Pickup and delivery of data files

Abstract

A data file is regarded as a digital package. A convenient interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communication links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivering and billing based on bits.

1 . A method for file transfer, comprising: 
 transmitting a file using a satellite communications link in accordance with a scheduling order created by a sender using a screen-based interface specifying pickup and delivery instructions for the file.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising confirming that the file has been transmitted to a provider of the file.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting is simultaneously performed to selected destinations that are part of a predefined group excluding some destinations in a geographic area.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving the scheduling order from a user, the scheduling order also specifying at least one location and time for retrieval of the file.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising checking facility availability in response to receiving the scheduling order.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sending a confirmation notice to the user after checking facility availability.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising converting the format of the file.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising storing the file for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         9 . A system for file transfer, comprising: 
 a transmitter for transmitting a file using a satellite communications link in accordance with a scheduling order created by a sender using a screen-based interface specifying pickup and delivery instructions for the file.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising means for confirming that the file has been transmitted to a provider of the file.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the transmitting is simultaneously performed to selected destinations that are part of a predefined group excluding some destinations in a geographic area.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a processor for receiving the scheduling order from a user, the scheduling order also specifying at least one location and time for retrieval of the file.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the processor is also for checking facility availability in response to receiving the scheduling order.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the processor is also for sending a delivery notice to a destination for the file before transmitting the file.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a processor for converting the format of the file.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a data storage for storing the file for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         17 . A user interface for scheduling a file transfer, via a satellite communications system comprising: 
 a terminal for displaying a data screen to a sender, the data screen including two or more of the following fields specifying a file location, size, pickup time, payment type, confirmation type and delivery time, and    means for sending information entered through the data screen to a central system.    
     
     
         18 . A method for file reception, comprising: 
 receiving a file that has been transmitted using a satellite communications link in accordance with a scheduling order created by a sender using a screen-based interface specifying pickup and delivery instructions for the file.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising confirming that the file has been received to a provider of the file.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the file has been transmitted by multicasting.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising confirming availability of delivery according to a scheduling order, and wherein the confirming of availability occurs before the receiving of the file.  
     
     
         22 . A system for file reception, comprising: 
 a receiver for receiving a file that has been transmitted using a satellite communications link in accordance with a scheduling order created by a sender using a screen-based interface specifying pickup and delivery time for the file    
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising means for confirming that the file has been received to a provider of the file.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the file has been transmitted by multicasting.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising means for confirming availability for delivery according to the scheduling order.