llllllllllllllll!lllllIllllllllllllll|l|||||l||Illlllllllllllllllllllllllll
`
`USO05319562A
`
`United States Patent
`Whitehouse
`[45] Date of Patent: Jun. 7, 1994
`
`
`
`ing personal computers to purchase postage from the
`post authority. End-user computers each include a
`modem for communicating with a computer at the
`postal authority, a secure non-volatile memory for stor-
`ing postal usage and remaining postage information, a
`postage meter control program that includes a program
`for communicating with the postal authority to pur-
`chase postage and for updating the contents of the se-
`cure non-volatile memory. The end user computers
`preferably include a printer and a postage printing pro-
`gram for directing the printer to print addresses and
`postage on envelopes and labels. The postage printing
`program assigns a unique serial number to every printed
`envelope and label, where the unique serial number
`includes a meter identifier unique to that end user. As a
`result, every printed envelope and label contains a
`unique serial number. The postage printing program
`also directly controls the printer so as to prevent end
`users from printing more than one copy of any envelope
`or label with the same serial number. By capturing and
`storing the serial numbers on all mail pieces, and then
`periodically processing that
`information,
`the postal
`service can detect fraudulent duplication of envelopes
`or labels. The postage meter control program in each
`end user computer also allows the postal service to
`collect from the secure non—volatile memory audit in-
`formation concerning postage purchased and postage
`applied to mail pieces by the end user’s computer.
`
`[54] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURCHASE
`AND APPLICATION OF POSTAGE USING
`PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Harry T. Whitehouse, 70 Hayfield
`Rd., Portola Valley, Calif.
`94028-7249
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 748,823
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Aug. 22, 1991
`
`‘Int. Cl.5 ............................................ .. G07B 17/00
`[51]
`
`[52] U.S. Cl. ...............
`364/464.03; 364/464.02
`[58] Field of Search ....................... 364/464.02, 464.03
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,983,366 9/1976 Gunn .............................. 235/454 X
`4,122,532 10/1978 Dlugos et al.
`..... .. 364/464.02
`4,649,266 3/ 1987 Eckert ....... ..
`364/464.02 X
`4,725,718 2/1988 Sansone et al.
`........ 235/495 X
`4,797,830
`1/1989 Baggarly et al.
`364/464.03
`..
`4,813,912 3/1989 Chicltneas et al.
`....... 364/464.02
`4,821,195 4/1989 Baer et al. ................ .. 364/464.02
`4,864,506 9/1989 Storacc . . . .. . . .
`. . . . . .. 364/464.02
`4,868,757 9/1989 Gil ................................ .. 364/464.03
`5,072,397 12/1991 Barns-Slavin et al.
`....... .. 364/464.02
`
`
`
`.
`
`Primary Examiner-—Edward R. Cosimano
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-—Flehr, Hohbach, Test,
`Albritton & Herbert
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACI‘
`
`A distributed computer system enables end-users hav-
`
`6 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Ila: PC
`
`
`
`11b: printer
`
`RPX Exhibit 1114
`RPX Exhibit 1114 RPX V. DAE
`RPX v. DAE
`
`[191
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,319,562
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`June 7, 1994
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`U.S. Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`June 7, 1994
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`5,319,562
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`U.S. Patent
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`June 7, 1994
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`Sheet 10 of_12
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`June 7, 1994
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`Sheet 11 of 12
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`U.S. Patent
`
`June 7, 1994
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`5,319,562
`
`Figure12
`
`

`
`1
`
`5,319,562
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURCHASE
`APPLICATION OF POSTAGE USING PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to the preparation and subse-
`quent processing of mail in the United States and its
`territories. More specifically, the invention focuses on
`means to apply postage to envelopes, mailing labels, and
`llyers using an ordinary personal computer and printer
`(laser, inkjet or matrix).
`The invention also provides a convenient method to
`purchase U.S. postage via phone/modem, the ability to
`maintain a computerized account of postage expendi-
`tures, and provisions for remote electronic audit func-
`tions by the U.S.PS Inspection Service.
`Importantly, the invention is integrated with an exist-
`ing mail management software product called Envelope
`Manager which has the ability to obtain ZIP +4 infor-
`mation using conventional phone lines, track and main-
`tain the age/currency of stored ZIP+4 information,
`print a POSTNET bar code, print a FIM (Facing Iden-
`tification Mark), and compute an appropriate discount
`for automation-readable mail.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Automation Goals of the United States Postal Service
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Since the early l980’s, the U.S. Postal Service has
`focused a vast majority of its R&D efforts on the auto-
`mated handling of mail. Processing some 160 billion
`pieces of mail per year (rising to an estimated 200 billion
`pieces/year by 1995), the U.S.PS mail flow is greater
`than that handled by the next five largest national postal
`systems combined. One of the key elements in the auto-
`mation program is the machine sortation of mail pieces.
`To accomplish sortation, the LAQPS has embarked
`upon a massive effort to bar code all mail by 1995. The
`bar code employed by the U.S.PS mail processing
`equipment is knowh as POSTNET, and is comprised of 40
`a series of short and long bars which encode a ZIP+4
`for a given address. This bar code sequence can be
`presently seen on certain types of mail pieces today—-
`particularly business reply and courtesy reply (pay-
`ment) envelopes.
`Another related bar code option will be supported by
`the U.S.PS in late 1991. It is called the Delivery Point
`Bar Code or Advanced Bar Code (“ABC”). The Deliv-
`ery Point bar code begins with the bar code representa-
`tion of the ZIP +4 and adds the bar code equivalent of 50
`the last two numbers of the street address. This leads to
`even finer sorting resolution.
`The POSTNET bar code is a critical element in the
`multiple sorting steps that occur between U.S.PS accep-
`tance of a mail piece and the delivery. In fact, bar-codes
`are so important that the U.S.PS applies them to a great
`fraction of incoming letters using some very complex
`and expensive equipment.
`To understand where and how this bar coding is
`accornplished—as well as the value of prebar coded
`mail—we will refer to FIG. 1. This figure shows the
`key sortation steps undertaken at
`the “originating”
`U.S.PS site. All mail collected in a given geographic
`area (say Washington, DC., for example) is amassed
`nightly at a General Mail Facility or “GMF”. This
`GMF is referred to as the “originating site”.
`The mission of the GMF is to sort the mail flow down
`
`55
`
`65
`
`to the first three digits of the ZIP code so it may be
`
`2
`loaded that evening on trucks or planes destined for key
`distribution points around the country. The GMF also
`looks up ZIP+4’s for and applies POSTNET bar codes
`to as much mail as practical. This complex effort is
`undertaken so that subsequent sortation steps at the .
`GMF and the destination offices can be done automati-
`cally by low-cost bar code sorters.
`The very first step in the GMF handling/sorting
`occurs at the Facer-Canceller machine (c.f; FIG. 1).
`This machine mechanically orients all mail pieces so the
`address and postage are facing in a uniform direction. It
`will also place a cancellation mark on the mail piece if
`it carries a glued stamp.
`Importantly, if the mail piece contains a Facing Iden-
`tification Mark of pattern “A” or “C” (c.f., (FIG. 2a),
`the equipment will detect this condition and infer that
`the mail has been prebar coded (c.f., FIG. 2b). The
`prebar coded mail is routed directly to low-cost bar
`code sorters at the end of the GMF process (bypassing
`some extremely complex and time-consuming steps
`which we will discuss momentarily) and loaded on the
`appropriate truck or plane.
`Mail which has no POSTNET bar code enters one or
`more of the sorting environments shown in FIG. 1. If
`the mail piece is of odd size/shape, it proceeds to the
`manual sorting bays. Manual sorting is by far the most
`expensive operation at the U.S.PS as it is highly labor-
`intensive.
`
`If the mail piece is between postcard and COMM-14
`size and has a typed or printed address, it is directed to
`the Multi-line OCR machine. The OCR processes 10
`envelopes/second, reading the address optically, look-
`ing up the ZIP+4 on a nearby main-frame computer,
`and “spraying” the POSTNET bar code on the mail
`piece using ink jet technology. Again, the importance of
`applying the bar code at the originating site is that it is
`used numerous times both at the originating GMF and
`when it arrives at the destination U.S.PS offices on the
`following day. Each sortation is run to a finer level--
`eventually sorting mail in delivery order for a given
`street in AnyTown, USA.
`If the mail piece is of conventional size but handwrit-
`ten (or otherwise unreadable) by the OCR, it enters the
`MPLSM stream. Using these semi-automated sorting
`machines, operators read significant components in the
`address fields and enter command codes into a small
`keyboard to route the mail piece to the appropriate
`sortation bins.
`The relative value of prebar coded mail is under-
`scored by the following U.S.PS cost factors:
`
`Manual Sortation
`S40/l000 pieces
`S4/1000 pieces
`Sortation by POSTNET bar code
`
`As some 80% of the annual $4-0 billion dollar U.S.PS
`budget is allocated to employee payroll, the POSTNET
`bar code can be readily seen as a critical factor in con-
`trolling U.S. postage costs. The U.S.PS has a staff roster
`of over 700,000 men and women, with the great major-
`ity involved in mail processing and carrier delivery. A
`typical carrier spends up to 50% of his or her work day
`sorting mail by hand before walking or driving the
`actual delivery route. Bar coding is expected to reduce
`carrier sorting time by 25% to 50%, as the Delivery
`Point barcoded mail can be sorted by machine to the
`sequence in which the carrier travels his/her route.
`
`

`
`5,319,562
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`4
`referred to as a ZIP-Station. A single address query can
`be accomplished in 15 seconds. Up to 100 addresses can
`. be submitted in a single phone call, with an average
`response time of 1.5 seconds per address. The overall
`process is similar to a credit-card verification and can be
`demonstrated by loading and using the accompanying
`Envelope Manager software.
`The validated ZIP+4 is stored on the local PC along
`with the date of lookup. In this way, the computer can
`monitor the “age” of the ZIP+4. The U.S.PS requires
`that all automation-readable mail have a ZIP+4 which
`has been “CASS” (U.S.PS Coding Accuracy Support
`System) verified within the six months prior to the date
`the mail piece was sent.
`The combination of a software printing system such
`as Envelope Manager and the Dial-A-ZIP technology
`can be used to address the great majority of the U.S.PS
`concerns regarding discount confusion. The Envelope
`Manager software contains a printing option which can
`place a number of “postage insignia” in the upper right
`hand comer of the mail piece. FIG. 3 illustrates some of
`the printing options in the current production version of
`Envelope Manager:
`Of particular note is FIG. 3c, the Personal Automa-
`tion Rate insignia. If the Envelope Manager user
`chooses this formatting option, this box will print in the
`upper right hand comer of the mail piece if and only if
`the mail piece also prints a valid ZIP +4 POSTNET bar
`code and FIM.
`If the address being printed does not have a valid
`ZIP+4, or if the ZIP+4 has not been verified through
`a “CASS” certified source in the last six months, the
`insignia will revert to that shown in FIG. 3a. In this
`way, the software provides a means to automatically
`and clearly mark each mail piece as to whether it quali-
`fies for a postal automation discount.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`3
`incentives
`financial
`Beginning in February, 1991,
`became available to Postal customers who prebar code
`their outgoing mail. This is essentially an effort to re-
`duce the expensive and relatively slow Optical Charac-
`ter Reading (OCR) step undertaken by the U.S.PS at
`major mail processing centers. The U.S.PS estimates
`that a savings of 60 to 80 million dollars per year will be
`achieved for each 1 percent of the mail volume which
`is pre-barcoded. These savings will be directly reflected
`in future postage prices, as the U.S.PS has operated
`since 1973 as a quasi-government agency with full re-
`sponsibility for its own budget.
`~
`The savings attributable to automation are so dra-
`matic that the U.S.PS now offers a user discount of up
`to 5.7 cents for each First Class pre-barcoded mail piece
`effective with the February, 1991 rate increase. The 5.7
`cent discount applies to 500 pieces of mail or more. A
`5.3 discount applies to quantities of 250 automation-
`readable envelopes and postcards. Under consideration
`for future implementation is a 2 cent “personal automa-
`tion” discount for a single, automation readable letter.
`This personal automation rate was recommended by the
`U.S. Postal Rate Commission in January, 1991 and im-
`plementation is now expected in November or Decem-
`ber of 1991 (coincident with the introduction of the 30
`cent First Class rate).
`
`U.S.PS Concerns Regarding Discounts
`
`While the U.S.PS is strongly committed to automa-
`tion and providing automation incentives, the organiza-
`tion has a great concern about confusing the mailing
`public with a spectrum of discount options. A key rea-
`son for the delayed implementation of the 2 cent per-
`sonal automation rate is the concern that small mailers
`will apply 27 cents in postage when, in fact, the mail
`piece does not actually qualify for the automation dis-
`count rate. The same concern carries over to higher
`volume mailers, although it is not as deeply felt since
`most high volume mailers have the resources and time
`to master the nuances of the postal rate structure.
`U.S.PSThe requirements for an automation discount
`are:
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`Recently-validated ZIP+4 (“CASS” or Coding Ac-
`curacy Support System Certified)
`POSTNET bar code representation of ZIP+4
`Facing Identification Mark (FIM)
`The POSTNET bar code and FIM are depicted in
`FIG. 2.
`
`The printing of the POSTNET bar code and FIM via
`PC printer is quite straightforward. A number of PC
`and mini-computer software products are currently
`available for this purpose. The Envelope Manager soft-
`ware which is included in support of this application
`contains these printing capabilities for a wide spectrum
`of laser and matrix printers which are used with com-
`puters.
`Obtaining a valid ZIP+4. for an address is much
`more difficult as the national address data base con-
`sumes some 4 gigabytes of computer storage. In printed
`form, the national data base of acdresses would large
`office room. A prior patent filing by this application
`(Filing Ser. No. 07/605,649; System and Method for
`Accessing Remotely Located ZIP+4 Zipcode Data-
`base, pending) advances a concept called Dial-A-ZIP.
`Here a standard phone and PC modem are used to ac-
`cess a ZIP+4 from a remote PC or mainframe which is
`equipped with a copy of the U.S.PS certified national
`ZIP +4 data base. A computer equipped in this way is
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`A data management, printing and data communica-
`tions architecture is offered which brings together a
`number of common and relatively low-cost computer
`hardware elements in such a way as to provide auto-
`mated postage metering for envelopes, labels and/or
`flyers. The metering will automatically incorporate any
`zonal price premiums or automation discounts. The
`configuration also provides a means to periodically
`purchase postage via telecommunications, and provides
`means for the U.S.PS to audit each individual meter by
`telecommunications.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 illustrates the flow of incoming mail pieces in
`a General Mail Facility (GMF).
`FIG. 2 illustrates an envelope with the postal automa-
`tion FIM and POSTNET bar code markings.
`FIG. illustrates a variety of postage markings printed
`by the current Envelope Manager software package.
`FIG. 4 illustrates mail volume demographics.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a typical envelope laser printed
`from blank stock using this invention.
`FIG. 6 illustrates an printed 4" X 6" peel off label that
`could be applied to a flat or parcel.
`FIG. 7 illustrates a typical address entry/modify
`screen with the Dial-A-ZIP ZIP+4 look up feature.
`FIG. 8 shows a typical print request screen which
`shows a print-time “Apply Postage” option.
`FIG. 9 illustrates a typical detail screen which ap-
`pears when the Postage Option is selected.
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`FIG. 10 illustrates a typical program screen to pur-
`chase additional postage via telecommunications.
`FIG. 11 illustrates a typical personal computer,
`printer, modem, standard phone line, and an optional
`weighing device.
`FIG. 12 illustrates a typical internal modem board for
`a personal computer.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`Application of Postage Via PC Printers
`
`The technique discussed in the prior section assists in
`determining proper postage, but still depends upon a
`person to apply a correct stamp denomination or post-
`age meter mark as a final step. This invention seeks to
`eliminate this final source of potential error by utilizing
`a personal computer/printer combination as a “personal
`postage meter.” The invention also utilizes the PC as an
`automated means (via modem and conventional phone
`lines) to purchase additional postage as required. The
`tafter feature offers tremendous cost and time savings to
`both the mailing public and the U.S.PS.
`As noted previously, the Envelope Manager software
`product included with this application already provides
`means to “apply” certain types of postage to envelopes,
`labels and flyers. In addition to those illustrations in
`FIG. 2, the software will produce either Bulk or Busi-
`ness Reply Mail pieces on demand using a PC laser
`printer. In these cases, a unique WQPS permit number
`and city of issue is printed on each mail piece for ac-
`counting purposes.
`This invention extends the existing postage applica-
`tion capabilities of Envelope Manager to the more con-
`ventional mail pieces. The invention features:
`Means to apply a postage mark via desktop laser, inkjet
`or matrix printing technology.
`Means to compute and print the appropriate amount of
`postage integral to the “mark” as a function of:
`Mail Piece Weight
`Automation Status (automation readable)
`Mail Classification (first, second class, parcel post)
`Destination
`Means to apply an optional POSTNET or UPC bar
`code representation of the postage amount.
`Means to encode “meter identification” in both text and
`bar coded formats for automated accounting at Postal
`mail handling sites.
`Means to assign and print a unique serial number for
`each mail piece in both text and bar coded formats to
`further enhance fiscal controls.
`Means to print the date of postage application and city/-
`state of issue.
`Means to purchase additional postage via PC modem
`and conventional phone lines, using either credit card
`or established account information to effect the pur-
`chase.
`
`Multiple security means to prevent users from tamper-
`ing with the amount of unused postage.
`Means to allow U PS Inspection Service personnel to
`perform remote audits via phone/modem.
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`Meeting Customer Service Goals of the U.S.PS
`
`While the U.S. Postal Service processes the over-
`whelming share of the mail and packages in the United
`States, it is under continuing pressure from competitors
`in the private-sector and some members of Congress.
`Competition has ranged from premium delivery ser-
`vices ofiered by Federal Express, Emery Air Freight,
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`and United Parcel Service Blue Label, to regional deliv-
`ery firms which specialize in the delivery of catalogs
`and third class advertisements. All of these competitors
`are viewed as serious threats by Postal management.
`Elements of the Congress continue to propose the
`privatization of the mail service, or broadened competi-
`tive rules which permit more aggressive participation
`by private firms. The U.S.PS maintains that the current
`quasi-monopolistic posture of U.S. mail service is a
`requirement for uniform service throughout the nation
`and its territories.
`
`The combined pressures of market competition and
`Congremional input have forced the U.S.PS to adopt a
`more market-oriented approach. In the words of Post-
`master General Anthony Frank, “We have a monopoly,
`we need a monopoly, and we can’t act like a monop-
`oly.”
`Complaints about long lines and waits to buy postage
`continue to haunt the Postal Service. Postmaster Gen-
`eral Frank,
`testifying to a House Subcommittee on
`Government Information on Jun. 13, 1991, indicated
`that he has set a goal of making customers wait no more
`than five minutes to buy stamps. Some 7,000,000 people
`visit the nation’s 40,000 post offices each day and exist-
`ing Postal Union contracts make it difficult to provide
`adequate counter staff to expeditiously service these
`customers.
`
`The invention described in this application speaks not
`only to the automation goals of the U.S. PS, but
`squarely solves a major customer service issue. There
`are tens of millions of personal computers operating in
`the United States. If consumers could purchase and
`apply postage with their existing PC investment rather
`than physically travel to the post office, the number of
`retail counter transactions could be reduced dramati-
`cally. Further, postage could be purchased by phone 24
`hours a day and 365 days per year with this invention.
`The net result will be a tremendous increase in customer
`service and satisfaction.
`
`Comparing Existing Postage Application Technology
`with This Invention
`
`Most low and medium volume mail generators apply
`postage manually (stamps) or with mechanical postage
`meters made by firms such as Pitney Bowes or Friden.
`The two latter firms benefit from a quasi-monopolistic
`arrangement with the UQPS, and their postage meters
`may only be rented.
`Meters are periodically replenished with a dollar
`value of postage by physically carrying the unit to a
`nearby Post Office. The Postal customer pays a lump-
`sum amount (say $300) to the Postmaster and the clerk
`mechanically adjusts the postage meter with specialized
`tools. The meter is then rescaled with a wire and em-
`bossed lead lock (analogous to a wax seal in early corre-
`spondence). The actual process can take up to 15 min-
`utes and typically involves an inconvenience to the
`customer, the clerk, and all of the other Postal patrons
`waiting in line.
`V
`In the past few years, some of the larger Pitney
`Bowes postage machines have offered an option to
`replenish the meter via a phone line and dedicated com-
`munications hardware. The drawback here is that these
`machines are relatively uncommon (due to their cost)
`and require dedicated telecommunications equipment
`which can be used only for this purpose. These new
`machines also pose a problem for U.S.PS audit pro-
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`the actual amount of postage placed is indecipherable.
`The invention described here prints the postage mark
`using the same printing mechanism as that used for the
`main address and other printed elements of the mail
`piece (e.g. logos). Thus, the end user is much more
`likely to change laser toner cartridges or printer ribbons
`before print quality deteriorates significantly.
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`Postal Market Segment Addressed by This Invention
`
`The invention described in this application essentially
`replaces the conventional postage meter with a combi-
`nation of specialized (but low-cost) software and stan-
`dard personal computer hardware (PC, printer, and
`modem). This combination of software and common
`hardware can be used to compute proper postage, ac-
`count for zonal variations in postage, determine if auto-
`mation discounts can be taken, apply the postage, main-
`tain a running log of how and where postage was used,
`and replenish/purchase additional postage via modem.
`This approach encourages postal automation through
`the proper and controlled use of U.S.PS discounts,
`reduces U.S.PS point-of-sale costs by automating the
`purchase of postage, and reduces the frustration level of
`postal customers trying to purchase postage. It is an
`ideal approach for home office and small business mai-
`lers.
`The importance of the smaller mailer in overall
`U.S.PS demographics is shown in FIG. 4. This chart
`presents data gathered by the U.S.PS showing the
`breakdown of mail volume by source.
`Note that 200 so-called key national accounts repre-
`sent nearly } of the 160 billion pieces of mail processed
`armually. Key national accounts include several Federal
`Agencies, Sears, the Armed Forces and the U.S.PS
`itself.
`The next category, key major accounts, is comprised
`of 40,000 large mass mailers who have a reasonable
`automation posture to support ZIP +4 barcoding. In-
`cluded here are major banks, department store chains,
`etc.
`
`The third category accounts for 30% of the mail
`volume, but is distributed over 8,000,000 separate enti-
`ties (small and medium businesses). Finally, the remain-
`ing 18% of the mail volume is generated by household
`mailers.
`This invention squarely addresses the 48% of the mail
`flow generated by small entities and home users. It will
`also have application at individual and departmental
`levels in the larger firms. These sectors have been essen-
`tially ignored by the U.S.PS over the past ten years,
`with most of the automation technology interface being
`focused on the larger accounts. The U.S.PS has only
`recently recognized the implications of this omission,
`and is now embarking on a number of marketing efforts
`tailored to the small business and home office mailer.
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`cesses and fraud prevention. Currently, VAPS Inspec-
`tors must make on-site visits to firms which purchase
`postage via phone, adding considerably to U.S.PS oper-
`ational costs. The invention described in this application
`uses the power of the remote personal computer in a
`way such that the U.S.PS audit may be accomplished
`by phone.
`Postal meters are also limited in that they are essen-
`tially “ignorant” of the destination of the mail piece.
`The meter operator must examine certain mail pieces to
`ascertain the delivery “zone” (i.e., in parcel post mail-
`ings), and then apply the postage based on a chart of
`weight and zones. The invention described here prints
`the postage concurrently with the address and ZIP+4,
`so the program can automatically determine the zonal
`destination (the location of the sender is established in
`the supervisory setup of the program).
`Another limitation of the postage meter machine is its
`inability to detect mail which qualifies for discounted
`postage rates (e.g., pre-barcoded mail). The invention
`described here, which is integrated with the Envelope
`Manager software, will concurrently determine the
`amount of the qualifying postage discount.
`The only other variable in the computation of post-
`age is the weight of the mail piece. In small volume
`environments, weighing is undertaken as a separate
`step, generally after the package is completely assem-
`bled. Postage is subsequently affixed by hand (stamps)
`or via a small postage meter after the weighing process.
`In one embodiment, the invention described here will
`require the operator’s knowledge of the mail piece
`weight prior to creating the envelope or label. This
`modification of work flow is not overwhelming, and
`computational aides are available to assist (for instance,
`the user is given the opportunity to indicate the number
`of pages in the document to be mailed and the computer
`estimates the net weight). It is also important to realize
`that a great fraction of first class mail is under one ounce
`and that actual weighing is rarely undertaken in prac-
`tice.
`In large mail room environments, dedicated electro-
`mechanical postage meters are available which both
`weigh and post each mail piece. Once again, the cost of
`these advanced units is several thousand dollars and not
`within the reach of the large majority of small business
`and home office environments. Nor are these units able
`to determine where each mail piece is going as the me-
`ters do not have a way to sense the actual address. This
`makes their utility limited in circumstances where deliv-
`ery zones are important (e.g., parcel post).
`Another embodiment of this invention includes a low
`cost scale (such as the OH CT600 scale with Ohaus
`meter #77l72—00 R5232 interface) or “load cell” con-
`nected to the personal computer via a serial or “COM:”
`port. These scales or load cells are commonly used in
`computerized data acquisition systems. The devices
`have advantages over ordinary scales as they require no
`“read-out” device (the display function is provided by
`the personal computer) and often receive their electri-
`cal power from the connection to the personal com-
`puter. The net result is that adding an optional scale to
`the postage metering device involves only a modest
`cost.
`
`Another recognized shortcoming of conventional
`mechanical postage meters is their print quality. There
`is little incentive for users to maintain sufficient ink to
`produce a clear, readable mark. A substantial fraction of
`metered mail will show evidence of a meter mark, but
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`Interfacing with Postal Accountability Systems
`
`It is important to