HK1026042B - Bar code symbol driven systems for accessing information resources on the internet - Google Patents

Description

Bar code symbol driven system for accessing information resources on the internet

Background

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a novel bar code symbol driven internet access terminal and method for accessing internet based information resources using scanned bar code symbols encoded with a uniform resource address identifier (URL) or a domain name/pathname (DN/PN) portion thereof representing the location of the information resource on the internet.

Brief description of the background

Currently, a common Graphical User Interface (GUI) based Internet browser program is utilized, such as Navigator of Netscape communications^Or Microsoft corporation's Internet Explorer^Several techniques have been developed on the World Wide Web (WWW) to connect to or access (i.e., "roam" on the web) internet-based information resources. The effectiveness of any particular Web-site roaming technique depends on the presence of the internet user at any particular moment in the internetA location in the browser program.

For example, if an individual is currently at a Web site (i.e., enters a particular hypertext markup language (HTML) document) where there is a highlighted or darkened "link" that specifies an internet address of another Web site (i.e., another HTML document), then the user can access (i.e., "roam" to) the other Web site by simply "clicking" or selecting the highlighted URL with his pointing device (i.e., "mouse") in the usual manner. The growth and popularity of the internet has been greatly promoted in recent years by the ability to connect to other Web sites with a simple pointing or clicking on a highlighted URL embedded in an HTML document.

If a user needs to access an information resource on the WWW that is not referenced by viewing an HTML document through a browser program, the user often finds it necessary to manually enter the URL of the information resource (e.g., "http:/www.metrologic.com") into the browser program. This requires manually pressing a keypad or series of keys on the remote control device according to the character of the selected URL. In addition to being time consuming, such Web-site roaming techniques are prone to errors, causing the browser program to connect to the wrong Web-site or return a message beginning with the domain name searched for the Web-site. This is a considerable disadvantage for internet users from a practical point of view.

Recently, as the WWW grows and becomes more complex, the use of printed publications (e.g., magazines, books, catalogs, etc.) has become commonplace, listing Web sites, corresponding URLs and content descriptions as guides, and the adoption of TV guides^Magazines help viewers select programs during television viewing in the same manner. However, each time a listed Web site (i.e., a collection of HTML documents linked to a "home" HTML document) is viewed, the user is forced to manually enter a long string of characters associated with the URL of the selected Web site into the internet browser program. Only then does the browser program automatically connect the user's client system (i.e., internet access terminal) to the internet server computer (i.e., host) supporting the selected Web site.

While the development of HTML and GUI-based Web browser programs has made it relatively simple to access Web sites, the above-described shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art clearly indicate that there is a strong need for an improved system and method for accessing and processing information resources on the internet.

Disclosure of Invention

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for accessing information resources on the internet that avoids the disadvantages and drawbacks of prior systems and methods.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system which includes a bar code symbol reader for reading bar code symbols printed on various types of objects including print media, either DN/PN codes (domain name and pathname codes) or URL codes (uniform resource address identification codes), and when so read, automatically connecting the internet access system to an internet server containing information resources designated by the scanned DN/PN code or URL code bar code symbols.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system wherein the bar code symbol reader may be a laser scanning bar code symbol reader, a CCD type bar code symbol, or a wand type bar code symbol reader or a magnetic stripe reader.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system wherein the DN-encoded bar code symbol printed on various types of media is a DN/PN-encoded truncated bar code symbol having a very low height to length ratio, thereby allowing a large number of URL-encoded bar code symbols to be printed on a single sheet or page of print media along with their corresponding human-readable URLs and content descriptions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system wherein the URL-encoded bar code symbol printed on various types of media is a URL-encoded truncated bar code symbol having a very low height to length ratio, thereby allowing a large number of URL-encoded bar code symbols to be printed on a single sheet or page of a Web site guide along with their corresponding human-readable URLs and content descriptions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system in the form of a desktop, laptop or palmtop computer system which is connected to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), where the computer system has a GUI-based Web browser program and a program controlled bar code symbol scanner interfaced therewith to automatically access each of the information resources (e.g., Web sites) listed in the Web site guide by simply scanning the bar code symbols for the corresponding URL codes printed on its pages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an internet access system in the form of an interactive Web-based television system, wherein the Web-based television system includes an internet terminal unit connected to the internet via an ISP, an audiovisual display monitor for displaying the graphical and audio information content of HTML-encoded documents (i.e., Web-sites), and a portable internet access device having a wireless infrared-based communication link to the internet terminal unit and an integrated bar code symbol scanner for automatically surfing to (a) Web-site(s) listed in a Web-site guide by simply scanning corresponding URL-encoded bar code symbols printed on the pages thereof.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system in the form of a scanner integrated terminal, wherein the scanner integrated terminal is connectable to the internet via a wireless (RF) link to an ISP, has an integrated GUI-based Web browser program, display panel, keypad and programmed bar code symbol scanner for automatically accessing (surfing to) Web-sites listed in a Web-site guide by simply scanning corresponding DN-encoded (or URL-encoded) bar code symbols printed on the pages thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel method of accessing HTML-encoded documents on the internet without the need for manual data entry operations or the like by scanning URL bar code symbols into a common GUI-based web browser program.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an internet access system including an optical character reader programmed to read character strings of URLs printed on various types of print media, which, upon reading, automatically connects an internet client system to an internet server supporting a Web site or HTML document specified by the read URL.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an internet access system in the form of a desktop, laptop, palmtop or body-mountable computer system which is connected to the internet by an Internet Service Provider (ISP), wherein the computer system has a GUI-based Web browser program and a program-controlled bar code symbol scanner interfaced therewith for automatically accessing information resources, such as HTML-encoded documents, located on information servers connected to the internet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an internet access system in the form of an interactive Web-based television system, wherein the Web-based television system includes an internet terminal unit connected to the internet via an ISP, an Audiovisual (AV) display monitor for displaying graphical and audio information content of Web-sites, and a portable internet surfing device having a wireless infrared-based communication link to the internet terminal unit and an integrated optical character reader for automatically surfing to Web-sites listed in a Web-site guide by simply scanning corresponding URLs printed on the pages thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an internet access system in the form of a scanner integrated terminal, wherein the scanner integrated terminal is connectable to the internet via a wireless (RF) link to an ISP, has an integrated GUI-based Web browser program, display panel, keypad and programmed optical character reader for automatically surfing to Web-sites listed in a Web-site guide by simply scanning corresponding URLs printed on the pages thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel method of surfing to Web sites on the internet without requiring manual data entry operations or the like by optically scanning a URL string into a GUI-based Web browser program.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel system and method for printing URL-encoded bar code symbols onto various types of print media which, when read, automatically connects an internet client system to an internet server supporting a Web site designated by a scanned URL-encoded bar code symbol.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel system and method for accessing information resources on the internet by reading Java-Applet type coded bar code symbols printed on various types of media.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system and method where the internet client system is automatically connected to the internet information resource specified by the scanned Applet encoded bar code symbol for local processing and display in accordance with the encoded Applet.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system in the form of a suitably programmed desktop Web-linked computer workstation or laptop system having a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an internet browser program with an interposed URL-menu layout/print module that supports the bar code menu set layout, transport and print processes of this invention.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system wherein the internet browser program and the plug-in URL-menu editing/printing module allow the user to easily compile the following information structures during operation of the internet browser program: a list of human-readable URLs corresponding to a set or series of information service Web sites, a set of URL-encoded barcode symbol data structures corresponding thereto, a set of titles assigned to the URLs, a set of profiles of service content at the Web sites (i.e., HTML documents), and the date and year of the set of Web sites (i.e., HTML documents) last accessed by the compiler for subsequent printing in the form of a menu.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system wherein the compiled information structure can be electronically transmitted to a remote location by electronic mail (e-mail), facsimile transmission or other protocol provided over the internet and then printed using suitable print driver software so that the Web sites listed in the compiled information structure can be conveniently accessed by reading the corresponding URL-encoded bar code symbols using a bar code scanner into an internet browser program.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel Web site guide or directory including one or more sheets having printed thereon a plurality of human-readable URL-encoded bar code symbols, and a description of the content of the Web site.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel Web-based document tracking and management system in which each printed document (e.g., booklet, drawings, 3-D object or sample, photograph, description, blueprint, etc.) to be tracked and managed in the system is uniquely assigned and tagged with a URL-encoded bar code symbol, designating (i.e., pointing to) a specific information storage Web site in an HTML-encoded relational database management system (RDBMS), implemented at a Web-based information server located on the internet or behind a common firewall of an HTTP-enabled enterprise network.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a Web document-based tracking and management system in which information associated with documents hosted in the system can be readily accessed by a simple scan of URL-encoded graphical code symbols printed on the documents using a bar code symbol reader associated with the internet access terminal (i.e., client computer system) of the present invention.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a Web document based tracking and management system wherein each user's internet access terminal is operable to: (1) assigning the URL-encoded bar code symbol to any document registered in the system; (2) inputting information related to the document into an information storage location of the document assigned to the Web-based RDBMS; (3) printing URL code bar code symbol, pasting to corresponding document in system; (4) at any time, modifying information associated with a document currently stored in an information storage location of the document assigned to the Web-based RDBMS; (5) information associated with such documents is accessed from the system by a simple read of the bar code symbol encoding its corresponding URL.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system and method that employs URL-encoded bar code symbols on parcels (percel) and parcels (packages).

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system and method where one or more routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) internet server subsystems are connected to the internet and updated at any time with parcel related information from (i) a parcel registration/Shipping Subsystem (Package Log-In/Shipping Subsystem) located at a product shipment location (i.e., warehouse) and connected to the RTD internet server by a first data communication link; (ii) a packet routing Subsystem (PackageRouting Subsystem) located at the hub station and connected to the RTD internet server by a second data communication link; or (iii) a Portable Package delivery subsystem (Portable Package delivery subsystem) carried by the Package delivery person and connected to the RTD internet server via a wireless data communication link.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system and method where, at each remote hub station in the system: automatically scanning the URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol; the encoding end point Zip Code is locally recovered and used for selecting the routing of the parcel on the hub station; the locally retrieved URL is used to access the RTD internet server and to update the location of the parcel in the system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system and method where when a bar CODE symbol encoded by URL/ZIP CODE is read by a deliverer or messenger using a portable (wireless) internet access terminal, package delivery information, payment method items, processing instructions, etc. are precisely updated using locally retrieved URL's to automatically access an RTD internet server and be displayed on the internet access terminal.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent below.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a more complete understanding of how the present invention may be carried into effect, the following best mode for carrying out the invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in which an Internet access system is implemented in the form of a desktop computer system, wherein the computer is shown connected to the Internet via an ISP, having a GUIWeb-based browser program and bar code symbol scanner, for automatically accessing HTML-encoded documents (i.e., surfing to a website) listed in a web page guide by simply scanning bar code symbols printed on corresponding URLs on the page;

FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of one or more web site directories of the present invention showing several URL encoded (truncated) bar code symbols printed thereon and their corresponding human-readable URLs and content descriptions;

FIG. 1B (1) is a schematic diagram of a bar code driven Internet access system according to a first broad method of the present invention, wherein a bar code is read, the bar code being encoded with (i) program commands for writing a URL into an information resource "Goto" window (i.e., "Goto" buffer) of an Internet browser program, (ii) the entire URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed, and (iii) Internet browser program commands for executing a HyperText transfer protocol (HTTP) request on the URL into the "Goto" window;

FIG. 1B (2) is a schematic diagram of a bar code driven Internet access system in accordance with a second broad method of the present invention for automatically (i) reading a bar code symbol encoded with an entire URL of an Internet information resource to be accessed and (ii) appending thereto a prefix code string representing a program command to write the URL into an information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program and a suffix code string representing a program command to execute an HTTP request on the URL entering the "Goto" window;

fig. 1B (3) is a schematic diagram of a bar code driven internet access system according to a third broad method of the present invention for automatically (i) reading a bar code symbol encoded with only the domain name ((DN) or lower IP address) and the server pathname portion of the URL of the internet information resource to be accessed: (ii) appending thereto a prefix code string representing (1) a program command to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program and (2) an Internet protocol identifier (e.g., "HTTP:/"), and (iii) appending a suffix code string representing a program command to perform an HTTP request on a URL entering the "Goto" window;

FIG. 1B (4) is a schematic diagram of a bar code driven Internet access system in accordance with a fourth broad method of the present invention for automatically (i) reading a bar code symbol, the bar code having been encoded with the entire URL of an Internet information resource to be accessed, (ii) writing the URL into the information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program, and (iii) performing an HTTP request on the URL entering the "Goto" window;

FIG. 1C (1) is a graphical representation of an exemplary 1-D (linear) URL encoded barcode symbol of the present invention, containing ASCII symbols representing the entire URL of an Internet information resource to be accessed (e.g., HTTP:/www.pepsi.com) and program commands (e.g., CTL (L)) to write the URL into the information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program and program commands (e.g., RTN) to perform HTTP requests on the URL entering the "Goto" window;

FIG. 1C (2) is a graphical representation of an exemplary 2-D URL encoded barcode symbol of the PDF 417 symbology encoded according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 1D (1) is a graphical representation of an exemplary "multiple 1-D" URL-encoded barcode symbol structure according to the present invention, comprising a pair of discrete 1-D URL-encoded barcode symbols, where a first barcode symbol contains an ASCII symbol that represents a program command (e.g., CTL (L)) to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of the program, an entire URL of an Internet information resource to be accessed (e.g., HTTP:/www.metrologic.com), and an Internet browser program command to perform an HTTP request on the URL entering the "Goto" window (e.g., RTN), and a second barcode symbol contains an ASCII symbol that represents an Internet browser program command (e.g., CTL (L)) to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of the Internet browser program, a path name portion of the URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed (e.g.,/Products/ms 6720.html), And program commands (e.g., RTN) to perform HTTP requests on URLs that enter the "Goto" window;

FIG. 1D (2) is a graphical representation of one exemplary 1-D URL encoded barcode symbol of the present invention, containing ASCII symbols representing program commands (e.g., CTL (L)) to write a URL into the information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program, the entire URL (e.g., HTTP:/www.clearlake.ibm.com) including its pathname portion (e.g.,/Mfg/carbocartain) to access an Internet information resource, and program commands (e.g., RTN) to perform an HTTP request on the incoming URL when the barcode is read;

FIG. 1E (1) is a graphical representation of an exemplary 1-D URL encoded barcode symbol of the present invention, containing ASCII symbols representing an Internet browser program command (e.g., CTL (L)) to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of an Internet browser program, an entire URL (e.g., HTTP:/www.moore.com) of an Internet information resource to be accessed including its domain name (e.g., moore. com) and path name (e.g.,/labels) portions, and an Internet browser program command (e.g., RTN) to perform an HTTP request on an incoming URL when reading the barcode symbol;

FIG. 1E (2) is a graphical representation of a hexadecimal digit string corresponding to the exemplary 1-D URL-encoded bar code symbol of FIG. 1E (1) sent from a bar code symbol reader to an Internet browser program of the Internet access system of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the internet access system is implemented in the form of an interactive Web-based television system including a terminal unit connected to the internet by an ISP, a portable internet navigation (i.e., roaming) device having an infrared link to the terminal unit and a bar code symbol scanner integrated therewith for automatically accessing Web sites listed in a site guide by simply scanning bar code symbols encoded with corresponding URLs printed on the pages thereof;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the Internet access system is implemented in the form of a hand-held scanner terminal, shown connected to the Internet by a wireless link to an ISP, having an integrated GUI-based Web browser program, display panel, keypad and programmed bar code symbol scanner for automatically surfing to Web sites listed in a Web site guide by simply scanning corresponding URL-encoded bar code symbols printed on the pages thereof;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary window of an Internet browser program running on the system of FIG. 1, also inserted by the URL menu layout/print module of the present invention, which allows its user to layout, send and print URL encoded menus in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a series of exemplary websites (e.g., HTML documents) along the website "roaming heading", which has been briefly reflected in a URL-encoded menu programmed and printed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of an exemplary portion of an information storage structure of a URL encoded menu, illustrating various information storage fields contained therein;

FIG. 6B is a schematic representation of an exemplary region of the URL encoded menu of FIG. 6A, illustrating various information display fields contained therein;

FIGS. 7A and 7B provide a flowchart of the steps performed in executing an exemplary embodiment of the bar code menu layout/print module of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) system of the present invention, showing a plurality of RTD Internet servers connected to the Internet infrastructure, a plurality of parcel routing subsystems located at remote hub sites of the system and connected to the RTD Internet servers through the Internet infrastructure, a plurality of log-in shipping computer subsystems located at product shipping locations throughout the world and connected to the RTD Internet servers through the Internet infrastructure, and a plurality of computer-based subsystems with Portable Parcel Delivery (PPD) wirelessly connected to the RTD Internet servers;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a computer-based subsystem for package entry/shipment based on a Web RTD system of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating various information fields of a first preferred exemplary embodiment of a URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol for use by its RTD system;

FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating various information fields of a second exemplary embodiment of a URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol for use by its RTD system;

figure 11 is a schematic representation of the RTD internet server (subsystem) of the Web-based RTD system of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a schematic representation of the information structure of the RTD Internet server based on the Web RTD system of the present invention, showing its relational database management System (RDBMS), Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and HTTP server serving the HTML-encoded Web page in which the information storage fields specified by the URLs are represented;

FIG. 11B is a schematic representation of an information structure including information elements stored in an RDBMS of an RTD Internet server connected to an information storage location in an HTML-encoded web page specified by a Uniform resource Address identifier (URL) that has been uniquely assigned to a particular parcel being tracked in the RTD system of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed on the parcel login/shipping subsystem during a parcel login operation within the RTD system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a parcel routing subsystem located on a routing hub within the RTD system of the present invention illustrating the scanning of URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbols on shipping parcels in which routing is occurring;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed at each parcel routing subsystem during a parcel routing operation within the RTD system of the present invention based on the reading of a bar CODE symbol encoding a URL/ZIP CODE on a parcel;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the portable parcel delivery subsystem of the present invention illustrating the scanning of a URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol on a shipped parcel during a parcel sending operation within the RTD system of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed during a mailer sending operation using the portable mailer sending subsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention in which an Internet access system is implemented in the form of a hand-held scanner terminal connected to the Internet through a wireless interface to an ISP with an integrated GUI-based Web browser program, display panel, keypad and program controlled bar code symbol scanner for automatically scanning Java-Allpet encoded bar code symbols printed on various types of objects or media;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a body-worn bar code symbol-driven Internet access system of the present invention having a hand-mounted bar code symbol reader and an arm-mounted remote unit containing a microcomputer system supporting Internet access and fixed information display operations;

fig. 19 is a schematic representation of the body-worn system of fig. 18 being used to access information resources (e.g., HTML documents of audio and video information) from an internet-enabled database during system or device inspection and/or repair in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements and structures are designated by like reference numerals.

Overview of Internet Access System

Generally, the system and method of the present invention is implemented in connection with a global digital telecommunications network, referred to as the Internet. The function of the internet is to provide an infrastructure that supports wired and wireless digital telecommunications throughout the world using the well-known TCP/IP network protocols. Typically, the internet infrastructure includes Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Network Service Providers (NSPs), routers, telecommunication lines and channels, etc., all of which are well known to those skilled in the art.

As shown in fig. 1, a number of internet Web site servers (i.e., HTTP serving computer systems) 2 located throughout the world are connected to the internet 1 via internet infrastructure (i.e., ISPs and NSPs). As the name implies, the function of the Internet server 2 is to provide information resources (e.g., HTTP documents, FTP files, etc.) to Internet users as they make requests through client computer systems. The location of each information resource on an information server connected to the internet infrastructure is specified by a uniform resource address identifier (URL), the syntax of which is well known to those skilled in the art. Any client computer that provides access to this information resource through scanning of one or more URL-encoded bar code symbols in accordance with the principles of the present invention as described herein will be referred to hereinafter as an "internet access system" or "internet access terminal," and is generally indicated in the drawings by the reference numeral 3.

In general, each Internet information server 2 and client system 3 may be connected to the Internet infrastructure by way of an ISP 4 (or NSP) using either a tangible communications medium or a wireless (radio frequency based) digital communications link 5 as is well known to those skilled in the art. It is noted that although each of the exemplary embodiments of the internet access system herein is implemented in a form that is operatively connected to the internet infrastructure via an ISP, it should be understood that the internet connection may be implemented via an NSP or other access point in the internet infrastructure.

In the illustrated embodiment, each Internet Web site server 2 is implemented as a general purpose Web site server software (e.g., WebStar from StarNine corporation)^FASTRAK of Netscape communication Inc^TMServer, or Microsoft corporation's Microsoft^Internet information server) and interfaces with the ISP in a common manner. Each internet Web site server assigns a unique TCP/IP address (and domain name) on the internet and provides internet networking software that supports the TCP/IP protocol. In addition, each Internet Web site server provides one or more application software programs for creating and maintaining hypermedia documents, including textual, graphical and audio information in an information file structure represented in HTML. Each HTML document on the WWW is physically stored in the internet server 2. The location where this information is stored on the WWW is indicated by its URLAnd (4) determining. The function of the URL can best be explained by way of example. The assignee of the present invention, metrological Instruments, has issued a WWW address whose "home page" (i.e., first page) is composed of the following URLs: "http: /www.metrologic.com ". The type of information maintained on this web site beginning with the metrics homepage can be any virtual type of information (e.g., having multimedia nature), and will typically be updated periodically or continuously to reflect changes in the company, company products, company business, etc. The same is true for every other web site on the internet, regardless of the type of information that requests service for the client system.

Generally, there are several different ways of accessing information resources on the internet by scanning URL-encoded or DN-encoded code symbols in accordance with the present invention. Four generalized methods of accessing information resources on the internet using bar code symbols encoded by URLs are shown in fig. 1B (1), 1B (2), 1B (3) and 1B (4). Each of these broad approaches can be performed in the specific exemplary embodiments of the internet access system shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3, described in more detail below.

First generalized method for accessing information resources on the internet using URL-encoded code symbols

In FIG. 1B (1), a first generalized method for accessing information resources on the Internet using bar code symbols encoded by URLs is shown. As shown, this access method is enabled using an internet access system 3 that includes two major subsystems, namely (1) a programmed bar code symbol reader 3A; and (2) an internet terminal 3B. The primary function of the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 3A is to read bar code symbols that have been encoded with: (i) an internet browser program command capable of writing a URL into an information resource "Goto" window (i.e., "Goto" buffer) of an internet browser program, (ii) the entire URL of an internet information resource to be accessed, (iii) an internet browser program command to perform a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request on the URL entering the "Goto" window. The function of the internet terminal 3B is to (1) provide interconnection to the internet infrastructure through the ISP 4 (or NSP) using the communication medium or link 5; (2) the internet protocol (e.g., HTTP, FTP, etc.) on the client side required to access and display the particular information resource specified by the URL code in the bar code symbol is performed.

Generally, the programmed bar code symbol reader 3A includes a plurality of subsystem sections, namely: an optical scanning device and scan data processor means 3a1 (e.g., bar code laser scanner, CCD based bar code scanner, etc.); a programmable decoder module 3a2 (e.g., a programmed microprocessor employing control and decoding algorithms); and a data transfer module 3a 3. The function of the optical scanning device and the scan data processor means 3a1 is to optically scan a bar code symbol and to generate words of digitally scanned data (representing the length of the bars and spaces of the code symbol) for further decoding processing. The function of the programmable decoder module 3a2 is to process these words of the digital scan data to produce ASCII code based symbolic characters representing the decoded bar code symbol. The function of the data transfer module circuit 3A3 is to transfer ASCII formatted data from the decoder module 3a2 to the internet terminal 3B for accessing and displaying the particular information resource specified by the URL code in the decoded bar code symbol.

In fig. 1B (1), the internet access system of the first broad embodiment is shown, reading one single 1-DURL encoded barcode symbol. In this broad embodiment, the URL encoded bar code symbol contains ASCII symbols representing the following items of information: (1) an internet browser program command (e.g., ctl (l)) to write the URL into an information resource window "Goto" of the internet browser program; (2) the entire URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed (e.g., http:/www.metrologic.com); (3) the internet browser program command of the HTTP request (e.g., RTN) is executed on the URL entering the "Goto" window. It should be understood, however, that this information may be encoded as a 2-D barcode as shown in FIG. 1C (2), or alternatively as two or more 1-D URL-encoded barcode symbols as shown in FIG. 1D (1).

In fig. 1D (1), information contained in the barcode encoded by the bar URL of fig. 1C (1) is encoded using a pair of barcode symbols. In such an embodiment, the first bar code symbol comprises ASCII symbols representing: (1) an internet browser program command (e.g., ctl (l)) to write the URL into an information resource window "Goto" of the internet browser program; (2) the entire URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed (e.g., http:/www.metrologic.com); (3) the internet browser program command of the HTTP request (e.g., RTN) is executed on the URL entering the "Goto" window. The second bar code symbol comprises ASCII symbols representing: (1) an internet browser program command (e.g., ctl (l)) to write the URL into an information resource window "Goto" of the internet browser program; (2) the pathname portion of the URL of the internet information resource to be accessed (e.g.,/Products/ms6720. html); (3) the internet browser program command of the HTTP request (e.g., RTN) is executed on the URL entering the "Goto" window. In one of the two embodiments exemplified above, the bar code symbol encoded for the URL would be common, including its pathname portion (e.g.,/Mfg/carboxiaton), as shown in FIG. 1D (2), which in many cases may be of comparable character length.

These alternative encoding techniques are advantageous where the character length of the URL becomes quite long, such as in the case where the information resource to be accessed is located deep in several sub-directories or sub-folders of the information server or in a back-end database connected to the information server through CGI or similar link interface mechanism.

At this time, the format of the information and bar code symbology are briefly discussed in order. Generally, the information that must be encoded into the bar code symbol structure in accordance with the present invention is representable in ASCII data format. This fact is based on the URL specifications, browser design and the natural nature of the characters used in the keyboard structure. Thus, any bar code symbology capable of being represented by characters in the ASCII character set may be used to practice the information encoding techniques of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, any of the following bar code symbols may be used as the URL code: code 128; the entire ASCII character set of code 39; and a code 93. Although the ASCII formatted character string has been encoded in the bar code symbol of fig. 1E (1), the information string actually transmitted from the bar code symbol reader 3A to the internet browser program (of the internet terminal 3B) is typically represented in the hexadecimal number format shown in fig. 1E (2). It should be understood, however, that the format of the information communicated is different for different embodiments of the present invention.

Second generalized method for accessing information resources on the internet using URL-encoded code symbols

In FIG. 1B (2), a second generalized method for accessing information resources on the Internet using bar code symbols encoded by URLs is shown. As shown, this access method is enabled using an internet access system 3 that includes two major subsystems, namely (1) a programmed bar code symbol reader 3A; and (2) an internet terminal 3B. The functions of the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 3A are: (i) reading a bar code symbol, the bar code having been encoded with the entire URL of the internet information resource to be accessed: (ii) to which is attached a prefix code string (i.e., ctr (l)) representing an internet browser program command to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of an internet browser program, and a suffix code string (i.e., RTN) representing an internet browser program command to execute an HTTP request on a URL entering the "Goto" window. The functions of the internet terminal 3B are: (1) interconnection to the internet infrastructure is provided through ISP 4 (or NSP) using communication medium or link 5; (2) the internet protocol (e.g., HTTP, FTP, etc.) on the client side required to access and display the particular information resource specified by the URL code in the scanned bar code symbol is performed.

Generally, the programmed bar code symbol reader 3A includes a plurality of subsystem sections, namely: an optical scanning device and a scanning data processor apparatus 3a1 (e.g., a barcode laser scanner, a CCD-based barcode scanner, etc.); a programmable decoder module 3a2 (e.g., a programmed microprocessor employing control and decoding algorithms); the data transfer module 3a 3; an ASCII code generation module 3a 4; and a code string synthesizer module 3a 5. The function of the optical scanning device and the scan data processor means 3a1 is to optically scan a bar code symbol and to generate words of digitally scanned data (representing the length of the bars and spaces of the code symbol) for further decoding processing. The function of the programmable decoder module 3a2 is to process these words of the digital scan data to produce ASCII code based symbolic character data representing a decoded bar code symbol. The ASCII code generation module 3a3 functions to generate: (1) an ASCII-based prefix code string (i.e., ctr (l)) representing an internet browser program command to write a URL into an information resource window "Goto" of an internet browser program, and (2) a suffix code string (i.e., RTN) representing an internet browser program command to execute an HTTP request on a URL into the "Goto" window. The code string synthesizer block 3a5 functions to compile the prefix and suffix code strings generated by the ASCII code generator 3a4 with the URL character string from the programmable decoder block 3a2 to form a complete code string which is transmitted to the internet browser program via the data transmission circuit 3 A3. The function of the data transfer circuit 3A3 is to send ASCII formatted data from the code string synthesiser module 3a5 to the internet terminal 3B for accessing and displaying the specific information resource specified by the URL code in the decoded bar code symbol.

In fig. 1B (2), the internet access system of the second broad embodiment is shown reading a single 1-D URL-encoded barcode symbol. In this broad embodiment, the URL encoded bar code symbol contains an ASCII symbol (e.g., http:/www.metrologic.com) representing the entire URL of the information resource accessed on the Internet. It should be understood, however, that the information encoded in the 1-D barcode symbol structure of FIG. 1B (2) may be encoded as a 2-D barcode symbol structure or a pair of 1-D barcode symbols, as described above.

Third generalized method for accessing information resources on the internet using URL-encoded code symbols

In FIG. 1B (3), a third generalized method for accessing information on the Internet using a bar code symbol encoded by a URL is shown. As shown, this access method is enabled using an internet access system 3 that includes two major subsystems, namely (1) a programmed bar code symbol reader 3A; and (2) an internet terminal 3B. The functions of the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 3A are: (i) reading a bar code symbol, the bar code having been encoded with the entire URL of the internet information resource to be accessed: (ii) to which is appended a prefix code string representing (1) an internet browser program command to write a URL into an information resource "Goto" window of an internet browser program and (2) an internet protocol identifier (e.g., "HTTP:/"), and (iii) a suffix code string representing an internet browser program command to perform an HTTP request on a URL into the "Goto" window. The functions of the internet terminal 3B are: (1) interconnection to the internet infrastructure is provided through ISP 4 (or NSP) using communication medium or link 5; (2) the internet protocol (e.g., HTTP, FTP, etc.) on the client side required to access and display the particular information resource specified by the URL code in the bar code symbol is performed.

Generally, the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 3A of the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of subsystem sections, namely: an optical scanning device and a scanning data processor apparatus 3a1 (e.g., a barcode laser scanner, a CCD-based barcode scanner, etc.); a programmable decoder module 3a2 (e.g., a programmed microprocessor employing control and decoding algorithms); the data transfer module 3a 3; an ASCII code generator module 3a 4; and a code string synthesizer module 3a 5. The function of the optical scanning device and the scan data processor means 3a1 is to optically scan a bar code symbol and to generate words of digitally scanned data (representing the length of the bars and spaces of the code symbol) for further decoding processing. The function of the programmable decoder module 3a2 is to process these words of the digital scan data to produce ASCII code based symbolic character data representing a decoded bar code symbol. The function of the ASCII code generator module 3a 4' is to generate: (1) an ASCII-based prefix code string (i.e., ctr (l)) representing an internet browser program command to write a URL into an information resource window "Goto" of the internet browser program; (2) an appropriate Internet protocol identifier (e.g., "http: /); and (3) a suffix code string (i.e., RTN) representing an Internet browser program command that executes an HTTP request on a URL that enters the "Goto" window. The code string synthesizer block 3a5 functions to compile the URL character code generated by the decoder block 3a2 with the code string generated by the ASCII code generator 3a4 to form a complete code string to be transmitted to the internet browser program through the data transmission circuit 3 A3. The function of the data transfer circuit 3A3 is to send ASCII formatted data from the code string synthesiser module 3a5 to the internet terminal 3B for accessing and displaying the specific information resource specified by the URL code in the decoded bar code symbol.

In FIG. 1B (3), the Internet access system of the third broad embodiment is shown reading a single 1-D URL-encoded barcode symbol. In this broad embodiment, the URL encoded bar code symbol contains an ASCII symbol representing the entire URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed. It should be understood, however, that the information encoded in the 1-D barcode symbol structure of FIG. 1B (3) may be encoded as a 2-D barcode symbol structure or a pair of 1-D barcode symbols, as described above.

Fourth generalized method for accessing information resources on the internet using URL-encoded code symbols

In FIG. 1B (4), a fourth generalized method for accessing information resources on the Internet using bar code symbols encoded by URLs is shown. As shown, this access method is enabled using an internet access system 3 that includes two major subsystems, namely (1) a programmed bar code symbol reader 3A; and (2) an internet terminal 3B. The function of the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 3A is to read out a bar code symbol that has been encoded with the entire URL of the internet information resource to be accessed. The functions of the internet terminal 3B are: (1) interconnection to the internet infrastructure is provided through ISP 4 (or NSP) using communication medium or link 5; (2) the client-side internet protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, etc.) are executed using an internet browser program (e.g., using a plug-in module), which automatically writes its URL into the internet browser program's information resource window "Goto" as the barcode symbol is scanned and executes an HTTP request on the URL into the "Goto" window.

Generally, the programmed bar code symbol reader 3A includes a plurality of subsystem sections, namely: an optical scanning device and a scanning data processor apparatus 3a1 (e.g., a barcode laser scanner, a CCD-based barcode scanner, etc.); a programmable decoder module 3a2 (e.g., a programmed microprocessor employing control and decoding algorithms); and a data transfer module 3a 3. The function of the optical scanning device and the scan data processor means 3a1 is to optically scan a bar code symbol and to generate words of digital scan data (representing the length of the bars and spaces of the code symbol) for further decoding processing. The function of the programmable decoder module 3a2 is to process these words of the digital scan data to produce ASCII code based symbolic character data representing a decoded bar code symbol. The function of the data transfer circuit 3A3 is to send ASCII formatted data from the programmable decoder module 3a2 to the internet terminal 3B for accessing and displaying the specific information resource specified by the URL code in the decoded bar code symbol.

In fig. 1B (4), the internet access system of the fourth broad embodiment is shown, reading one single 1-DURL encoded barcode symbol. In this broad embodiment, the URL encoded bar code symbol contains an ASCII symbol (e.g., http:/www.metrologic.com) representing the entire URL of the Internet information resource to be accessed. It should be understood, however, that the information encoded in the bar code symbol structure of FIG. 1B (4) may be encoded as a 2-D bar code symbol structure or a pair of 1-D bar code symbols, as described above.

The broad embodiments of the internet access system of the present invention shown in fig. 1B (1) through 1B (4) and described above can be implemented in a wide variety of ways using different types of technologies and system architectures that can be customized for a particular application. Three different specific embodiments of the internet access system will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 3.

First preferred embodiment of the Internet Access System

As shown in fig. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the internet access system 3 is implemented in the form of a desktop computer system 6. As shown, the desktop computer system is comprised of a video monitor 6A, a processor 6B, a keyboard 6C, a mouse 6D, and Postscript^And a laser printer 35 connected to the internet through the ISP 4. The computer system 6 has a GUI-based Web browser program and a hand-held wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system 7 which is connected to the communication port of the host system in a conventional manner. In the preferred embodiment, the wireless bar code symbol reading system 7 includes a hand-held laser scanning bar code symbol reading device 7A and a base unit 7B which receives the radio frequency signal transmitted from the device 7A upon successful reading of each bar code symbol; the base unit 7B generates an audible confirmation signal in response to each such successful read. System 7 can be implemented by either of two systems, (i) the wireless bar code symbol reading system disclosed in continuation No. 08/292,237 filed on 8/17 1994; (ii) continuing with the tethered bar code symbol reading systems disclosed in application nos. 08/476,069 and 08/660,643, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Although the operation of the program-controlled bar code symbol reader 7 varies slightly depending on the generalized Internet access method employed, the functions it performs are generally the same, namely: reading bar code symbols 8 encoded with the URL or DN/PN of an information resource (e.g., a Web page) accessed by the internet access system; and generating symbol character data representing the URL and DN/PN character strings used by the internet browser program of the internet terminal associated therewith. As used hereinafter, these particular types of encoded bar code symbols are often referred to as "URL encoded bar code symbols," regardless of whether the entire URL or only a portion thereof (e.g., DN or DN/PN) is encoded in the bar code symbol structure.

The first and the secondIn the case of either the second or third generalized Internet access methods, the Internet terminal (implemented by the desktop computer system 6) operates by running any common GUI-based Internet browser program, such as Navigator from Netscape corporation^Or Microsoft's Internet Exporer^Internet access support can be provided.

In the case of employing the fourth generalized internet access method of fig. 1B (4), it is necessary to provide a plug-in module (e.g., a browser subroutine) to the above-described common browser program of this type, which can be easily written or loaded into the browser program. The function of this plug-in module is: (i) automatically reading out the scanned URL information stored in the addressed data buffer on the I/O port of the client computer platform 6 (supporting an Internet terminal); (ii) automatically writing the URL information (in an appropriate format) into a data buffer allocated to a "Goto" window 40A of the internet browser display screen 40 (as shown in fig. 4); (iii) automatically initiates HTTP over the internet, connects to the relevant internet server, and accesses and displays the information resource located on the input URL. In these embodiments it is preferred that each internet access system has a pre-loaded internet browser program which is provided with the plug-in module described above, or which provides this functionality accordingly. It should be understood, however, that in some instances it may be desirable to distribute or download the browser program and plug-in module from an internet information server on the WWW to the client computer systems using the well-known File Transfer Protocol (FTP). By adopting the method, a common computer system can be conveniently converted into the Internet access system of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, bar code symbol reading system 7 is a laser scanning bar code symbol reader (e.g., a metrological scanner MS951-48 with a keyboard wedge) that is connected to a data input port of client computer system 6. When used to read the URL-encoded bar code symbol, the URL is automatically entered as an input into the "Goto" window of the internet browser program and the particular information resource corresponding to the URL is automatically accessed by the internet access system via HTTP, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, for display on the video display terminal 6A.

As described above, each URL encoded bar code symbol of the present invention may be a linear (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) bar code symbol structure of any virtual symbology that allows for the encoding of (ASCII-type) information contained in a URL-type information structure, the syntax of which is well known to those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the URL encoded bar code symbol 8 is implemented as a truncated bar code symbol constructed using any of the following bar code symbologies: code 128; the complete ASCII character set of code 39; code 93 is implemented. Preferably, each such bar code symbol is printed above, below or to the side of each web site URL 14 or listed in a web site guide or directory. Methods and apparatus for arranging and printing such bar code symbols (checklists and menus) are described in more detail below. Although the URL encoded bar code symbol may have any length, practical considerations are generally dictated by the encoding technique employed in a particular application. It is worth mentioning that the advantage of using a truncated bar code symbol structure is that the height of the bar code and spaces is shorter relative to the length of the bar code, thus making it easier for the truncated symbols 8 encoded by the URL to be printed with each website listing on crowded pages printed with Web site guides and categories, as shown in fig. 1A.

In accordance with the present invention, web site listings and menus, in which URL encoded bar code symbols may be printed, include various types of printed guides, catalogs or publications that abstract, summarize, organize or otherwise list WWW web sites or information resources that exist on web site servers throughout the Internet. For example, "WWW yellow pages" (1996), published by New Riders publishers; "PC NOVICEGUIDE TO THE WEB published by Peed Inc.: how to look for anything on the Web "(1996); "Cybersurfer" published by Starlog Group, Inc.; "Internet Underrground" published by Ziff-Davis corporation; "Internet User" published by Ziff-David corporation; "InternetWorld" published by Mecklwemedia, Inc.; "Net Guide" published by Imagine publishing company; "Net Guide" published by CMP Media corporation; "Online Access" published by Red Flash Internet Inc.; "The Web" published by International data Group, Inc.; "Websight" published by New Media corporation; "Yahoo Internet Life" published by Ziff-Davis and Yahoo, Inc.; WebTV Guides; or any other printed publication that a person may need to view an information resource of interest (e.g., a web site) that he wants to access and explore.

As shown in fig. 1 and 1A, the programmed bar code symbol scanner 7 of the internet access system of the first preferred embodiment is specifically designed to read a list of closely-ranked web sites printed on a single page without inadvertently reading an unwanted URL-encoded bar code symbol. This added scan control feature is implemented in the bar code symbol reader of fig. 1 by providing the automated laser scanning bar code symbol reader 7A with an optically transparent scan plate 9A that is supported from the reader 7A by an optically transparent extension 9B. A window (i.e. aperture) 10 has been formed in the scanning plate 9A through which the URL-encoded bar code symbol 8 can be automatically scanned and read when (on the underside) this printed symbol is aligned with the window aperture. In this particular embodiment, the infrared target detection field 11 of bar code symbol reader 7A is just slightly larger than the size of window 10, so that laser scanning of laser beam 12 is automatically initiated only when target (e.g., Web site guide) 13 is positioned upwardly against window 10, as the scan plate is now moved into contact with URL-encoded bar code symbol 8 associated with a particular Web page listing, as shown in FIG. 1A. Details of the design and construction of the automatic bar code symbol reader 7A can be found in prior U.S. patent application 08/292,237 filed on 8/17 of 1994 by the applicant incorporated herein by reference. As shown in fig. 1, such a scanning device can be provided with a key pad 15 in a manner known in the art, enabling manual entry of the characters of the URL when necessary or desired.

As discussed above in connection with fig. 1D (1), it may be desirable to encode the URLs of particular information resources in two or more medium length barcode symbols, rather than in a single longer length barcode symbol. This would allow the use of shorter length bar code symbols printed on menus or lists. In such an application, the primary (i.e., basic) portion of the URL identifying the location of the WWW server (e.g., "http:/www.metrologic.com") can be encoded in a first bar code symbol, while the secondary (i.e., extension) portion of the URL (e.g., "/products/MS6720. html") representing the location of the information resource (Web page) associated with the identified WWW server is encoded with a second bar code symbol. With this technique, access to such internet-based information resources can be achieved in a two-step process, namely (1) scanning of the first bar code symbol, access being provided by "http: /www.metrologic.com "homepage of located WWW server; (2) the second barcode symbol is scanned for access to information resources located by "/products/MS 6720/. html". Preferably, the primary (i.e. main) and secondary portions of the URL are printed below the first and second barcode symbols, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1(D) 1. As described in detail below, this arranged bar code symbol structure can be used in the menu arrangement process of the present invention.

Second preferred embodiment of the Internet Access System

As shown in fig. 2, the second preferred embodiment of the internet access system is implemented in the form of an interactive Web-based television system 16. Any of the broad access methods described above can be used to carry out this particular embodiment of the invention.

As shown, interactive Web-based television system 16 includes an Internet terminal unit 17, a remote control scanner 18, and a standard (NTSC or PAL) color television set 19. As shown, the internet terminal unit 17 is connected to the internet through the ISP 4, including the support: (i) GUI-based Internet browser program, such as Navigator from Netscape^Or Microsoft's Internet Exporer^(ii) a And (ii) means for TCP/IP networking protocol over the Internet. In the preferred embodiment, the Internet terminal unit 17 is capable of utilizing a number of commercially available Internet terminal devices, such as Nokia corporationMediamaster 9500^TMNetStation of Internet terminal, Acorn computer corporation^TMAn Internet terminal, or "Internet digital application" by Diba corporation.

As shown in fig. 2, the remote control scanner 18 of the second preferred embodiment may be implemented by integrating a miniature automatic bar code symbol reading module 20 into a wireless remote control provided by a commercially available terminal unit for implementing this embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the automatic bar code symbol reading module 20 is similar to the apparatus described in greater detail in applicant's continuation application No. 08/292,237. Such laser scanners, as they are called, are available under the trade name ScanQuest from Metrologic instruments^Commercially available. The manner in which such a laser scanner can be integrated into any of the remote control devices identified above for internet terminals and thus provide a remote control of the scanning device 18 will now be described.

Mediamaster 9500 of Nokia corporation^TMNetStation of Internet terminal, Acorn computer corporation^TMAn Internet terminal, or "Internet Digital application" from dba, provides a wireless remote control device that includes a programmable microcontroller (i.e., microprocessor) operatively connected to one type or the other of the system bus. System subcomponents connected to this system bus structure include, for example: a program memory implemented in the form of an EPROM 21; a data storage memory implemented in the form of RAM 22; a key pad 23, a data storage register and an interface circuit; infrared-based communication circuitry and interface circuitry 24; and a power supply and power distribution circuit 25. In such commercial products, no visual display means (e.g., LCD panel) is provided, as all display functions are provided on the television screen using a screen display format well known to those skilled in the art. Automatic ScanQuest can be implemented by adding additional data registers to the system bus and connecting the data output ports of the scanner to these registers in the usual manner^Laser scanning module (IS4120 type) integrated into these radiosIn a system architecture for a remote control device. Additional control logic must be provided by the microcontroller, with scan data provided from the scanner in preference to data manually entered into the system. All such modifications are within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in fig. 2, the remote scanning device 18 has an optically transparent scanning plate 9A supported by an optically transparent extension 9B. The scan plate 9A has a window (i.e., aperture) 10 formed therein through which the URL encoded bar code symbol 8 can be automatically scanned and read when such printed symbol (on the bottom surface) is aligned with the window aperture. The infrared-based object detection field 11 is just slightly larger than the size of the window 10 so that the laser scanning beam is automatically activated only when an object (e.g., a Web guide) 13 is placed up against the window 10, because the scanning plate 10 is now moved into contact with the URL-encoded bar code symbol 8 associated with the particular Web address list, as shown in fig. 2. During operation, a remote control scanner 18 is employed to read the bar code symbol 8 encoded by the URL printed on the Web site guide 13 to thereby connect to the corresponding Web site.

While any standard (NTSC or PAL) color television can be used in connection with internet terminal 17 to display graphics and audio information content associated with any particular Web site accessed by the system, it is preferred that a higher resolution (VGA or SVGA) computer monitor be used in connection therewith to display high resolution graphics.

Third preferred embodiment of the Internet Access System

As shown in fig. 3, a third preferred embodiment of the internet access system is implemented in the form of a handheld integrated scanning terminal 26. Any of the generalized internet access methods described herein can be used to carry out this particular embodiment of the invention. The internet scanner terminal 26 is shown connected to the ISP 4 via a radio base station 27 and a wireless link 5. The hand-held internet scanning terminal 26 has an integrated GUI-based Web browser program, a display panel 28, a touch screen type keypad 29 and a programmed bar code symbol scanner 20. The function of the bar code symbol scanner 20 is to read the bar code symbol 8 encoded with the URL of the Web site accessed by the internet access system and to generate symbol character data representative thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Internet scanner terminal 26 is implemented as a mobile computer, such as Newton, Apple computer Inc^Type 130 Messagepad 30. Providing NetHopper to the device^TMBrand internet access software that supports TCP/IP networking protocols in the Newton MessagePad operating system. The Newton MessagePad is also equipped with a Motorola based PCMICA modem card 31 having a radio frequency transceiver for establishing a wireless digital communication link with either (i) a cellular base station or (ii) one or more satellite base stations (27) connected to the Internet through the ISP 4 in a manner well known in the art of global information networking. It should be appreciated that the automatic laser scanner 20 (e.g., metrological ScanQuest) provides bar code symbol reading capability, although in some instances it may be desirable to connect an optical pen or wand reader to the serial port of a Newton MessagePad to provide bar code symbol reading capability^Type IS 4120) to interface with the serial communication port of the Newton message pad, so that it IS preferable to implement the internet access system of the third preferred embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the entire Newton MessagePad, ScanQuest^The laser scanning module 20 and the auxiliary battery power supply (not shown) are all enclosed in an adhesively sealed, shock resistant housing 32 to provide a single unit that can be hand held. The glue-sealed housing is provided with a scanning aperture 10 realized in an optically transparent scanning plate 9B supported by an extension 9A. The function of the scanning aperture 10 is to sweep a transmitted laser beam 12 across a URL-encoded bar code symbol 8 located in a window 10 of an optically transparent scanning plate 9B once an object (e.g., a web site guide) 13 is detected by an object detection field 11.

In each of the three embodiments of the internet access system described above, the bar code symbol scanner may be replaced by a programmed optical character reader implemented using, for example, the automated holographic laser scanning technique disclosed in detail in applicant's continuation No. 08/573,949 filed on 12, 18, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference. The function of the program controlled optical character reader is to allow the internet access terminal to access and output any required internet based information resource to the "Goto" window of the GUI based internet browser program by optical scanning of the alphanumeric character string including its URL. In these various embodiments, the function of the optical character reader (i.e., character read module) is to read ASCII characters, including a URL (and other encoded information) 14 printed on a target or article, such as a web site guide or similar publication, avoiding the need for manual typing operations.

Subsystem for arranging and printing URL code bar code list and menu

Having described various exemplary embodiments of the internet access system of the present invention, it is now appropriate to describe systems and methods for organizing, sending and printing listings (e.g., menus) of URL-encoded bar code symbols in different ways in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the Web-linked client computer workstation 6 of FIG. 1 has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an Internet browser (or communicator) program with an add-on plug-in module (i.e., subroutine) (hereinafter "the editing/printing module") that edits, sends and prints URL-encoded bar code symbols and information elements associated therewith. Using programming techniques and languages (e.g., Java) well known in the art. The orchestration/printing module description can implement the Netscape Navigator browser program, the Microsoft Explorer browser program, or other communication programs that are currently available or developed in the next few years as an add-in module. The purpose of this module is to support the user in conjunction with an internet browser program and during the composition and editing of the listings (i.e., menus) of URL-encoded bar code symbols and information fields associated therewith in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and then to enable these listings and menus to be printed locally or otherwise printed using the printer 35 of fig. 1Sent to a remote system for printing. As such, the module is provided with an editing mode for editing information entered into the information fields associated with any particular bar code listing or menu of the present invention. The editing and printing functionality and programming-enabling Code contained in the modules or browser programs of the present invention can be sold as Bar Code Pro by SYNEX corporation^Brand Bar code symbol marking and printing software and Zoowords Research Personal (1.0) web indexing software from Hitachi Computer Products (USA) Inc. (URL: http:/hitachisoft. com/Research). Optionally, the module and/or browser program can also contain FilePro^The bar code database software, also supplied by SYNEX, provides the functionality.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print/layout module has an associated "display window" 36 that can be opened in the usual manner, allowing the user to easily compile a menu of bar code symbols during operation of the Internet browser program. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the bar code symbol menu display 36 is shown to include information display fields 36A, 36B, 36N associated with three exemplary information resources on the WWW that have been given for listing in a bar code menu. As shown, this listing of information display fields is graphically represented on the display monitor 6A: a set of human-readable URBS, 36A1, 36B1, 36N1 corresponding to the set or series of information service web addresses schematically represented in FIG. 5; a set of titles assigned to Urbs (which may point to the owner of the location, with information content therein), 36a2, 36B2, 36N 2; a set of content profiles (DOCs) served on the web site represented by reference numerals 36A3, 36B3, 36N 3; and the date or year of the set of web addresses last accessed by the scheduler, as indicated by reference numerals 36a4, 36B4, 36N 4.

In fig. 6A, an information storage structure 37 is shown for storing information elements associated with a given URL message block in a bar code menu composed using a composition/print module in an online internet surfing session or offline. As shown, each information storage structure 37 includes the following information fields for a given information resource: a URL field 37A for storing an information description (e.g., information resource) of the URL of the web site location associated therewith; a URL-encoded barcode field 37B for storing an information description of a URL-encoded barcode associated with the URL of the information resource; a title field 37C for storing an information description of a title assigned to the corresponding information resource; a content description field 37D for storing an information description of the content of the information resource; a data field 37E for storing an information description of the date on which the builder or his agent last accessed the information resource before compiling the bar code symbol menu.

In FIG. 6B, an exemplary portion of a printed URL encoded menu is shown. As shown, each printed block of information 38 (or Internet information resource) associated with a particular web site has the following information display fields: graphically displaying an information display field of the corresponding URL, represented by reference numeral 38A; an information display field of the URL-encoded bar code symbol, represented by reference numeral 38B; graphically displaying an information display field, indicated by reference numeral 38C, assigned to the title of the web site location referenced by the corresponding URL; an information display field graphically displaying a description of the information content served at the web site location referred to by the corresponding URL, indicated by reference numeral 38D; the information display field, which shows the date on which the builder or his agent last accessed the information resource, is indicated by reference numeral 38E. Typically, several such information display blocks can be printed on a single sheet of print media (e.g., paper, plastic, etc.). The specific display layout of each information display block will depend on the application and will generally be different for various embodiments of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the printed information display blocks are arranged in a single column below each piece of printing paper. In other embodiments, the printed information display blocks are arranged in a double or double row or multiple column format. In still other embodiments, the layout of such information display blocks may be a random or quasi-random structure.

Fig. 7A and 7B set forth a high level flow chart depicting steps performed during the layout, transmission and printing of a URL encoded barcode in accordance with the method of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, this method is performed while online using a GUI-based internet browser program, installing the above-described layout/print insertion module, enabling the user to layout, send, and print such a barcode menu graphically illustrated in fig. 6A and 6B. However, it should be understood that the method can also be performed when the internet browser program is "offline". On the other hand, the functionality of the orchestration/printing module (described in more detail below) can be implemented in a separate program designed to run in the "background" of the Operating System (OS) when running in an internet browser program or by itself when not running an internet browser program.

As represented in block A of FIG. 7A, the method involves first determining, in whole or in part, a set of information resources (e.g., WWW or FTP servers) on the Internet that the editor wishes him or others to access in the near future or in the future. Typically, but not always, the Internet browser program will install and run the orchestration/printing module during the programming process, generally represented by blocks A through D in FIG. 7A. This listing or ordering of information resources by the organizer may be related to a particular subject or title generating subject that the organizer may recall before, during, or after the authoring process. However, the list may simply be a group of information sources on the WWW, for example, the builder may want to catalog in the form of a bar code menu, so that others may conveniently access the cataloged group of web sites by simply reading the URL catalog bar code symbol from the print menu, as described above. In the field of education, for example, such bar code menus may be compiled by teachers or professors and distributed to their students so that they can access an already catalogued web site in and out of a classroom or lecture hall. Authors and/or editors of books, periodicals, and magazines can print URL-encoded bar code symbols (corresponding to the references cited in their publications) on the back of the publication. Brochures and manuals for products and/or services may contain URL-encoded bar code symbols pointing to information sources on the internet, containing information about these products and/or services. Print (i.e., hardcopy) a web-site magazine. The catalog, directory, etc. may be formatted with the URL-encoded bar code symbol of the present invention, as shown in fig. 1A and described above, and internet access is enabled by scanning such encoded bar code symbols.

As shown in block B of FIG. 7A, the author uses the Internet browser program of the present invention to record the URLs of this set of information resources on the WWW. Urbs can be entered into their appropriate information record fields either sequentially at a particular time, or during the time that the organizer roams over the WWW and determines which WWW information resources should be cataloged in the organized menu.

As shown in block C of fig. 7A, the composer records several information items in the information storage file as shown in fig. 6A and displays them with the internet browser display screen 40 on the computer terminal as shown in fig. 4. For each WWW information resource, the organizer is encouraged to enter the following information items: the URL of the WWW information resource; the title assigned to a WWW information resource by the composer; and a description of the information content on the WWW information resources. Collectively, these related information items are stored in the information storage structure of the file set by the CTP module and form one information block.

As shown in block D of fig. 7A, after recording the various blocks of information of a particular WWW information resource, the layout/printing module is used to automatically generate the URL-encoded bar code symbol information structure and record this information in its corresponding information fields in the information storage structure shown in fig. 6. Once a series of URLs are captured, indexed and recorded in the information storage structure under any particular bar code menu, the builder can decide during the edit mode of the edit insertion module how exactly the web site information block as shown in fig. 6B should be ordered for presentation to his or her viewer at the time of printing.

As shown in block E of FIG. 7B, a generic Postscript, such as that shown in FIG. 1, is utilized^The printing device 35 prints the prepared bar code symbol menu on the paper surface. For example, at this stage of the process, the following information items are printed for each WWW information resource: the URL of the WWW information resource; URL codingA bar code symbol of the code; the title assigned to a WWW information resource by the composer; description of WWW information resources; and the date on which the information resource was last accessed by the composer or his agent. It is contemplated that the display format of any print information file according to the present invention will vary from embodiment to embodiment. Preferably, the layout/printing module installed in the Internet browser program is provided with a number of different display formats, whereby the builder can easily select to meet the requirements of the project and application at hand.

As shown in block F of fig. 7B, the builder may optionally choose to send via electronic data transmission or facsimile transmission, any of which composes bar code symbols menus, in accordance with the present invention. In this case, a compiled information storage file (as shown in FIG. 6A) representing the compiled menu can be electronically transmitted to a remote location via e-mail, facsimile transmission, or other protocol provided over the Internet, and then printed using suitable print driver software. This method allows for convenient access to WWW information resources listed in a compiled information structure by reading the corresponding URL-encoded bar code symbol into an internet browser program using a bar code scanner. On the other hand, the barcode menu can be printed locally and then transmitted to a remote location via facsimile transmission for printing and further use. However, when the latter technique is employed, the resolution of the printed barcodes should be carefully considered, as their resolution can be greatly reduced by the scanning and printing of the facsimile transmissions required by the latter technique. In this case, the bar code may need to be magnified during menu-making to compensate for the anticipated loss of resolution.

In the above, the bar code menu layout/printing process of the present invention has been described in connection with a commercially available GUI-based Internet browser program that has provided a plug-in module capable of performing the menu layout, delivery and printing processes of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments of the present invention, a separate program may be written to perform the interactive menu formulation/transmission/printing process shown in fig. 7A and 7B. In this case, the builder should be designed to run in the context of the operating system when using an internet browser program to explore Cyberspace and determine which web address (e.g., HTML document) should be listed in the compiled barcode menu at the time of compilation. Once a series of URLs are captured and recorded in the information storage structure under any particular bar code menu, the builder can decide during the modal editing of the program how exactly the web site information block as shown in fig. 6A should be ordered and provided to his or her viewer at the time of printing.

Having described the above illustrative embodiments of the invention, several improvements and applications will occur in the mind.

Instead of using a laser scanning module to construct the internet access system of the present invention, as shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3, a CCD type bar code scanner (or module) can be used that uses LEDs to illuminate the bar code symbols in the scan field, and a CCD type linear or array device to capture the image for further decoding processing. Examples of CCD scan modules that can be used to construct the CCD based internet access terminal of the present invention can be found in the following U.S. patents, 5,550,366, 5,354,977, 5,291,009, 5,484,994, 5,349,172 and 5,532,467, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As noted above, the present invention contemplates utilizing encoded URL (or DN/PN) information in a 2-D bar code symbol, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1C (1). In this case, a 2-D bar code symbol reader (or device) may be provided in each Internet access system of the present invention so that the 2-D bar code symbol can be optically scanned and decoded using a suitable 2-D bar code decoding algorithm. Examples of 2-D (laser scanning) bar code symbol reading devices that can be used to construct a "2-D type" internet access system in accordance with the principles of the present invention are disclosed in the following U.S. patents, 5,594,232, 5,523,552, 5,504,316, 5,414,250, 5,373,148, 5,319,181, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments of the present invention, a scanning module that can read both 1-D and 2-D type barcode symbols may be employed.

To indicate that a particular printed publication or object bears the URL-encoded bar code symbol of the present invention rather than a generic bar code symbol (e.g., a UPC symbol), it may be advantageous to print all or a substantial portion of the encoded URL (e.g., http:/www.metrologic.com) around the perimeter of the URL-encoded bar code symbol in a manner similar to the way UPC digits are printed under a UPC-type bar code symbol. This printing convention, once adopted, will help customers determine which bar code symbol provides "internet access" as compared to other types of bar code symbols.

In the case where the character string length of Urbs becomes long, especially in connection with information resources stored in a very long Web-based database management system (DBMS), it may be necessary to pre-code the Urbs (to shorten their character string length) before encoding the URLs in the adopted bar code symbols.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention disclosed, the exemplified information resources have been indicated as being stored in a WWW-based information server (i.e. a Web server), and therefore, for each such information resource, the URL has included the character sub-string "HTTP: /www ". It should be understood, however, that a URL-encoded bar code symbol in accordance with the present invention may also refer to (i.e., point to) an information resource stored on other types of internet information servers (i.e., FTP information servers) that access the internet via an internet browser or communications program of the internet access system of the present invention.

The barcode-driven internet access system of the present invention can be applied in many ways, so that the life of homes, offices, and schools becomes more convenient. For example, the present invention may be used to construct a Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system as shown in FIGS. 8-16.

Overview of Web-based Package routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) System

As shown in FIG. 8, the Web parcel routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) based system of the exemplary embodiment, generally designated by the reference numeral 50, includes a number of system components, namely: a global digital telecommunications network (e.g., the internet) that provides the infrastructure described above, including ISPs, NSPs, routers, telecommunications lines and channels, and the like; one or more data-synchronized package routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) internet servers 51 connected to the internet through an internet infrastructure; one or more parcel logging/shipping (computer-based) subsystems 52 '", 52" and 52' "(generally designated 52) located at various shipping locations throughout the world and operatively connected to the Internet via Internet infrastructure; a remote hub station located at the RTD system and a plurality of parcel routing (computer) subsystems 53 ', 53 ", 53'" (generally designated 53) operatively connected to the RTD internet server via the internet infrastructure; a plurality of Portable Package Delivery (PPD) computer-based subsystems (e.g., integrated scanning terminals) 54 ', 54 ", 54'" (generally designated 54) for wireless digital communication with RTD internet servers via an internet infrastructure. Each of these subsystems will be described in more detail below. Then, the operation of the RTD system of the present invention is described.

Mailbag login/shipment computer subsystem

As shown in fig. 9, each parcel login/shipping subsystem 52 is implemented as any of the desktop or portable internet access terminals of the present invention shown in fig. 1, 2 or 3 and described above. The parcel registration/shipping subsystem 52 registers each parcel with a relational database management system (RDBMS) located in or behind the RTD internet server 51 of the system. As will be described in more detail below, this login process involves: (1) accessing RTD internet server 51 by reading out a pre-specified URL-encoded bar code symbol specifying its address on the internet; (2) inputting information related to the parcel into the system via the internet; (3) creating and printing a conventional bar Code symbol label and address label encoded with a URL (and Zip-Code) that carries the name and address of the unit to which the parcel is to be delivered; (4) a bar code label and address are attached to the mailer prior to shipment to perform routing, tracking and delivery functions.

RTD internet server subsystem

As shown in FIG. 11, each RTD Internet server 51 for data synchronization of the exemplary embodiment is implemented by, for example, a PowerMac 8550/200 Internet server from Apple computers, Inc., an Origin 200 server from Silicon Graphics, Inc., or any other Internet server running (1) HTTP server software (e.g., Netscape Enterprise Server software from Netscape Communications, Inc., or WebStar from StarNine, Inc.)^Server software); (2) common Gateway Interface (CGI) software (e.g., Tango by Everyware Development, Inc.); (3) relational database management system (RDBMS) software (e.g., 4D Version 6.0 by ACI US); (4) web site development software (e.g., PageMill from Abode) for site design and creation. In a common manner, each internet RTD server is assigned a unique static IP address and a public domain name on the internet domain name system.

An RDBMS 55 is constructed in or at the back end of each internet RTD server 51 using (RDBMS) software, such as 4D Version 6.0 from ACI US. As shown in fig. 11B, RDBMS 51 is used to set up a hypermedia type relational database containing parcel shipping, tracking and delivery information. As shown in fig. 11B, each database record (i.e., RDT information record) set for each parcel logged into the system includes a plurality of information fields, namely: URL field 55A for storing the URL assigned to each parcel where a static information storage web address resides on the web page of RTD internet server 51; a parcel identification field 55B for storing a unique number assigned to each parcel routed, tracked and delivered in the RTD system; a shipper identification number field 55C for storing an identification number assigned to each shipper authorized to ship parcels in the RTD system; a destination information field 55D for storing information describing the destination of the parcel (initial, final and currently specified); a zip code information field 55E for storing zip code information on the destination of the parcel; a parcel content information field 55F for storing information about the parcel content; a delivery instruction field 55G for storing delivery instructions (e.g., including graphical image, audio based delivery instructions, etc.) for use in delivering the parcel to its destination; a login date field 55H for storing the date on which the system logs in the parcel; a shipment date field 55I for storing the date the parcel was shipped (or expected to be shipped) in the system; a delivery date field 55J for storing the date the parcel was delivered (or expected to be delivered) to its destination; a parcel "Goto" field 55K for storing information on the location of the parcel in the RTD system; a "Goto" time/date field 55L for storing information on the time and date when the parcel tracked the location in the RTD system; a shipment route selection field 55M for storing information specifying a planned travel route assigned to the destination entry parcel; other information fields 55N, 55O, and 55P for storing various items of information for package description, shipping, tracking, and delivery.

In order that each subsystem 52, 53 and 54 may connect to RTD server 51 and access RTD information records associated with any packages logged into the system, the following measures may be taken: (1) each registered parcel 56 is marked with a URL-encoded bar code symbol 57 having the information field structure shown in fig. 12 and a common name/address label; (2) the URL code in the bar code symbol specifies the location of the information storage field 58, which is shown on the statically defined HTML code information field 59 stored in the RTD information server 51 and on the web page serving the client subsystem through the HTTP server 60. Each Web-based information storage field 58 is sufficiently sized to store ASCII information describing a product's unique identification number assigned to the corresponding product being routed and tracked in the system. The RTD information records in the RDBMS 55 associated with any particular parcel are linked to the RTD by a product identification number stored in the information field specified by the URL. CGI 61(1) implemented on RTD server 51 translates the product identification number (stored on web page 59 via URL 58) to and from RSQL-type requests for information elements associated with corresponding RTD information records in DBMS 55, (2) converting such retrieved information elements into HTML-encoded web pages for formatting for display on the display of the requesting client computer 52, 53 and/or 54. Such as Adobe^、PageMill、BBEdit^Or any other HTML editor, can be used to create HTML code pages 59 representing the statically defined information storage locations 58 designated by Urbs, which are ultimately assigned to the package identification numbers employed in the RTD system. Such a web-based information structure can be accessed by (1) using the envelope login/shipping computer 52 during and after envelope login, (2) using the PPD computer 54 during envelope delivery, and/or (3) using any internet browser program authorized to access information fields within the RDBMS of the RTD internet server 51.

Postal packet routing subsystem

As shown in fig. 13, each hub in an RTD system typically has a plurality of parcel routing subsystems 53 located along the line of the high speed conveyor subsystem. Each parcel routing subsystem functions to sort and route parcels to a central station in the hub, and then to deliver them to the next location along a line terminating at the last destination specified by the parcel. In the united states postal system and the united states package service (UPS) system, the parcel endpoint is specified by the zip code of the destination address. In the present exemplary embodiment, each parcel routing subsystem 53 includes a number of subcomponents, namely: metalogic Holotrak^TMA laser scanning holographic bar code symbol reader 53A, such as described in U.S. patent application 08/573,949 filed 12, 18, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; an internet access terminal, as shown in fig. 1 and 2 and described in detail above, that connects to an ISP in the internet infrastructure and sends parcel tracking information (e.g., parcel routing subsystem identification number, time and date of routing operation, etc.) to a web-based information storage location specified by a URL assigned to a parcel; distributing parcels of mail along a conveyor pathA package routing machine 53B which traverses the routing subsystem and terminates at a summing station, thereby shipping the mailpieces along a route which ultimately terminates at the destination addresses of the mailpieces; subsystem controller 53C controls the operation of parcel routing machine 53B during each parcel scanning operation in response to zip code information generated by bar code symbol reader 53A.

Portable Parcel Delivery (PPD) subsystem

As shown in fig. 15, each PPD subsystem 54 is preferably implemented as a transportable device of the type shown in fig. 13 and described in detail above. The function of each PPD subsystem 54 is to provide wireless access to the RDBMS of RTD internet server 51 during parcel delivery operations. With the portable internet terminal 54, the delivery person can automatically connect with the RTD internet server subsystem 51 and access the corresponding RTD information file (within the RDBMS) located on any particular parcel in the system by a simple reading of the URL-encoded bar code symbol. Such accessible information may include multimedia type information belonging to: a description of the contents of the parcel; parcel shipping information, parcel delivery instructions (date, time and location of delivery); shipping and handling deadlines; audio and/or audio video messages associated with a particular shipping parcel, etc. In view of the fact that the RTD information record is linked to Urbs in the RTD server subsystem, any information elements in the RTD information record can be changed, updated or deleted dynamically, while their corresponding parcels or packages are sent through the RTD system. Thus, shipping instructions (e.g., shipping address, shipping time and duration, and sign-in) can be dynamically changed after the parcel has been shipped and routed to its destination. This flexibility is prohibited when using pre-printed 2-D bar code symbols, which themselves contain statically encoded information at the time of parcel entry/shipment.

Operation of Web-based parcel RTD system

As shown in block A of FIG. 12, the parcel login/shipping process begins by assigning a Parcel Identification Number (PIN) to a parcel to be logged into the RTD system of the present invention. This process involves using the parcel login/shipping computer subsystem 52 shown in figure 9 and the RTD internet server subsystem 51 shown in figure 11. A request for a new parcel identification number is sent from parcel login/shipment computer 52 to RTD internet server 51 in electronic form sent by HTTP method well known in the internet technology field. The identified parcel destination zip code is then sent to RTD server 51 at block B using parcel login/shipping computer 52. At block C, the RTD server assigns a unique HTML-encoded information storage location (and package identification number) on the page of the RTD internet server to the package, and then links the URL of this information storage location with the package identification number. Then, at block D, the mailer registration/shipping computer 52 encodes the URL and zip code (associated with the mailer identification number) in the bar code symbology information structure of the 1-D or 2-D bar code symbology and then prints the bar code symbology on the label. Then, at block E, a label printed with a barcode is attached to the parcel, after which the parcel registration/shipment computer 52 sends a confirmation request to the RTD internet server 51 confirming that the parcel identification number, zip code and URL assigned thereto are entered into the RDBMS of the system. Upon receipt from RTD internet server 51 confirming that these information elements are recorded in the RDBMS, the labeled parcel is transported to its destination by routing the shipment available within the RTD system, as shown in block F. The above process is repeated with the system for each parcel to be shipped.

As each parcel is transported through the RTD system, it passes through one or more parcel routing subsystems, as shown in fig. 13. The parcel routing/tracking process is performed automatically as each parcel is scanned by the bar code symbol reader 53A on the parcel routing subsystem. This process is listed in the flow chart of fig. 14 described below.

As shown in block a of fig. 14, a bar CODE scanner of the parcel routing subsystem reads the URL/ZIP-CODE encoded bar CODE symbol on the parcel and obtains information representing the URL and ZIP CODE. The parcel routing subsystem then routes the parcel on the parcel routing subsystem at the system hub site using the locally recovered zip code, block B. The routing subsystem then uses the obtained URL to access the RTD internet server via HTTP and updates the location of the scanned parcel in the RDBMS for the system, block C. Each time a parcel is scanned at a different parcel routing subsystem or other internet access terminal located in the RTD system, the current location of the scanned parcel in the system can be updated by ensuring that each HTTP request, including a signal identifying the requesting parcel routing subsystem, is sent to the RTD internet server (parcel routing subsystem).

When a parcel finally arrives at the network hub closest to its destination, it is typically loaded onto a truck or similar vehicle for delivery. It is then delivered to its destination as outlined in the flow chart of fig. 16 and the delivery process described below.

As shown in block a of fig. 16, the courier uses his portable delivery computer 54 to read the URL/ZIP-CODE encoding tag on the parcel to recover the URL CODE therein. The portable delivery computer can be mounted in the delivery vehicle or fixed to the hands of the delivery person. As shown in block B, the portable delivery computer automatically connects to RTD internet server 51 by means of HTTP using the URL code in the locally retrieved scanned bar code symbol. As shown in block C, the information elements shown in fig. 11B, which are associated with the RDBMS information record linked to the URL, are automatically displayed on the display screen of the parcel delivery computer 53. The package is then delivered to its destination using this information, particularly the package delivery instructions. This information may have multimedia natural features including audio instructions and graphical images of delivery maps to facilitate the delivery process.

In the exemplary embodiment of the RTD system described above, the mailer being shipped in the system has been labeled with a bar CODE symbol encoded with a URL and ZIP-CODE information. The reason for encoding the ZIP-CODE information (along with the URL) in the bar CODE symbol is that the ZIP-CODE can be locally retrieved at the parcel routing subsystem 53 very quickly and used to route parcels moving at high speed along the conveyor system. However, on the other hand, the locally restored URL can be used to connect to RTD Internet server 51, access its RDBMS, and obtain the zip code of any particular parcel scanned with the parcel routing subsystem. However, since the time required to access such information from RTD Internet server 51 is typically greater than the residence time of the parcel as it moves through the parcel routing subsystem, in many cases, it is necessary to employ locally recovered zip codes for the above-described parcel routing operations.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the URL and the ZIP-CODE can be encoded in a bar CODE symbol information structure, respectively, as shown in fig. 10B. The bar code symbols of this composite information structure can be placed side-by-side, on top of each other, or randomly on the surface of the mailer.

In any of the exemplary embodiments of the RTD system described, an improved method of global routing, tracking and delivery of parcels, packages and objects is provided. At this point, the system avoids the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with the use of statically encoded 2-D bar code symbols and previous techniques for reading bar code symbols with integrated scanning terminals. Unlike 2-D bar code symbols, the RTD system of the present invention can be used to provide multimedia instructions to delivery personnel to improve the world-wide parcel delivery operations. In addition, audio-visual messages that contact a particular parcel can be stored by the parcel sender in RTD internet server 51 and delivered to the parcel recipient at the time of delivery, providing a "music or voice telegram" type message with the parcel. The destination of the delivery message can also provide visual images and short video clips that improve the parcel delivery process in a manner not achievable with existing delivery techniques. Optionally, such multimedia messages can be downloaded from the portable parcel delivery subsystem 54 to an information storage device (e.g., floppy disk, ZIP from Iomega corporation^100 megabyte storage, etc.) and at the delivery point and the travel packageThe packages are delivered together.

The RTD system of the present invention can be improved to provide a Web-based document tracking and delivery system for use in various types of institutions. In a similar alternative embodiment of the present invention, a document can be logged into the system using a document logging computer subsystem similar to that of FIG. 9. There is no need for a parcel routing subsystem, as used in the system of fig. 8, nor the use of URL/ZIP-CODE encoded bar CODE symbols. Instead, a bar code symbol encoding a URL of the type shown in FIG. 1C (1), 1C (2), 1D (1), or 1D (2) is placed on the document being tracked in the system. In addition, a Web-based document tracking and delivery server, similar to the RTD server shown in FIG. 11, may be used to store documents that track and deliver information, as well as information pertaining to documents received by others in the system (including e-mail messages sent to others in the organization). The advantage of such a system is that hardcopy documents can be cycled through the institution, and persons wishing to comment on them can quickly access the document tracking/delivery server by reading the URL-encoded barcode symbols printed thereon in order to add messages and annotate database records related to the document, as well as allowing others to track all documents that have appeared along the chain of comments. The documents tracked in the system may be physical specimens, charts, three-dimensional objects, letters, memos, photographs, and the like.

In other embodiments of the present invention, URL-encoded bar code symbols can be printed on various types of objects, items, or products to enable a user to access information resources on the Internet by controlling the scanning of such URL-encoded bar code symbols by a bar code symbol reader using the program of the present invention.

For example, a bar code symbol encoded with a URL can be applied to the business card to facilitate access to predetermined or pre-specified information sources on the internet that belong to the company, a division, or a market group and/or individual carrying the Applet business card representation. By simply scanning the URL-encoded bar code symbol, the customer or potential business partner is automatically connected to information resources placed on the internet that are useful or valuable to the customer concerned with it.

The URL-encoded barcode symbol can be applied to a credit card or wallet-sized card so that an automatically issued Java-enabled program (from an internet information server) can execute on a virtual (hole) client (internet contact) system, receiving as input the URL retrieved from the scanned barcode. According to the present invention, a kiosk with a bar code or magnetic stripe reader and a URL enabled browser can be converted into a Universal Transaction Machine (UTM). Thus, the need to construct a dedicated transaction machine can be avoided with this aspect of the invention.

Internet information access and display system using applets to encode bar code symbols

In another embodiment of the present invention, Java^TMApplets (e.g., Java programs) can be encoded in bar code symbol structures that are applied to various types of objects for which information on the internet is desired or needed. The details regarding the Java programming language and Applet structure and function can be found in the URL referenced herein: http: /www.java.sun.com (5/29/1997). Although it is possible to encode a Java Applet that substantially limits the character length in the structure of the 1-D bar code symbol, it is preferable to encode the Java Applet in a two-dimensional bar code symbol 8', as shown in fig. 17.

To use Java^TMApplets are encoded in 2-D bar code symbols and one encodes the corresponding Applet label (e.g., in the JavaScript language) into the structure of the 2-D bar code symbol. The 2-D bar code symbol must have a symbology that provides a representation of the complete ASCII character set. To illustrate, the syntactic structure of an Applet Tag is exemplified (i.e., the structure of the Applet Tag is shown in FIG. 1<APPLET…</APPLET>) The settings were as follows:

　　＜APPLET　　   CODEBASE＝codebaseURL　　   ARCHIVE＝archiveList　　        CODE＝appletFile…or…OBJECT＝serializedApplet　　   ALT＝alternateText　　   NAME＝appleInstanceName　　＞　　＜PARAM NAME＝appleAttribute1 VALUE＝value＞　　＜PARAM NAME＝appleAttribute2 VALUE＝value＞<dp n="d35"/>　　alternateHTML　　＜/APPLET＞

CODE, CODEBASE, etc. are attributes of the Applet tag that provide browser program information about the Applet as such. The attributes of this exemplary Applet tag are described as follows:

the CodebaseURL specifies the basic URL of the Applet and specifies the location of a directory or folder (e.g., on a remote internet server or in an internet terminal) containing the compiled code of the Applet.

The attribute arch describes one or more ARCHIVEs containing categories and other resources to be preloaded into the browser program. The classification is downloaded using an instance of an AppletClassLoader (object entity) with a given CODEBASE. Multiple APPLET tags with the same CODEBASE share the same subject entity of the ClassLoader. This is used to enable communication between applets through some client code. Future Java development tools (JDKs) may provide other mechanisms for inter-applet communication.

The attribute CODE specifies the file name of the file containing the compiled Applet subclass of the Applet. This file is specified by CODEBASE relative to the basic URL of the Applet. It is not absolute. One of CODE or OBJECT must appear in the Applet tag.

The attribute OBJECT provides the filename of the file containing the Applet serialized representation.

The attribute ALT alternatext specifies any text that the browser program should display if it understands the APPLET tag but cannot run the JavaApplet.

The attribute NAME specifies the filename of an Applet object entity that is likely to find (and communicate with) the Applet code in the same bar code.

The Applet also includes a tag that includes < PARAM NAME ═ Applet 1 VALUE > and < PARAM NAME ═ 2 VALUE > providing a means to specify the attributes of the specific Applet.

When a Java-Applet is embodied in a 2-D bar code symbol, a syntax structure expressed in ASCII format is encoded in the structure of the bar code symbol. Compiled code associated with the coded Applet (program code) is stored in the internet information server in a manner well known in the art. Details of Applet syntax and formulas are well known in the art of internet communications and are not set forth herein to avoid obscuring the present invention. Preferably, the fourth internet access system and method shown in fig. 1B (4) is employed to implement a Java-enabled client system capable of reading the Java-Applet bar code symbol of the present invention. In these embodiments, the internet terminal 3B' is modified to include a Java-enabled browser program (e.g., HOTJAVA)^TMA browser) having a plug-in module that enables the browser program to execute the Java-Applet retrieved from the barcode scanner 3A and sent to the internet terminal 3B' for execution. In the system shown in FIG. 17, the optically transparent scan plate 9A and extension 9B have been removed to facilitate scanning of the 2-D bar code symbol.

When a Java-enabled browser receives an Applet tag recovered from reading a bar code symbol, the Applet typically executes in the following manner. First, compiled Applet program code stored at a specified URL in the Applet (typically on an internet server) is transferred to a Java browser enabled program. During execution of the Applet program code, a specified information resource on the internet is accessed along with a request input provided by the user through a key pad input or the like. And finally, displaying information specified by the executed Applet on a Web webpage for the user to use according to the coded Applet.

The Java-Applet encoded bar code symbols of the present invention can be printed on or applied to various types of objects and/or media. When the URL-encoded bar code symbol of this particular type is read using any of the four internet access methods described in detail above, the internet client system automatically connects to the information resource specified by the scanned Applet-encoded bar code symbol. And processing and displaying according to the coded Java-Applet.

Java-Applet encoded bar code symbols can be put into many applications. For example, Java-coded bar code symbols can be applied to shipped parcels or packages to access the latest delivery instructions, and/or to COD freight fees at the delivery location.

The ability to apply Java-coded bar code symbols to consumer products in order to (i) access information (e.g., a special magazine) and/or advertisements pertaining to current or future sales; (ii) a consumer product purchase transaction is conducted using the portable data terminal shown in fig. 17.

Bar code symbols capable of Java-Applet encoding are applied to the business card to facilitate access to predetermined or pre-designated information sources on the internet belonging to the company, a division, or market group and/or individual carrying the Applet business card representation. By simply scanning the Applet encoded bar code symbol, the customer or potential business partner is automatically connected to information resources placed on the internet that are useful or valuable to the customer concerned with it.

The Java-Applet encoded bar code symbol can be used on a credit card or wallet sized card to enable automatic issuance of Java-enabled programs (on an internet browser screen) supporting some type of information transaction (e.g., financial transaction, ticket purchase, information purchase, product purchase, service acquisition, etc.). The advantages of this application are: any thin client system (e.g., Web-enabled laptop with a bar code reader, or internet-enabled kiosk with a bar code or magnetic stripe reader) can be automatically converted into a Universal Transaction Machine (UTM) using the Applet-based bar code symbol encoding method of issuing (and executing) a Java-Applet from an internet customer information system. Thus, the need to construct a dedicated transaction machine can be avoided with this aspect of the invention.

Java-coded bar code symbols can be applied to pre-printed stock transaction cards and papers to facilitate the buying and selling of stocks between traders and experts in a trading market.

Java-coded bar code symbols can be printed on financial securities (e.g., derived securities) and used to access the information needed to calculate and display their value and price in dynamically changing markets. In such applications, information from several internet servers may be needed to calculate and display the cost, price and value of a security at a particular time.

Java-enabled bar code symbols can also be applied to any object (e.g., print media) to access, process and display internet-based multimedia information (with graphical and/or audio content) for presentation to one or more users upon reading Java-Applet encoded bar code symbols. Images, text, computational graphics, voice messages, music and/or video clip content can be displayed on an internet access system by simple reading of Java-Applet encoded 2-D bar code symbols.

Wearable bar code symbol driven internet access system

In the above illustrated embodiments, the bar code symbol reading device is either held in the operator's hand or placed on a countertop. It should be noted, however, that the bar code symbol reader and other components on the client side of the internet access system can be worn on the body of the operator, as shown in fig. 18 and 19.

As shown in fig. 18, the wearable internet access system of the present invention includes: a bar code symbol scanning unit 70 designed to be worn on the back of the hand; and a remote unit 72 (i.e., a body-mountable infrared-based internet access terminal) designed to be worn on the arm of the operator, which may be secured using flexible straps or similar technology.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hand-mounted scanner unit 70 includes: a light-transmissive window 71 for letting in and out light for scanning the bar code symbol; a glove 70A worn by the operator for detachably mounting the housing 70 to the back of the hand of the operator; and a laser scanning bar code symbol reader 20, as described above with respect to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments, other optical scanning devices may be used in place of the unit 20, as long as they provide a scanning depth that is sufficient for the intended application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the remote unit 72 includes: LCD touch screen panel 73; an audio speaker 74; a RISC-based micro-computing system or platform 75A for supporting a variety of different computing functions, including: such as TCP/IP, HTTP and other internet protocols (e.g., email, FTP, etc.) related to the use of an internet browser or Communication program (e.g., Netscape Navigator or Communication, or MicroSoft Explorer program) provided by the remote unit; a telecommunications modem 75B that interfaces with the micro-computing system; a radio frequency transceiver 75C (e.g., using DFSK or spread spectrum modulation techniques) also interfaced with the telecommunications modem for supporting a two-way telecommunications protocol (e.g., PPP) known in the art (as described above) between the micro-computing system and a remote transceiver 7B interfaced with an ISP connected to the internet; a (rechargeable) battery power supply 75D above the remote control housing, supplying electrical power to the components thereof and to the bar code symbol reader 20; a flexible cable 76 for supporting communication between the bar code symbol reader 20 and the micro-computing platform and for conveying electrical power from the power source to the bar code symbol reader. Notably, the remote unit 72 will implement one of the Internet access methods described above. The method employed by the remote unit 72 (i.e., the internet access terminal) will rely on the information encoded in the URL-encoded bar code symbol scanned by the bar code symbol reader 20.

Optionally, a laser scanning bar code symbol scanner (without a digitizer or decoder) 20 may be included in the handheld unit 70, and the necessary digitizing and scan data processing may be performed by a micro-computing system in the remote unit 72 using techniques well known to those skilled in the art or by a dedicated ASCII type device also known to those skilled in the art and included in the remote unit 72. These construction techniques will allow the bar code scanning unit to be miniaturized enough to be worn on the operator's finger in a manner well known in the art. Preferably, the bar code symbol scanning/reading unit is automatically controlled as described in applicant's prior U.S. application incorporated herein by reference, but may be manually actuated, where appropriate, by a trigger switch or the like mounted on the hand held unit 70 or elsewhere in the system structure.

Preferably, the remote unit 72 is worn on the arm of the operator so that the touch-sensitive LCD panel 73 integrated therewith can be conveniently viewed during use of the body-worn system of the present invention. Accordingly, when the bar code symbol encoded by the URL is read by the bar code symbol reader 20 mounted on the hand (or mounted on the finger), the operator can easily view the information resources related to the scanned bar code symbol and displayed on the LCD panel. Further, in response to reading a URL encoded bar code symbol, a Java-Applet bar code symbol, or a bar code symbol encoded in a conventional manner, the operator may be required to manually enter information into the HTML encoded page being displayed using the touch screen display panel 73 and pen-based computing software as is well known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a large vocabulary speech recognition subsystem may be integrated into the remote housing 42 so that a user can enter information into an Internet browser by speaking rather than by manual keystrokes or pen-based computing techniques known to those skilled in the art and supported by a micro-computing platform contained in the remote housing.

In some applications, it may also be desirable to mount the bar code symbol reader 20 on the operator's finger or head and/or to mount the remote unit 72 on a different part of the operator's body (e.g., the leg or waist). It may also be desirable to integrate all of the components of the system into a single housing to be worn on a specific part of the operator's body.

In some applications it may be desirable to provide a lightweight headgear assembly having a miniature LCD display 77, microphone 78 and ear set 79, while providing remote unit 72 with audio and video input/output ports 80 for providing audio input to and audio and video output from a microcomputer platform (in the remote unit), the headgear assembly worn by the operator being driven during on-site use of the system by means of a flexible communications cable 81, as shown in fig. 18 and 19. The function of the head-supported microphone 78 is to provide speech input to the microcomputer system for processing by the speech recognition subsystem, which is implemented using commercially available speech recognition software (e.g., from Dragon Systems, Inc., Newton Massachusetts). The head mounted video panel 77 functions to provide a convenient way of displaying HTML-encoded information pages accessed from the internet in response to a bar code symbol being encoded with a URL, Applet or conventional means read by bar code symbol reader 20. The function of the headset 79 is to provide a convenient way of emitting audio information encoded in HTML-encoded information pages accessed from the internet in response to a URL, Applet or conventionally encoded bar code symbol read by the bar code symbol reader 20. These auxiliary devices 77, 78 and 79 interface with the arm-supported internet terminal 72, providing the operator with additional freedom to perform his or her operations, whether they be inventory management, assembly line or factory inspection and/or repair, aircraft or vehicle inspection and/or repair, etc.

In the case of aircraft or factory inspection and/or repair, the inspected or repaired system or plant components or subsystems can be permanently labeled with URL-encoded bar code symbols which, when scanned, automatically access a remotely located Web database enabled HTML-encoded information page for display on LCD panel 72 or on an overhead-mounted LCD panel 77, as shown in FIG. 19. The operator wears headphones 79 capable of hearing audio information files encoded in such web pages. The applications that such a body-worn bar code symbol driven system can be put into are unlimited, limited only by the hearing of the user.

While the wearable internet access system of the present invention has been described in connection with URL-encoded and Applet-encoded bar code symbols, it will be appreciated that such bar code symbol driven systems can also be used to access information resources on the internet (or other information networks) using conventional bar code symbols that are encoded with information that is independent of the location (or address) of such information resources on the internet, as opposed to URL-encoded and Applet-encoded bar code symbols.

Further, while the Internet access method of the present invention has been described above in great detail using 1-D and 2-D bar code symbols, it will be appreciated that in certain applications, it will be desirable to encode URLs or domain/pathnames in one or more magnetic strips to provide a magnetic strip driven URL encoded (i.e., "magnetic strip") card for Internet access.

It should be appreciated that the internet access systems and methods of the illustrative embodiments may be modified in a number of different ways to implement various aspects of the present invention. All modifications and variations to the exemplary embodiments are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the inventions as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (16)

1. A system for routing, tracking and delivering parcels from an origination point to a plurality of destination points, said system comprising:

an internet server connected to the internet infrastructure for storing parcel delivery information and parcel tracking information on each parcel registered by the system;

a parcel registration/shipping computer subsystem located at a ship-from location and connectable to said internet server through internet infrastructure for entering parcel delivery information and parcel tracking information on each parcel registered by said system and generating a bar CODE symbol of URL/ZIP CODE applied to each said parcel registered by said system;

a plurality of parcel routing subsystems located at remote hub stations and connectable to said internet server through internet infrastructure for scanning URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbols applied to said parcels, sending tracking information on said parcels to said internet server, and routing said parcels in said system;

a plurality of parcel delivery computer subsystems connectable to said internet server for accessing parcel delivery information served thereby.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the internet server includes:

a relational database management system (RDBMS) for storing parcel delivery information and parcel tracking information on each parcel to which the system is registered;

an HTTP server for serving HTML-encoded Web pages on behalf of which are stored information fields specified by URLs, each said URL-specified information storage field being linked to one said parcel on which said system is logged; and

a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) for interfacing said RDBMS with said HTTP server.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the RDBMS contains information elements related to information storage locations in HTML-encoded Web pages that are specified by a uniform address identifier (URL) that has been uniquely assigned to a particular parcel tracked in the system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the mailer registration/shipping computer subsystem includes a desktop computer system and a bar code symbol printer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the parcel routing subsystem is a program controlled portable scanning terminal that automatically connects to the internet server when reading the URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol.

6. A method for routing, tracking and delivering parcels from an origination point to a plurality of destination points, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol to each parcel tracked in the system;

(b) reading said URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol on each of said parcels at different locations in said system to track the location of each of said parcels and facilitate routing operations; and

(c) reading the URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol on each of the parcels to access delivery information resources from an Internet server to deliver the parcel to its destination.

7. A system for tracking objects and linking information, the system comprising:

an internet information server connected to the internet infrastructure for storing the target tracking information on each parcel logged in the system;

a plurality of client computer subsystems connectable to said internet information server through an internet infrastructure for inputting and accessing target-related information maintained on each target tracked by said system into said internet information server; and

a login computer subsystem for inputting object identification information to an internet information server for logging each object tracked in said system and generating a bar code symbol printed with a URL code for application to each said object logged in said system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the internet information server includes:

a relational database management system (RDBMS) for storing target tracking information on each target registered in the system;

an HTTP server for serving HTML-encoded files on behalf of which are stored information fields specified by URLs, each of said URL-specified information storage fields being linked to one of said targets to which said system is logged in; and

means for interfacing the RDBMS with the HTTP server.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein: the RDBMS contains information elements associated with information storage locations in HTML-encoded files having addresses specified by uniform address identifiers (URLs) that have been uniquely assigned to a particular target tracked in the system.

10. A Web-based document tracking and management system comprising a relational database management system (RDBMS), characterized by: uniquely assigning and affixing to each document tracked and managed in the system a printed URL-encoding bar code symbol that specifies a particular information storage location in said RDBMS, and wherein said RDBMS interfaces with a Web-based information server located on the internet or behind an Intranet's corporate firewall.

11. The Web-based document tracking and management system of claim 10, wherein: the document selects a brochure, a chart, a 3-D object or sample, a photograph, an instruction, a blueprint, and the like.

12. The Web-based document tracking and management system of claim 10, wherein: a bar code symbol reader associated with an internet access terminal can access information related to documents registered in the system by simply scanning a bar code symbol for a printed URL code.

13. The Web-based document tracking and management system of claim 12, wherein: the internet access terminal includes:

means for assigning the URL-encoded bar code symbol to any one of the documents registered in the system;

means for entering information associated with the document into an information storage location assigned to the document in the Web-based RDBMS;

means for printing URL-encoded bar code symbols attached to respective documents registered in the system;

means for modifying information associated with the document currently stored in an information storage location assigned to the document in the Web-based RDBMS; and

means for accessing information associated with the document from the system by reading its corresponding URL-encoded bar code symbol.

14. A Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system, characterized by: it includes one or more routing, tracking and delivery (RTD) internet server subsystems connected to the internet and updated with parcel related information via (i) a parcel log-in/shipping subsystem located at the product shipment location and connected to the RTD internet server via a first data communication link; or (ii) a parcel routing subsystem located at the hub station and connected to the RTD internet server via a second data communication link; or (iii) by a portable parcel delivery subsystem carried by the parcel delivery person and connected to the RTD internet server via a wireless data communication link.

15. A Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system comprising a plurality of remote hub stations, characterized by: each remote hub station in the system includes:

a device for reading the URL code bar code symbol on the parcel;

means for recovering the URL code in the bar code symbol at the remote hub station; and

and updating the position of the parcel in the system by using the recovery URL.

16. The Web-based parcel routing, tracking and delivery system of claim 15, further comprising means for reading the URL/ZIP CODE encoded bar CODE symbol and recovering the URL CODE therein using a portable wireless internet access terminal.