Mailpiece Inserter Control Modes for Tracking and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mailpiece inserter systems require complex setup and programming, making it costly and inefficient for organizations to modify settings, especially when changes are needed, as they often require intimate knowledge from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and lack flexibility in processing different mailpieces without extensive network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A mailpiece inserter system that operates in both closed-loop and open-loop modes, utilizing a User PC, client server, and mailpiece inserter to share information and data, allowing for bi-directional communication and autonomous operation, enabling flexible assembly and tracking of mailpieces through assembly code interpretation and object-oriented data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed-loop operating mode with bi-directional network communication is used, then tracking information storage and sophisticated post-processing capabilities are improved, but software and computing requirements become intensive and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two distinct modes: closed-loop mode for high-volume applications requiring network connectivity and tracking capabilities, and open-loop mode for simpler operations. This segmentation allows organizations to choose the appropriate level of complexity based on their specific needs, reducing unnecessary software and computing requirements while maintaining reliability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the inserter system by introducing dual operating modes that can be selected based on job requirements. The system can switch between closed-loop (network-connected, bi-directional communication) and open-loop (autonomous, pre-programmed) modes, allowing parameter optimization for different application scenarios and reducing overall system complexity costs.
2Device complexity
If open-loop operating mode with pre-programmed assembly codes is used, then system simplicity and reduced computing requirements are improved, but flexibility in processing different mailpiece configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming assembly codes and instructions into the open-loop mode system before operation. This allows the inserter to autonomously process mailpieces using pre-defined configurations without requiring real-time network communication, achieving simplicity while maintaining adequate flexibility for standard mailpiece types through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by implementing pre-programmed assembly codes that replicate successful mailpiece configurations. Once a mailpiece configuration is programmed into the open-loop system, it can be copied and reused for identical or similar mailpieces, providing flexibility for recurring configurations without requiring complex real-time processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mailpiece inserter systems are modified after initial setup, then adaptability to changing organizational needs is improved, but costs associated with modification increase due to required OEM knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the inserter system with multi-functional capabilities that can operate in both closed-loop and open-loop modes. The system's architecture allows it to perform various mailpiece assembly tasks across different operational contexts, providing adaptability to changing organizational needs while reducing modification costs through standardized, versatile hardware and software design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the system's operational mode flexible and changeable. The inserter can dynamically switch between closed-loop and open-loop modes depending on the specific job requirements, allowing the organization to adapt to changing needs without permanent hardware modifications or expensive reprogramming by OEM specialists.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mailpiece inserter system (20) is provided including a User PC (14) or computer, a mailpiece inserter (10) and a client server (12) which are network connected to share information and data concerning mail run data. The user computer (14) is operative to receive operator input in connection with mail run data and produce mailpiece content material having assembly code information. The mailpiece inserter (10) is operative to receive the mailpiece content material and assemble the mailpiece content material in combination with envelops to form a plurality of mailpieces (40). The client server (12) is operative to receive the mail run data for storing and tracking information concerning the assembly of each mailpiece. The communication network may be disabled in an open loop control mode to facilitate rapid mailpiece processing and enabled in a closed loop control mode to facilitate tracking, reconciliation and security of mailpiece assembly. The mailpiece inserter (10) includes an inserter control system (50IN) operative to read and interpret assembly code information directly from the mailpiece content material in the open loop control mode. The client server (12) includes a control system engine (50SE) operative to receive the assembly code information from the user computer (14) and bi-directionally communicate with the inserter control system (50IN) of the mailpiece inserter (10). The bi-directional communication facilitates processing and assembly tracking of the mailpieces in the closed loop control mode.