Methods and systems for forming and using location identification grids

Abstract

Methods and systems for forming and using location identification grids. Methods and systems for generating location identifiers using location codes and grid coordinates. The location code corresponds to a defined geographic area, such as a postal code or area code, and the grid coordinates may be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined location, or other reference to a particular physical location. The location identifier is combined with a location code to generate a location identifier, which may be encoded in a computer-readable format and placed on an item for use in a distribution network. The location identifier may be used to facilitate domestic or international item delivery using a generic format or addressing scheme. Domestic and foreign delivery networks read and interpret the location identifier to deliver the item.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 201580064033.5, entitled “Method and system for forming and using a location identification grid”, filed on September 24, 2015.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 055,442, filed on September 25, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present application relates to the field of geographic location identification. Background Art

[0005] Location identification is done in a variety of ways including, for example, relative location, addressing, and by using a grid system.

[0006] Determining relative position is a long-standing method for developing location identification. Relative position refers to a landmark or other identifying feature. Although relative position is simple, it is difficult to use reliably because landmarks can be difficult to identify consistently. Relative position is also difficult to use because landmarks and other identifying features can change over time. Therefore, although relative position is useful in facilitating location identification, it also has drawbacks.

[0007] Addressing is another location identification method. Addressing can be performed by, for example, identifying a street and a location in the street. In many addressing instances, a location on a street is associated with a building or property located on the street. Although addressing provides a more reliable way of location identification, there are also some difficulties. For people who are not familiar with a certain area or street, addressing can be a very inefficient way of location identification. For example, a person may not be able to find the street mentioned in the address. In addition, addressing is not intuitive because the name and location of one street usually do not indicate the name or location of another street. Therefore, a person must be familiar with the area where the address is located in order to know how to use addressing to find the location. In addition, since addressing relies on relative positioning on the street, and relative positions are usually defined relative to properties or structures, changes in properties, changes in structures on the street, and / or changes in the street itself can make the addressing system difficult to use. Another defect of addressing is that the addressing system cannot accurately identify locations within a property or other locations that are not related to the property.

[0008] Grid-type systems associated with land areas are another method of identifying locations. These systems include, for example, longitude and latitude on the earth and national grid / electricity grid systems. Although grid systems allow for accurate location identification, and although the identification of locations is independent of physical landmarks or physical identifying features, grid systems also have drawbacks. The greatest drawback of a grid system is that it is divorced from everyday experience. Therefore, people who use a grid system do not typically experience location in terms of a grid system, but rather an address and relative location. Therefore, relying entirely on a grid system can cause problems for new users. In addition, grid systems tend to identify a point rather than an area.

[0009] Furthermore, in some areas of the world, an addressing system may not exist or may be too cumbersome for national and / or international use.A system using location identifiers and grid coordinates can provide addresses for physical locations that lack an addressing system.

[0010] In view of these deficiencies, new location identification methods and systems are needed that facilitate intuitive and accurate location identification. Summary of the invention

[0011] Some embodiments include a system for generating an identifier of a location for use with an item, the system comprising: an item handling instrument configured to receive a destination location identifier and transmit the destination location identifier to a processor; a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing a plurality of location codes corresponding to a plurality of geographic areas; a second memory in communication with the processor, the second memory storing grid coordinates corresponding to a plurality of physical locations; wherein the processor is configured to query the first memory to select a specific location code from a plurality of stored location codes based on the destination location identifier, the specific location code corresponding to one of a plurality of geographic areas; query the second memory based on the selected location code and the destination location identifier to determine a grid coordinate value; generate a location identifier using the selected location code and the determined grid coordinate value; store the generated location identifier and associate the location identifier with the destination location information; and send the generated location identifier to the item handling instrument for use with the item.

[0012] In some embodiments, the item handling apparatus includes a scanner configured to read a destination location from an item.

[0013] The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to encode the generated location identifier in a computer readable code and transmit the computer readable code to the item handling instrument.

[0014] In some embodiments, the item handling instrument is further configured to generate a physical representation of the generated location identifier.

[0015] In some embodiments, the item handling instrument is further configured to receive an item and attach a physical representation of the generated location identifier to the received item.

[0016] In some embodiments, the scanner is further configured to read the generated location identifier on the received item and sort the received item according to the location identifier.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes a mobile device having a scanner and a communication module in communication with the processor, wherein the scanner is configured to read the location identifier from the item and request associated destination location information.

[0018] Some embodiments describe a method for generating a location identifier, which includes: receiving an item in an item handling instrument, receiving a destination location identifier from the item; querying, by a processor, a first memory storing a plurality of location codes corresponding to a plurality of geographic areas to determine a specific location code from the plurality of stored location codes, the specific location code corresponding to one of the plurality of geographic areas; querying, by the processor, a second memory storing grid coordinates corresponding to a plurality of physical locations to determine a grid coordinate value corresponding to the destination location identifier based on a selected location code and the destination location identifier; generating, by the processor, a computer-readable location identifier having the selected location code and the determined grid coordinate value encoded therein; and placing the computer-readable location identifier on the item.

[0019] In some embodiments, the destination location identifier is a physical address.

[0020] In some embodiments, receiving the destination location identifier includes scanning the destination location identifier on the item and extracting the location code from the physical address.

[0021] Some embodiments include a method of generating a location identifier, the method comprising: receiving a request for a location identifier from a user via a computing device; receiving location coordinates from the computing device; determining a location code based on the location coordinates; and generating a computer-readable location identifier using at least a portion of the received location coordinates and the determined location code.

[0022] In some embodiments, the location coordinates are the location coordinates of the computing device when the request for the location identifier is received.

[0023] In some embodiments, the location code corresponds to a defined geographic area.

[0024] In some embodiments, the location coordinates are determined by a global positioning system.

[0025] Some embodiments relate to a system for generating a location identification grid. In some embodiments, the system may include a memory having information related to a first irregular-shaped geographic region dividing a representation of a geographic area and a processor that may receive a request for location information from a user, query the memory for information about the first irregular-shaped geographic region, determine the first irregular-shaped geographic region that contains the requested location, divide the representation of the first geographic region that contains the requested location into a plurality of first parallel lines and a plurality of first areas having a plurality of second parallel lines, wherein the first parallel lines intersect the second parallel lines and thereby define a plurality of second geographic regions, determine a second geographic region that contains the requested location from among the plurality of second geographic regions, and output location information related to the requested location and the second geographic region.

[0026] In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the plurality of first irregularly shaped geographic regions may correspond to pre-existing regions, such as, for example, a zip code, a postal code, and / or an area code. In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the plurality of first parallel lines and the plurality of second parallel lines correspond to pre-existing grid lines, such as, for example, a national grid. In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the plurality of second geographic regions correspond to pre-existing regions, such as, for example, a national grid.

[0027] In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the second geographic area is rectangular in shape, and in some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the second geographic area is square. In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the first parallel lines are perpendicular to the second parallel lines.

[0028] In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the memory may additionally include a unique identifier associated with one of the first irregularly shaped geographic regions, such as, for example, a pre-existing identifier. In some embodiments of the system for generating a location identification grid, the processor may further determine whether further resolution of the location identification is required and / or whether to subdivide the second geographic region.

[0029] Some embodiments relate to a system for defining a geographic location, the system comprising: a memory storing information about multiple non-uniform shaped areas, wherein one of the non-uniform shaped areas corresponds to a pre-existing area; and a processor that receives a user request for information about a first location, receives information about a second location from the user, identifies the first location by querying the memory for information about one of the non-uniform shaped areas, wherein the memory queries and identifies one of the non-uniform shaped areas using a pre-existing identifier received in the user request, wherein one of the non-uniform shaped areas includes the first location, subdivides one of the non-uniform shaped areas using a rectangular coordinate system, determines a subdivision of the non-uniform shaped area that includes the first location, and provides user location information of the first location relative to the second location.

[0030] In some embodiments of the system for defining a geographic location, multiple non-uniform shape areas may correspond to pre-existing areas, such as, for example, areas defined by zip codes and / or postal codes. Although the term zip code is often used to describe a geographic location in this article, this usage is exemplary only. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of this application, a geographic area may be identified by a location code (such as a telephone area code or a government or private sector) rather than a zip code. In some embodiments of the system for defining a geographic location, the rectangular coordinate system is a pre-existing rectangular coordinate system, such as, for example, a national grid. In some embodiments of the system for defining a geographic location, the processor may further determine whether further resolution of the location identification is required. In some embodiments of the system for defining a geographic location, the processor may subdivide the sub-areas.

[0031] Some embodiments relate to a system for providing location information. The system may include a user communication interface, a memory having location information, and a processor, the processor may receive a user location request including an identifier of a first location having a first component and a second component, wherein the first component of the identifier corresponds to a first geographic area, and wherein the second component of the identifier corresponds to a second geographic area that is a portion of the first geographic area, the processor may query a database for location information corresponding to the first component of the identifier, may identify the first geographic area, may query a database for location information corresponding to the second component of the identifier, and may identify the second geographic area.

[0032] In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the first geographic area corresponds to a pre-existing area, which may correspond to an area defined by a zip code, a postal code, and / or an area code. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the pre-existing area may be irregularly shaped. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the second geographic area may have pre-existing boundaries, which may be defined, for example, by a national grid. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the second geographic area may include a portion of the first geographic area.

[0033] In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the plurality of second geographic areas define the entire first geographic area. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the second geographic area identifies the first location.

[0034] In some embodiments of the system for providing position information, the processor may further receive an indication of a second location, and in some embodiments of the system for providing position information, the processor may provide directions indicating how to move from the second location to the first location.

[0035] In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, a portion of the second component of the identifier further corresponds to a third geographic area that is a portion of the second geographic area. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the processor may identify the second geographic area based on the portion of the second component of the identifier corresponding to the third geographic area.

[0036] In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the memory may include security information, and in some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the processor may query the memory for the security information and may determine whether the user location request complies with the security information.

[0037] Some embodiments relate to a method of guiding a person to a location. The method may include receiving a request for location information at a processor, wherein the request may include an indication of a desired destination, querying a memory with the processor to determine a first irregularly shaped geographic area including the desired destination from a set of first irregularly shaped geographic areas, querying a memory with the processor to determine a second geographic area including the desired destination from a set of second irregularly shaped geographic areas overlying the first irregularly shaped geographic area including the destination, determining a current location, and providing an audible or visual output indicating a path to the desired destination.

[0038] In some embodiments of the method of directing a person to a location, the first irregularly shaped geographic area may correspond to a pre-existing geographic area, such as, for example, an area specified by one or more postal codes and / or an area specified by one or more area codes. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the second geographic area corresponds to a pre-existing geographic area, such as, for example, an area defined by an existing polar coordinate system and / or an area defined by an existing Cartesian grid system.

[0039] In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, receiving the request for location information includes receiving user input identifying a desired destination. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, receiving the request for location information includes receiving third-party input identifying the desired destination, where the third-party input may include, for example, receiving input from a web page. In some embodiments of the system for providing location information, the path to the desired destination is partially on a road.

[0040] Some embodiments relate to a system for guiding a person to a location. The system may include means for receiving a request for location information, the request including an indication of a desired destination; means for identifying a first irregularly shaped geographic area including the desired destination from a set of first irregularly shaped geographic areas; means for identifying a second geographic area including the desired destination from a set of second irregularly shaped geographic areas covering the first irregularly shaped geographic area including the destination; means for determining a current location; and means for providing an audible or visual output indicating a path to the desired destination.

[0041] Some embodiments relate to a system for generating a location identification grid. The system may include, for example, means for storing information about a representation of a divided geographic area of ​​a first irregularly shaped geographic area; means for receiving a user request for location information; means for identifying information about the first irregularly shaped geographic area; means for determining the first irregularly shaped geographic area containing the requested location; means for dividing the representation of the first geographic area containing the requested location into a plurality of first areas having a plurality of first parallel lines and a plurality of second parallel lines, wherein the first parallel lines intersect the second parallel lines and thereby define a plurality of second geographic areas; means for determining a second geographic area containing the requested location; and means for outputting location information related to the requested location and the second geographic area.

[0042] Another aspect described herein relates to a system for identifying a destination, the system comprising an item handling instrument configured to receive a location identifier and transmit the location identifier to a processor; a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing the location identifier and a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier; wherein the processor is configured to: query the first memory to identify the destination location identifier associated with the location identifier based on a scanned location identifier; and cause the item handling instrument to display the destination location identifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, the item handling instrument comprises a scanner configured to read position information from an item. In some embodiments, the item handling instrument is a mobile communication device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine a preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier.

[0045] In some embodiments, the processor determines a preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier based on the physical location of the item handling instrument. In some embodiments, the destination location identifier corresponds to the physical location. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to display turn-by-turn directions of the physical location corresponding to the destination location identifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to identify a recipient associated with the destination location identifier. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to identify a transmission preference associated with the recipient.

[0047] On the other hand, a method for transporting an item includes receiving the item at an item handling instrument; receiving a location identifier from the item; querying a first memory in communication with a processor, the first memory storing the location identifier and a destination location identifier associated with the location identifier to identify the destination location identifier associated with the location identifier based on a scanned location identifier; and displaying the destination location identifier on the item handling instrument.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier on the item handling instrument. In some embodiments, determining the preferred format for displaying the destination location identifier is based on the physical location of the item handling instrument.

[0049] In some embodiments, the destination location identifier corresponds to a physical location. In some embodiments, displaying the destination location identifier includes displaying bit-by-bit directions to the physical location corresponding to the destination location identifier. In some embodiments, including identifying a recipient associated with the destination location identifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, identifying a recipient associated with the destination location identifier further comprises identifying a delivery preference associated with the recipient. In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises delivering the item to a physical location identified in the delivery preference.

[0051] The above is a summary of the invention, and therefore contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details as needed; therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary of the invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be limited in any way. Through the teachings set forth herein, other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and / or processes and / or other subjects described herein will become apparent. The summary of the invention is provided to introduce a series of concepts further described in the following specific embodiments in a simplified form. The summary of the invention is not intended to establish the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 An illustration of one embodiment of a location identification grid covering a geographic area.

[0053] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Illustration of a close-up cross-section of a portion of the location identification grid shown.

[0054] Figures 3A-3C A representation of a text string that can be used to indicate a location in a grid of placeholders.

[0055] Figure 4 A block diagram of one embodiment of a system that may be used in conjunction with a location identification grid.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process for generating a location identification grid.

[0057] Figure 5A is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process for dividing a region into sub-regions.

[0058] Figure 5B is a flow chart illustrating a second embodiment of a process for dividing a region into sub-regions.

[0059] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process for identifying locations using a location identification grid.

[0060] Fig. 6A is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process for determining a location of a request based on first and second signal components.

[0061] Figure 7A flow chart illustrating an embodiment for generating a location identifier.

[0062] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of using a location identifier in transporting an item. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Some embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for generating a location identification grid. Some embodiments relate specifically to methods for generating a location identification grid. Some embodiments relate to methods for using a location identification grid. Some embodiments relate to new techniques and methods for identifying locations within a location identification grid. Some embodiments relate to hardware and software components that can be used in conjunction with a location identification grid.

[0064] In some embodiments, the geographic area can be divided into several smaller geographic regions. In some embodiments, each of these geographic regions can be further divided until the desired level of resolution is achieved within the grid. In some embodiments, a location can be identified by identifying one or more regions containing the location. In some embodiments, the division of these geographic regions can be divided by applying an existing grid system (such as, for example, a conventional grid, a Cartesian grid, a rectilinear grid, a curvilinear grid, and / or a polar coordinate grid system) to these geographic regions. In some embodiments, the grid system may include, for example, a national grid.

[0065] The location identification grid can be used to identify locations within a geographic area. The geographic area can be divided into a plurality of first geographic regions. In some embodiments, these first geographic regions can cover the entire geographic area. For example, these geographic regions can have a regular shape or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, these first geographic regions can have the same size, can have different sizes, or can fall within a consistent size range. For example, in some embodiments, these first geographic regions can correspond to pre-existing divisions of a geographic area.

[0066] In some embodiments of the location identification grid, each area in the first geographic area may be divided into a plurality of second geographic areas. In some embodiments, the division of the first geographic area into the plurality of second geographic areas may be performed by applying a pre-existing grid such as, for example, a regular grid, a Cartesian grid, a rectilinear grid, a curvilinear grid, and / or a polar coordinate grid system to the first geographic area, and in some embodiments, the division of the first geographic area into the plurality of second geographic areas may be performed by generating a new grid system within the first geographic area.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plurality of second geographic areas may cover the entire first geographic area. For example, in some embodiments, the first geographic area may be divided into second geographic areas of a first size. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second geographic areas of the first size have the same size. In some embodiments, the second geographic areas of the first size may also have the same shape. However, in view of the fact that the first geographic areas may be irregularly shaped and may have different sizes, the plurality of first geographic areas may have different numbers of second geographic areas within the boundaries of each area in the first geographic area, and the second geographic areas of the first size may be different sizes and shapes.

[0068] In some embodiments, each area in the second geographic area of ​​the first size can be further divided into second geographic areas of the second size. In some embodiments, the division of the second geographic area of ​​the first size into multiple second geographic areas of the second size can be performed by applying a pre-existing grid to the first geographic area, such as, for example, a regular grid, a Cartesian grid, a rectilinear grid, a curvilinear grid, and / or a polar coordinate grid, and in some embodiments, the division of the second geographic area of ​​the first size into multiple second geographic areas of the second size can be performed by generating a new grid system within the second geographic area of ​​the first size. In some embodiments, for example, the second geographic areas of the second size can cover the entirety of each area in the second geographic area of ​​the first size. In some embodiments, the second geographic areas of the second size can have the same shape and / or the same size.

[0069] In some embodiments, each area in the second geographic area of ​​the second size can be further divided into smaller groups, similar to the division of the second geographic area of ​​the first size. This division can be achieved by using similar steps and methods described above. This process can continue for each new second geographic area until the desired level of resolution and accuracy is achieved.

[0070] By dividing the geographic area into a number of first geographic regions, a location can be identified based on its presence within the boundaries of one of the first geographic regions. Similarly, by dividing each of the first geographic regions into a number of second geographic regions of a first size, a location can be identified by reference to its location within the boundaries of the first geographic region and its location within the boundaries of the second geographic regions of the first size. Identification of the location can be indicated more specifically successively by identifying the location based on its presence within the boundaries of successively smaller second geographic regions. Location identification by identifying successively smaller geographic regions containing the desired location within the boundaries can be performed until location identification with a desired level of accuracy is achieved.

[0071] Various systems and modules can be used in conjunction with a location identification grid. Similarly, various systems and modules can be used in conjunction with a process for identifying a location by reference to a location identification grid. For example, in some embodiments, a system used in conjunction with a location identification grid or for generating a location identification grid may include various components and / or modules. These components and / or modules may be, for example, hardware or software. In some embodiments, these modules may be stand-alone devices or may be run in a single device. In some embodiments, these modules and / or components may be connected to each other. These modules may include, for example, a processor, a memory, a communication module, a security module, and an administrator's module.

[0072] In some embodiments, modules for a location identification grid or a system for generating a location identification grid can communicate with a user. In some embodiments, these modules can communicate with a user through an interface or through a user device. For example, in some embodiments, these modules can receive input from a user. In some embodiments, these modules can provide output and / or prompts to the user.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of components, devices, modules and / or other features may be used to create a system for generating or using in conjunction with a location identification grid, and that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular system or any particular module, component and / or any other feature.

[0074] The location identification grid can be generated in a variety of ways. In one embodiment of generating the location identification grid, a geographic area can be identified. The geographic area can be divided into a series of gradually smaller geographic regions. Specifically, the geographic area can be divided into a first geographic area, wherein the first geographic area covers the entire geographic area. Each of these first geographic areas can be divided into a plurality of second geographic areas of a first size. Similarly, a second geographic area of ​​a first size can be divided into a second geographic area of ​​a second size, wherein the second geographic area of ​​the second size can also be similarly subdivided into smaller second geographic areas. This process of dividing the continuously smaller second geographic areas can be performed until the desired accuracy and resolution of the location identification grid is achieved. As described above, this division can be achieved by applying a pre-existing system such as a national grid to the first geographic area.

[0075] In some embodiments, a smaller "child" geographic area can be generated from a larger "parent" geographic area. In some embodiments, a second geographic area can be generated by dividing a parent area located by a plurality of parallel first lines. In some embodiments, these first lines can extend from one side of the parent geographic area to the other side of the parent geographic area. In some embodiments, the parent geographic area can be further divided. In some embodiments, these second lines can extend from one side of the parent geographic area to the other side of the parent geographic area. In some embodiments, the second line can be, for example, perpendicular to the first line. The second sub-geographic area generated by a plurality of parallel first lines and a plurality of parallel second lines can result in the generation of a plurality of rectangular second geographic areas, wherein the parallel second lines are perpendicular to the parallel first lines.

[0076] In some embodiments, information about the first geographic area and / or the second geographic area may be stored in a database.

[0077] In some embodiments, the location identification grid can be used in a variety of ways to assist in the identification of the location and to assist in the performance of various tasks. In some embodiments where the location identification grid is used to facilitate location identification, a signal can be received from a user. In some embodiments, the signal can include a request for the location identification. In some embodiments, this request can include a text stream. This text stream can be divided into multiple components, wherein the components identify a related first geographic area and any related second geographic area or multiple related second geographic areas. In some embodiments, these components can be used to determine the location. After the location has been identified and / or determined, information related to the location can be provided to the user.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a location-identifying grid may be used for the performance of a variety of tasks, and the present application is not limited to the details of the method of using the location-identifying grid described above.

[0079] Location grid

[0080] Figure 1 An embodiment of a location identification grid 100 is shown. Figure 1As shown, the location identification grid 100 covers a geographic area 102. The geographic area 102 may include various sizes and shapes, and may have any desired size and shape, and may include any desired geographic features, such as, for example, cities, mountains, plains, rivers, valleys, or any other geographic features. The geographic area 102 may have a variety of boundaries. In some embodiments, the geographic area 102 may have pre-existing boundaries, such as boundaries formed by coastlines, riverbanks, or any other natural or artificial or pre-existing features. In some embodiments, the geographic area 102 may have political boundaries that may include, for example, state boundaries, national boundaries, city boundaries, county boundaries, or any other politically determined boundaries. In some embodiments, the geographic area may be a continent such as North America, a country such as the United States, or a state, province, municipality, prefecture, etc.

[0081] The geographic area 102 may include a plurality of first geographic regions 104. Figure 1 As shown, each of the geographic regions 104 may include a portion of the geographic area 102. In addition, for example, the sum of the plurality of first geographic regions 104 may encompass the entire area of ​​the geographic area 102. Thus, the entire area of ​​the geographic area 102 may be as shown. Figure 1 Shown is contained within first geographic area 104 .

[0082] The first geographic area 104 may include various shapes and sizes, and in some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include the same shape and size. In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include different sizes and / or different shapes.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include a regular geometric shape such as, for example, a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a quadrilateral, a polygon, a hexagon, a pentagon, or any other regular geometric shape. In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include an irregular shape. In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include a variety of sizes.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may include, for example, a set of pre-existing areas. These areas may be associated with a postal system, such as, for example, an area associated with a postal code (such as a zip code), associated with a communication system, such as, for example, an area associated with an area code, associated with a political sub-region, such as, for example, a state, county, city, country, or other political region or border, or may be associated with any other service or purpose. These areas may be associated with school districts, voting districts, political districts (such as cities, counties, or congressional districts), emergency response areas (such as police, fire, ambulance districts), cellular broadcast areas, parks, campgrounds, school or university campuses, disaster areas, learning areas, airports, shopping malls, other public places, etc. In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may be formed separately to function within the location identification grid 100.

[0085] Each of first geographic areas 104 may be defined by first boundaries 106. For example, these first boundaries 106 may coincide with a portion of one or more boundaries of geographic area 102, or may be unrelated to the boundaries of geographic area 102. In some embodiments, these boundaries 106 correspond to natural boundaries, political boundaries, or any other boundaries. Thus, in some embodiments, boundaries 106 correspond to pre-existing dividing features, including, for example, rivers, coasts, streets, roads, state boundaries, county boundaries, national borders, city boundaries, or any other boundaries.

[0086] like Figure 1 As further shown, the first geographic area 104 can be further subdivided into a plurality of second geographic areas 108 of a first size. The second geographic areas 108 of the first size can include various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the second geographic areas 108 of the first size can include the same shape and size. In some embodiments, the second geographic areas 108 of the first size can include different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the second geographic areas 108 of the first size can be of regular shape or irregular shape. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the second geographic area 108 of the first size may include a plurality of rectangles of the same size, or a plurality of squares of the same size. In some embodiments, the second geographic area 108 of the first size may include a range of sizes.

[0087] 1, the entirety of some or all of the first geographic area 104 may be covered by a first-sized second geographic area 108. Thus, and as shown in FIG1, each portion of the first geographic area 104 may be included in one of the plurality of second geographic areas 108 of the first size.

[0088] To provide different levels of accuracy for location identification, the first geographic area 104 may be divisible into any number of first-sized second geographic areas 108. In some embodiments, the first geographic area 104 may be divided into first-sized second geographic areas 108 by one or more first boundary lines 110 and one or more second boundary lines 112. In some embodiments, these boundary lines 110, 112 may correspond to a pre-existing grid system, such as, for example, the boundaries of a national power grid.

[0089] In some embodiments, first boundary line 110 may be linear or non-linear. Similarly, in some embodiments, second boundary line 112 may be linear or non-linear. In some embodiments, first boundary line 110 and second boundary line 112 may coincide with pre-existing boundaries or natural boundaries such as, for example, boundaries defined by rivers, mountains, coastlines, political boundaries such as state, county, city, or country boundaries, or any other man-made or natural boundaries.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first boundary line 110 may include a plurality of parallel linear boundaries. In some embodiments, the second boundary line 112 may also include a plurality of parallel linear boundary lines. In some embodiments, the second boundary line 112 may be perpendicular to the first boundary line 110. In some embodiments, the first boundary line 110 and the second boundary line 112 may define a grid.

[0091] In each first geographic area 104, the number of first boundary lines 110 and second boundary lines 112 may be the same. In some embodiments, the number of first boundary lines 110 and the number of second boundary lines 112 may vary between first geographic areas 104. In some embodiments, the spacing between first boundary lines 110 and between second boundary lines 112 may be constant within a single first geographic area and between a plurality of first geographic areas 104. Therefore, in some embodiments where the spacing between first boundary lines 110 and second boundary lines 112 is constant between first geographic areas 104, the sizes of first-sized second geographic areas 108 defined by first boundary lines 110 and second boundary lines 112 may be partially the same. In some embodiments where the first geographic area 104 is an irregular shape, a first-sized second geographic area 108 having a boundary that coincides with the first boundary 106 may not have the same shape as other second geographic areas 108 of the first size, or may not cover the same area as other second geographic areas 108 of the first size.

[0092] When geographic area 102 is subdivided into first geographic area 104, and first geographic area 104 is subdivided into second geographic area 108 of a first size, specification of first geographic area 104 identifies a portion of geographic area 102, and thus identifies a location more accurately than simply identifying geographic area 102. Similarly, specification of second geographic area 108 of a first size within first geographic area 104 identifies a portion of first geographic area 104, and thus identifies a location more accurately than simply identifying first geographic area 104.

[0093] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 A close-up of one of the second geographic areas 108 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the second geographic area 108 of the first size is defined by a plurality of boundaries. Specifically, the second geographic area 108 of the first size is defined by a left first boundary line 110a, a right first boundary line 110b, an upper second boundary line 112a, and a lower second boundary line 112b. Figure 2 As shown, the first boundary lines 110a and 110b may be parallel. Similarly, as described above, the second boundary lines 112a and 112b may be parallel and may be perpendicular to the first boundary lines 110a, 110b. Due to the orientation of the first boundary lines 110a, 110b and the second boundary lines 112a, 112b, the intersection of the first boundary lines 110a, 110b and the second boundary lines 112a, 112b defines a square second geographic area 108 of a first size. Figure 2 As shown, the first sized second geographic area 108 may be further subdivided into a second sized second geographic area 200. In some embodiments, the second sized second geographic area 200 may correspond to an area defined by the boundaries of a pre-existing grid system, such as, for example, the national grid.

[0094] The second geographic area 200 of the second size may include various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the second geographic area 200 of the second size may be of the same shape and size. In some embodiments, the second geographic area 200 of the second size may be of different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the second geographic area 200 of the second size may be of a regular shape or an irregular shape.

[0095] In some embodiments, second geographic area 200 of second size may have any desired area that is smaller than the area in second geographic area 108 of first size.

[0096] In some embodiments, the sum of the second sized plurality of second geographic areas 200 may include all areas of the first sized second geographic area 108. Thus, in some embodiments, each portion of the first sized second geographic area 108 is contained within a portion of an area of ​​the second sized plurality of second geographic areas 200.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second geographic area 108 of the first size can be subdivided into the second geographic area 200 of the second size by one or more third boundary lines 202 and one or more fourth boundary lines 204. In some embodiments, these boundary lines 202, 204 can correspond to a pre-existing grid system, such as, for example, the boundary of the national power grid. In some embodiments, the third boundary line 202 may include one or more parallel boundary lines. In some embodiments, these boundary lines may be linear or non-linear. Similarly, in some embodiments, the fourth boundary line 204 may include one or more parallel lines. In some embodiments, the fourth boundary line 204 may be linear or non-linear. In some embodiments, both the third boundary line 202 and the fourth boundary line 204 may be associated with a pre-existing boundary, or may be generated for the purpose of subdividing the second geographic area 108 of the first size.

[0098] The boundary lines 202, 204 may be regularly spaced or irregularly spaced. In some embodiments, the third boundary line 202 is perpendicular to the fourth boundary line 204. In some embodiments where the third boundary line 202 is parallel and perpendicular to the fourth boundary line 204, the combination of the third boundary line 202 and the fourth boundary line 204 defines a grid.

[0099] The division of the first sized second geographic area 108 into a plurality of second sized second geographic areas 200 allows for more accurate identification of locations because the presence of the second sized second geographic area 200 within the first sized second geographic area 108 allows for specification of a portion of the first sized second geographic area 108 that includes a specific location.

[0100] although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only the division of the geographic area 102 into the first geographic regions 104 and the division of the first geographic regions 104 into the second geographic regions 108 of a first size are shown, wherein the second geographic regions 108 of the first size are subdivided into second geographic regions 200 of a second size, but those skilled in the art should recognize that the second geographic regions 200 of the second size can be further subdivided into smaller second geographic regions of a third size, wherein the second geographic regions of the third size can similarly be subdivided into smaller second geographic regions of a fourth size, and this subdivision can continue until the desired level of accuracy is achieved within the location identification grid 100.

[0101] A text string identifying the location

[0102] In some embodiments, geographic regions of geographic area 102 may be uniquely identified. For example, in some embodiments, each of first geographic regions 104 may be assigned a unique identifier, such as, for example, a unique text string. In some embodiments, the unique text string may include a unique identification number, such as a zip code, a postal code, or the like.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second geographic area may be uniquely identified by identifying a first geographic area that includes the second geographic area and identifying the second geographic area relative to the first geographic area.

[0104] By way of example and reference Figure 1 , the first geographic area 104 including the location 150 may be assigned a unique identifier. Figure 1 As shown, the geographic area 102 includes seven first geographic regions 104 with unique first geographic areas 104a. In one embodiment, each of the seven first geographic regions 104 can be uniquely identified by assigning a unique number. In one embodiment, each of the seven first geographic regions can be assigned a number between one and seven, and the unique first geographic region 104a can be assigned, for example, the number one.

[0105] In addition, the first-sized second geographic area 108 including the location 150 and the unique second geographic area 108a of the first size may be identified. In some embodiments, the identification may be achieved by assigning a unique identifier to each of the first-sized second geographic areas 108. In some embodiments, the unique identifier may include information identifying the first geographic area 104 that includes the first-sized second geographic areas 108 and identifies one of the first-sized second geographic areas 108 located in the first geographic area 104. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, in which the first geographic area 104 may be divided into eight columns of first-sized second geographic areas 108 and six rows of first-sized second geographic areas 108, the first-sized second geographic areas 108 may be identified within the unique first geographic area 104a by identifying the positions of their rows and columns.

[0106] Thus, the first size unique second geographic area 108a located in the fifth column from the leftmost boundary of the unique first geographic area 104a and the third row from the bottommost boundary of the unique first geographic area 104a can be identified by "53" within the unique first geographic area 104a, corresponding to the position in the fifth column and the third row. Therefore, the first size unique second geographic area 108a can be uniquely identified by reference to its position within the unique first geographic area 104a and its row and column position within the unique first geographic area 104a. The identification can be, for example, "153".

[0107] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the location 150 may be further identified by specifying a second-sized unique second geographic area 200a that includes the location 150. Like the first-sized second geographic area 108, the location of the second-sized unique second geographic area 200a may be uniquely identified by identifying the unique first geographic area 104a that includes the location 150, by identifying the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a that includes the location 150 relative to the unique first geographic area 104a, and by identifying the second-sized unique second geographic area 200a that includes the location 150 relative to the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first-sized second geographic area 108 found in the unique first geographic area 104a may be divided into seven columns and eight rows, and the second-sized second geographic area 200 may be identified within the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a by identifying its column and row position.

[0108] Thus, a second-sized unique second geographic area 200a located in the fourth column from the leftmost boundary of the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a and the fifth row from the bottommost boundary of the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a can be identified within the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a by "45", which corresponds to the position in the fourth column and the fifth row. Thus, the second-sized unique second geographic area 200a can be uniquely identified by reference to the unique first geographic area 104a containing the second-sized unique second geographic area 200a, by reference to the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a containing the second-sized unique second geographic area 200a, and by reference to its row / column position within the first-sized unique second geographic area 108a. The identification can be, for example, "15345". Thus, the identifier of the location 150 can be represented as "15345". The identifier of this location can be encoded into a computer-readable code and applied, sprayed, printed or adhered to an item. The computer-readable code can be read and interpreted by processing and sorting equipment in the distribution network, and the item can be directed to the location 150 based on the computer-readable code. This will be described in more detail below.

[0109] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C A plurality of text strings are identified that can be used to indicate portions of the location identification grid 100 that correspond to locations. Referring now to Figure 3A , Figure 3A A first text string 302 is shown. The text string may include a text collection. Figure 3A As shown, the first text string 302 includes a plurality of first characters 304. These first characters 304 may include letters, numbers, or any other symbols.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first character 304 within the first text string 302 may correspond to or identify the location of a location within the location identification grid 100 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the first text string 302 can be used to identify a location. In some embodiments, the first text string 302 can include a desired number of first characters 304 to provide a desired level of resolution and / or accuracy when identifying a location. In some embodiments, one or more of the first characters 304 of the first text string 302 can be associated with the first geographic area 104 and associated with one or more second geographic areas. In some embodiments, one or more of the first characters 304 of the first text string 302 can be associated with an entity, a person, a property, an address, and / or any other desired item. In some embodiments, items including, for example, entities and / or people associated with some of the first characters 304 of the first string 302 can be associated with a location identified by the remainder of the first text string 302. Therefore, a first portion of the first characters 304 of the first text string 302 can identify a location, and a second portion of the first characters 304 of the first text string 302 can be associated with, for example, an entity, a person, a property, or an address. Advantageously, this can facilitate delivery of items to a person at a location by allowing a recipient to be identified via reference to the text string and / or information associated with the text string.

[0112] In some embodiments where the first text string 302 is associated with an item such as, for example, a property, an entity, and / or a person, the first text string 302 can be used as an address, as a phone number, as an email address, or for any other desired purpose. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the first text string 302 can be converted into a signal, a computer-readable code, and / or any other desired format to facilitate its use.

[0113] Referring to location 150, location 150 may be identified as "153" by first text string 302 of first characters 304, as described above. This text string identifies a unique first geographic area 104 that includes location 150 and a portion of the unique first geographic area 104, namely a unique second geographic area 108a of a first size that includes this location.

[0114] In some embodiments where further precision is desired, a portion of the second geographic area 108a of the first size that contains the location 150, i.e., a unique second geographic area 200a of the second size, may be identified. Thus, in some embodiments, information may be requested regarding the location of an object covering a large area or information may be requested regarding the location of an object covering a small area. In the case of requesting information regarding the location of an object covering a large area, it may be identified that less precision is required for the location than in the case of requesting information regarding the location of an object covering a smaller area.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first text string 302 that provides this level of precision may include, for example, “15345.” Similarly, additional first characters 304 may be added to the first text string 302 to provide additional precision in identifying the location 150 .

[0116] Figure 3B Another embodiment of a text string is shown. Specifically, Figure 3B The second text string 306 is shown. As described above, the second text string 306 can have any desired length and can include any desired number of text characters. Figure 3B As shown, second text string 306 may include one or more first characters 304 in first string portion 308 and one or more second characters 310 in second string portion 312. Like first characters 304, second characters 310 may include letters, numbers, or any other symbols.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first string portion 308 may correspond to and identify the first geographic region 104. In some embodiments, the second string portion 312 may identify and correspond to one or more second geographic regions located within the identified first geographic region 104.

[0118] In some embodiments where the second geographic area is generated by one or more parallel first boundary lines and one or more parallel second boundary lines, and where the first boundary lines and the second boundary lines are perpendicular to each other, the second character string portion 312 can be divided into character pairs. Figure 3B , the second string portion 312 includes character pairs 310a and 310b. In some embodiments where the second geographic area is generated by crossing and perpendicular to the first boundary line and the second boundary line, the character pairs 310a and 310b can specify the second geographic area similar to a coordinate pair. Specifically, the first portion of the character pair 310a can identify a portion of the first geographic area 104 divided by the first boundary line, and the second portion of the character pair 310b can identify a portion of the geographic area divided by the second boundary line. Therefore, by specifying the first portion 310a and the second portion 310b, a portion of a larger geographic area can be specified.

[0119] In some embodiments of the second text string 306 where the second string portion 312 includes more than two second characters 310, these additional characters can further specify a portion of a larger geographic area. Thus, the first pair 310a and 310b can specify a portion of the first geographic area where the location is found. Similarly, the next pair of identifiers 310c and 310d can identify the portion of the first geographic area defined by 310a and 310b where the location is found. Similarly, the pair including 310e and 310f can define the portion of the geographic area defined by 310c and 310d where the location is found. Thus, by extending the second string portion to include more character pairs, the location can be more accurately identified.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second text string 306 can be used to identify a location. In some embodiments, the second text string 306 can include a desired number of first characters 304 and / or second characters 310 to provide a desired level of resolution and / or accuracy when identifying a location. In some embodiments, similar to the first text string 302, one or more of the first characters 304 and / or second characters 310 of the second text string 306 can be associated with an entity, a person, a property, an address, and / or any other desired item.

[0121] In some embodiments where the second text string 306 is associated with an item such as, for example, a property, an entity, and / or a person, the second text string 306 can be used as an address, as a phone number, as an email address, or for any other desired purpose. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the second text string 306 can be converted into a signal, a computer-readable code, and / or any other desired format to facilitate its use.

[0122] Figure 3C A third text string 314 is identified. Figure 3B Like the second text string 306 identified in FIG. 1 , the third text string 314 includes the first character 304 in the first string portion 308 and the second character 310 in the second string portion 312. Figure 3C As shown, the third text string 314 additionally includes a third character 316 in the third string portion 318. For example, in some embodiments, the third character 316 found in the third string portion 318 may include a character indicating a division between the first string portion 308 and the second string portion 312. Thus, in some embodiments, the third character 316 found in the third string portion 318 does not identify a location, but rather assists in separating the first string portion 308 from the second string portion 312.

[0123] In some embodiments, the third text string 314 can be used to identify a location. In some embodiments, the third text string 314 can include a desired number of first characters 304 and / or second characters 310 to provide a desired level of resolution and / or accuracy when identifying a location. In some embodiments, similar to the first text string 302, one or more of the first characters 304 and / or second characters 310 of the third text string 314 can be associated with, for example, an entity, a person, a property, an address, and / or any other desired thing. In some embodiments, things including, for example, entities and / or people associated with some of the first characters 304 and / or second characters 310 of the third text string 314 can be associated with the location identified by the remainder of the third text string 314.

[0124] In some embodiments where the third text string 314 is associated with a thing such as, for example, a property, an entity, and / or a person, the third text string 314 can be used as an address, as a phone number, as an email address, or for any other desired purpose. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the third text string 314 can be converted into a signal, a computer-readable code, and / or any other desired format to facilitate its use.

[0125] Referring again to the location 150, the location 150 may be identified by a third text string 314 of a first character 304, a second character 310, and a third character 316 as "1##53". In these embodiments, "1" may correspond to the first character 304, "53" may correspond to the second character 310, and "##" may correspond to the third character 316. This text string identifies a unique first geographic area 104 that includes the location 150, and a portion of the unique first geographic area 104, i.e., a unique second geographic area 108a of a first size that includes the location. The "##" symbol may be used to separate the first character representing the first geographic location from the second character corresponding to the location coordinates. The "##" portion, or the third character 316 of the third text string 314 may be omitted when the third text string 314 is converted into a computer-readable code.

[0126] In some embodiments where further precision is desired, a portion of the second geographic area 108a of the first size that contains the location 150, i.e., a unique second geographic area 200a of the second size, may be identified. In some embodiments, a third text string 314 that provides this level of precision may include, for example, "1##5345". In these embodiments, "1" may correspond to the first character 304, "5345" may correspond to the second character 310, and "##" may correspond to the third character 316. Similarly, additional first characters 304 may be added to the first text string 302 to provide additional precision in identifying the location 150.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of formats may be used to identify locations within the location identification grid 100. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular information format for identifying locations within the location identification grid 100.

[0128] In some embodiments, an existing grid system may be used. An existing grid system may be used, such as the United States National Grid (USNG), the Universal Mercator Method (UTM), the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS), or coordinates determined by the Global Positioning System (GPS). These existing grid systems provide grid coverage for most or all of the land areas of the Earth. By using a combination of a first geographic area identifier (such as a zip code) and existing grid coordinates, a location identifier for a distribution network may be generated. By combining the zip code and the grid coordinates, an exact physical location anywhere in the world may be identified. In this way, exact coordinates that may or may not correspond to a traditional addressing system may be used to allocate items in a distribution network.

[0129] For example, by utilizing location identifiers (such as zip codes) that combine a grid system with known geographic identifiers, street corners, blue post office boxes, package lockers, parking lots, roadsides, rural locations, or any other location that might not typically have a conventional address can be used as pickup or delivery points in a distribution network.

[0130] To illustrate a location identifier, a specific location in Washington, D.C. may be a delivery or pickup point. The MGRS grid coordinates for this specific location in Washington, D.C. may be 18SUJ2337206518. Although this coordinate can uniquely identify a location, it is difficult to use in a distribution network or postal network because it lacks an identifier for a larger geographic area corresponding to the facilities in the distribution network. Using the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an example, a zip code identifies a geographic area served by a specific postal facility, such as a post office. When routing items in a mail network, the zip code provides important routing information, such as identifying the routing facility or post office to which the item should be delivered or transported. Using MGRS coordinates alone, there is no corresponding delivery facility, and therefore, a single MGRS coordinate cannot be easily used in a postal or distribution application. Therefore, a location identifier combines a zip code or other code that identifies a geographic area to facilitate moving items through a distribution network.

[0131] Using the USPS as an example, the zip code for parts of Washington, D.C. is 20016. The MGRS grid coordinates can be truncated or the location coordinates extracted and combined with the zip code in Washington, D.C. The portion of the MGRS coordinates that identifies the specific location within the 20016 zip code can be similar to the one described above with respect to Figures 3A-3CThe alphanumeric string is generated by the postal code. In this example, the alphanumeric string is formed by combining the postal code 20016 with the specific location coordinates 372 and 518 of the MGRS grid coordinates. If a code similar to the second text string 306 is used, the alphanumeric string thus generated becomes the location identifier 20016372518, or if a code similar to the third text string 314 is used, it becomes 20016##372518, wherein the first string portion 308 corresponds to the postal code of Washington, D.C. separated from the second string portion 312, and the second string portion 312 contains the specific location coordinates from the MGRS grid coordinates represented by the third string portion 314. This third text string 314 with a geographic code or postal code component and a specific location coordinate component can be referred to as a location identifier. In some specific applications, the first, second or third text string 302, 306 or 314 can be referred to as a location identifier.

[0132] In some cases, a jurisdiction may not have a postal code. Destination location information, such as GPS coordinates, can still be used to identify a city or local area. For example, if the item is destined for Brisbane, Australia, there may be no available postal code. In this example, the barcode or location identifier may be specified as 0000023463176, where 00000 specifies that the city or location code may need to be obtained from the address written on the item, or is specified as being encoded in a computer readable code at an arbitrary location, and within Brisbane, the destination corresponds to the grid coordinates 23463176. In some embodiments, a simple destination of the type of a coordinate grid for a city may also be inserted into the location identifier, such as 0000U23463176, so that the delivery personnel can determine the address or delivery coordinates.

[0133] In some embodiments, the location identifier can be derived using any desired first and second geographic areas. For example, the first geographic area may correspond to the parking lot of the University of Michigan football stadium. In contrast to using a full grid system of MGRS or USNG, the University of Michigan's football stadium can be designated as a UMF, and the first portion of the text string can be the UMF. The university football stadium can be divided into grid sections, as described elsewhere herein. The row / column identifiers for the grid containing the desired location in the parking lot can include a third text string to produce a location identifier such as UMF##2381. The first string component of the location identifier, UMF, can be identified or determined for any desired geographic area and stored in a memory. These geographic areas can then be divided into grids, as described elsewhere herein. This is exemplary, and similar location identifiers can be generated for any desired first geographic area or polygonal demarcation of physical geographic areas.

[0134] The location identifier may be encoded or converted into a computer readable code, such as a two-dimensional barcode, a three-dimensional barcode, a QR code, a radio frequency tag, etc. In some embodiments, the location identifier may be advantageously incorporated into a smart mailer such as a A barcode (IMb) is a barcode that can be printed or sprayed on mail or packages, or printed on labels and affixed to items for delivery.

[0135] For example, IMb can be similar to those bar codes described in the U.S. Patent 8598482 entitled "Intelligent Barcode Systems", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. IMb uses 31 digits, wherein the first 2 digits identify the bar code ID, the 3 digits identify the service category, the 6 digits identify the mailer or consignor ID, the 9 digits identify the serial number, and the 11 digits identify the postal code. In order to encode the location identifier in IMb, IMb can be modified to include the same first 11 digits (bar code ID, service category, mailer ID), distribute 7 digits for the serial number, 5 digits for the postal code, and 8 digits for the grid coordinates of the specific location. In the case where the postal code has more than or less than 5 digits, the serial number can be distributed more or less digits as needed, and the postal code can be distributed more or less digits. In certain embodiments, other fields can be added to the IMb identifying the country code. In the case where more than one country has the same postal code name, this may be advantageous. Adding a country code to IMb can be done by shortening the serial number or mailer ID in IMb. In some embodiments, the location identifier does not need to be encoded in IMb, but can be an independent code applied to the delivery item.

[0136] This system can be particularly advantageous for the unavailable or non-existent position of conventional postal addresses. For example, in many areas of the world, post offices are used as single receiving points for mail, parcels or other articles for delivery. Residents, enterprises, etc. must go to the post office every day to pick up the mail or articles delivered. The address of the post office's vicinity can be immediately generated according to the resolution level of the grid system by using the post office code with a grid coordinate system. This will enable articles, parcels and mail to be addressed so as to be delivered to a specific location, such as near an enterprise or residence, a post office. When a foreign postal system is used for delivering articles to residents in a certain area in the world where there is no robust address system, this can be particularly useful.

[0137] For example, some foreign postal codes are generally six digits. The first two digits show the province, the municipality equivalent to the province, or the autonomous region. The third digit identifies the postal district, the fourth digit identifies the county or prefecture-level city, and the last two digits identify the post office. The postal code can be combined with grid coordinates, which can be generated for each postal code, or the grid coordinates can be mapped to a universal grid system to identify a specific location within the geographic location of the post office. In addition to providing a specific delivery location, adding the postal code to the grid coordinates also generates a unique identifier for any item destined for a specific location.

[0138] This also allows the distribution network to generate location-specific pallets, or groups of items for direct delivery to end locations such as businesses, factories, warehouses, residences, etc.

[0139] In the case where the postal code contains location information defining a specific delivery point or corresponds to an area smaller than the defined geographic area 104, the postal code used for such items may be truncated. For example, in a country with an alphanumeric postal code like 2D3R1F, the postal code may identify a delivery point and a more specific location than postal codes in other regions or countries. In this case, the postal code may be truncated to a 2D3 or city or region with a known grid coordinate system. The grid coordinate truncation as described above is then appended to the truncated postal code to obtain a location identifier of 2d3#23463176. When printing such as 2963#23463176, the alpha character may be replaced with a numeric character. When converted to a bar code format, the alpha character may be converted to a numeric value before encoding, but this is not required.

[0140] Using location identifiers based on geocoding, such as zip codes, and grid coordinate systems will enable universal or internationally compatible mail or delivery. For example, in the United States, shippers can apply the location identifier barcode that encodes the zip code and grid coordinates of the delivery destination to the item, or this can be done by the initial distribution network. When the destination distribution network, such as a foreign postal service, receives the item, there is no need to perform an address lookup to identify the delivery point. The destination distribution network can read the location identifier barcode on the item and can identify the delivery point. When the distribution networks of the origin and destination utilize this system, the item can be delivered using a single barcode or location identifier. This is particularly useful for two distribution networks, such as two postal services located in jurisdictions with different languages, letters, characters, etc. There is no need to interpret foreign languages ​​or unfamiliar letters or characters to identify the destination delivery point.

[0141] This location identifier can also be advantageously used by countries or delivery personnel who are not familiar with addressing schemes, postal codes, etc. For example, a package can be imported into the USPS for delivery in France. The USPS can scan or read GPS coordinates, physical addresses in English, other types of indicators on the package and derive the location identifier as described below. The USPS can then apply the location identifier of the item and route the package to France by various means. France can accept it at its postal agency and only read or scan the postal code portion or first portion 308 of the location identifier. French Post can then route the package to the appropriate postal facility for the scanned postal code.

[0142] Once at the appropriate facility, the package can be delivered by anyone. The delivery operator can read or scan the package and the location identifier. In some embodiments, the location identifier can be manually entered or can be scanned into an electronic device with a handheld scanner or into a user device as described below. The user device can query the USPS database through the Internet through resident or cloud software and retrieve the address of the grid coordinates (or second portion 312) corresponding to the location identifier. In some embodiments, the delivery agent can obtain route directions, such as turn-by-turn directions, directly from the USPS or from another GPS routing service to the user device.

[0143] A delivery resource using a user device or other similar device can scan a package and a location identifier, which can include a zip code or a truncated code as described elsewhere herein. The location identifier can be received by the user device via a scanner on a mobile delivery device, or can be manually entered into the mobile device. For example, a delivery resource can enter a location identifier generated based on one or more grid generation methods described herein. As will be described in more detail, the user device can provide further instructions about delivery based on the received location information. An alphanumeric identifier or a first text string of a first geographic location can be generated for any desired geographic area and stored in a memory, as described elsewhere herein.

[0144] If multiple items are intended to be delivered by an agent, the USPS software and database may also provide route sequence information to foreign operators by electronic means to facilitate delivery based on the grid coordinates of the location identifier. In this way, the location identifier may be the only information that the post office or operator needs in order to make a delivery. The zip code portion of the location identifier allows the destination post office or delivery service to route the package to the appropriate local or unit delivery facility within their distribution network as needed. Once at the local or unit delivery facility, the local operator may use the grid coordinate portion of the location identifier to determine the physical delivery location and / or route. Figure 4A block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured for use with location identification grid 100 is shown. System 400 may include various features configured to perform various functions. In some embodiments, the functions and components of system 400 may be independent, communicatively linked, controllably linked, or linked in any other desired manner.

[0145] In some embodiments, system 400 may include central processing system 402. In some embodiments, central processing system 402 may be configured to control the generation of location identification grid 100 and the use of location identification grid 100. In some embodiments, grid system 400 may be communicatively coupled to user device 404, such as a mobile phone, which may include a user communication interface, such as a keyboard, a speaker for transmitting audible sounds, or a display for displaying visual information. In some embodiments, the user communication interface may be configured to receive input from a user and provide output to the user.

[0146] User device 404 may be remote from central processing system 402, integrated in central processing system 402, or proximate to central processing system 402. In some embodiments, user device 404 may be configured to allow a user to provide input and information to central processing system 402 and receive output and information from central processing system 402. User device 404 may include any device capable of allowing a user to communicate with central processing system 402. In some embodiments, user device 404 may include, for example, a device including a processor, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, or any other similar device. Although Figure 4 The user device 404 is shown separate from the central processing system 402 , but in some embodiments, some or all of the features, modules, and / or components of the central processing system 402 may be integrated into the user device 404 .

[0147] In some embodiments, user device 404 may include features and / or components configured to determine the location of user device 404. In some embodiments, the features and / or components may include features and / or components configured to communicate with a positioning system, such as, for example, a satellite-based positioning system, a cellular network location identification system, and / or any other system or component capable of providing information about the location of user device 404. Advantageously, information related to the location of user device 404 may be used in conjunction with a location request to determine a path and / or direction to the location identified by the location request.

[0148] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, user device 404 may be configured to communicate with central processing system 402 via a communication system or network 406. Communication system or network 406 may be configured to transmit signals and may include, for example, a local area network, a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a cellular telephone network, a telecommunications network, WiFi, or any other communication system.

[0149] In some embodiments, the user device can be carried by a delivery resource, such as a delivery agent. The user device 404 may include a scanner configured to read a location identifier, which includes a zip code and grid coordinates, as described elsewhere herein. The user device 404 may transmit the scan code to the central processing system 402, which may search for the location identifier in an address lookup table, and transmit the physical address to the delivery agent through the user device 404 and the communication system 406. In some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may communicate with a general database via the Internet or a cloud-based service, which stores the association of location identifiers and physical addresses with more than one jurisdiction or country. In some embodiments, the USPS, another organization, or a combination of organizations may maintain a world database storing addresses associated with location identifiers (particularly with grid coordinates), and may provide access to foreign or local postal systems about the information.

[0150] The user device 404 may also be a GPS-enabled smart phone or mobile computing device owned or operated by the user and running an application. If the user wishes to purchase an item that will be transported or delivered through a distribution network, the user may choose to have the item delivered to the specific location where the user is located. For example, based on the order of the item, the GPS-enabled smart phone may send the current GPS location of the user device 404 to the distribution entity through the communication system 404 by running the application. The processor 408 may retrieve the postal code and the grid coordinates corresponding to the GPS-determined location of the user device 404 from the memory 410. The processor 408 may further generate a location identifier and / or a barcode encoding the postal code and the grid coordinates, and send them back to the user device 404. The processor 408 may send the location identifier and / or the barcode to the merchant or item handling instrument that delivers the ordered item to prepare to attach the location identifier or the barcode to the item to be shipped. In some embodiments, the user may attach or place the location identifier on the item to be shipped.

[0151] When a customer orders a package, the package may include their GPS coordinates or the coordinates of the location where the delivery is desired. The supplier may then determine the city, the postal code and the address of the destination through a database or map provided by any number of entities. Then, if necessary, this information may be used to look up the postal code from a post office or database with these postal codes for cities in the destination country. Once the postal code is known, the GPS coordinates may be converted to the appropriate coordinate system for the destination country or location, and then the truncated coordinates may be appended to the postal code to obtain a location identifier. In this way, a person with a simple mobile phone may accurately obtain a routing code to a precise address using a mobile device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the user may enter the GPS coordinates of the location where the item should be delivered into the user device 404 if the delivery coordinates are not the location of the user device 404 when the item was ordered.

[0153] A user may also access the system 400 through an application on the user device 404 to obtain grid coordinates for a specific location. For example, a user located in Sierra Leone, where a physical address may not be available, may query the memory 410 through the communication network 406 to obtain grid coordinate information or zip code information (if zip code information exists) corresponding to the user's location, the user's home, business, or any other desired location. This grid coordinate information may be useful to the user for addressing items, forwarding specific locations to colleagues, businesses, partners, etc. Since the grid coordinates are universal, the user's grid coordinates may be forwarded to another party who can understand, interpret, or find the user's location. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user may simply wish to know the user's grid coordinates in Sierra Leone.

[0154] Central processing system 402 may include various components and modules capable of performing a variety of functions. Central processing system 402 may be configured to receive input from components of system 400 that are not included in central processing system 402, to provide information to these components, and to perform various tasks using information received from components of system 400.

[0155] In some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may include, for example, a communication feature 424 that connects the processor 408, the memory 410, the communication module 418, the security module 420, and the administrator module 422. For example, in some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may receive a location input from the user device 404. This location input may include, for example, a text string as described with reference to FIG. 3. Communications from the user device 404 may be received at the communication module 418 and transmitted to the processor 408 via the communication feature 424. The processor 408 may operate according to instructions received from the memory 410 and may, for example, use the location input to determine a location and, for example, provide information about a location related to the location and / or provide instructions to reach the location. In some embodiments, the determination of the location may include querying the security module 420 to determine whether the requested information can be provided to the user and / or making any other security-related determinations.

[0156] In some embodiments, components and modules of central processing system 402 may be communicatively connected via communication features 424. Communication features 424 may include any features capable of establishing a communication connection between features and modules of central processing system 402. These communication features may include, for example, wired or wireless means, buses, communication networks, or any other suitable features.

[0157] In some embodiments, central processing system 402 may include, for example, processor 408. Processor 408 may include a single processor, or may be a component of a processing system implemented by one or more processors. One or more processors 408 may be implemented by any combination of general purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware, finite state machines, or any other suitable entity that can perform computations or other manipulations of information. Processor 408 may include, for example, a microprocessor such as an ARM processor, processor, pro processor, 8051 processor, Processor, Power Processor, etc. Processor 408 typically has conventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or more conventional control lines.

[0158] Processor 408 may be communicatively coupled to memory 410. Memory 410 may be configured to store a variety of information using any of a variety of techniques. The features and functions of the memory are discussed in detail below.

[0159] In some embodiments, processor 408 may perform processes according to instructions stored in memory 410. Such processes may include, for example, controlling features and / or components of central processing system 402, requesting and / or receiving information from features and / or components of system 400, transmitting instructions and / or control signals to features and / or components of central processing system 402, requesting information from an administrator, sending information to an administrator, processing information received from features and / or components of central processing system 402, processing information received from features and / or components of system 400, processing information received from an administrator, and / or any other desired processing.

[0160] In some embodiments, memory 410 may include one or more databases. A database may include an organized collection of digital data. The data stored in the database may include any desired data and, in some embodiments, may be related to the functionality of central processing system 402 and / or system 400.

[0161] In some embodiments, and as Figure 4 As shown, the memory 410 includes a plurality of databases, and specifically provides a grid database 412 and a user database 414. In some embodiments, the grid database 412 may include information related to the location identification grid 100. The information may include, for example, data related to the geographic area 102, data related to the first geographic region 104, data related to the second geographic region 108 of the first size, data related to any of the second geographic regions, data related to the geographic area 102, the first geographic region 104, or any second geographic region, or any other desired information. In some embodiments, the data may define the boundaries of at least one geographic region (such as, for example, the first geographic region 104a).

[0162] Grid database 412 also stores associations between known zip codes or geographic area identifiers with corresponding parts of universal grid systems, such as UTM, MGRS, and USNG. Grid database 412 may also include a relational database or address lookup table that associates a physical address and / or a name associated with a location identifier, which includes a zip code and specific location coordinates. For example, memory 410 may store an association between the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. and a location identifier. The address of the Jefferson Memorial is 900 Ohio Street, NW, Washington, D.C. The location identifier of the Jefferson Memorial using USNG grid coordinates is 20242##23340651. Memory 410 stores an association between a physical address and a location identifier so that one of the physical address or the location identifier can be obtained after a query of the memory 410 to the other of the physical address or the location identifier.

[0163] In some embodiments, the grid database 412 may include location information pre-associated with the location identification grid 100. Thus, in some embodiments, information about a specific location may be associated with, for example, one or more geographic areas 102, one or more geographic regions 104, or one or more second geographic regions. In some embodiments, the pre-association of location data with different aspects of the location identification grid 100 may facilitate faster access to location information.

[0164] In some embodiments, user database 414 may include information related to users and / or user accounts. In some embodiments, this information may include, for example, account information, such as an account number, user name, password, or any other account identification and / or authentication information. In some embodiments, user database 414 may include information related to account status, including, for example, account usage, account payment due, account payment pending, account payment received, and / or any other payment issues.

[0165] In some embodiments, the user database may include information related to the amount of information that may be provided to the user. In some embodiments, the amount of information provided to the user is referred to as, for example, a user access level. In some embodiments, these access levels may include authorization for the user to access defined portions of the location identification grid. Thus, in some embodiments, the user may not be able to access all of the information stored within the location identification grid. These restrictions may be based on, for example, concerns about security, national security, privacy, or the type of information plan to which the user subscribes.

[0166] In some embodiments, a user may only have certain levels of access to specific locations. Thus, in some embodiments, such specificity or resolution may be limited by the user's level of access, such as specificity within 100 meters, within 10 meters, within 1 meter, or any other desired specificity. Thus, in some embodiments, user database 414 may include an indicator of the resolution limitations that a user may receive.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will recognize that user database 414 may include more or less information than listed above, and that user database 414 is not limited to the specific features and components discussed herein.

[0168] In certain embodiments, memory 410 and the associated database it comprises can be located in a single region, or can be distributed in a position far from each other.In certain embodiments, a single entity, such as USPS, can operate and maintain memory 110 to provide data and association stored in grid database 412 and user database 414 to various clients including foreign postal services.USPS or other organizations can set up and maintain system 400 as required, and provide the service of system 400 or the access of the distribution network in other postal services, countries or the world.Relational database and processing power as described herein can be included in many formats or structures or in a format or structure.It should be understood by those skilled in the art that system 400 also can access the existing database that address is relevant to GPS coordinates or other points as described herein, and use the information from these databases for processing and constituting some in the location identifier.

[0169] In some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may include a communication module 418. For example, in some embodiments, the communication module 418 may be communicatively connected to the processor 408. For example, in some embodiments, the communication module 418 may be configured to communicate with other modules and components of the system 400, such as, for example, the user device 404. In some embodiments, the communication module 418 may be configured for wired or wireless communication and may be configured to request information and receive input from the user device 404 and / or components or modules of the central processing system 402. In some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may include multiple modules, which may be implemented in hardware or software, and which may include a single hardware or software or a system of hardware or software.

[0170] In some embodiments, modules of the central processing system 402 may be configured to receive or generate input for the central processing system 402. Figure 4 As shown, the central processing system 402 may include multiple modules, and may specifically include a security module 420 and an administrator module 422 .

[0171] For example, security module 420 may include features and components configured to detect and prevent prohibited access to central processing system 402. For example, in some embodiments, security module 420 may prevent an unauthorized user from gaining access to information associated with secure areas or areas that do not provide information in their user plan. For example, in some embodiments, security module 420 may prevent a user from obtaining a higher degree of resolution than provided by the user plan.

[0172] In some embodiments, security module 420 can provide security benefits to users. Specifically, in one embodiment, security module 420 can be configured to prevent improper use of user accounts. In this embodiment, security module 420 can be configured to detect fake account access and / or access attempts. In some embodiments, security module 420 can be configured to protect central processing system 402. In this embodiment, security module 420 can be configured to detect malware, attempts to penetrate unauthorized areas of central processing system 402, or any other potential security vulnerabilities.

[0173] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the security module 420 may include a variety of features and perform a variety of functions, and the security module 420 is not limited to the features and functions listed above.

[0174] In some embodiments, the administrator module 422 may include an administrator access point. In some embodiments, the administrator access point may include any device, software, or feature capable of requesting and receiving information from the central processing system 402 and providing input to the central processing system 402. In some embodiments, the administrator access point may include a terminal and / or an access portal. For example, in some embodiments, the administrator terminal may include any device capable of allowing an administrator to communicate with the central processing system 402. The administrator terminal may include, for example, a device including a processor, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, or any other device including a processor. In some embodiments, the access portal may include a website portal or any other software configured to allow an administrator to access information from the central processing system 402.

[0175] The central processing system 402 may also include an item handling instrument 426. The item handling instrument 426 may include a sorting device, a scanning device, or any other instrument or device used to obtain, process, sort and / or distribute items for distribution in the distribution network, and the item handling instrument 426 is connected to the communication feature 424 and communicates electronically with the communication feature. Therefore, the item handling instrument 426 communicates with all components of the central processing system 402 including the processor 408 and the communication module 418. The item handling instrument 426 may also communicate with the user device 404 or any other local or network component through the communication module 418. The item handling instrument 426 may include a scanning device configured to read a computer-readable code on an item. The scanning device is configured to read a barcode, such as IMb, and interpret the location identifier information. The location identifier can be used to reference the delivery location of the item in relation to the delivery location of the item. In a local post office or distribution facility, items delivered to a specific zip code can be processed, the location identifier is read, and can be sorted according to the location identifier. As described above, the grid system may be numbered incrementally, such as the number of consecutive grid lines increasing as one moves from east to west, from north to south, or vice versa. Thus, a straight delivery route or an effective delivery route may be generated based on the specific location coordinates of the second portion 312 of the location identifier or the third text string 314 to classify the item. Specifically, a route for delivering an item may be generated by, for example, Figure 2 The illustration is generated along a straight line motion in the second geographic area 108 .

[0176] In this way, the location identifier allows the location identifier to be converted into a specific processing or classification sequence. For example, if the post office is located in the second geographic area 108, the delivery route can be established along the first boundary line in the boundary line 202 or 204 as needed. Articles can be classified according to the location identifier to increase or decrease according to the column (y coordinate) or row (x coordinate) in the second part 312 of the location identifier. If the delivery route is selected to advance along the north-south or third boundary line 202, the article can be classified for delivery according to the increased or decreased number of columns in the second part 312. Or, if the delivery route is selected to advance along the east-west direction or the fourth boundary line 204, the article can be classified according to the increased or decreased number of rows in the second part 312. It should be understood that these two route schemes are only exemplary, and the classification can be carried out according to the route moving along the third and fourth boundary lines 202 and 204 or any combination thereof.

[0177] In the case of USPS, USPS adopts the sorting operation of walking sequence letters and / or routing sequence packets. That is to say, the delivery articles are classified according to the walking routes adopted by the delivery agents. The article sorting instrument 426 of USPS can scan or read the location identifier and decode the walking sequence or other schemes under induction, or can just decode to receive the postal code of the correct local processing center forwarded to the country. Decoding will use the location identifier to query the memory 410 for a specified postal code, which is included in the grid coordinates or the grid coordinates truncated from the location identifier and the street address or the relationship between the 11-digit or 9-digit postal code. USPS can provide human-readable addresses, delivery points or routing information on letters or parcels by printing or labels, and then the letters or parcels are passed to its processing system to classify the articles into appropriate schemes.

[0178] In some embodiments, the item handling instrument 426 may read the location identifier using a scanner or other similar device and then send the location identifier to the processor 402, which may then determine the address from an address lookup table stored in the memory 410. The address including the consignee's name and the conventional address may be transmitted to a delivery resource, such as to the user device 404. The address may be printed on the item, or printed on a label that is then attached to the item.

[0179] For example, the article handling instrument 426 can be configured to provide a location identifier for letters and parcels to be delivered. The USPS can receive parcels marked with GPS coordinates, human-readable or conventional addresses or other types of destination location indicators. The article handling instrument 426 of the USPS can scan or read parcels and determine the coordinates, addresses or other indicators on the article from a relational database such as in the memory 410 to identify the location of certain countries, geographical areas or jurisdictions. Then, the USPS can query another database in the memory 410, or can access the processor 408 through the communication feature, which makes the country's postal code related to the specific address in the postal code, such as the city, province, state or regional level. Once the postal code of an acceptable delivery location is found, the USPS determines the correct grid coordinate system of the postal code or country. Some countries can use the USNG grid coordinate system, while other countries can use the UTM system. The specific grid coordinate system used by different jurisdictions and / or geographical areas is stored in the memory 410 and associated in the memory 410. The USPS then queries the database in the memory 410, such as to find the corresponding grid coordinates of the destination location and generate the location identifier described elsewhere in this article. The USPS may then apply the location identifier in digital form and / or encode it in the barcode for the destination country, postal service, or delivery service.

[0180] The other indicators on the above items may be email addresses, phone numbers, or other alphanumeric or graphical identifiers. Memory 410 stores the relationship between the other indicators and the physical delivery point. When an item has an identifier such as an email address, the USPS can begin the process of generating a location identifier by querying a database such as in memory 410, which correlates the email address or other indicator with a physical address, GPS coordinates, or delivery point, and performs the above steps as needed.

[0181] In some embodiments, the item handling instrument 426 can scan the item and read a traditional destination location, such as an address, on the item by optical character recognition or other means. The item handling instrument 426 can transmit the address to the processor 408. The processor 408 can access the grid database 412 of the memory 410. The processor 408 can associate the address with the grid coordinates corresponding to the address and can generate a location identifier and a bar code encoding the location identifier. The location identifier and bar code can be transmitted to the item handling instrument 426, which can print or spray the location identifier or the bar code or both onto the item.

[0182] In some embodiments, converting a 9-digit or 11-digit postal code or physical address to a location identifier may require storage and access to different databases containing addresses, postal codes, truncated postal codes, grid coordinates, truncated grid coordinates, GPS coordinates and / or two or more databases that have been involved in these projects. Central processing system 402 can then access a wide range of operators, personnel, suppliers, merchants, recipients or any other desired groups to realize the use of location identifiers. Postal services from different countries can use standard location identifier formats and / or standard grid coordinate systems. Bar code encoding can also be in standard format to apply location identifiers or convert location identifiers to scannable codes. It should be understood that the use of location identifiers keeps the postal code of a particular country intact.

[0183] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that system 400 and central processing system 402 may include more or fewer features, components, and / or modules than described above, and may perform more or fewer functions than described above.

[0184] Generating and using a location grid

[0185] The system 400 and the central processing system 402 may be used to generate and use the location identification grid 100 . Figure 51 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process 500 for forming a location identification grid 100. For example, in some embodiments, the process 500 is performed by the central processing system 402. The process 500 begins at block 502, where an area is identified by the central processing system 402. In some embodiments, the identification of the area may include receiving input indicating an area for generating the location identification grid 100. In some embodiments, the input indicating an area for generating the location identification grid 100 may be received from a user. For example, in some embodiments, the identified area may include the geographic area 102. In some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may identify the area by querying a database having location information and determining an area corresponding to the location.

[0186] After the area has been identified in block 502, the process 500 then proceeds to block 504 where the area is divided into a plurality of regions. For example, in some embodiments, the area may be divided into one or more first geographic regions 104 or one or more second geographic regions. For example, in some embodiments, the central processing system 402 and / or the processor 408 may divide the area into a plurality of regions. In some embodiments, dividing the area into a plurality of regions may correspond to generating a plurality of regions that make up the area. In some embodiments, dividing the area into a plurality of regions may correspond to the identification of a pre-existing region that divides the area. In some embodiments, the pre-existing region may be an established region that divides the area. In some embodiments where a pre-existing region is used to divide the area, the suitability of the pre-existing region may be determined before the area is divided into a plurality of regions. In some embodiments, the suitability of the pre-existing area may be determined by determining whether the pre-existing area falls within certain criteria, such as, for example, a size criterion, a shape criterion, or any other desired criteria.

[0187] In some embodiments, a pre-existing region may be associated with and / or identified by a pre-existing identifier. Thus, for example, a region defined by a postal code, such as a ZIP code, may be a pre-existing region, and a postal code, such as a ZIP code, may be a pre-existing identifier for a region defined by a postal code, such as a ZIP code.

[0188] After dividing the area into a plurality of regions in block 504, process 500 moves to block 506 where the area is divided into a plurality of sub-regions. For example, in some embodiments, the division of the area into a plurality of sub-regions may correspond to the division of one or more first geographic regions 104 into a second geographic region. In some specific embodiments, the division of the area into a plurality of sub-regions may correspond to the division of one or more first geographic regions 104 into a plurality of second geographic regions 108 of a first size. For example, in some embodiments, the division of the area into a plurality of sub-regions may be performed by central processing system 402.

[0189] In some embodiments, the division of one or more first geographic areas 104 may be accomplished by applying a pre-existing grid system to the first geographic area 104, such as, for example, a national grid.

[0190] After the area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas, the process 500 moves to block 508 and outputs the location information. In some embodiments, the location information can be output to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the location information can be output from the grid system to the user device 404. In some embodiments, the output can include communication between the central processing system 402 and the user device 404 through the communication system and network 406. In some embodiments, the information can be output from the central processing system 402 to the communication system and network 406 through the communication module 418 of the central processing system 402.

[0191] Those skilled in the art will recognize that process 500 may include more or fewer steps than those described above. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the above steps of process 500 may be performed in any desired order and may include sub-steps or sub-processes.

[0192] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Shown in Figure 5 Specifically, Figure 5A Shows the method for dividing the area into Figure 5 506 of the block 506. In some embodiments, the process 520 may be performed by the central processing system 402. Thus, in some embodiments where information related to a pre-existing location identification grid 100 is accessed, the process 520 may include querying the memory 410 for information related to the pre-existing location identification grid 100.

[0193] from Figure 5After the block 504 of the processing unit obtains this information, the processing unit 520 moves to the block 522, and the region is divided by one or more first parallel lines. In some embodiments, this division is performed by the components of the central processing system 402 and / or the central processing system 402. In this embodiment, the processor 408 can be configured to query the information related to the generation of the first parallel lines to the memory 410. In some embodiments, this information can include, for example, the spacing between the first parallel lines, the number of the first parallel lines, and the number of the first parallel lines includes, for example, the maximum and / or minimum number of the first parallel lines and / or any other desired information. These first parallel lines are then generated and used to divide the region.

[0194] Some embodiments may include a wide range of first parallel lines. In some embodiments, the number of first parallel lines may be determined based on the expected size of the resulting region produced by the first parallel lines. In some embodiments, a single first parallel line may be used to divide a region. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of first parallel lines may be used to divide a region. For example, in some embodiments, the number of first parallel lines used to divide a region may be 100, 50, 25, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or any other number or intermediate number of first parallel lines. For example, in some embodiments, the number of first parallel lines less than 10 may allow the use of a single second character 310 to indicate a specific sub-region of the region. Advantageously, the ability to specify certain sub-regions of the region with a single second character 310 may help to form a text string for identifying a location.

[0195] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide range of techniques may be used to divide a region by one or more first parallel lines and to generate one or more first parallel lines, and that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific embodiment thereof.

[0196] In block 522, after dividing the area by one or more first parallel lines, processing 520 moves to block 524, wherein the area is divided by one or more second parallel lines. In some embodiments, this division is performed by central processing system 402. In this embodiment, processor 408 can be configured to query memory 410 and input information for parameters, and second parallel lines are generated by this input information. In some embodiments, this information can include, for example, the spacing between the second parallel lines, the number of the second parallel lines, the number of the second parallel lines includes, for example, the maximum and / or minimum number of the second parallel lines and / or any other desired information. These second parallel lines can then be generated and used to divide the area. As described above, in some embodiments, the first and second parallel lines can correspond to pre-existing lines, such as those lines associated with the national power grid.

[0197] Some embodiments may include a wide range of multiple second parallel lines. In some embodiments, the number of second parallel lines may be determined based on the expected size of the resulting region produced by the second parallel lines. In some embodiments, a single second parallel line may be used to divide a region. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of second parallel lines may be used to divide a region. For example, in some embodiments, the number of second parallel lines used to divide a region may be 100, 50, 25, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or any other number or intermediate number of second parallel lines. For example, in some embodiments, the number of second parallel lines less than 10 may allow the use of a single second character 310 to indicate a specific sub-region of the region. Advantageously, the ability to specify certain sub-regions of the region with a single second character 310 may help to form a text string for identifying a location.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide range of techniques may be used to divide a region by one or more second parallel lines and to generate one or more second parallel lines, and that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific embodiment thereof.

[0199] After the region is divided by the one or more second parallel lines, the process 520 moves to block 526 and defines a sub-region using the portions of the first and second parallel lines as boundaries. In some embodiments, this definition is performed by the central processing system 402. In this embodiment, the processor 408 can be configured to query the memory and input information for parameters by which a sub-region or multiple sub-regions are defined.

[0200] The sub-regions may be defined by portions of the first and second parallel lines. Specifically, in embodiments where the first parallel lines are not parallel to the second parallel lines, the intersection of the first parallel lines with the second parallel lines defines one or more sub-regions. In some embodiments, the sub-regions may include a variety of shapes, and in some embodiments where the second parallel lines are perpendicular to the first parallel lines, the sub-regions may include a rectangular shape.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the spacing between the first parallel line and the second parallel line, and the angle between the first parallel line and the second parallel line will determine the size and shape of the sub-region created by the intersecting first parallel line and the second parallel line.

[0202] After one or more sub-regions are defined by portions of the first and second parallel lines, processing 520 moves to a decision state 528, where a component of the central processing system 402 determines whether further subdivision is required. In some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required is based on whether the resolution level needs to be increased to satisfactorily identify the location. Thus, in some embodiments where the location must be identified very accurately, a higher resolution level may be required and further subdivision may be required. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required may be based on information received from a user. In some embodiments, this information may be received from the user at the time of input regarding the location or in conjunction with forming a user account. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required may be based on information stored in a user database 414 in memory 410. In some embodiments, such information stored in the user database 414 may include, for example, information related to the highest resolution level accessible to the user or other similar information. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required is based on the type of feature identified by the location. Thus, in some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may include multiple features that are configured to determine the size of the requested location, such as the size of a building at the requested location, the size of a geographic feature at the requested location, or any other similar information, and the resolution and therefore the determination of whether further subdivision is needed can be based in part on the size of the features of the requested location.

[0203] If further subdivision is required, the process 520 returns to block 522 and repeats the partitioning process. Returning again to block 528, if further subdivision is not required, the process 520 proceeds to block 530 and the process 500 continues as follows. Figure 5 described.

[0204] Figure 5B Shown for execution Figure 5 Another embodiment of the process 540 of block 506 is as follows. Figure 5A As shown in the process 520, Figure 5B The process 540 shown in FIG. 5 may be performed by the central processing system 402. In some embodiments, and as Figure 5B As shown, process 540 begins at block 542 and central processing system 402 determines a first dimension of a region. In some embodiments, the region for which the first dimension is determined is a parent region that is divided into a plurality of sub-sub-regions.

[0205] For example, in some embodiments, information related to the parent region may be retrieved from memory 410 and used to determine the first dimension, or may include the first dimension. In some embodiments, the first dimension may be, for example, the largest dimension in the first direction of the parent region.

[0206] A variety of techniques may be used to determine the maximum dimension in the direction of the region. These may include, for example, collecting measurement data associated with the region dimension in a single direction and determining the maximum value of the measurement data.

[0207] After determining the first dimension of the parent region at block 542, process 540 moves to block 544 and determines the second dimension of the region. In some embodiments, the region for which the second dimension is determined is a parent region divided into a plurality of child sub-regions and may be, for example, the same parent region as the one for which the first dimension is determined.

[0208] For example, in some embodiments, information related to the parent region may be retrieved from memory 410 and used to determine the second dimension, or may include the second dimension. In some embodiments, the second dimension may be, for example, the maximum dimension in the second direction of the parent region.

[0209] After determining the second dimension of the parent region, processing 540 moves to block 546, and the parent region is divided into sub-regions based on the first and second dimensions. In some embodiments, the parent region can be divided into sub-regions and / or sub-sub-regions based on the first and second dimensions by determining the desired size of the sub-regions. For example, in some embodiments, the first dimension of the region can be divided into sub-regions of the desired size to determine the number of divisions of the region to be made in the direction of the first dimension. Similarly, in some embodiments where the size of the sub-region is known, the value of the second dimension can be divided by the sub-regions of the desired size to determine the number of divisions of the region to be made in the direction of the second dimension.

[0210] For example, in some embodiments, after determining the number of divisions in the direction of the first dimension and in the direction of the second dimension, a set of first parallel lines and a set of second parallel lines may be generated to divide the region into sub-regions.

[0211] A variety of techniques can be used to divide a region into a plurality of sub-regions. In addition, these techniques are not limited to the above disclosure, but include, for example, any number of techniques capable of dividing a region into a plurality of sub-regions.

[0212] After dividing the area into a plurality of sub-areas based on the first and second dimensions, the process 540 moves to a decision state 548, and the central processing system 402 determines whether further subdivision is required. In some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required is based on whether the resolution level needs to be increased to satisfactorily identify the location. Thus, in some embodiments where the location must be identified very accurately, a higher resolution level may be required and further subdivision may be required. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required may be based on information received from a user. In some embodiments, the information may be received from the user at the time of input regarding the location or in conjunction with forming a user account. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required may be based on information stored in a user database 414 in the memory 410. In some embodiments, such information stored in the user database 414 may include, for example, information relating to the highest resolution level accessible to the user or other similar information. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether further subdivision is required is based on the type of feature identified by the location. Thus, in some embodiments, the central processing system 402 may include multiple features that are configured to determine the size of the requested location, such as the size of a building at the requested location, the size of a geographic feature at the requested location, or any other similar information, and the resolution and therefore the determination of whether further subdivision is needed can be based in part on the size of the features of the requested location.

[0213] If further subdivision is required, the process 540 returns to block 542 and repeats the partitioning process. Returning again to block 548, if further subdivision is not required, the process 540 proceeds to block 550 and the process 500 continues as follows. Figure 5 described.

[0214] Some embodiments relate to methods of providing location information. In some such embodiments, central processing system 402 may receive a request, for example, for location information, and may provide the location information in response to the request. Figure 6 One embodiment of a process 600 for providing location information is shown. Figure 6As shown, the process 600 starts from block 602 and receives a request for location information. In some embodiments, the request for location information can be provided by a system user, and in some embodiments, the request for location information can be provided by a third party, such as, for example, provided by a web page. In some embodiments, the location information can correspond to a desired destination. For example, in some embodiments, the request for location information can be received by the central processing system 402, which can be a component of the user device 404, or can be separate from the user device. Therefore, in some embodiments where the central processing system 402 is a component of the user device 404, the request for location information can be received in the form of user input in the user device 404. In addition, in some embodiments where the central processing system 402 is separate from the user device 404, the request for location information can be received from the user device 404. For example, in some embodiments, the communication module 418 of the central processing system 402 receives the request for information.

[0215] After receiving the request for location information at block 602, process 600 moves to block 604 and identifies a first signal component that corresponds to and / or identifies a geographic area within a location identification grid. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of techniques may be used to identify the first signal component, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for identifying the first signal component.

[0216] After identifying the first signal component from the received request for location information, process 600 proceeds to block 606 and then identifies a second signal component corresponding to a sub-region in the geographic region from the received request for location information. For example, the identified sub-region may be a smaller area within a larger region that includes the location identified in the received request. For example, in some embodiments, the signal may include an indicator that separates the first signal component from the second signal component. In some embodiments, the first signal component and the second signal component may be identified by using these indicators in the signal.

[0217] After identifying the second signal component corresponding to the sub-area within the geographic area, the process proceeds to block 608 and determines the requested location based on the first and second signal components. In some embodiments, the determination may include, for example, querying the memory 410 for information about a pre-existing location identification grid 100 and comparing the first and second signal components to the information about the pre-existing location identification grid 100 stored in the memory 410.

[0218] In some embodiments, the determination of the requested location may further include, for example, a location identifier of a second location, which may be, for example, the location of a user device 404. The second location may be identified by user input and / or may be combined with any feature, system, and / or component capable of determining the location of the user device 404. Information related to the second location may be provided to the processor 408, which may be combined with the memory 410 to determine the direction from the second location to the requested location. These directions may include, for example, headings, distances, routes along existing streets and / or paths, or directions in any other desired form. In some embodiments, the route along existing streets and / or paths may be selected based on the shortest distance between the requested location and the second location, based on the estimated time to move between the requested location and the second location, and / or any other parameter for route selection.

[0219] After determining the requested location based on the first and second signal components, the process 600 moves to block 610 and provides location information. For example, in some embodiments where the central processing system 402 is separate from the user device, the location information is provided to the user device 404 from the central processing system 402 and may be provided to the user device 404 via, for example, the communication system and network 406. In some embodiments where the central processing system 402 is a component of the user device 404, the location information is provided to the user from the user device 404. Thus, in some embodiments where a route between the requested location and the second location is determined, the route may be provided to the user device 404 and / or the user.

[0220] Figure 6 The illustrated process 600 may include: Figure 6 more or fewer steps as shown, and Figure 6 The steps of process 600 shown may be performed in the same or different order. In addition, the steps of process 600 may include additional sub-processes and further steps.

[0221] Fig. 6A Shown as Figure 6 Part of the steps shown and specifically as Figure 6 An embodiment of a sub-process 620 performed by performing the sub-process of block 608. Fig. 6A As shown, process 620 may be used to determine a requested position based on the first and second signal components.

[0222] Processing 620 begins at block 622 and determines a first geographic region that corresponds to a first signal component received in a received request for location information. In some embodiments, processor 408 may compare information received from memory 410 with the first signal component. This comparison may be used to determine a first geographic region that corresponds to the first signal component.

[0223] After determining the first geographic area corresponding to the first signal component, the process 620 proceeds to block 624 and determines a second geographic area corresponding to a portion of the second signal component received in the received request for location information. For example, in some embodiments, the information received from the memory 410 can be compared with the second signal component to determine the second geographic area corresponding to the second signal component. For example, the second signal component can include a text string identifying the second geographic area. Therefore, the identifier found in the text string of the second signal component can be used to identify the second geographic area.

[0224] After determining the second geographic region corresponding to a portion of the second signal component, the process 620 moves to a decision state 626 and the central processing system 402 determines whether the received request for location information identifies an additional region. Figures 3A-3C In some embodiments, the signal may include more information than just identification of the first geographic region and the second geographic region. In some embodiments, after the first geographic region corresponding to the first signal component has been determined and the second geographic region corresponding to a portion of the second signal component has been determined, the processing determines whether the signal includes information identifying additional geographic regions.

[0225] If central processing system 402 determines that the signal identifies an additional geographic region, process 620 returns to block 624 and determines an additional second geographic region corresponding to a portion of the second signal component.

[0226] Returning again to block 626, if the central processing system 402 determines that the signal does not identify additional regions, the process 620 moves to block 628 and proceeds to block 610, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0227] Figure 7 A process for generating a location identifier is shown. Process 700 begins at step 702, where system 400 receives a request for a location identifier. The request may be generated by item handling instrument 426 after being imported into the distribution network. The request may be generated by a merchant, shipper, or consumer who wishes to receive or send an item using a location identifier. In some embodiments, a merchant may have a computer network that receives orders for items to be shipped. The merchant's computer network may access system 400 through communication system 406 or other similar communication modules, where the merchant's computer network requests the location identifier to be attached, attached, affixed, printed, or otherwise associated with the item.

[0228] Process 700 next moves to step 704, where the system 400 receives destination location information. The destination location information may be a physical address, a GPS location, an email address, a telephone number, or other information describing or defining the destination to which the item is to be sent. Upon receiving a request for a location identifier, the system 400 may prompt the user to enter the destination location information. In some embodiments, the destination location information may be automatically provided to the system 400, such as when a user orders an item for delivery to the GPS coordinates of a computing device used to order the item. For example, an application running on a GPS-enabled device may be used to order items, and the application may automatically send the GPS coordinates after ordering the items, or any other coordinates identifying the physical location of the device used to order the item. In some embodiments, the destination location information may be received before receiving a request for a location identifier, or the two steps may be performed substantially the same. For example, in some embodiments, the system 400 may receive the destination location information while receiving a request for a location identifier.

[0229] In some embodiments, the destination location information can be GPS coordinates or other similar coordinates that identify a physical location. When a customer orders a package, the customer can include their GPS coordinates or the GPS coordinates of the desired delivery location, as described elsewhere herein. The supplier or system 400 can then determine the city, zip code, and address of the destination through a database or a map provided by a commercial GPS coordinate service or from a database such as a memory 410. This can be used to enable the system 400 to find the zip code from a database in a post office or a memory 410 with the zip code of a city in the destination jurisdiction. Once the zip code is known, the GPS coordinates can be converted to a suitable coordinate system such as a destination country or region. Processing 700 then moves to decision state 706, where it is determined whether the destination location information identifies a destination in a foreign jurisdiction. For example, in the case of USPS, the system 400 can receive an address for delivery. If the address is in a foreign jurisdiction, processing 700 moves to step 708, where the system 400 accesses a database such as a memory 410, which contains a foreign zip code and all addresses in each zip code, and finds the zip code corresponding to the destination location.

[0230] If the destination location information identifies a domestic address, the process 700 moves to step 710, where the system 400 accesses a database such as in the memory 410 and searches for a zip code corresponding to the destination location identifier. In some embodiments, the destination location information may already include a foreign zip code or postal code, in which case the search will be unnecessary. For example, if the destination location information indicates that the Jefferson Memorial is located at 900 Ohio Street, NW 20242, Washington, D.C., the system 400 may access a database to determine a zip code or location code associated with the Jefferson Memorial. Alternatively, the system 400 may only use the provided zip code 20242 and incorporate the provided zip code 20242 into the location identifier.

[0231] From step 708 or step 710, process 700 next moves to step 710, where the grid coordinates of the destination location information are determined based on the provided location code or postal code. For example, the United States may use the USNG grid coordinate system, while countries outside the United States may use the UTM grid system. System 400 first accesses memory 410 to determine which grid system is used by the country or jurisdiction where the location code or postal code is located. The postal code can direct system 400 to an address lookup table or other similar data storage module that includes grid coordinates and associated location information for the determined location code or postal code. System 400 then determines the grid coordinates corresponding to the destination location information within the postal code or location code.

[0232] For example, if the destination location information indicates that the Jefferson Memorial is at 900 Ohio Street NW 20242 Washington, DC, the system identifies the domestic address and looks up the grid system used in ZIP code 20242. The system 400 then looks up which grid coordinates within ZIP code 20242 correspond to 900 Ohio Street NW. The system 400 may return the grid coordinates 23340651 using the USNG grid system.

[0233] Once the grid coordinates are determined in step 710, the process 700 moves to step 714 where a location identifier is generated. As described herein, the location code or zip code may be truncated as desired. The location identifier is generated by combining the zip code with the grid coordinates, as described elsewhere herein. In the case of the Jefferson Memorial, the location identifier may be 20242##23340651. The location identifier may be encoded as a computer readable code, IMb, with a class of service, mailer ID, serial number, etc. After the location identifier is encoded as a computer readable code, the "##" symbol may be omitted or not encoded.

[0234] The process 700 next moves to step 716, where the location identifier is sent to the user or requester. This transmission may be an electronic transmission to the user, who may then print a computer readable code containing the encoded location identifier. This transmission may be an electronic transmission from the processor 408 to the item handling instrument, or may be a physical transmission of the computer readable code, such as by printing a label with the computer readable code.

[0235] The process then moves to step 718, where the location identifier is placed on the item, printed on the item, affixed to the item, or otherwise attached to the item. For example, a computer readable code encoding the location identifier onto the item may be printed or sprayed on the item handling instrument 426. This may also occur when a user prints a computer readable code containing the encoded location identifier and attaches the computer readable code to the item.

[0236] The process then ends at step 720 .

[0237] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process 800 for using a location identifier when delivering an item. The process 800 begins at step 800, where a location identifier is received in an item processing device such as, for example, a user device 404. The location identifier may be similar to the identifiers described elsewhere herein. The location identifier may be received by the user device 404 using a scanner, or may be manually entered into the user device 404. The user device 404 may scan the item having the location identifier thereon.

[0238] Process 800 then moves to step 804, where the destination location information associated with the location identifier is retrieved. The destination location information may be looked up in a database or memory, such as memory 410. The retrieval of the destination location information may be performed by an application running on user device 404. Memory 410 may associate the destination location information with location information stored from previously generated location information, as described elsewhere herein. Memory 410 may store an association for the destination location information (e.g., street address, GPS coordinates, zip code, etc.) with a location identifier such as one that uses a USNG or UTM coding system and a truncated code as described elsewhere herein.

[0239] Process 800 then moves to step 806, where a desired format for the destination location information is determined. The desired format for the destination location information may be requested by the delivery resource, such as via user device 404. In some embodiments, the delivery resource or user may request that the destination location information be displayed as a street address, GPS coordinates, a postal code (e.g., a U.S. 11-digit postal code), in a European standard addressing format, or other desired format associated with the location information and stored in memory 410. For example, after scanning a location identifier on an item, a delivery resource with user device 404 may request that the destination location information be displayed on the user device as GPS coordinates on a map or a street address on a map. The delivery resource may request that user device 404 provide turn-by-turn directions to the destination location.

[0240] In some embodiments, the desired format may be set by the physical location of the user device 404 or the delivery resource. For example, in the case where the delivery resource is in Germany or another country, the system 400 may determine a preferred format for the destination location information that is specific to Germany or another country, such as using a German postal code and street address format, standard European addressing, etc. In some embodiments, the system 400 may automatically detect the physical location of the user device and automatically select the preferred format for the destination location information based on the physical location of the user device 404.

[0241] The delivery resource may also request the location of a drop-off location (such as a locker, post office, commercial facility, or other facility) that is closest to the physical delivery location. In some embodiments, an item recipient, such as one who has purchased an item for delivery, may indicate preferences stored in the user database 414. The preferences may include a preference for delivering items to a locker, post office, or other destination. When the system 400 queries or looks up the destination location information associated with the location identifier, the system 400 may also query the user database 414 to identify the recipient or user associated with the destination location information. The system 400 may then look up the user-specific preferences and provide the destination location information in a format preferred by the user based on the preferences established by the user or other user information (e.g., payment status, account status, delivery preferences, etc.), as described elsewhere herein.

[0242] Process 800 then moves to step 808, where the destination location information is displayed on user device 404. The display of the destination location information may include turn-by-turn directions, a display of GPS coordinates, a street address, a point on a map, etc. The delivery resource may then use the displayed destination location information to reach the physical delivery location to deliver the item.

[0243] Process 800 then moves to step 810 where a delivery confirmation is received. After scanning the item at a drop-off location at or near the delivery location according to user preferences, the delivery confirmation can be sent from user device 404 to central processing system 402 via network 406. The process then ends at step 812.

[0244] The present technology may operate with many other general or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or portable devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronic devices, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0245] As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps for processing information in a system. Instructions may be implemented in software, firmware, or hardware, and include any type of programmable steps undertaken by components of the system.

[0246] The microprocessor may be any conventional general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessor, such as an ARM processor, processor, Pro processor, 8051 processor, Processor, Power Processor or Processor. In addition, the microprocessor can be any conventional special-purpose microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor or a graphics processor. The microprocessor typically has conventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or more conventional control lines.

[0247] The memory may include any device, feature, and / or component capable of storing information. In some embodiments, the memory may include hardware components and / or software components. The memory may include, for example, RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CDROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. The memory may store any desired information. In some embodiments, the information in the memory may include, for example, software, at least one software module, instructions, algorithm steps, or any other information. In some embodiments, the instructions in the memory may guide the processor to perform processing according to the instructions stored in the memory. These processes may include, for example, controlling features and / or components physically associated and / or communicating with the processor, requesting and / or receiving information from features and / or components physically associated and / or communicating with the processor, sending instructions and / or control signals to features and / or components physically associated and / or communicating with the processor, processing information received from features and / or components physically associated and / or communicating with the processor, and / or any other desired processing.

[0248] The system can be combined with or Microsoft's to use with various operating systems.

[0249] System controls can be written in any conventional programming language, such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and run under a conventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and FORTRAN are industry standard programming languages ​​that many commercial companies can use to form executable code. System controls can also be written using compiled languages, such as Perl, Python, or Ruby.

[0250] The foregoing description describes in detail certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that no matter how detailed the foregoing text is, the systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in many ways. Also as described above, it should be noted that when describing certain features or aspects of the present invention, the use of a particular term should not be taken as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to encompassing any specific characteristics of the feature or aspect of the technology associated with the term.

[0251] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that components included in one embodiment may be interchangeable with other embodiments; and one or more components of a described embodiment may be included in other described embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be combined with, interchanged with, or excluded from components of other embodiments.

[0252] As for any plural and / or singular terms used herein, those skilled in the art can convert from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as appropriate in context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0253] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used herein are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that if specific values ​​of an introduced claim recitation are intended, such intent should be explicitly listed in the claim, and in the absence of such a statement, no such intent exists. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a claim recitation introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even where the same claim contains the introductory words "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" and "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if specific values ​​of the introduced claim expressions are explicitly listed, those skilled in the art will recognize that such expressions should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the listed values ​​(e.g., the bare expression "two expressions" without other modifiers generally means at least two expressions or two or more expressions). Furthermore, in instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally speaking, such constructions are intended to be understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Generally speaking, in instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, these constructions are intended to be understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase representing two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0254] All documents cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety. To the extent that publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in this specification, this specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such conflicting material.

[0255] As used herein, the term "comprising" is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude the addition of unrecited elements or method steps.

[0256] All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions and the like used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Therefore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding techniques.

[0257] The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. The present invention is susceptible to modifications of methods and materials and substitutions of construction methods and apparatus. Such modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art by consideration of the present disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather to encompass all modifications and substitutions within the scope and spirit of the present invention as embodied in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for generating a location identifier for use with an item, the system comprising: an item handling device configured to receive a destination location identifier and communicate the destination location identifier to a processor; a first memory in communication with the processor, the first memory storing a plurality of location codes corresponding to a plurality of geographic areas; a second memory in communication with the processor, the second memory storing grid coordinates corresponding to a plurality of physical locations; wherein the processor is configured to: querying the first memory to select a specific location code from a plurality of stored location codes based on the destination location identifier, the specific location code corresponding to one of the plurality of geographic areas; querying the second memory to determine a grid coordinate value based on the selected location code and the destination location identifier; generating a location identifier using the selected location code and the determined grid coordinate values; storing the generated location identifier and associating the location identifier with the destination location information; as well as The generated location identifier is sent to the item handling device for use by the item.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the item handling device comprises a scanner configured to read the destination location from an item.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to encode the generated location identifier with a computer readable code and transmit the computer readable code to the item handling device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the item handling device is further configured to generate a physical representation of the generated location identifier.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the item handling device is further configured to receive an item and attach a physical representation of the generated location identifier to the received item.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the scanner is further configured to read a generated location identifier on the received item and sort the received item according to the location identifier.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a mobile device having a scanner and a communication module in communication with the processor, wherein the scanner is configured to read a location identifier from an item and request associated destination location information.

8. A method for generating a location identifier, comprising: Receive items from item handling equipment, receiving a destination location identifier from the item; querying, by a processor, a first memory storing a plurality of location codes corresponding to a plurality of geographic regions to determine a specific location code from the plurality of stored location codes, the specific location code corresponding to one of the plurality of geographic regions; querying, by the processor, a second memory storing grid coordinates corresponding to a plurality of physical locations to determine a grid coordinate value corresponding to the destination location identifier based on the selected location code and the destination location identifier; generating, by a processor, a computer-readable location identifier having a selected location code and the determined grid coordinate value encoded in the selected location code; as well as The computer-readable location identifier is placed on the item.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the destination location identifier is a physical address.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the destination location identifier comprises scanning the destination location identifier on the item and extracting a location code from the physical address.

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