Mail delivery tracking system and apparatus
The present invention relates to a system that will permit the automatic measurement of the efficiencies of a delivery process from end to end. This system uses Radio Frequency based transponders and reader infrastructure to capture data as objects that contain RF transponders pass process points. In particular this invention permits the capture of delivery data automatically at the final end point. This invention is applicable in delivery applications such as those performed by post offices.
1. A mail delivery measurement system comprising:
a excitation unit for installation on a delivery door,
and a remote reader unit,
wherein when a mailpiece is inserted through a slot in said delivery door, said excitation unit excites said mailpiece such that any radio frequency identification tag contained within the mailpiece communicates a corresponding identity to said remote reader unit, and wherein power conservation mode is maintained by the excitation unit until opening of a flap covering said slot.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein when said flap is held in the open position for a predeteimined length of time, said excitation unit communicates directly with said remote reader unit.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said remote reader unit stores the corresponding identity, time stamps the corresponding identity, and relays the corresponding identity immediately or at a later time for post processing.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said excitation unit reverts to said power conservation mode after said excitation unit communicates said corresponding identity to said remote reader unit.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the integrity of the system is determined by analyzing at least one integrity messages received.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said excitation unit is capable of transmitting diagnostic messages on UHF and wherein said remote read unit is capable of indicating reception of said diagnostic messages.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said diagnostic messages include battery low messages.
8. A mail delivery measurement system comprising:
a excitation unit for installation on a delivery door,
and a remote reader unit,
wherein when a mailpiece is inserted through a slot in said delivery door, said excitation unit excites said mailpiece such that any radio frequency identification tag contained within the mailpiece communicates a corresponding identity to said remote reader unit, and
wherein said excitation unit is capable of transmitting diagnostic messages on UHF and wherein said remote read unit is capable of indicating reception of said diagnostic messages.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein said diagnostic messages include battery low messages.
10. A mail delivery tracking system comprising:
an excitation unit configured to be associated with a mail slot; and
a remote reader unit; wherein
in the event a mailpiece is inserted through the mail slot, the excitation unit produces an excitation signal to excite a radio frequency tag contained within the mailpiece to communicate its identity to the remote reader unit; and otherwise
the excitation unit maintains a power conservation mode.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the excitation unit is associated with a flap for covering said mail slot, wherein movement of said flap to an open position causes the excitation unit to produce the excitation signal.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein in the event said flap is held in the open position for a predetermined length of time, said excitation unit communicates directly with said remote reader unit.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the remote reader unit is configured to receive the corresponding identity, and to store and associate a time stamp with the corresponding identity.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the remote reader unit is configured to relay the time stamped identity.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the remote reader unit is configurable to relay the time stamped identity either immediately or at a later time.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein said excitation unit reverts to said power conservation mode after said excitation unit communicates said corresponding identity to said remote reader unit.
17. The system of claim 10 , wherein said excitation unit is capable of transmitting diagnostic messages on UHF and wherein said remote reader unit is capable of indicating reception of said diagnostic messages.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein said diagnostic messages include battery low messages.
19. A mail delivery tracking system comprising:
an excitation unit configured to be associated with a mail slot; and
a remote reader unit;
wherein in the event a mailpiece is inserted through the mail slot, the excitation unit produces an excitation signal to excite a radio frequency tag contained within the mailpiece to communicate its identity to the remote reader unit;
wherein said excitation unit is capable of transmitting diagnostic messages on UHF and wherein said remote reader unit is capable of indicating reception of said diagnostic messages.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein said diagnostic messages include battery low messages.