Method and computer program for monitoring the transport of objects in a distribution system

Abstract

For monitoring the transport of an object, the object is sent to a detection point. Signallings representing arrival of the object and related objects belonging to the same group at the detection point are registered. The target time for receipt of a signalling representing arrival of the object at the detection point is determined or adjusted depending on time points of signalling of arrival of related objects at the detection point. If after the target time no arrival of the object at the detection point has been registered yet, a warning signal is generated automatically. A computer program for automatically carrying out the proposed method is also described.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for monitoring the transport of an object, comprising: 
 sending the object to at least one detection point via a distribution system with distribution points;    determining a target time for arrival of said object at said at least one detection point;    if the object, or related objects belonging to the same group, is or are detected at the at least one detection point, signalling the arrival of the respective object or the respective objects;    in response to signallings representing arrival of the objects and related objects belonging to the same group at the at least one detection point, registering said signallings; and    if for the object, at an associated target time, no signalling has been received which represents arrival at said at least one detection point, generating a warning signal;    wherein said target time for said object is determined or adjusted depending on time points of signalling of arrival of related objects at the at least one detection point.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the object and the related objects have a common point of departure.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the object and the related objects have a time of departure or time of detection in a predetermined common time interval.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the object and the related objects have a common detection point or detection points in a common area as destination.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein there applies to said at least one detection point a detection time interval per group of related objects of a predetermined duration, and wherein said target time for the object is determined by adding said duration to the time point of the first signalling which represents presence of at least one of the related objects at the detection point.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said detection time interval for a group of related objects is determined or adjusted depending on elapsed time between time points of signalling of objects of at least one other group of related objects at said at least one detection point.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said target time is partly determined on the basis of variation in elapsed time between time points of signalling of objects from different other groups of related objects at said at least one detection point.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein for said at least one detection point, different target times apply for objects coming from different points of departure.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the target time for said object is determined or adjusted depending on time points of signalling of at least two of said related objects at said at least one detection point.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the target time is further adjusted depending on time points of signalling of said related objects from said group according as more of said related objects have been signalled at said at least one detection point.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein in response to said warning signal a replacement object or message is sent.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said object and said related objects form a group of objects which are signalled at at least first and second detection points located in succession along a transport path, and wherein said group of objects is divided into two subgroups, with a first subgroup containing objects whose presence at the first detection point has been signalled during a first time interval, and with the second subgroup containing objects whose presence at the first detection point has been signalled during a second time interval, and wherein for the second detection point different target times for the different subgroups are determined.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the presence of said objects is detected at at least first and second detection points located in succession along a transport path.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein objects which have been detected in an order counter to the transport direction at different detection points are excluded from said group of objects.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein in response to detection of an object at different detection points in an order counter to the transport direction, a warning signal is generated.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the division of objects into groups takes place in response to variation in the density of numbers of signallings of presence of objects per time unit at a detection point.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein different detection points are grouped to form a combined detection point.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a number of said detection points are formed by delivery addresses of said objects, and wherein signallings of presence of objects at said delivery addresses are obtained in the form of confirmations of receipt from addressees.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the transport path of at least a number of said objects comprises a return path for reply consignments to be sent by addressees.  
     
     
         20 . A computer program for monitoring the transport of an object, comprising: 
 instructions for registering the sending of the object to at least one detection point;    instructions for registering signallings representing arrival of the object and related objects belonging to the same group at the at least one detection point;    instructions for determining a target time for receipt of a signalling representing arrival of said object at said at least one detection point; and    instructions for generating a warning signal if for the object, at an associated target time, no signalling has been received which represents arrival at said at least one detection point,    wherein the instructions for determining said target time for said object are arranged for determining said target time depending on time points of signalling of arrival of related objects at the at least one detection point.