Runtime Directory Address Correction for Mail Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current address maintenance processes in mail processing systems are inefficient, requiring complex IT changes and software updates to correct address errors, leading to high costs and reduced delivery accuracy due to undeliverable mail pieces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating runtime directories that store and search name and address data, using optical character recognition (OCR) systems to read and correct addresses on mail pieces, and print updated barcodes, allowing for real-time address maintenance without the need for extensive IT involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex IT equipment and software changes are implemented to correct address information, then address quality improves, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mail processing system performs address maintenance services autonomously without requiring external IT department involvement. The system self-updates address information by comparing mailpiece addresses against runtime directories and automatically corrects errors, eliminating the need for complex IT infrastructure and software changes that previously were required to maintain address quality.
2Reliability
If complex software address correction products are used to update addresses before mailpiece manufacturing, then address accuracy improves, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Address correction is performed preliminarily during the mail processing stage rather than before manufacturing. The system creates runtime directories with correct address information in advance of mailpiece production, enabling automated real-time correction during processing without requiring time-consuming pre-manufacturing software corrections or manual updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and software-based address correction systems with an optical recognition system. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology reads addresses on mailpieces, automatically compares them against runtime directories, and identifies corrections needed, eliminating the need for complex software address correction products and manual processing.
3Reliability
If address maintenance is performed using traditional IT systems, then address updates are achieved, but the cost of IT resources and operator involvement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mail processing system autonomously performs address maintenance by automatically creating runtime directories, reading mailpiece addresses via optical recognition, comparing addresses against the directories, and identifying corrections without requiring IT operator involvement. The system serves itself by maintaining current address information through automated processes rather than requiring external IT resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The mail processing system performs multiple functions including optical character recognition, address comparison, runtime directory management, and correction identification within a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate IT systems and operators dedicated solely to address maintenance, reducing operational complexity while maintaining address update capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to address data maintenance services using a mail processing system. The present application discloses techniques and equipment to update address information and usage of mail processing equipment to print delivery point barcodes that represent the current and accurate address information available for the addressee. The present application also provides a new approach for storing and searching address and name run time directories as part of a mail processing system using address reader technology.