sorting plant 21 or the manual sorting station 22 respectively. The classification of shipments 8th in the classification station 20 However, it can also be automated. Additionally or alternatively, shipments 8th but also already outside the sorting center as from the sorting plant 21 not processable and accordingly separated from other consignments 8th that as of the sorting plant 21 classified as processable, to the sorting center 2 delivered (for example, in separate containers). It is also possible that at least part of shipments, as by the sorting facility 21 Processable were classified by the sorting system 21 after the start of processing (eg sorting) are discharged again, because the sorting system 21 or an operator of the sorting system 21 have determined that these shipments 8th but not for processing by the sorting system 21 suitable.

In the manual sorting station 22 the sorting center will be those shipments, as by the sorting system 21 not processable classified (or rejected by this), manually by one or more sorters 221 sorted, in particular based on address information 82 (please refer 2 ). Again, the objective may be the shipments 8th sort by delivery districts. For this purpose, for example, a sorting support device 220 intended. The sorting assistance device 220 For example, it may comprise a support for a plurality of containers, wherein, for example, each of the containers is associated with a particular delivery district. The sorter 221 can then send a message based on the address information 82 the shipment 8th Assign to the correct container and insert in this.

The at the manual sorting station 22 assorted shipments 8th then form with those from the sorting plant 21 assorted shipments 8th the mailing output stream of the sorting center 2 and are sent to the delivery district stations 4 delivered.

To have a shipment tracking service for the shipments 8th To be able to offer the programs are provided in embodiments of the present invention with at least one piece of information that the shipment 8th as a consignment to be tracked.

For example, the broadcast 8th be provided with a first information that the shipment 8th as a program to be tracked and can not be recognized or evaluated by a person without aids. Such a first information may, for. B. be housed in a bar code, for example in the in 2 illustrated 2D barcode 80 , which was assumed here as an example as DataMatrix code. Based on this first information, for example, the detection unit 210 (or an additional detection unit) of the sorting system 21 automatically during the sorting of shipments 8th Detect if it is one of the sorting system 8th processed consignment is a consignment to be tracked. From the registration unit 210 recorded data of the shipment 8th (in particular further information from the 2D barcode 80 , such as B. an identifier of the shipment 8th ) can then (in particular only), possibly with further data, such as a time of acquisition of the data, an indication of the location of the detection of the data and / or an identifier of the sorting center 2 , the sorting plant 21 and / or the detection unit 210 , to the shipment tracking unit 3 be transmitted and used to generate a shipment tracking event. An example of the functional sequence at the registration unit 210 will be explained below using the flowchart 400 of the 4 described in more detail.

As explained, however, not all shipments 8th from the sorting plant 21 be processed, so that part of the shipments 8th at the manual sorting station 22 processed (especially sorted) must be. Since in the present embodiment, the first information that a broadcast 8th marked as a consignment to be tracked, is not evaluable by a person without aids, is the sorter 221 at the manual sorting station 22 unable to decide quickly whether or not to collect the data of a consignment to be processed for tracking purposes. That's why the shipment is 8th provided in the present embodiment, in addition with a second information that identifies the program as a program to be followed and is perceptible by a person without aids and / or evaluated. In the example of 2 the second information is represented as a letter "H" printed on the program. The sorter 221 can when sorting shipments 8th at the manual sorting station 22 then decide immediately whether he is dealing with a shipment to be tracked (imprint "H" present) or not (imprint "H" does not exist). This choice of marking of consignments to be tracked 8th is particularly advantageous because of the sorter 221 at least the address information 82 (please refer 2 ) of each shipment 8th anyway, to inspect the broadcast 8th to be able to sort. The sorter 221 can thus essentially simultaneously the address information 82 and the second information 81 recognize and the additional step of triggering the capture of the data of a shipment to be tracked 8th integrate into the sorting process. Since the acquisition of the data of a shipment takes a certain amount of time, only data from those transmissions become advantageous 8th recorded as the items to be tracked 8th are marked, so shipments 8th having the second information "H". An example of that by the sorter 221 The functional sequence that is executed is described below using the flowchart 600 of the 6 described in more detail. The flowchart 800 of the 8th moreover, explains how the sorter 221 from the detection unit 222 can be supported. The flowchart 700 of the 7 describes an alternative automatic acquisition of the data to be tracked consignments 8th that the sorter 221 can relieve further.

In embodiments of the present invention, acquiring the data of items to be tracked 8th through the sorter 221 triggered, for example, by the sorter 221 the distance between a shipment 8th and a detection station 222 reduced at the manual sorting station 22 is provided. For example, the sorter approaches 221 to trigger the collection of the data of a shipment 8th the broadcast 8th to the registration unit 222 or approaches the capture unit 222 to the broadcast 8th at. The registration unit 222 For example, at the sorting support device 220 be attached or from the sorter 221 at least temporarily worn on the body, such as glasses or gloves.

The of the registration unit 222 recorded data of the shipment 8th For example, they may correspond to data received from the capture unit 210 the sorting plant 21 be captured, or a subset thereof. For example, those of the capture unit 222 captured data information from the 2D barcode 80 include, such. B. an identifier of the shipment 8th , The of the registration unit 222 recorded data can then, if necessary, with other data, such as a time of collection of the data, an indication of the place of collection of the data and / or an identifier of the sorting center 2 , the sorting plant 21 and / or the detection unit 210 , to the shipment tracking unit 3 be transmitted and used to generate a shipment tracking event.

The shipment tracking unit 3 forms another part of the system 1 of the 1 , It can, as drawn, outside the sorting center 2 but can also be part of the sorting center 2 represent. Functionally, the shipment tracking unit includes 3 a shipment tracking database 31 in which broadcast tracking events are stored on different broadcasts. A shipment tracking event is, for example, a shipment 8th and includes information about the circumstances of the collection of data of the shipment 8th For example, when and / or where and / or by whom the data of the shipment 8th were recorded. In a simple embodiment, a shipment tracking event contains only information at a time at which data of a shipment 8th were recorded, or only information that a delivery of the consignment 8th is done. The identifier of a shipment 8th to which a shipment tracking event relates may be included in the shipment tracking event, or otherwise associated with the shipment tracking event, to enable the identifier to locate the shipment tracking event. Several broadcast events that also have the same broadcast 8th may be grouped in a record, for example, arranged chronologically.

The shipment tracking controller 32 the shipment tracking unit 3 controls the generation of shipment tracking events in the shipment tracking database 31 , based on recorded data of shipments 8th as determined by the registration unit 210 and the detection unit 222 be obtained from information provided by a control room 23 of the sorting center 2 or a control room 41 the delivery district station 4 and receive information from a mobile device 50 the delivery agent 5 (For example, a handheld scanner or smartphone) are obtained. The shipment tracking controller 32 can in particular on the basis of the detection units 210 and 222 Generate captured data from shipments (that is to be performed at a particular time) to create shipment tracking events, execute those jobs at the right time, and, if so, for others, especially the control room 23 and or 41 and / or the mobile device of the deliverer 50 information required - modify or delete these orders. Through this procedure, the following with reference to the flowchart 500 of the 5 will be explained in more detail, it is possible, inter alia, consignment tracking events concerning the delivery of broadcasts 8th to produce at the respective consignee without at the time of delivery of a consignment 8th at the respective consignee data of the consignment 8th must be recorded (for example, by the deliverer 5 ). The collection of the data of a shipment 8th at the time of delivery is determined by the capture of the data of the shipment 8th in the sorting center 2 and the generation of the delivery tracking event relating to the delivery corresponding to the measured or estimated normal delivery time of a shipment 8th after collecting their data in the sorting center 2 delayed. Deviations from this usual delivery time become the shipment tracking control 32 explicitly communicated (by the control room 23 and or 41 and / or the mobile device 50 the delivery agent 5 ), so that these generate the broadcast tracking events of the respective shipments concerned 8th can adjust accordingly.

Embodiments of the present invention thus allow both the decision as to whether data of a shipment to be delivered 8th must be detected as well as the triggering of capturing the data of the shipment itself from the deliverer 5 away to the sorting center 2 to shift where this is for the of the sorting plant 21 Processable shipments are made automatically and for the remaining, from the sorting system 21 unprocessable consignments of sorters 221 is made. For those of the sorting plant 21 processed shipments 8th Thus, the manual processing completely eliminated, while for the number of smaller shipments 8th that is not from the sorting system 21 can process, decide and trigger the collection of data efficiently in the anyway required manual sorting process at the manual sorting station 22 can be integrated. The degree of the manual processing costs associated with the tracking of the consignment therefore becomes compared to the obvious solution, the consignment tracking by detecting the data of the consignment by the deliverer at the time of delivery (that is, in particular, the delivery of the consignment 8th to the consignee or the insertion in the mailbox), significantly reduced. The one with the generation and transmission of the (rare) information about deviations from the normal delivery process from the control room 23 and or 41 and / or the deliverer 5 to the shipment tracking controller 32 is negligible on the other hand.

Through the shipment tracking, it becomes possible for a user to use his computer 7 over the net 6 , which may be, for example, the Internet (or an intranet), to the broadcast tracking database 31 access. Access to the shipment tracking database 31 for example, by the shipment tracking controller 32 moderated, or by a separate entity (in 1 not shown). For example, a user of the shipment tracking service, for example, the sender of one or more shipments 8th or the recipient of a shipment 8th , indicating an identification of the consignment about the current delivery status of a shipment 8th information by, for example, via a website, on the data of the consignment tracking database 31 accesses. For example, it then becomes the most recent or all of the tracking events relating to that broadcast 8th displayed. Alternatively, the user can also actively log in to the shipment tracking database 31 receive recorded shipment tracking events, such as email or SMS notification, just to name a few examples. The user can, for example, also receive information about several shipments collected. For example, a user, in particular a user who has given a plurality of items for delivery, and for these items has specified a target delivery date to which the items should have been delivered, has provided a list of items containing the Have exceeded the target delivery date. This may allow the user, who represents, for example, a dealer, to inform the recipients of these items (buyers) about the delayed delivery (for example, via their own tracking portal, or by means of active notification by e-mail, SMS, etc.).

In the embodiment described above, it has been assumed by way of example that a first and a second information are present, which is a transmission 8th as the consignment to be tracked. Alternatively, only one piece of information can be used, which is a broadcast 8th as a consignment to be tracked. This may advantageously be information that is provided both by the detection unit 210 as well as from the sorter 221 can be detected quickly. An example of such information is one or more symbols printed on the mailing (or a mailing label), e.g. B. in 2 exemplified symbol 81 , An icon (such as a letter or a number) can be quickly recognized by both machines and people and thus allows a quick decision as to whether it is a broadcast 8th is a program to be followed or not.

2 is a schematic representation of a shipment 8th , which according to an embodiment of the present invention with information 80 . 81 that is the consignment 8th as a consignment to be tracked. The broadcast 8th also has address information 82 on, for example, to sort the shipment in the sorting system 21 and / or the manual sorting station 22 can be used. In the embodiment of 2 There are two pieces of information that the shipment 8th as a shipment to be tracked: once within the 2D barcode 80 (first information), and once in the form of a printed symbol 81 (second information), here by way of example "H". This information can be detected optically, for example with a scanner with functionality for bar code decoding (first information) and symbol recognition (Optical Character Recognition, OCR) (second information). However, one or both of these information, in particular the first information, can also be represented elsewhere, for example in the form of information that can be recorded by radio, for example as information stored on a memory, in particular an RFID or NFC chip.

The in 2 shown exemplary 2D barcode 80 may be, for example, a DataMatrix code (alternative embodiments are, for example, a QR code or a one-dimensional bar code). An example of the contents of such a Data Matrix code is given below, comprising 42 bytes in hexadecimal notation (each byte comprises two hexadecimal symbols of the alphabet {0-F}):
Overall string: 44 45 41 12 20 01 2C B6 B0 41 00 B9 6B 17 00 94 00 00 02 03 22 B8 00 A9 31 31 39 39 38 32 35 30 30 31 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 importance Position in the string Content string Post companies: DEA Bytes f1-f3 44 45 41 Franking type: 18 = DV franking, version 1.3 Byte f4 12 Version Products / Prices: 32 Byte f5 20 Customer number: 5045137473 Bytes f6-f10 01 2C B6 B0 41 Franking value: 1.85 Bytes f11-f12 00 B9 Date of delivery: 01.10.2015 Bytes f13-f14 6B 17 Product key: 148 = large letter; Additional service / variant: proof of delivery Bytes f15-f16 00 94 current consignment number: 00000002 Bytes f17-f19 00 00 02 Participation number: 03 Byte f20 03 Payroll number: 8888 Bytes f21-f22 22 B8 Announcement Content Data element: 0 Byte f23 00 Coding / length byte: 101 01001 Byte 124 A9 Customer-specific information: Customer-specific information in ASCII: 1199825001 Bytes f25-f42 31 31 39 39 38 32 35 30 30 31 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

Therein, bytes f15-f16 denote the product key and the additional power / variant. In the present example, the bytes f15-f16 assume the value "00 94", which corresponds to the number 148 in decimal representation and is interpreted as the information "large letter with proof of delivery". The bytes f15-f16 with the value "00 94" thus represent an example of the first information that characterizes the program as a program to be tracked.

The bytes f25-f42 contain customer-specific information, which is interpreted as ASCII characters, corresponding to the number sequence "1199825001" (the zeros in the bytes f35-f42 were not taken into account here). This sequence of digits represents an example of an identification of the item of mail which, for example, can be acquired during the recording of data of the item and used in the production of a item to be tracked for the item. For example, the identifier may be included in the generated shipment tracking event (eg, along with a time of acquisition of the data and / or information about the location of the acquisition and / or the location of collection) or associated with the shipment tracking event.

In the present exemplary embodiment, therefore, both the data to be recorded in programs to be tracked (in particular the identifier of the transmission, bytes f25-f42) and the first information which identifies the transmission as a transmission to be tracked (bytes f15-f16) are shown in FIG contain the same record / code and can therefore be detected together, namely by the detection unit 210 the sorting station 21 , It is thus to provide the tracking service at least for those through the sorting facility 21 processable shipments 8th advantageously no additional detection device required, as in a conventional sorting system 21 already existing detection device 210 used for this purpose and only the corresponding evaluation of the information in bytes f15-f16 and f25-f42 and - if necessary - their transmission to the shipment tracking unit 3 (possibly together with time stamp and location / station information) must be ensured.

3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device 30 that can be used in the context of the present invention.

The device 30 For example, the capture unit 210 the sorting plant 21 of the 1 represent (and then, for example, the method of the flowchart 400 of the 4 execute), or the shipment tracking control 32 of the 1 represent (and then, for example, the method of the flowchart 500 of the 5 perform), or a device (for example, the detection unit 222 the manual sorting station 22 of the 1 ) for automatically capturing the data to be tracked, rather than the sorting system 21 represent processably classified shipments (and then, for example, the method of the flowchart 700 of the 7 execute), or the capture unit 222 the manual sorting station 22 of the 1 represent (and then, for example, the method of the flowchart 800 of the 8th To run).

contraption 30 includes a processor 300 with allocated memory 301 and program memory 302 , The processor 300 For example, executes program statements stored in program memory 302 are stored. The program instructions execute and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention. This contains the program memory 302 a computer program according to the fifth aspect of the invention and represents a computer program product for its storage. Device 30 illustrates an example of a device according to the second or third aspect of the invention.

The program memory 302 For example, it may be a persistent store, such as a read-only-memory (ROM) store. The program memory 302 for example, stuck with the processor 300 Alternatively, it can also be detachable with the processor 300 be connected, for example, as a memory card, floppy disk or optical disk media (eg, a CD or DVD). By doing program memory 302 , or in a separate memory, also other information can be stored.

The working memory 301 For example, it is used to store temporary results during execution of the program instructions, such as volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM).

The processor 300 is also operational with a communication interface 303 connected, for example, with the information exchange with other devices is possible (see the dashed arrows in 1 ).

The device 30 can also contain other components. If device 30 the registration unit 210 or 222 is in particular a detection means for detecting data of a shipment 8th For example, this may be for optical detection (eg in the form of a scanner (eg a barcode scanner) or for radio-based detection (eg in the form of a radio receiver (eg an RFID or NFC Reader)) of the data of the shipment 8th is set up and with processor 300 operatively connected.

If device 30 the registration unit 222 can represent, with the processor 300 operatively linked means for recognizing that the sorter 221 capturing the data of a shipment 8th want to trigger, be present. These means can be used, for example, to detect predefined actions of the sorter 221 be set up with which the detection of the data of a program to be triggered, such as the operation of a button, or the making of a gesture (for example, a head or eye movement, or bringing a shipment in the vicinity of the detection means). However, these means can also be part of the detection means.

If device 30 the registration unit 222 In embodiments of the invention (cf. 7 or the 8th ) in which a consignment to be tracked 8th is provided with first and different second information (as in the embodiment of the 2 the case is) that the consignment 8th as a program to be tracked, in addition to the detection means one with the processor 300 operatively connected detection means (eg, an optical detector with symbol recognition, if the second information is optical information) for detecting that the transmission 8th at least provided with the second information, in the device 30 to be available. Detection means and detection means can share, for example, at least one component (for example an optical sensor if both the first information and the second information are optically detectable). Alternatively, the detection means and the detection means may be formed by a common module (for example, an optical detector which can read bar codes and recognize symbols, for example).

If the device 30 the registration unit 222 In embodiments of the invention (cf. 8th Furthermore, a display means is provided, which for the optical highlighting of information that a broadcast 8th as a program to be tracked, is set up and with processor 300 operatively connected. The display means can be designed, for example, as glasses with a display device located therein, for example in the form of augmented reality glasses. For example, the highlighting then becomes in the field of view of the sorter 221 who wears the glasses, fades in and at least partially superimposes a broadcast 8th that the sorter 221 right in front of him (especially in his hand). In such glasses, for example, the detection means and / or the detection means may be integrated.

4 represents a flowchart 400 an exemplary embodiment of a method that can be carried out in the context of the present invention. The method is used, for example, by the detection unit 210 the sorting plant 21 of the 1 executed, for example, as a device 30 of the 3 can be trained.

In a first step 401 are data from one (from the sorting system 21 processable) shipment 8th and, if present, at least one piece of information (especially the first piece of information) containing the broadcast 8th as to be tracked consignment recorded. As already described, the data of the shipment 8th and the information in a common record, especially a 2D barcode, printed on the mailing.

In one step 402 It is then determined whether the information that identifies the program as a program to be tracked exists. If this is the case, in step 403 at least a portion of the collected data (or even all collected data) to the shipment tracking unit 3 In particular, there to enable or effect generating a broadcast tracking event. Subsequently, or if the fixing in the step 402 is negative, is in step 404 checked for further shipments 8th available. If this is the case, the flowchart jumps 400 back to step 401 , Otherwise, the processing ends.

In the present exemplary embodiment, data is thus recorded by all shipments, regardless of whether or not they are to be tracked. However, only for the shipments to be tracked will data be sent to the shipment tracking unit 3 transmitted.

6 represents a flowchart 600 an exemplary embodiment of a method by a sorter 221 at the manual sorting station 22 in the context of the present invention.

In step 601 considered the sorter 221 a broadcast 8th which is one of the sorting system 21 unprocessable classified shipment is. For example, the sorter removes 221 plus the shipment to a container in which such classified shipments were previously collected.

In step 602 the sorter checks 221 whether the shipment has been provided with information identifying the shipment as a shipment to be tracked. Advantageously, this information is information that can be perceived and evaluated by the sorter without aids, such as a printed symbol 81 as it is in 2 is shown by way of example.

If the sorter 221 determines that such information is present, it solves in step 603 the acquisition of the data of the shipment by the detection unit 222 from, for example, by a predetermined action, for example by pressing an operating element or by approximating the shipment or a label of the shipment to the detection unit 222 , in particular to a detection means of the detection unit 222 , If it is determined that such information is not present, the step 603 skipped.

In step 604 becomes the consignment 8th then sorted, regardless of whether it is to be tracked or not.

In step 605 the sorter checks 221 , whether more broadcasts 8th available. If this is the case, in step 601 the next shipment 8th processed. Otherwise, the sorter stops 221 the activity.

8th represents a flowchart 800 an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention, that of the detection unit 222 the manual sorting station 21 is executed, for example, as the device 30 of the 3 can be trained. The registration unit 222 not only waiting for the sorter to detect it 221 but supports the sorter 221 in detecting whether it is a broadcast 8th is a program to be followed or not.

This is done in step 801 first checked for a shipment 8th that the sorter 221 for example, straight ahead (eg on a conveyor belt, or in the hand of the sorter 221 ), is provided with at least one piece of information that identifies the program as a program to be followed. The information may be one through the sorter 221 act without information perceptible and / or evaluable information, or alternatively to an information provided by the sorter 221 can not be perceived and / or evaluated without auxiliary means.

In step 802 Depending on the result of the check, the further procedure is determined. If the shipment 8th is provided with information that the consignment 8th as a program to be tracked becomes the step 803 executed. Otherwise, the processing jumps to step 807 ,

In step 803 will be the information that the shipment 8th as a consignment to be tracked, or at least part of the consignment 8th highlighted. The highlighting of the information takes place, for example, when the information is one through the sorter 221 optically unobservable and evaluable information is (for example, the first information 81 of the 2 ). For example, at least part of the broadcast is highlighted when the information is from the sorter 221 not without aids perceptible and / or evaluable information is.

The emphasis can be made, for example, visually by framing or coloring the information or at least the part of the shipment. For example, the highlighting can be done by augmented reality, using the highlights of a real scene, the sorter 221 sees, be superimposed. The sorter 221 For example, the real scene can be viewed through a transparent or non-transparent device. In the first case, the device is, for example, a transparent pair of glasses, which are the highlights in the field of vision or field of view of the sorter 221 projected. In the latter case, the device comprises at least one monitor, by means of which the sorter 221 both the real scene and the highlighting is displayed. The monitor (s) may be similar to a sorter's helmet or goggles 221 worn on the head.

In step 804 is then checked for an action of the sorter 221 (For example, the operation of a control element, etc.) to trigger the detection of the data of the shipment 8th is done. If this is the case, the data of the shipment 8th in step 805 and at least part of this data is then captured in the step 806 to the shipment tracking unit 3 in particular, to enable or effect the production of a consignment tracking product there. Otherwise, the steps become 805 and 806 skipped.

According to step 807 if further programs are available, processing of the next program is in step 801 began. Otherwise, the procedure ends.

By the present embodiment, the sorter 221 when considering whether it is a shipment 8th is a program to be tracked (whose data must then be captured) or not supported, in which there is an optical highlighting on programs to be tracked. This reduces the likelihood of being tracked by the sorter 221 not be recognized, clearly. For example, only items to be tracked can be visually highlighted, for example by red coloring. The sorter 221 then knows that he only has to trigger in addition to the sorting in addition to capturing the data of the shipment with red colored shipments.

Another relief of the sorter 221 This can be done by automating the process of identifying the items to be tracked and triggering the collection of data from items to be tracked. The sorter 221 is then for example only for the sorting of the manual sorting station 22 responsible for incoming shipments.

This shows the 7 a flowchart 700 an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention, of the detection unit 222 the manual sorting station 21 is executed, for example, as the device 30 of the 3 can be trained. The registration unit 222 is arranged in the present embodiment, for example, on a transport path on which as by the sorting system 21 not processable classified shipments 8th be transported. For example, these broadcasts 8th from the sorter 221 from a container placed on the transport route (for example, with a certain, the acquisition of the data of the shipment enabling or at least facilitating orientation, for example, with the label up or down). The transport speed of the transport route can be dependent, for example, on whether the data of a shipment is currently being recorded or not.

For the shipments 8th is then in the step 701 checked whether the shipment is provided with at least one piece of information that identifies the shipment as a program to be tracked. It can only be present here information that identifies the program as a program to be tracked, for example, the same information that also from the detection unit 210 the sorting plant 21 is automatically detectable. This may be, for example, information in a barcode (eg a 2D barcode such as the DataMatrix code), but alternatively also radio-readable information.

Depending on the result of the test is in step 702 of the flowchart 700 branched differently: in the absence of information becomes the step 705 jumped. In the presence of the information, an acquisition of the data of the shipment can be carried out in an optional step, in particular if the data is not already present during the step's check 701 were recorded. If the information, for example, together with the data of the shipment 8th is contained in a data record / code, these data of the consignment lie after the examination in the step 701 usually already before and then do not have to be recaptured. The implementation of both steps 701 and 703 is useful if the information that identifies a program as a program to be tracked can not be recorded together with the data of the program, or if there is more than one piece of information that identifies the program as being to be tracked. In the latter case is then in step 701 the test is preferably performed based on the information that is faster to detect and evaluate, since the step 701 unlike step 703 for all shipments that have been classified as non-processible by the sorting system, must be performed and therefore is particularly time-critical.

In step 704 At least part of the captured data of the shipment is sent to the shipment tracking unit 3 in particular, to enable or effect the production of a consignment tracking product there.

According to step 705 if further programs are available, processing of the next program is in step 701 began. Otherwise, the procedure ends.

After the step 701 or, if this is done, the step 703 the respective consignment can then be fed to the manual sorting process. In contrast to processing in the sorting plant 21 become the broadcasts 8th not sorted automatically in the present embodiment.

Regardless of whether the collection of data to be tracked shipments 8th through the detection unit 210 the sorting plant 21 or the detection unit 222 the manual sorting station 22 has been executed, the collected data is sent to the shipment tracking unit 3 transfer. This transmission can take place wirelessly at least in sections, but can also be based on wired transmission. From the perspective of the shipment tracking unit 3 For example, does it make no difference which acquisition unit the data was collected from. However, it is possible that the information transmitted with the acquired data provide information on which station and / or by which recording unit the data was acquired.

5 shows a flow chart 500 an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention, the by the tracking control 32 the shipment tracking unit 3 is executed, for example, as the device 30 of the 3 can be trained.

In step 501 a check is made as to whether data of a shipment has been received. The data of the shipment may in particular be that of a registration unit 210 / 222 of the 1 captured data or at least a subset thereof. The data of the shipment may, for example, contain at least one identifier of the shipment. In addition (and in particular together) with the data of the shipment, further information (in particular provided by the detection units) concerning the acquisition of the data of the shipment from the shipment tracking controller 32 For example, information about a time of collecting the data and / or a place of collecting the data.

When data of a shipment has been received, the steps become 502 - 503 otherwise it becomes the step 504 jumped.

In step 502 a time is determined at which a shipment tracking event in the shipment tracking database 31 is to be generated, in particular according to a predefined rule. This time may be determined, for example, based on information about the time of acquiring the data and / or the place of acquiring the data (for example, instead of a transmitted time of acquiring the data, a time of receiving the data of the shipment from the acquiring units 210 / 222 be used). For example, if the data of a shipment is received at 22:05 on a capture unit 201 / 222 of the sorting center 2 For example, based on a known (eg, regularly checked / measured) common delivery time after passage of the detection unit through a transmission, it may be assumed that for this transmission, it is almost certainly probable that 18:00 o'clock on the following day the delivery took place. The time for generation of the item tracking event concerning this item is then determined to be 6:00 pm of the next day.

The place of acquiring the data may play a role in determining the timing at which a shipment tracking event is to be generated, as the received data of items from sorting centers located at different positions in the delivery chain correspond to lead to different delayed shipment tracking events. For example, collecting data from a shipment at a sorting center at the beginning of the delivery chain would result in a more delayed shipment tracking event than acquiring data from a shipment at a sorting center at the end of the delivery chain. If the shipment tracking control 32 Shipment events for shipments 8th generated, whose data are collected in a plurality of sorting centers, in particular with each different processing times of shipments, it is advantageous to take into account in which sorting center or at least at which kind of sorting center in determining the time at which a consignment tracking event is to be generated the data of a shipment were received. For the respective sorting centers or types of sorting center (for example, differentiated according to greetings of the sorting center), for example, at the consignment tracking control 32 In each case, information can be stored with which remaining delivery time for the respective sorting center or the respective type of sorting center after acquisition of the data of a consignment is to be expected. This information can then be used in determining the time in step 502 be used.

In step 503 Then a scheduled order for generating a shipment tracking event at the in 502 determined at certain time. This order is thus executed only when the step 502 certain time is reached (and in the meantime no information contrary to the execution of the order from the consignment tracking control 32 is obtained, as will be explained in more detail below). The order may, for example, already contain the information required for generating the item tracking event (for example, an identifier of the item that was sent in step 502 certain time and / or location to which the item tracking event is to relate, e.g. The delivery address or the address of a mailbox).

In step 504 a check is made as to whether information on a non-deliverable shipment has been received. Such information is for example from a mobile device 50 a delivery person 5 at the instigation of the deliverer 5 generated a shipment 8th' could not deliver, for example, because the address of the shipment 8th' is wrong (for example, because the recipient has moved away or died, or because the address contains so many errors that it can not be assigned to a recipient). In this case, the deliverer detects, for example, with the mobile device 50 Data of the consignment (for example, an identifier of the consignment). The captured data is then, for example, enriched with further information (for example on the reason why the shipment could not be delivered) to the shipment tracking controller 32 transfer.

It should be noted that this transfer of information from the mobile device 50 the deliverer to the consignment tracking control 32 as they are in 1 is shown, is logical, and can actually take a different route. For example, the information about the undeliverable shipment from the mobile device of the deliverer first to another entity, such as the control room 41 the delivery district station 4 the deliverer, and from there to the consignment tracking control 32 be transmitted. In particular, the information about the undeliverable item can only be sent to the item tracking controller 32 when an audit, for example by the entity or another entity, has shown that the undeliverable consignment is a consignment to be tracked. Otherwise, information about the undeliverable shipment would be superfluous for shipment tracking control.

When in step 504 Information about a non-deliverable shipment is received in step 505 the already existing, in step 503 The scheduled order generated for generating a shipment tracking event for this undeliverable shipment has been deleted, since delivery with the usual delivery time can no longer be expected. Otherwise, the flowchart jumps to step 506 ,

In step 506 it is checked if information on delivery delays has been received. This information can be any information that may cause an extension of the usual remaining time from the collection of the data of a shipment in the sorting center until the delivery. These include, for example, processing residues in sorting centers or delivery districts, adverse weather conditions that prevent or slow delivery by the deliverers, strikes and much more. The information about delivery delays can be obtained, for example, from the control room 23 of the sorting center 2 or the control room 41 the delivery district station 4 delivered, in particular triggered by respective responsible personnel. Alternatively, the delivery delay information may also come from other sources.

If information about delivery delays has been received, in step 507 determines the shipments affected by the delivery delays. For example, one relates Processing backlog in a delivery district only the consignments of this delivery area, while adverse weather conditions or strikes may affect shipments from several delivery districts. At the step in 507 For example, if the determination carried out is carried out, only those consignments which represent consignments to be tracked and / or for which there are still active scheduled orders for the generation of consignment tracking events are considered.

In step 508 will be the scheduled jobs for generating shipment tracking events for those shipments that are in step 507 have been changed, in particular, the date of execution of the respective orders shifted according to the expected delay in the future. The amount of displacement may vary depending on the nature of the delivery delay and / or on the shipment tracking control 32 provided information on the expected extent of the delay (eg in days).

In step 509 It checks for one of the steps in step 503 generated or in step 508 modified scheduled orders the time to execute the order has been reached. If this is not the case, the flowchart jumps 500 to the step 512 , Otherwise, in step 510 a shipment tracking event in the shipment tracking database 31 generated. From this point on, the shipment tracking event is for example by the computer 7 in the shipment tracking database 31 available. For example, the generated tracking event includes or is associated with the identifier of the transmission. The generated shipment tracking event may further include the time of creation of the shipment tracking event. This time may, for example, be designated as the time of the shipment tracking event (ie, the time at which the shipment tracking supposedly took place, for example, as the time of the delivery event). The generated tracking event may additionally or alternatively include the delivery address (also in the form of the address of a mailbox upon delivery to a mailbox). For example, this address may be designated as the location of the shipment tracking event (that is, the location where the shipment tracking was allegedly occurring).

In an optional step 511 With the generation of the shipment tracking event, a notification (eg via email, fax, SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, etc.) is also triggered via the new shipment tracking event, for example to the computer 7 (or another device whose address is known by the tracking control, for example a (mobile) telephone of a user of the tracking service).

In step 512 Finally, it checks if the procedure of the flowchart 500 should be canceled. If this is the case, the procedure is aborted. Otherwise, the processing returns to the step 501 and starts all over again. It should be noted that the queries of the steps 501 . 504 . 506 and 509 and their respective subordinate actions 502 - 503 . 505 ., 507 - 508 and 510 - 511 not necessarily have to be processed sequentially, but at the same time can be checked / processed in parallel threads.

The exemplary embodiments / embodiments of the present invention described in this specification are intended to be understood as disclosed individually as well as in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment is - unless explicitly explained to the contrary - not be understood in this case as meaning that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable. Terms used in the claims, such as "comprising," "comprising," "including," "containing," and the like, do not exclude other elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" includes both the "partial" and "full" cases. The expression "and / or" should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, ie "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". A plurality of units, persons or the like means several units, persons or the like in the context of this specification. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a majority. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the claims should not be regarded as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims (24)

Method, comprising: Acquiring data of a shipment or obtaining collected data of a shipment, the shipment being provided with at least one information identifying the shipment as a shipment to be tracked and classified as non-processible by a sorting facility, and wherein the sorting facility is set up, respective data of shipments processed by it and, if the processed shipments are each provided with at least one piece of information which respectively identifies the processed shipments as shipments to be tracked, in each case automatically detecting at least one of these at least one information; and Generating at least one shipment tracking event relating to the shipment in a shipment tracking database based at least on the acquired data or outputting the acquired data to generate such a shipment tracking event. The method of claim 1, wherein the shipment tracking event is generated only at a second time, which is after a first time at which the data of the transmission detected or the detected data is obtained, the second time after a predetermined rule, in particular at least in dependence the first time, is determined. The method of claim 2, wherein the shipment tracking event is a delivery event characterizing the delivery of the shipment, and wherein the second time, taking into account a predetermined or estimated common time period, between acquiring the data of the shipment or obtaining the captured data of the shipment and the latter Delivery is determined. The method of claim 3, wherein in case of successful delivery of the shipment, no further delivery tracking event in the shipment tracking database is generated. The method of any of claims 1-4, further comprising: Acquiring data of another shipment or obtaining collected data of another shipment, the further shipment having been provided with at least one information identifying the further shipment as a shipment to be tracked and classified as non-processible by the sorting facility, Obtaining information indicating that delivery of the further shipment to the consignee of the consignment has failed or that the delivery of the further consignment to the recipient of the further consignment will be delayed, whereby due to the received information, either no consignment tracking event relating to the further consignment A transmission based on the acquired data is generated in the shipment tracking database, or merely in response to the received information, a shipment tracking event relating to the further shipment in the shipment tracking database is generated. Method according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the consignment was discharged during a sorting process of the sorting system and thereby classified as non-processable by the sorting system. Method according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the consignment has been classified as non-processable by the sorting system in the context of a manual presorting. Method according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the data of the shipment are optically and / or radio-based detected by an affiliated with the shipment or at least partially through this information carrier. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the at least one information characterizing the program as a program to be tracked is present together with the data of the program on or in the information carrier. The method of claim 9, wherein the data of the shipment and the at least one of the at least one information in the form of a code, in particular a 2D barcode, are printed on a label associated with the shipment or the shipment itself. The method of claim 10, wherein a further one of the at least one information characterizing the broadcast as being broadcast is not included in the code but still on the information carrier or other information carrier associated with the broadcast or at least partially formed thereby will be printed. Method according to one of claims 1-11, wherein at least one of the at least one information, which identifies the program as a program to be tracked, is present on or in an information carrier connected to the mailing. The method of any of claims 1-12, further comprising: Detecting that the item is provided with at least one of the at least one items of information identifying the item to be tracked, wherein acquiring the data of the shipment in response to detecting that the shipment is provided with the at least one of the at least one information that identifies the shipment as being to be tracked, and wherein for a different, as of the sorting plant unprocessable classified consignment for which, despite checking whether it is provided with at least one information that identifies the other program as a program to be tracked, has not been detected that it is provided with such information , does not capture the data of the other broadcast takes place. Method according to one of claims 1-13, wherein the detection of the data of the transmission is triggered by a person who has recognized that the transmission is provided with at least one of the at least one information that identifies the transmission as a program to be followed. The method of claim 14, wherein the capturing of the data of the transmission is triggered by a person approaching a device with which the data of the transmission can be detected, approaching the transmission or approximating the transmission to such a device and / or a physical action which is detectable by a device with which the data of the shipment can be detected. Method according to one of claims 14-15, wherein the at least one of the at least one information, which characterizes the program as a program to be tracked, is applied on the program as optical or visual aids perceptible by a person, so that the person in is able to decide whether or not the consignment is to be tracked. The method of any of claims 14-16, further comprising: Issuing an indication perceptible by the person that the item is provided with at least one of the at least one items identifying the item to be tracked, to cause the person to trigger the collection of the item's data, the indication being only is issued for programs that are provided with at least one of the at least one information that identifies the respective program as a program to be tracked. The method of claim 17, wherein the indication is an optical indication displayed to the person by a device worn by the person, in particular a pair of glasses or a glove. Method according to claim 18, wherein the optical indication leads to at least a part of the item, in particular at least one of the items identifying the item being tracked, being visually highlighted when viewed by the person, in particular by coloring and / or or framing. Method according to one of Claims 17-19, wherein both the output of the indication perceivable by the person and also the acquisition of the data of the transmission are carried out at least partially with the same device, in particular with spectacles or a glove. The method of any of claims 1-20, further comprising: Generating a shipment tracking event relating to a shipment processed by the sorting system whose data and at least one piece of information identifying the processed shipment as a shipment to be tracked were automatically acquired. Apparatus arranged to carry out and / or control the method according to any one of claims 1-21 or comprising respective means for carrying out and / or controlling the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-21. A system comprising one or more devices arranged to carry out and / or control the method of any one of claims 1-21 or means for performing and / or controlling the steps of the method of any one of claims 1-21. A computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control the method of any of claims 1-21 when the computer program is run on the processor.

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