DESC:F O R M 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: CLOUD BASED PARCEL
VOLUMETRIC WEIGHING
MACHINE

2. APPLICANT (A) RAHUL GUPTA
(B) NATIONALITY: INDIA
(C) #103, DSR ELITE, SY NO 52/2, MAHADEVPURA VILLAGE, K R PURAM HOBLI, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA - 560 048

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THIS INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED
TECHNICAL FIELD
[01] The present disclosure relates to a machine that is very useful for logistics segment and more specifically to a cloud based parcel volumetric weighing machine that can be used as part of such logistics systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] In the logistics industry, the customer is charged based on volumetric weight or actual weight– whichever is higher. While there are many machines available for measuring actual weight, there may be very few that can also measure the dimensions of the parcel and calculate the volumetric weights. Even the Volumetric weight is calculated by a different factor for different mode of transport for example air, surface, sea etc.
For example size of the parcel can be very large if someone packs 2 Kg. of cotton in the parcel and the size of the parcel will be very small if 10 Kg. of metal is packed in a small parcel.
Since measuring the dimensions is time consuming and after that, doing calculations for volumetric weight also takes time and effort, invariably in most instances approximation is done and it is generally to the disadvantage of the customer.
In addition, from original point of shipment to the final recipient of the parcel, the parcel may change several hands in the logistics process. At every stage the actual weight and the volumetric weight has to be measured for charging the intermediate customers. The parcel may be transported by different modes of transport like Air or Surface during this logistics cycle.
[03] Several aspects of the present invention are directed to improve weighing, packaging and tracking parcel by calculating even volumetric weight along with bar code generation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[04] An aspect of the present invention provides the way the parcel weight and dimensions are measured for calculating volumetric weight also for the different mode of transport for example air, surface and sea instantaneously and also displayed on a panel. The volumetric machine has an ethernet port so that the machine can be connected to a local area network and as such even to a wide area network so that it can be monitored and managed from remote server / cloud.
[05] In one embodiment, volumetric machine calculates the logistics about the parcel so that the data can be used to manage the transport system effectively e.g. avoiding parcels thefts, missing parcels, efficient billing etc.
[06] In yet another aspect of the present invention, since the volumetric machine can be monitored and managed from a remote server or a personal computer in the local area network, many types of reports can be generated for managing and tracking by the logistics companies involved throughout the transportation cycle. Since multiple volumetric machines can be installed in a warehouse where the load is higher, all the machines can be in the network and can be managed and monitored.
[07] Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to examples for illustration. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the features of the invention. Furthermore, the features/aspects described can be practiced in various combinations, though only some of the combinations are described herein for conciseness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[08] Example embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings briefly described below.
[09] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in which various aspects of the present invention can be implemented.
[010] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which volumetric machine is used to calculate the volumetric weight and actual weight. Barcode is generated at the dispatch warehouse and scanned at intermediate warehouses in one embodiment.
[011] FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which the local client device connects to the multiple volumetric machines via a local area network to get the information for the parcels measured at the connected volumetric machines.
[012] FIG. 3 is a sample user interface that enable users of client devices at respective warehouse locations to view and maintain the data for the volumetric machines. Users can see the collective information of the warehouse in one embodiment.
[013] FIG. 4 is a sample user interface on client devices that enables the user to get the information and generate the reports collectively for requested data for one or all of the warehouses and display the selected data.
[014] FIG. 5 illustrates sample data, which the barcode labels will have e.g tracking number of parcels, actual weight of the parcel, length, breadth, height of the parcel, surface volumetric weight, air volumetric weight, date and time of measurement.
[015] FIG. 6 is sample diagram illustrating the details of a volumetric machine in which different components may be used to complete the operations performed by volumetric machine such as interface to scanner, interface to ethernet, interface to printer , LCD display , microcontroller board, load cells and ultrasonic sensors.
[016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the details of a digital processing system in which various aspects of the present invention are operative by execution of appropriate execution modules.
[017] In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[018] 1. Example Environment
[019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in which various aspects of the present invention can be implemented. The block diagram is shown containing client devices 11a-11c, VMS (Volumetric System) 13a -13d , network 12, network 14 amd network 16, server system 15, and data store 18. Merely for illustration, only representative number/type of systems is shown in FIG. 1. Many computing systems often contain many more systems, both in number and type, depending on the purpose for which the computing system is designed. Each system/ device of FIG. 1 is described below in further detail.
[020] Network 12, 14 and 16 provides connectivity between client devices 11a-11c, and server system 15 and multiple VMS. Network 12, 14 and 16 may represent Wireless or Local area networks or wide area networks implemented using protocols such as Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), or circuit switched network implemented using protocols such as GSM, CDMA, etc. as is well known in the relevant arts.
[021] In general, network 12, 14 and 16 provides transport of packets, with each packet containing a source address (as assigned to the specific system from which the packet originates) and a destination address, equaling the specific address assigned to the specific system to which a packet is destined/targeted. The packets would generally contain the requests and responses between the client devices 11a-11c, and server system 15 as described below.
[022] VMS 13a - 13d represents the system to calculate actual weight, measure the dimensions of the parcel and calculate volumetric weight. It has scanner unit interface, printer unit interface as well LCD display. It has an interface for the network that may be local area network, wide area network or wireless network.
[023] In one embodiment, VMS provides the ways to measure the actual weight, volumetric weight. Barcode is scanned using scanner unit and information is displayed on LCD display. Printer unit is used to print the barcode.
[024] In general, on a one time basis, a barcode label can be printed and affixed on the parcel so that throughout to logistics process the actual weight and volumetric weight can be referred at every stage of transportation until the parcel reached the final recipient.
[025] Data store 18 represents a non-volatile storage, facilitating storage and retrieval of a collection of data by server system 15. Data store 18 may maintain information such as user data received from client devices 11a-11c, modes of communication supported by each type of client device, etc.
[026] In one embodiment, data store 18 is implemented using relational database technologies and provides storage and retrieval of data using structured queries such as SQL (Structured Query Language), as is well known in the relevant arts. Alternatively, data store 18 may be implemented as a file server and store data in the form of one or more files organized in the form of a hierarchy of directories, as is well known in the relevant arts.
[027] Each of client devices 11a-11c represents a system such as a personal computer, workstation, that operate with a generic operating system such as unix operating system available used by users to send (client) requests to server system 15 as well to VMS 13a - 13d using network12, 14 and 16. In addition, each of client devices 11a-11c may include various hardware (and corresponding software) such as LCD display, interface card to network as well to VMS etc. to send and receive information to VMS as well other client devices.
[028] The client devices 11a-11c may be used to record all the data gathered at VMS alone with parcel tracking number and VMS unique identification number, warehouse unique identification number, time and date etc. The client devices can be used as locally at warehouse or in network.
[029] The client device 11a and 11c for illustration in FIG. 1 are connected to network 14 and network 16 respectively and located at respective warehouse. They are provided with provision to enter batch number of group of parcels. It is used to calculate the total volume and weight of group of parcel which is used to calculate transport container size required to move the parcels to next destination. Also provision is given to enter the transport consolidation batch number to individual parcels.
[030] The client device 11b for illustration in FIG.1 connected to the network 12 is used to get the information from all warehouse Computers. It sends the request to server system 15 where central information is stored in data store 18. The information stored is to maintain logistics central office to monitor and control logistic activity throughout their operation area.
[031] In general, a client device enables a user to display and generate reports. It sends the request to server system 15 and to receive corresponding responses containing the results of information queried to generate the corresponding report. In addition, client devices 11a-11c is also capable of receiving (push) notifications from server system 15.
[032] Server system 15 represents a system, such as a web and/or application server, executing various software applications designed to perform tasks (such as storing user requested orders for food/beverage items, forwarding the requested orders to client devices requests/corresponding responses, etc.) requested by users using client devices 11a-11c. The applications may perform the tasks using data maintained internally to server system 15, on external data (e.g. maintained in data store 18) or on data received as part of the requests (e.g. input using the user interfaces displayed at the client devices). The results of performance of the tasks may then be sent as corresponding responses to the requesting client device. Furthermore, server system 15 may maintain some of the received information (such as the requests/responses) in data store 18.
2. General Flow
[033] The flowchart in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is described with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 merely for illustration. However, various features can be implemented in other systems and/or other environments also without departing from the scope and spirit of various aspects of the present invention, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts by reading the disclosure provided herein. In addition, some of the steps may be performed in a different sequence than that depicted below, as suited in the specific environment, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts. Many of such implementations are contemplated to be covered by several aspects of the present invention.
[034] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which VMS 13a-13d are used for the measurement of actual weight and volumetric weight.
[035] In step 21, VMS 13a calculates of the actual weight is done using strain gauge aluminium load cells 52a-52c. When the strain gauges located in the load cell deflects due to weight, their resistance value changes and output changes proportionally to the weight of the parcel. This change in output (in mille-volts) is measured and calibrated to give the weight of the parcel. This data is sent to microcontroller.
[036] In step 22, VMS 13a measures the dimensions using ultrasonic sensors 51a-51c for example measurement of three dimensions is done using three sets of ultrasonic sensors placed along three axis to measure the length, width and height of the Parcel. Dimensions are computed by measuring the time taken by ultrasonic waves to travel distance from the sensor to parcel surface. Also these sensors do not allow the dust to collect on the sensor inside surface because of vibration of the sensors drum (auto cleans).
[037] In step 23, in VMS 13a, Load cells and ultrasonic sensors are interfaced to microcontroller board 53. It calculates volumetric weight using the dimensions measured by ultrasonic sensors. It collects the data from the load cells 52a-52c and ultrasonic sensors 51a-51c to compute actual weight and the volumetric weight.
[038] In step 24, microcontroller board 53 displays the actual weight and volumetric weight on the LCD display 54 interfaced with microcontroller board.
[039] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, analyzing this data complete logistics activities at multiple warehouses locations are monitored and controlled by the logistic company to ensure seamless efficient operation. Also the data can be used to manage the transport system effectively e.g. avoiding parcels thefts, missing parcels, efficient billing etc. The information about the parcel calculated by a volumetric machine and how this information is used to control the logistics locally at warehouse or centrally for all the warehouses in one embodiment.
[040] In step 25, client device 11a connected to VMS 13a - 13b using network 14 receives the information for the parcels at local warehouse. It has a sample user interface shown in FIG.3 to display the information for VMS 13a and 13b.
[041] In step 26, client device 11a can generate the reports using user interface in FIG. 3. Also the client device 11a can send the information to server system 15 using network 12.
[042] In step 27, client device 11b connected to server system 15 using network 12 can generate the reports based on the information for all the parcels collected at different warehouse locations collectively or any of the warehouse location specifically using the sample user interface illustrated in FIG.4 .
[043] In step 28, client device 11b can display this information using sample user interface illustrated in FIG.4 based on the user input.
[044] In step 29, the reports at client device 11a may be analyzed locally at warehouse to control the logistics at warehouse location. As the provision is given to calculate the total volume and weight of group of parcel to arrive at calculating transport container size required to move the parcels to next destination. Also provision is given to enter the transport consolidation batch number to individual parcels. Analyzing the data reports at client device 11b connected at central location help the central office to monitor and control the logistics activity throughout the operation area.
[045] Thus, client device 11a and 11b to FIG. 2B in combination with VMS 13a-13b operating according to FIG. 2A improves accuracy in calculating actual weight and volumetric weight. Client devices 11a and 11b in combination with server system 15 may maintain data and perform corresponding computations as described below with examples.
[046] 3. Sample User Interface
[047] FIG. 3 illustrates example user interface on the client devices 11a and 11c in FIG.1 according to several aspects of the present invention. .
[048] Referring to FIG. 3, display area 31 is for the report generation and uploading data to server system 15 using network 12. It has 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d to facilitate the same. User can select the volumetric machine using 31a. User can generate reports for selected set of records using 31b. Using 31c, user can select a specific batch. Data is displayed for that particular batch of volumetric system readings. Selected set of records are uploaded using 31d to server system 15 using network 12.
[049] Display area 32 illustrates the barcode generation and address details of customer. User can print or enter the barcode label details for the parcel using 32a. Barcode is generated for each parcel and it can be printed and fixed on the parcel. This barcode is scanned at other intermediate warehouse location to get the information of the parcel to avoid the theft, for tracking the parcel.
User can store the customer address or other warehouse addresses using 32b.
[050] Display area 33 illustrates the utilities provided. User can run the test program to calibrate the volumetric machine using 33a. User can also run the test program to test the calibration is ok or not by measuring a parcel whose weight and measurements are known.
[051] Display area 34 displays the selected set of records and display area 35 displays volumetric machine records.
[052] FIG. 4 illustrates sample user interface on the client devices 11b in FIG.1 according to several aspects of the present invention.
[053] Display area 41 is used for viewing and generating reports. User can select the warehouse location using 41a and select volumetric machine at the selected warehouse location using 41b. Also he can select the batch number or invoice number using 41c. User can use 41d to generate the reports using the above selections.
[054] Display area 42 is used to generate the report for selected warehouse location for a period. User can select warehouse location is selected using 42a, time period for which the records to be generated, is selected using 42b and report for the above selections in 42a and 42b is generated using 42c.
[055] Display area 43 illustrates the utilities provided. User can run the test program to calibrate the volumetric machine using 43a. User can also run the test program to test the calibration is correct or not by measuring a parcel whose weight and measurements are known using 43b.
[056] Display area 44 illustrates the area where selected data records can be displayed.
[057] 4. Maintained/Computer Data
[058] FIG.5 depicts sample data that is measured and calculated at volumetric machine using microcontroller board and maintained at client devices 11a and 11c at warehouse location. It is maintained to display as well for printing the barcode labels. This data contains date and time of measurement for the parcel , volumetric machine at which the parcel is measured, barcode number for the parcel, mode of transport, dimensions measured of the parcels for example length, breadth and height of parcel, volume of parcel calculated at microcontroller board, volumetric weight and actual weight of parcel calculated and chargeable weight.
[059] 5. Volumetric Machine Principle
[060] FIG. 6 is the block diagram illustrating digital processing system 60 of the volumetric machine using the components in the system.
[061] Digital processing system 60 may contain one or more microcontroller board 61 for computation, industrial grade strain gauge aluminium load cells 62a - 62c, ultrasonic sensors 63a - 63c, LCD display 64, interface 65 to barcode scanner , interface 66 to barcode printer, interface 67 to network 12, 14, 16 in FIG.1 i.e. local area network, wireless or wide area network. Microcontroller board 61 may communicate with LCD display 64 over several buses as is well known in the relevant arts. The components of FIG. 6 are described below in further detail.
[062] Industrial grade strain gauge aluminium load cells 62a-62c may be used to measure the actual weight of the parcel. When a parcel is kept on a volumetric machine, the strain gauges in load cells deflect due to the weight of the parcel, their resistance changes proportionally to the weight of the parcel. This change is measured and calibrated to calculate the weight of the parcel. This data is sent to microcontroller board 61.
[063] Ultrasonic sensors 63a-63c may be multiple sets of ultrasonic sensors placed at the respective dimensions of the parcel. In FIG.6 there are three different sets of ultrasonic sensors placed along with the Length, width and height of the parcel. Distance is computed by measuring the time taken by the ultrasonic waves to travel distance from the sensor to parcel surface. As part of the auto clean system sensors may have vibration drum not to settle the dust on the inner surface of sensor.
[064] Microcontroller board 61 collects the data from the load cells 62a-62c using interface 69 and from the ultrasonic sensors 63a-63c using interface 68a-68c. It computes actual weight using the data from load cells. It computes the volume and volumetric weight of the parcel, for different mode of the transport for example air, surface or sea, using the dimensional data from the ultrasonic sensors. Microcontroller board sends the computed data to the LCD display 64 along with time, date, mode of transport. Microcontroller board has a provision to interface 66 with the barcode printer to print the barcode and also the provision to interface 65 with barcode scanner to scan the barcode. It has an ethernet interface 67 to connect to the network for example local area network, wide area network or internet.
[065] LCD display 64 is interfaced to microcontroller board to show the results from the microcontroller board, for example 4 line LCD display. Once the parcel is measured by volumetric machine, parameters are displayed on LCD display.
[066] In another embodiment, when a parcel placed on the volumetric machine and barcode on the parcel is scanned and released, load cells measure the parameter (refer FIG.5) actual weight 58 and ultrasonic sensors measure the dimensions (length 56a, breadth 56b and height 56c ). Also other parameters which are calculated at microcontroller board volume of the parcel 56d and volumetric weight of parcel 57 displayed along with date 51a, time 51b ,batch no / invoice number 52, volumetric machine number 53 at which the measurement is taken, barcode number 54, mode of transport 55 (air, surface or sea). Also this data is sent to client devices 11a using network 14 and client device 11c using the network 14, where client devices 11a and 11c are located locally at respective warehouse location and use the user interface in FIG.3 to generate the local warehouse reports to maintain logistics in that warehouse. Both client devices may upload data collected at their respective location including warehouse location code, to server system 15 over the network 12 to complete the logistics of the data collected at the volumetric system. Server system 15 stores all the data from all the warehouses using database 16. Using user interface in FIG.4 at client device 11b i.e. connected to server system 15 using network 12, the reports are generated and analysed collectively for all or any of the warehouses.
[067] 6. Digital Processing System
[068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the details of digital processing system 70 in which various aspects of the present invention are operative by execution of appropriate execution modules. Digital processing system 70 may correspond to one of client devices 11a-11c or to server system 15.
[069] Digital processing system 70 may contain one or more processors (such as a central processing unit (CPU) 71), random access memory (RAM) 72, secondary memory 73, graphics controller 76, display unit 77, network interface 78, and input interface 79. All the components except display unit 47 may communicate with each other over communication path 75 which may contain several buses as is well known in the relevant arts. The components of FIG. 7 are described below in further detail.
[070] CPU 71 may execute instructions stored in RAM 72 to provide several features of the present invention. CPU 71 may contain multiple processing units, with each processing unit potentially being designed for a specific task. Alternatively, CPU 71 may contain only a single general purpose processing unit. RAM 72 may receive instructions from secondary memory 73 using communication path 75.
[071] Graphics controller 76 generates display signals (e.g., in RGB format) to display unit 77 based on data/instructions received from CPU 71. Display unit 77 contains a display screen to display the images defined by the display signals (e.g. the portions of the user interfaces 31-35 in FIG.3 and user interfaces 41-44 in FIG.4 provided on the client devices 11a-11c). Input interface 79 may correspond to a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., touch-pad, mouse), which enable the various inputs to be provided (such as the inputs noted above with respect to the portions of the user interfaces 31-33 in FIG.3 and user interfaces 41-44 in FIG.4 etc.). Network interface 78 provides connectivity to a network (e.g., using Internet Protocol), and may be used to communicate with other connected systems (e.g. client devices 11a-11c, server system 15 of FIG. 1). Network interface 78 may provide such connectivity over a wire (in the case of TCP/IP based communication) or wirelessly (in the case of WIFI, Bluetooth based communication).
[072] Secondary memory 73 may contain hard drive 73a, flash memory 73b, and removable storage drive 73c. Secondary memory 73 may store the data (e.g., the specific requests sent, the responses received, data corresponding to FIG. 5 and software instructions (e.g., for implementing the programming logic of the blocks shown in FIG.s 2A and 2B), which enable digital processing system 70 to provide several features in accordance with the present invention.
[073] Some or all of the data and instructions may be provided on removable storage unit 74, and the data and instructions may be read and provided by removable storage drive 73c to CPU 71. Floppy drive, magnetic tape drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD Drive, Flash memory, removable memory chip (PCMCIA Card, EPROM) are examples of such removable storage drive 73c.
[074] Removable storage unit 74 may be implemented using storage format compatible with removable storage drive 73c such that removable storage drive 73c can read the data and instructions. Thus, removable storage unit 74 includes a computer readable storage medium having stored therein computer software (in the form of execution modules) and/or data.
[075] However, the computer (or machine, in general) readable storage medium can be in other forms (e.g., non-removable, random access, etc.). These “computer program products” are means for providing execution modules to digital processing system 70. CPU 71 may retrieve the software instructions (forming the execution modules), and execute the instructions to provide various features of the present invention described above.
[076] In an embodiment of the invention, when the parcel is placed on the volumetric machine and barcode on the parcel is scanned, volumetric machine display shows the actual weight, dimensions of the parcel, volumetric weight of the parcel. Using this information, logistics operators can recheck the values of weight and volumetric weight and dimensions of the parcel which has come from other warehouse or customers. This will help to validate the earlier values and check if any theft or misuse is happened. Also it helps Logistics Company to charge proper freight charges based on actual weight and volumetric weight of the parcel. Volumetric machine also prints barcode label while measuring parcels. This barcode labels will have data like tracking number of parcels, actual weight of the parcel, length, breadth, height of the parcel, surface volumetric weight, air volumetric weight, date and time of measurement. This barcode label is fixed on the parcel. In the logistic operation cycle, these values will help to trace the parcel, check for any theft or pilferage of the contents.
[077] In yet another embodiment, the data measured by volumetric machine is accurate, repetitive and devoid of human errors which normally occurs in normal conventional weight and dimensional measurement calculation of parcel. Using the data measured by volumetric machine, logistics companies can raise invoices on customers based on the actual weight or volumetric weight whichever is more. This helps logistics companies to earn substantial amount of revenue which otherwise would have lost by not knowing actual or wrong parcel data. Also these data will help the logistics companies to plan for the suitable size of transport vehicle and to efficiently utilize the full capacity of the transport vehicle. Weight and volumetric data printed on the label will be helpful in planning and arranging transport. Shipping manifests can be generated effortlessly with available data mentioning total weight and volume of parcel without additional effort, which was not possible in conventional methods.
[078] In yet another embodiment, as time duration can be computed for each batch of parcels, manpower allocation and accordingly suitable incentives to manpower can be determined. Daily, weekly or monthly management reports for the parcel handled by warehouse can be generated which are helpful in projecting, efficiency of warehouse, allocation of manpower in that particular warehouse and infrastructure of warehouse.
[079] In yet another embodiment, data from local computer warehouses are pushed to cloud at the appropriate times to make them available for central warehouse control office. Reports can be generated effortlessly for any specific warehouse or subgroup of warehouse to monitor and controlling warehouse operations. Data about the revenues generated from logistic operation can be easily retrieved at any point of time. Decisions can be taken easily for manpower and facilities planning. Efficiency of each warehouse and subgroups can be determined. Parcels can be traced easily with the available data. Pilferage and theft of contents of parcel can be easily traced with data from various warehouses. Transport venders payment can be easily checked and controlled with the available data.
[080] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[081] It should be understood that the figures and/or screen shots illustrated in the attachments highlighting the functionality and advantages of the present invention are presented for example purposes only. The present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.

,CLAIMS:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A volumetric weighing machine comprising:
a display unit;
a plurality of load cells to measure an actual weight of a parcel;
a plurality of ultrasonic sensors to measure a plurality of dimensions of the parcel; and
a microcontroller interfaced with the display, the plurality of load cells and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors, the microcontroller operable to:
receive the actual weight of the parcel from the plurality of load cells;
compute a volumetric weight of the parcel based on the plurality of dimensions received from the plurality of ultrasonic sensors; and
display the actual weight and the volumetric weight on the display unit.

2. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 1, comprising an ethernet port that facilitates connectivity to a network, wherein the volumetric weighing machine is facilitated to be monitored and managed from any system connected to the network.

3. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 2, wherein the network is one of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and the Internet.

4. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller also computes the volumetric weight of the parcel for both air and surface mode of shipment,
wherein the microcontroller also displays on the display unit, the volumetric weight of the parcel for both air and surface mode of shipment.

5. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 2, comprising a first interface for a barcode printer and a second interface for a barcode scanner,
the microcontroller also operable to print using the barcode printer via the first interface, a barcode label indicating the actual weight and the volumetric weight of the parcel.

6. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 2, wherein the plurality of load cells are strain gauge aluminum load cells calibrated to provide the actual weight of the parcel.

7. The volumetric weighing machine of claim 2, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is placed along 3 axes to measure a length, a width and a height of the parcel, the length, the width and the height being contained in the plurality of dimensions,
wherein the microcontroller also computes a volume of the parcel based on the length, the breadth and the height of the parcel,
wherein the microcontroller also displays on the display unit, the length, the breadth, and the height of the parcel, and the volume of the parcel.

8. A system for tracking parcels, the system comprising:
a first plurality of volumetric weighing machines and a first local server connected via a first network, the first local server operable to receive the information related to a first set of parcels from the first plurality of volumetric weighing machines;
a second plurality of volumetric weighing machines and a second local server connected via a second network, the second local server operable to receive the information related to a second set of parcels from the second plurality of volumetric weighing machines; and
a remote server connected to the first local server and the second local server via a third network, the remote server operable to:
receive from first local server, the information related to the first set of parcels;
receive from second local server, the information related to the second set of parcels; and
provide a common user interface displaying the information related to both the first set of parcels and the second set of parcels.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the first network, the second network and the third network is one of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and the Internet.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the information on each parcel includes a parcel tracking number, a warehouse location or warehouse code, an actual weight of the parcel, a volumetric weight of the parcel, a volume of the parcel, the dimensions of the parcel and a date-time.