Mail Processing System for Address Correction via Intelligent Mailpiece Barcodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for maintaining address data accuracy in postal authorities are labor-intensive and costly, with conventional address correction services being inefficient due to difficulties in reading alpha codes using optical character reader technology, leading to significant expenses from undeliverable mail caused by household member moves.

Innovation Solution

The use of mail processing equipment, such as sorters and imaging systems, to read addresses and apply Intelligent Mailpiece Barcodes (IMB) with USPS-approved Coding Accuracy Support Standards and Delivery Point Verification software, enabling the encoding of delivery point address codes and ACS service requests onto mail pieces for address correction and list updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional OCR technology is used to read alpha codes on mail pieces, then the existing address correction service can be maintained, but read errors occur and the service becomes ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress data accuracyVSAvoidACS service effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data encoding parameter from alpha codes to machine readable barcodes (IMB), which can be reliably read by optical scanning equipment. This parameter change eliminates OCR read errors and makes the ACS service effective and automated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual/labor-intensive OCR reading process with automated optical scanning of barcodes. This substitution eliminates human error and improves both speed and accuracy of address code recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional ACS service is used with alpha codes, then address correction can be provided, but the process becomes labor intensive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress data accuracyVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual processing with automated mail sorting equipment that can read IMB barcodes and automatically route mail pieces. This automation dramatically increases productivity while maintaining address data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated equipment that reads barcodes and directs mail without human intervention. The mail processing system itself performs the routing function, eliminating labor-intensive manual processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If data center processor is used to apply IMB, then correct IMB encoding can be achieved, but modification costs and service fees increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIMB encoding accuracyVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing mail sorting equipment multi-functional by enabling it to read IMB barcodes and automatically route mail. This eliminates the need for separate data center processing infrastructure, reducing implementation costs while maintaining encoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing mail sorting equipment as an intermediary between the IMB barcode and the routing decision. This intermediary approach avoids direct modification of data center processors while achieving the same routing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If windowed envelopes are used to display IMB, then address correction service can be provided, but mailer desire to print addresses on envelope is not satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress data accuracyVSAvoidmailer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the IMB barcode with the address block printing process. The IMB is printed directly on the envelope alongside or integrated with the address, eliminating the need for separate windowed envelopes while maintaining both functionality and aesthetic preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7834289B2Mail processing system for address change service

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 DMT SOLUTIONS GLOBAL CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.