Dynamic Postal Delivery Database for Flexible Address Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail processing systems lack flexibility, leading to unnecessary deliveries and returns, as recipients and senders cannot easily change delivery addresses or opt out of delivery once a mailpiece is handed over to a logistics service provider.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a database to allow senders and recipients to define and change shipping and receiving locations, with location and delivery information being stored and updated in real-time, enabling flexible delivery options and reducing returns by allowing changes until the mailpiece is delivered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mailpiece is handed over to a logistics service provider, then the mailpiece can be transported from sender to recipient, but the sender or recipient cannot change the delivery address or opt out of delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic delivery instructions that can be changed after the mailpiece is handed over to the logistics service provider. The system allows modification of delivery addresses and delivery options (including opting out of delivery) by storing multiple variants of reception locations and delivery rules in a database, enabling the delivery process to adapt to changing recipient needs without requiring system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the sender, recipient, and logistics service provider. This database stores delivery instructions, location variants, and delivery rules, allowing any party to modify delivery parameters without directly communicating with others. The logistics service provider queries this intermediary database to obtain current delivery instructions, simplifying the coordination complexity
2Productivity
If delivery instructions are fixed after handover, then processing is simple, but unnecessary deliveries and returns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple variants of reception locations and delivery rules in advance in the database before the mailpiece is delivered. When delivery is attempted, the system checks for updated instructions or conditions (such as recipient availability, alternative locations, or delivery opt-outs) and adjusts the delivery accordingly. This preliminary preparation of alternative options prevents unnecessary returns by enabling last-minute delivery adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the logistics service provider queries the database for current delivery instructions before attempting delivery. If delivery conditions have changed (recipient not available, alternative location preferred, or delivery opted out), the system receives feedback about the changed conditions and adjusts the delivery process accordingly, preventing unnecessary failed deliveries and returns
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The method involves transferring mail (50) to shipping point (11) from a transmitter (10) to a logistics service provider (20). The mail is transported to receiving point (31) at a receiver (30) and transported in an extra case, and location information is deposited in a database. Setting information is deposited in the database referring to applicability of a setting case. Modification information is transferred during processing of the logistics service provider. Variants of the receiving point are provided relative to various address information. : Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for enabling improved processing of mail (2) a computer program comprising a set of instructions for a method for enhanced processing of mail in an extra case (3) a computer program product comprising a set of instructions for performing a method for enhanced processing of mail in an extra case. USE : Method for enhanced processing of mail in an extra case from a sender to a receiver under aid a logistics service provider and in a goods returned case under aid of the logistics service provider to the sender. ADVANTAGE : The modification information is transferred during processing of the logistics service provider, thus enabling enhanced processing of mails in flexible, simple and cost-effective manner with reduced number of goods returned and/or of unnecessary transmissions to the receiver. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a schematic view illustrating a mail to be processed in an extra case. 10 : Transmitter 11 : Shipping point 20 : Logistics service provider 30 : Receiver 31 : Receiving point 50 : Mail.