Virtual Remote Encoding System for Mail Address Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current postal address processing systems rely heavily on centralized Remote Encoding Centers (RECs) for image resolution, which are costly and inefficient, often requiring manual intervention when automated recognition fails, due to the need for video coding operators and asynchronous processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'virtual REC' system that distributes image processing capabilities to local destination delivery units, utilizing virtualization to leverage local employees' geographic knowledge for address resolution, and supplementing databases with locally derived information, allowing for real-time virtualization and personal knowledge-based corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized Remote Encoding Centers are used for image resolution, then address processing can be performed, but operational costs increase and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized address processing function into distributed local encoding points at post offices and collection centers. Each location independently processes images using local databases and resources, eliminating the need to transport all images to a centralized facility and enabling parallel processing across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to address processing by distributing encoding capabilities across multiple geographic locations rather than concentrating them in one central facility. This dimensional change enables simultaneous processing at numerous local points, dramatically improving throughput and efficiency.
2Reliability
If centralized Remote Encoding Centers are used for image resolution, then address processing can be performed, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized address processing function into distributed local encoding points at post offices and collection centers. Each location independently processes images using local databases and resources, eliminating the need to transport all images to a centralized facility and enabling parallel processing across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Local encoding points autonomously process images using their own computing resources and local databases without requiring centralized coordination. Each location serves itself by independently resolving addresses and encoding images, eliminating the operational overhead of centralized management and reducing costs.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used when automated recognition fails, then address resolution accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary automated recognition of addresses using OCR and database matching before any manual intervention. This preliminary action filters out the majority of clearly identifiable addresses, leaving only ambiguous cases that require human review, thereby minimizing the time loss from manual processing while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where manually corrected addresses are fed back into the database to improve future automated recognition. This continuous learning process reduces the number of cases requiring manual intervention over time, decreasing processing time while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Mail processing methods and systems. A method performed at a local delivery unit includes receiving an image of a mail item at the local delivery unit from an imaging and virtualization facility (IVF) that is geographically separated from the local delivery unit. The image and the mail item are associated with a mail item identifier. The method includes displaying the image to a user at the local delivery unit and receiving address information corresponding to the mail item from the user. The method includes associating the address information with the mail item identifier. Related apparatuses and systems are discussed.