United Parcel Service of America, Inc.

Mark Horton

Christopher T Schenken

Chris R Radosta

Steven L Smith

Daniel Silvernale

John H Olsen

Rhesa M Jenkins

Jonathan Hock

Mike Shamel

David Snader

Craig Graham

Mike Cutler

Prabhakar Thyagarjan

Pamela Klouda

Mike Kerr

A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.

Symbiotic system for testing electromagnetic signal coverage in areas near transport routes

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual ('user') logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.

Providing a digital image and disposition of a good damaged during transit

A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.

Portable data acquisition and management system and associated device and method

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that facilitate the prevention of fraud occurring in connection with credit cards, debit cards, smart cards and other payment cards that are used in transactions involving goods sold by a seller, delivered by a shipper, and purchased by a buyer. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods that allow for physical verification of a payment card (e.g., credit card) upon delivery of goods that are purchased in the context of a remote transaction between a buyer and a seller, including, for example, goods that are ordered via phone, mail order, fax or the Internet.

Delivery systems and methods involving verification of a payment card from a handheld device

The present invention is directed at systems and methods for gathering wireless communication data within a target geographic area. More specifically, selected fleet vehicles are equipped to gather wireless communication data from transmission towers while simultaneously performing other tasks. A signal testing device gathers the signal data while temporarily positioned in a selected fleet vehicle that passes within a target geographic area. The signal testing device is then transferred to other fleet vehicles that also traverse the target geographic area until the desired data from the identified area is collected.

Network testing systems and methods

Systems and methods for providing a digital image and disposition of a good damaged during transit

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a channel plate and a bracket for securely receiving the signal testing unit. The channel plate is securely mounted adjacent to a surface of a vehicle and includes a plurality of channels that extend through the plate. The bracket includes a housing for receiving the testing unit and one or more clips. Each clip engages a channel in the channel plate to mount the bracket to the channel plate. In addition, each clip includes at least one finger that includes an engaging portion. The clip is removably engaged into one of the channels by positioning the engaging portion of each finger adjacent the back side of the channel plate such that the bracket is positioned adjacent the front side of the channel plate. In one embodiment, the finger is spring biased.

Rapid exchange system for testing wireless networks

Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for removably mounting a signal testing unit to a suitable vehicle surface, and optionally providing for an electrical connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The mounting system includes a connector plate that is attachable to a vehicle surface and includes a plurality of guide pins extending perpendicularly from the connector plate. Guide pin receivers are attached to at least two faces of a signal testing unit and, when each guide pin receiver slidably engages each of the guide pins, movement of the signal testing unit relative to the connector plate is prevented.

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for monitoring whether an item is properly delivered to a designated delivery point. According to one aspect of the invention, location data and timestamp data is generated in association with the transport and delivery of an item to a delivery point. The location and timestamp data can be compared, respectively, to at least one predetermined geographic boundary that defines a geographic area encompassing the designated delivery point, and to a scheduled time window within which delivery of the item is to occur. This information can be used to determine if a problem has arisen with regard to the transport and delivery of the item to the delivery point. The system is generally configured to generate one or more alerts if it is determined that a particular item has been transported or delivered in an unauthorized manner.

Item-based monitoring systems and methods

One embodiment of the system provides for removably mounting a signal testing unit to a suitable vehicle surface, and optionally provides for an electrical connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The mounting system includes a signal testing unit with a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the testing unit and a bracket defined by a panel that is intermediate two inwardly opening U-shaped channels. Each U-shaped channel is positioned to slidably receive one of the lips extending from the side of the testing unit. The channels can receive a connector plate that has a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the plate and an electrical connector positioned on the plate to align and mate with an electrical connector on the testing unit.

Growing community of inventors

Suwanee, GA, United States of America

Mark Horton