METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING AND USING A LOCATION IDENTIFICATION GRID

摘要

A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.

主权项

1. A system for generating a location identifier for use with an item, the system comprising:
an item processing apparatus 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:
query the first memory to select, based on the destination location identifier, a specific location code from the plurality of stored location codes, the specific location code corresponding to one of the plurality of geographic areas;query the second memory to determine, based on the selected location code and the destination location identifier, a gird coordinate values;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; andsend the generated location identifier to the item processing apparatus for use with an item.