CA1278095C - System and method of processing mail with multiple statement sheets - Google Patents
System and method of processing mail with multiple statement sheetsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1278095C CA1278095C CA000526037A CA526037A CA1278095C CA 1278095 C CA1278095 C CA 1278095C CA 000526037 A CA000526037 A CA 000526037A CA 526037 A CA526037 A CA 526037A CA 1278095 C CA1278095 C CA 1278095C
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- postage
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- pieces
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Abstract
A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROCESSING MAIL
WITH MULTIPLE STATEMENT SHEETS
Abstract of Disclosure A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing the sending of mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.
The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification as well as the identity of specific mail pieces in the batch that do not qualify for reduced postage rates. The mail pieces have imprinted thereon data corresponding to the current authorization of the the mail sender to mail postage.
WITH MULTIPLE STATEMENT SHEETS
Abstract of Disclosure A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing the sending of mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.
The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification as well as the identity of specific mail pieces in the batch that do not qualify for reduced postage rates. The mail pieces have imprinted thereon data corresponding to the current authorization of the the mail sender to mail postage.
Description
A SYS~I AND ~OETE~OD OF PROCESSING III~IL
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WIT~I MrJLTIPI~ STATEMEN~ SE~3ETS
Backqround of the Invention Certain organizations periodically dispatch large amounts of mail. Examples of such organizations are:
banking institutions, utility companies, insurance companies, credit companies, and the like. In order to handle such large quantities of mail, these mailers normally pre-package and pre-~ort their mail and are given a postal discount rate by the postal service because of the time saved by the postal service.
There are generally two ways in which such mail senders apply postage to their mail. The most common way is by use of a postage meter which is leased by the mailer from a postage meter manufacturer with which the amount of postage required is applied to each mail piece. Inserter systems have been developed whereby inserts may be placed into an envelope and the envelope may be sealed, addressed and have a postage indicia applied thereto. The mail pieces may be weighed on the fly or individual weighing may not be required if all the mail pieces are of like kind, i.e., only a sample mail piece need be weighed. These acts of processing mail may be performed at a relatively high rate of speed.
A second method of mailing large quantities of mail pieces is to employ a permit mail system. In such a system, the mailer places a permit number on the mail pieces andprepares a manifest listing that shows the type and number of mail pieces being mailed on each occasion and the postage required.
~ :, 1;~7~5 With both such systems, inspection at the site of the mail sender is usually required. In the case of the postage meter, the lessor of the postage meter, i.e., the postage meter manufacturer, is required by l~w to inspect the postage meter at least twice a year to assure that there is no evidence of tampering with the postage meter that will indicate an attempt to obtain unauthorized postage. In the case of permit mail, large quantities of the same type of mail are mailed at the same time and the postal service conducts an inspection to verify that the manifest listing accompanying the permit mail accurately accounts for the amount of postage due for the mail that has been processed by the postal service. This is accomplished by an inspection on the part of the postal service, by examining the records of the mail user on every occasion.
Obviously, each of these two systems has certain drawbacks. In the case of on-site inspection of postage meters, due to the large number of postage meters in use by large mail senders, inspection thereof is an expensive matter. Furthermore, postage meters that process large quantities of mail must be replaced relatively frequently because of wear. With regard to the permit mail system, a shortcoming lies in the need of the postal service to send a representative frequently to the various mailer locations to assure that the sender is accurately accounting for the quantity of mail being sent. Such a scheme is not totally reliable since it relies upon on-site verification using the mailers records which are not secure.
Another drawback to these two systems is the difficulty of accounting for mail that does not qualify for a postal discount rate. This occurs when an insufficient number of mail pieces are addressed to a given zip code destination.
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Summary and Objects of the Invention Briefly stated, the present invention in one aspect is directed to the provision of a system wherein a mailer is able to send large quantities or batches of mail with accurate accounting and recording. This is accomplished by the mailer having a secure accounting unit similar to a postage meter in which postage value is loaded. A first record member or statement sheet is prepared each time the accounting unit is loaded with postage values to serve as an ongoing record of the transactions experienced by the accounting unit. A
second record member or statement sheet, called a passport, accompanies each batch of mail, which record member contains information relative to the mail and the amount of postage required. Communication between a central station and the mail sender allows postage value to be transferred to the user by the central station and mailing and verification data to be sent to the central station from the mailer. The mailing and verification data can be the same as that contained on the second record members that accompany the batches of mail. This system provides a central station for a large number of mail senders whereby the postal service is relieved of its obligation of having on-site inspections and the central station acts as a clearing house for the postal service through whom verification of postage can be conveniently and inexpensively achieved.
A feature of an aspect of this invention is that the security features of a postage meter are provided while allowing a high speed, relatively inexpensive printer to be used for printing the mail pieces.
A feature of an aspect of the invention is the provision of documentation for facilitating the inspection of presorted or other batch processed mail while enhancing the security of funds for such mailing.
A feature of an aspect of this invention is the printing of a plurality of record members or statement sheets which save time in accounting and authentication.
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A feature of an aspect of the invention is the provision of a document or record member that separates mail pieces in a batch of mail between those that qualify for a postal discount rate and those which do not.
The invention in one aspect is directed to the provision of documents for verifying the accounting of postage of a batch of mail including a first document that discloses mail price and postage information, a second document that discloses postage information and a third document that discloses postal discount information.
A feature of an aspect of the invention is preparing documents for accompanying a batch of mail including applying first data to a first document corresponding to the amount of postage available for mailing the batch of mail, applying second data to second document that describes the mail and amount of postage required to mail said batch of mail, and a third document corresponding to postal discount rate information related to said batch of mail.
Other aspects of the invention are as follows:
Apparatus for processing a batch of mail having mail pieces with different postal depository destinations, said apparatus comprising:
means for segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups according to said postal depository destination;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups;
means for determining those groups unqualified for a postal discount rate.
An apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of mail pieces;
,~s~,, -4a-~278~!9~i means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
means for printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and the number of said mail S pieces on a second record member;
means for subtracting said postage amount from the postage value in said descending register; and means for selectively communicating the postage amount and the number of mail pieces to a central station.
Apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
lS means for counting the number of said mail pieces;
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate;
means for printing on a first record member information relating to said unqualifying mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and means for printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of mail pieces on a record member.
A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
processing a batch of mail pieces having different postal depository destinations;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destinations;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
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-processing a batch of mail pieces including mail pieces of different weight and different postal depository destination;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destination and weight;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
In a method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
printing mailing information upon each o~ a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate;
printing on a first record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a record member.
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1~78~9~i Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, it will now be disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. l is a block diagram of a batch mailing system;
Fig. 2 is an illustration of one form of statement that may accompany a batch of mail, in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3 is is an illustration of an envelope marked in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 4-6 are flow diagrams that describe the functions of the system shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is an illustration of a form of statement sheet in accordance with the invention Fig. 8 is an illustration of another statement sheet that may be employed in combination with that of Fig. 9;
Fig. 9 is an illustration of still another statement sheet that gives postage information.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Fig. 1, a batch mailing system is shown generally at 10 and includes a post office 12, a central station 14 and a user location 16. The central station 14 has a processor 18 which is a main frame type of computer or the like having substantial capacity. Communication is provided between the post office 12 and one or more central stations 14 (only one being shown) through a line or communication link 19 having a communication device such as a telephone 20 therein. Associated with the processor 18 and in connection therewith is a large storage memory unit 22 where large amounts of data can be stored and a register setting device 23 which includes software of the type required in the resetting of postage meters remotely.
lS Systems for the resetting of meters remotely are well known, see for example U. S. Patent Nos. 3,792,446, 4,097,923 and 4,447,890.
A remote user station 16 has a secure unit 25 which will hereafter be referred to as a ~server". The server 25 is preferably supplied by the operator of the central station 14 to the u~er and includes a user processor 24. Connected to the processor 24 is a memory 26 which preferably is non-volatile. This memory 26 serves as a descending register that is charged with postage value periodically and decremented as po~tage is printed. The descending register 26 thus stores the postage value available to the user at any given time.
The user processor 24 is connected to the central station processor 18 by way of a communication link or line 28.A telephone 30 or other communicating device may be disposed within the line 28 to thereby provide selective communication between the processors 18, 24. Also connected to the processor 24 are a RAM 32, a ROM 34, and a clock 36 whose respective functions will be described in detail hereinafter. An input/processor 38 is connected to the user processor 24 whereby data may be supplied, either manually or through a medium such as a disc or tape, to the user processor 24 for the purpose of providing data required in `:
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the processing of mail pieces. The input/processor 38 may be any of a large number of personal computers having keyboard and display which are commercially available, such as an IsM
XT personal computer.
A high speed inserter 39 is in electrical communication with the server 25 and performs the physical acts involved in processing the mail such as the inserting of inserts into envelopes, sealing the envelope flaps, orienting the mail pieces and conveying the mail pieces to a postage meter or printer. The term insert includes bills, advertising materials, notices, etc., which are of a size to be received within an envelope or the like. ~igh speed inserters 39 of this type are readily available commercially, as for example Inserter model No. 3100 series from Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, Ct.
A first printer 40 is in communication with the user processor 24 of the server 25 and with the Input/Processor 38 and is able to print upon mail pieces 42 such as envelopes containing inserts which it receives from the inserter 39.
This printer 40 is one provided by the user and is preferably an unsecured, high speed printer which may be controlled either through the processor 24 or through the input/processor 38. A second printer 44 is provided to print upon record members or statement sheets. Throughout the balance of the specification and claims the statement sheet 46 will be referred to as a "passportn. Details of the passport 46 will be described hereinafter in conjunction with Fig. 2 and 7.
~lthough only one user location 16 is shown and described, it will be appreciated many user locations may be serviced by the same central station 14. The central station 14 may be at the location of a postage meter manufacturer or other accountable organization.
In operation, the user at the location 16 will generally be a sender of large quantities of mail who has been given an identification number by the central station 14 that will be placed in the memory 26 of the server 25. This identification number is permanent and unique for each server .. . . .. .
8C;95 25 and the user has no access to that portion of the memory 26 that stores the identification number. It will be appreciated that this feature may be applied to postage meters as well. Having the identification number in memory 26 eliminates the need of having a plate applied to a postage meter or a server 25. It will be appreciated that a server has many characteristics of a postage meter, i.e., security, a descending register and the like, but certain elements are absent. The most evident absent element is a printer, the advantage of which is described in the following paragraphs.
Following installation of the identification number, the user communicates with the central station 14 through the telephone 30 for the purpose of indicating to the central station the amount of postage value it wishes to have accredited to its memory 26. An access code is then given to the user that can be addressed to the setting device 23 by direct computer connection or through the touch dial of the telephone 30. Upon the receipt of the access code, the user transmit6 to the central station 14 the access code and his identification number and the request for an amount of postage value. The setting device 23 functions to charge, or increase, the postage value into the descending register 26 which i8 added to the amount of unused postage value stored in the memory 26 from previous charges. As the user station 16 processes mail, the postage value in the descending register of the memory 26 will be decreased in accordance with the postage required to process a batch of mail. As stated previously, devices for charging registers such as the descending registers are well known.
The balance of the server 25 includes the ROM 34 that contains information which formats address signals and stores a series of programs for controlling the functions of the server 25, a RAM 32 that holds and supplies real time data, and a clock 36 that provides the time and date.
It will be appreciated that the printer 40 is a high speed, inexpensive, unsecured printer such as an ink jet printer or laser printer or any type of dot matrix printer which will apply the addresses of the addressee and addressor , .
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to the face of the mail pieces under command of the processor 24 or input/processor 38. In addition, postage information can be printed by the printer 40 upon each mail piece 42 when under command of the processor 24. This postage information may include the postage amount for each mail piece, a transaction number (T.A. No. ~, a number for the particular batch of mail, the date and time of mailing, the class of mail and an individual number for each mail piece. The transaction number is that number assigned to the user station by the central station every time postage value is added to the server 25 and stored in the memory 26. This transaction number is the same for one or more batches of mail that are sent and remains the same until such time as the descending register of the memory 26 is recharged with postage value, at which time a new transaction number is asqigned and stored in the memory in place of the preceding transaction number. By changing the transaction number upon each recharge, an element is provided for verifying postage.
The batch number is one assigned by the user through the input/processor 38 whereby a given batch of mail, i.e., mail of a particular type or character, is identified by a number assigned by the user. In addition, a run number, which is a subset of the batch, may be given to identified particular segments of the batch.
When a batch of mail is to be sent, the user supplies mailing and verification information through the input/processor 38 into the user processor 24 which transmits at least a portion of this information to the inserter 39.
This information includes the number of mail pieces to beprocessed and number of inserts to be placed in each envelope. The time and date may be supplied to the printer 40 through the input/processor 38 by overriding the clock 36.
This overriding is useful when future mail is being processed. The user processor 24 then commands the printer 40 to print the appropriate postage, time, date, transaction number, mail piece number and address on the mail pieces 42 for a particular run. This run is yiven a number that is associated with the particular mail to be sent, which number _ g _ . ... , -1278~9~;
is printed on the envelopes 42 of that run. As the printer prints the appropriate information upon each mail piece, the number of mail pieces and amount of postage required is determined by the processor 24. At the end of the run or batch, the second printer 44 prints authorization information upon a passport 46.
Referring now to Fig. 2, one embodiment of the passport 46 is shown after having printed thereon the total postage (Post. Total) required to mail the batch of mail, the tran~action number (T.A. ~o.), piece count for a batch, descending register amount (Reg. Am.) after subtraction for the postage, the date, the time, the class, the batch number and the run number (optionally). Additionally, the server number, i.e., the identification number stored in the memory 26, user name and any desired graphics can be printed. This information on the passport 46 serves many purposes.
Firstly, the ending balance of register amount acts as a physical record of the postage value remaining in the descending register of the memory 26. This amount is printed on the passport 46 near the upper right hand. The register amount i8 that amount in the descending register after all postal charges have been made for the batch of mail to be sent. By placing this register amount on the passport 46 after the mailing of each batch, an ongoing, permanent record is maintained of the amount of postage value contained within the NVM 26. In this way, if there is a disaster wherein the server 25 i9 destroyed or the memory 26 therein is erased inadvertently, the user still has a means for verifying the amount of postage value remaining from that amount of postage value originally purchased and stored. The transactionnumber provides an authorization check as does the identification or server number. By changing the transaction number with each recharge of the server, one can readily determine if more mail is received by the post office than is authorized. Also printed on the passport 46 will be the date and time the passport 46 is printed, the piece count, i.e., the number of t~ mail pieces mailed in the particular batch, and the class of mail. Upon the printing of the information on the passport 46, the postage amount for the batch is subtracted from postage value stored in the descending register 26.
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The information printed upon the passport 46 is transmitted to the central station 14 through the communication line 28 automatically following a request for additional postage value. This data is processed so that a record is maintained through the processor 18 that communicates with the memory 22. If there is a problem in terms of accountability, the requested postage value will not be charged to the DR. If the accounts are correct, the transfer takes place. The memory 22 includes ascending register data therein that corresponds to the register of the memory 26, i.e., one is an inverse record of the other. As is known, an ascending register is one that accumulates charges over a long term. Optionally, the memory 22 may have a descending register that duplicates the amounts in the descending register in the NVM on an ongoing basis. By having the postage value contained within the memory 22 that corresponds to the value of the server 16, a correspondence is constantly available for assurance that there is agreement between the passport 46 information and the amount of postage paid by the user. More specifically, the total amount credited to the user station is stored in the memory 22 and if the amount in the ascending register of that memory exceeds that total amount credited to the user, the user location 16 is notified that there are insufficient funds.
When a batch of mail is sent to a post office for processing, the passport 46 for that particular batch accompanies the mail. The postal employee can determine whether it is an authorized transmission of mailfrom the information contained upon the accompanying passport 46. If there is any question on the part of the postal service as to whether the information is authentic, it contacts the central station 14 and through the line 19 obtains the information from the central station to verify the information contained ; on the passport 46. If this information is accurate, then ; 35 the postal service knows that the mail is authorized, i.e., the postage for the mail has been paid. On the other hand, if there is any discrepancy, the postal service is able to act to ferret any fraud or correct any discrepancy. As is 1278Ct~
the usual practice in the use of postage meters, a user station 16 sends all its mail to an assigned post office which is referred to as the U.S.P.S. entry point.
Referring now to Fig. 3, an envelope 42 is shown as it would be prepared in accordance with one embodiment of the present system 10. The upper left hand corner contains the address of the mail sender and the upper right hand corner contains a pre-printed block 43 containing the class of mail and gives the identification number or server number of the mail sender. This information may be pre-printed on the envelopes 42 prior to processing of a batch. Such pre-printing may be accomplished through direct communication of the input/processor 38 with the printer 44 without any participation of the other components of the user location 16.
In the processing of batch mail, the three address lines 60,62,64 are first printed in the address field with the name of the eecipient, the street address and the city, state, zip code. The fourth line 66, or postage line, is then printed using information supplied by the processor 24. This postage line 66, includes the postage amount $.22, the date, October 18, 1986 and the transaction number, which in this case is 274356. A1BO included on the face of the mail piece 42 is an individual mail piece number. This number of the mail piece 42 may either be controlled by the inserter as is commonly done or through the server 25. Other information may be given on this postage line as desired including the time the mail is processed. Although the postage line 66 is shown in alphanumerics it will be appreciated that the same may be printed in bar code and, optionally, bar code address information may be printed on the envelope as desired.
! Additionally, the information in the pre-print block 43 may be printed in the address fieldwith the other information therein and the pre-print block may be eliminated.
Although an envelope 42 shown has the postage and address information printed on the face thereof the same scheme may apply to a windowed envelope. In a windowed envelope, it may be preprinted as previously described but instead of the printer 40 printing on the face of the envelope 42, an insert is printed with the same information shown on the face of the envelope 42 and inserted so as to be viewed from the window. Alternatively, the postage and address information may be printed upon a label and the label may be attached to the envelope 42.
In this way a method is provided for allowing an organization to send large amounts of mail without having to use a postage meter to print postage on every piece of mail.
In addition, the postal service is saved the problem of requiring on-site inspections at the user station 16 in order to verify that no unauthorized mail is being sent. By correlating the amoun' of postage, the transaction number, piece count, registration amount and the like, verification can be made. The central station 14 acts more or less as a bank representing the postal service and handles the funds on its behalf as well as maintains records for verification.
The funds or postage value charged to the server 25 may be either pre-paid or charged to the user by the central station ~0 14 on a credit arrangement. The central station 14 may be accountable to the postal service for the postage value placed in the server on a immediate basis. The central station may be a postage meter or server 25 manufacturer or any other reliable entity.
Another advantage of this system is that the printer 40 that prints the large numbers of mail pieces is not part of a secure member, i.e., the cerver 25, as in the case of a postage meter. Because of this, the printer may be replaced frequently without the expense or inconvenience of entire replacement of a secure accounting unit. It will be appreciated that one printer may be used in place of the two printers 40, 44 shown and described,but the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of two printers.
Figs. 4-6 are flow diagrams showing preferred operation methods for the arrangement of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, Fig. 1 illustrates briefly a background ~ program for processor 24, Fig. 5 illustrates a program for ; the processor 24 for the determination of the postage to be . . .
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accounted for and the printing of the mail pieces, and Fig. 6 illustrates a program for the processor 24 for the development of data Eor, and the printing of, the passport.
In accordance with the invention, another embodiment of a passport for accompanying a batch of mail is illustrated in Fig. 7. This passport comprises a sheet of paper or other substrate having an upper section 200, a central section 300 and a lower section 400. The passport may be formed on a conventional 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, with the portions being substantially equal to enable the passport to be folded along fold lines 201, 301 to permit the fold~d document to be readily placed upon the top of a batch of mail processed by the printer 40. The three sections 200, 300 and 400 of the passport 151 are arranged in a manner in order to facilitate their review by a postal inspector.
The upper section 200 includes an indicia area 202 within which the equivalent value of mail accounted for in the accompanying batch is printed. The indicia area may thus conveniently be in the form of a conventional postal city, state and date pictorial indicia, showing a value corresponding to the total postage value for the mail in the given batch as well as the city, state and date appropriate for the mailing transaction.
The portion 200 of the passport, which is intended to be folded to be visible when located on top of a batch of mail, further includes the permit number 203 of the user of the server 25, as assigned by the post office, as well as the address information 204 of the user. In addition, this portion of the passport may include an identification 205 of the class of the user (for example, non-profit, in the illustrated document) to provide a postal inspector with initially available information concerning the user.
The passport section 200 includes a passport number 208 and a number 209 corresponding to the total number oE pieces in a given batch, the sum 210 is the amount in the descending register at the time of starting the printing of the batch.
The amount indicated by 211 is the amount of the postage value that may be credited to the descending register during , ~ 1278~9,~
processing of a batch of mail the postage used 212 shows the amount of postage required to mail the batch of mail. The final balance 213 shows the remaining balance in the descending register after the postage used 212 has been debited.
In addition, the passport portion 200 includes the date 214 of preparation thereof, and the identification 216 of the post office at which the batch will be mailed, which is referred to as the post office or U.S.P.S. entry point.
Still further, the passport section 200 may include the number 217 of the current copy of the passport (i.e. if multiple copies have been made thereof), in order to facilitate processing of the passport if more than one copy is necessary. The date for which the batch of mail 150 is sent to the post office 12 is shown at 218. Preferably the date prepared 214 and the date 218 the batch of mail is delivered to the post office 12 will be the same.
The passport section 200 thereby provides identification information, as well as postage and verification information, enabling a postal inspector to be clearly advised of adequate information to enable a determination of whether or not the mail is authorized. Since this portion of the passport is initially visible when assembled with the respective batch of mail 150, the postal inspector, upon inspection thereof, will be able to make any necessary checks of the information to assure that the batch itself is authorized, and may be led to a more careful inspection of the batch and the authorization to prepare it, in the event of any apparent discrepancies.
The second portion 300 of the passport is a summary of the calculation of postage for the mail pieces in the batch.
Thus, the summary provides a listing of the number of pieces of mail, and amount for mailing thereof, in accordance with rate classifications and weight classifications. The rate classifications include the various classes of presorted mail,such as first class presorted mail, carrier route presorted mail,etc. The summary includes a totals column 202 for this information, as well as an additional column 203 summarizing the postage accounted for mail pieces that had been processed by presorting techniques but did not conform to the requirements of the various presorting classes to enable rate reduction. For example, column 203 may include data concerning mail addressed to certain zip codes when an insufficient number of mail pieces is directed to such zip code to fall within reduced rate postage classification. The passport section 300 may further list the total number of pieces of mail, the total weight in the batch, and other information such as a number of sacks, trays, pallets or the like, as well as the total amount of postage accounted for with respect to the accompanying batch of mail pieces. The total amount of accounted postage must of course coincide with the amount on the indicia area 202 of the passport section 200, as well as the number listed on line 212 of the passport portion 200. This provides a still furtherverification check for the postal inspector, to enable the ready detection of discrepancies.
The passport section 400 provides the necessary certification locations for the user as well as the postal inspector, the provision of this portion of the form ensuring that the batch of mail will be inspected by both, as required.
The passport sections 200, 300 and 400 as illustrated in Fig. 9, all being one piece of paper or other suitable substrate,and being folded with the section 200 uppermost, enable a logical sequence of inspection steps by the postal inspector, thereby not only simplifying the test of the postal inspector, but also providing adequate and concise information to facilitate the detection of discrepancies or the need for further investigation.
When a batch of mail is processed at the user location 16, the accounting will proceed as though all the mail pieces qualify for a posted rate discount based on first class pre-sort (FP) or zip code presort (ZP). There are occasions when a mailer will have an insufficient number of mail pieces in a particular group to qualify for a postal rate discount and must account for the same.
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Another document 500 is illustrated in Fig. 8 with further information including details of the mail that has not qualified for postal rate discounts. This document may list the number of pieces 501 in each sequence of non-qualifying mail, the class of mail 502, an explanation of the postage adjustments 503 that had been required and accounted for in determining the postage for mailing a batch of mail.
Optionally, the non-qualifying mail report includes the identification number 68 of the mail pieces when the mailpieces are so numbered. It is contemplated that each mailpiece may be given a sequential number during a run of mail and these sequential numbers may be used to identify individual mail pieces. These mailpieces identification numbers are given for the start 504 of a run of a particular group and the end 506. For example, the first line shows a group that is broken down for first class presort tFP) and for a particular U.S.P.S. entry point (not designated is Fig.
10). The number of pieces is indicated as being eight and the postage adjustment is 32 cents. Multiplying the number (8) by the adjustment (.32) the amount added to the total postage by these pieces Gf non-qualifying mail is obtained;
obviously, this is repeated for all groups on the list. With such a non-qualifying mail report accompanying a batch of mail, the post office would be able to determine the accuracy of the poctage paid by the user as indicated by the accompanying passport.
It is of course apparent that the record member 500 will be of sufficient length or number of pages to include all register ranges of non-qualifying mail. Accordingly, this non qualify report may be absent if no non-qualifying mail is present.
A still further statement sheet or record member that is printed by the printer 44 under control of the server 25 is a fund transaction receipt 600 illustrated in Fig. 9. This funds transaction receipt will be printed at times funds are transferred Such information may include the date of transaction 602, transaction number 604, amount of funds transferred 606 the time the funds transfer was completed 608, communication number 610 and the new balance 612.
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The funds transaction sheet is primarily for the benefit of the user location 16 and provides him with the opportunity of accounting for his postage costs. The funds transaction record member 600 is printed upon every charging of the discending register 26 and may be sent to the central station periodically. Upon receipt of a periodic statement from the user location, the central station 14 can determine through copies of passports and funds transaction receipt for the appropriate period the correctness of charges against the user. Obviously the period for such accounting is arbitrary and may be weekly, monthly or quarterly depending upon the volume of mail processed by the user locator 16.
Additionally, the user may send a copy of the funds transaction receipt passport to the post office 12 with a batch of mail. This would provide further information to the post office for purposes of verification of postage payment.
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WIT~I MrJLTIPI~ STATEMEN~ SE~3ETS
Backqround of the Invention Certain organizations periodically dispatch large amounts of mail. Examples of such organizations are:
banking institutions, utility companies, insurance companies, credit companies, and the like. In order to handle such large quantities of mail, these mailers normally pre-package and pre-~ort their mail and are given a postal discount rate by the postal service because of the time saved by the postal service.
There are generally two ways in which such mail senders apply postage to their mail. The most common way is by use of a postage meter which is leased by the mailer from a postage meter manufacturer with which the amount of postage required is applied to each mail piece. Inserter systems have been developed whereby inserts may be placed into an envelope and the envelope may be sealed, addressed and have a postage indicia applied thereto. The mail pieces may be weighed on the fly or individual weighing may not be required if all the mail pieces are of like kind, i.e., only a sample mail piece need be weighed. These acts of processing mail may be performed at a relatively high rate of speed.
A second method of mailing large quantities of mail pieces is to employ a permit mail system. In such a system, the mailer places a permit number on the mail pieces andprepares a manifest listing that shows the type and number of mail pieces being mailed on each occasion and the postage required.
~ :, 1;~7~5 With both such systems, inspection at the site of the mail sender is usually required. In the case of the postage meter, the lessor of the postage meter, i.e., the postage meter manufacturer, is required by l~w to inspect the postage meter at least twice a year to assure that there is no evidence of tampering with the postage meter that will indicate an attempt to obtain unauthorized postage. In the case of permit mail, large quantities of the same type of mail are mailed at the same time and the postal service conducts an inspection to verify that the manifest listing accompanying the permit mail accurately accounts for the amount of postage due for the mail that has been processed by the postal service. This is accomplished by an inspection on the part of the postal service, by examining the records of the mail user on every occasion.
Obviously, each of these two systems has certain drawbacks. In the case of on-site inspection of postage meters, due to the large number of postage meters in use by large mail senders, inspection thereof is an expensive matter. Furthermore, postage meters that process large quantities of mail must be replaced relatively frequently because of wear. With regard to the permit mail system, a shortcoming lies in the need of the postal service to send a representative frequently to the various mailer locations to assure that the sender is accurately accounting for the quantity of mail being sent. Such a scheme is not totally reliable since it relies upon on-site verification using the mailers records which are not secure.
Another drawback to these two systems is the difficulty of accounting for mail that does not qualify for a postal discount rate. This occurs when an insufficient number of mail pieces are addressed to a given zip code destination.
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Summary and Objects of the Invention Briefly stated, the present invention in one aspect is directed to the provision of a system wherein a mailer is able to send large quantities or batches of mail with accurate accounting and recording. This is accomplished by the mailer having a secure accounting unit similar to a postage meter in which postage value is loaded. A first record member or statement sheet is prepared each time the accounting unit is loaded with postage values to serve as an ongoing record of the transactions experienced by the accounting unit. A
second record member or statement sheet, called a passport, accompanies each batch of mail, which record member contains information relative to the mail and the amount of postage required. Communication between a central station and the mail sender allows postage value to be transferred to the user by the central station and mailing and verification data to be sent to the central station from the mailer. The mailing and verification data can be the same as that contained on the second record members that accompany the batches of mail. This system provides a central station for a large number of mail senders whereby the postal service is relieved of its obligation of having on-site inspections and the central station acts as a clearing house for the postal service through whom verification of postage can be conveniently and inexpensively achieved.
A feature of an aspect of this invention is that the security features of a postage meter are provided while allowing a high speed, relatively inexpensive printer to be used for printing the mail pieces.
A feature of an aspect of the invention is the provision of documentation for facilitating the inspection of presorted or other batch processed mail while enhancing the security of funds for such mailing.
A feature of an aspect of this invention is the printing of a plurality of record members or statement sheets which save time in accounting and authentication.
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. ., . .
S
A feature of an aspect of the invention is the provision of a document or record member that separates mail pieces in a batch of mail between those that qualify for a postal discount rate and those which do not.
The invention in one aspect is directed to the provision of documents for verifying the accounting of postage of a batch of mail including a first document that discloses mail price and postage information, a second document that discloses postage information and a third document that discloses postal discount information.
A feature of an aspect of the invention is preparing documents for accompanying a batch of mail including applying first data to a first document corresponding to the amount of postage available for mailing the batch of mail, applying second data to second document that describes the mail and amount of postage required to mail said batch of mail, and a third document corresponding to postal discount rate information related to said batch of mail.
Other aspects of the invention are as follows:
Apparatus for processing a batch of mail having mail pieces with different postal depository destinations, said apparatus comprising:
means for segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups according to said postal depository destination;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups;
means for determining those groups unqualified for a postal discount rate.
An apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of mail pieces;
,~s~,, -4a-~278~!9~i means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
means for printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and the number of said mail S pieces on a second record member;
means for subtracting said postage amount from the postage value in said descending register; and means for selectively communicating the postage amount and the number of mail pieces to a central station.
Apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
lS means for counting the number of said mail pieces;
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate;
means for printing on a first record member information relating to said unqualifying mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and means for printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of mail pieces on a record member.
A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
processing a batch of mail pieces having different postal depository destinations;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destinations;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
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-processing a batch of mail pieces including mail pieces of different weight and different postal depository destination;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destination and weight;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
In a method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
printing mailing information upon each o~ a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate;
printing on a first record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a record member.
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1~78~9~i Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, it will now be disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. l is a block diagram of a batch mailing system;
Fig. 2 is an illustration of one form of statement that may accompany a batch of mail, in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3 is is an illustration of an envelope marked in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 4-6 are flow diagrams that describe the functions of the system shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is an illustration of a form of statement sheet in accordance with the invention Fig. 8 is an illustration of another statement sheet that may be employed in combination with that of Fig. 9;
Fig. 9 is an illustration of still another statement sheet that gives postage information.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Fig. 1, a batch mailing system is shown generally at 10 and includes a post office 12, a central station 14 and a user location 16. The central station 14 has a processor 18 which is a main frame type of computer or the like having substantial capacity. Communication is provided between the post office 12 and one or more central stations 14 (only one being shown) through a line or communication link 19 having a communication device such as a telephone 20 therein. Associated with the processor 18 and in connection therewith is a large storage memory unit 22 where large amounts of data can be stored and a register setting device 23 which includes software of the type required in the resetting of postage meters remotely.
lS Systems for the resetting of meters remotely are well known, see for example U. S. Patent Nos. 3,792,446, 4,097,923 and 4,447,890.
A remote user station 16 has a secure unit 25 which will hereafter be referred to as a ~server". The server 25 is preferably supplied by the operator of the central station 14 to the u~er and includes a user processor 24. Connected to the processor 24 is a memory 26 which preferably is non-volatile. This memory 26 serves as a descending register that is charged with postage value periodically and decremented as po~tage is printed. The descending register 26 thus stores the postage value available to the user at any given time.
The user processor 24 is connected to the central station processor 18 by way of a communication link or line 28.A telephone 30 or other communicating device may be disposed within the line 28 to thereby provide selective communication between the processors 18, 24. Also connected to the processor 24 are a RAM 32, a ROM 34, and a clock 36 whose respective functions will be described in detail hereinafter. An input/processor 38 is connected to the user processor 24 whereby data may be supplied, either manually or through a medium such as a disc or tape, to the user processor 24 for the purpose of providing data required in `:
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the processing of mail pieces. The input/processor 38 may be any of a large number of personal computers having keyboard and display which are commercially available, such as an IsM
XT personal computer.
A high speed inserter 39 is in electrical communication with the server 25 and performs the physical acts involved in processing the mail such as the inserting of inserts into envelopes, sealing the envelope flaps, orienting the mail pieces and conveying the mail pieces to a postage meter or printer. The term insert includes bills, advertising materials, notices, etc., which are of a size to be received within an envelope or the like. ~igh speed inserters 39 of this type are readily available commercially, as for example Inserter model No. 3100 series from Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, Ct.
A first printer 40 is in communication with the user processor 24 of the server 25 and with the Input/Processor 38 and is able to print upon mail pieces 42 such as envelopes containing inserts which it receives from the inserter 39.
This printer 40 is one provided by the user and is preferably an unsecured, high speed printer which may be controlled either through the processor 24 or through the input/processor 38. A second printer 44 is provided to print upon record members or statement sheets. Throughout the balance of the specification and claims the statement sheet 46 will be referred to as a "passportn. Details of the passport 46 will be described hereinafter in conjunction with Fig. 2 and 7.
~lthough only one user location 16 is shown and described, it will be appreciated many user locations may be serviced by the same central station 14. The central station 14 may be at the location of a postage meter manufacturer or other accountable organization.
In operation, the user at the location 16 will generally be a sender of large quantities of mail who has been given an identification number by the central station 14 that will be placed in the memory 26 of the server 25. This identification number is permanent and unique for each server .. . . .. .
8C;95 25 and the user has no access to that portion of the memory 26 that stores the identification number. It will be appreciated that this feature may be applied to postage meters as well. Having the identification number in memory 26 eliminates the need of having a plate applied to a postage meter or a server 25. It will be appreciated that a server has many characteristics of a postage meter, i.e., security, a descending register and the like, but certain elements are absent. The most evident absent element is a printer, the advantage of which is described in the following paragraphs.
Following installation of the identification number, the user communicates with the central station 14 through the telephone 30 for the purpose of indicating to the central station the amount of postage value it wishes to have accredited to its memory 26. An access code is then given to the user that can be addressed to the setting device 23 by direct computer connection or through the touch dial of the telephone 30. Upon the receipt of the access code, the user transmit6 to the central station 14 the access code and his identification number and the request for an amount of postage value. The setting device 23 functions to charge, or increase, the postage value into the descending register 26 which i8 added to the amount of unused postage value stored in the memory 26 from previous charges. As the user station 16 processes mail, the postage value in the descending register of the memory 26 will be decreased in accordance with the postage required to process a batch of mail. As stated previously, devices for charging registers such as the descending registers are well known.
The balance of the server 25 includes the ROM 34 that contains information which formats address signals and stores a series of programs for controlling the functions of the server 25, a RAM 32 that holds and supplies real time data, and a clock 36 that provides the time and date.
It will be appreciated that the printer 40 is a high speed, inexpensive, unsecured printer such as an ink jet printer or laser printer or any type of dot matrix printer which will apply the addresses of the addressee and addressor , .
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to the face of the mail pieces under command of the processor 24 or input/processor 38. In addition, postage information can be printed by the printer 40 upon each mail piece 42 when under command of the processor 24. This postage information may include the postage amount for each mail piece, a transaction number (T.A. No. ~, a number for the particular batch of mail, the date and time of mailing, the class of mail and an individual number for each mail piece. The transaction number is that number assigned to the user station by the central station every time postage value is added to the server 25 and stored in the memory 26. This transaction number is the same for one or more batches of mail that are sent and remains the same until such time as the descending register of the memory 26 is recharged with postage value, at which time a new transaction number is asqigned and stored in the memory in place of the preceding transaction number. By changing the transaction number upon each recharge, an element is provided for verifying postage.
The batch number is one assigned by the user through the input/processor 38 whereby a given batch of mail, i.e., mail of a particular type or character, is identified by a number assigned by the user. In addition, a run number, which is a subset of the batch, may be given to identified particular segments of the batch.
When a batch of mail is to be sent, the user supplies mailing and verification information through the input/processor 38 into the user processor 24 which transmits at least a portion of this information to the inserter 39.
This information includes the number of mail pieces to beprocessed and number of inserts to be placed in each envelope. The time and date may be supplied to the printer 40 through the input/processor 38 by overriding the clock 36.
This overriding is useful when future mail is being processed. The user processor 24 then commands the printer 40 to print the appropriate postage, time, date, transaction number, mail piece number and address on the mail pieces 42 for a particular run. This run is yiven a number that is associated with the particular mail to be sent, which number _ g _ . ... , -1278~9~;
is printed on the envelopes 42 of that run. As the printer prints the appropriate information upon each mail piece, the number of mail pieces and amount of postage required is determined by the processor 24. At the end of the run or batch, the second printer 44 prints authorization information upon a passport 46.
Referring now to Fig. 2, one embodiment of the passport 46 is shown after having printed thereon the total postage (Post. Total) required to mail the batch of mail, the tran~action number (T.A. ~o.), piece count for a batch, descending register amount (Reg. Am.) after subtraction for the postage, the date, the time, the class, the batch number and the run number (optionally). Additionally, the server number, i.e., the identification number stored in the memory 26, user name and any desired graphics can be printed. This information on the passport 46 serves many purposes.
Firstly, the ending balance of register amount acts as a physical record of the postage value remaining in the descending register of the memory 26. This amount is printed on the passport 46 near the upper right hand. The register amount i8 that amount in the descending register after all postal charges have been made for the batch of mail to be sent. By placing this register amount on the passport 46 after the mailing of each batch, an ongoing, permanent record is maintained of the amount of postage value contained within the NVM 26. In this way, if there is a disaster wherein the server 25 i9 destroyed or the memory 26 therein is erased inadvertently, the user still has a means for verifying the amount of postage value remaining from that amount of postage value originally purchased and stored. The transactionnumber provides an authorization check as does the identification or server number. By changing the transaction number with each recharge of the server, one can readily determine if more mail is received by the post office than is authorized. Also printed on the passport 46 will be the date and time the passport 46 is printed, the piece count, i.e., the number of t~ mail pieces mailed in the particular batch, and the class of mail. Upon the printing of the information on the passport 46, the postage amount for the batch is subtracted from postage value stored in the descending register 26.
~' ~Z7W9.~i "~ .
The information printed upon the passport 46 is transmitted to the central station 14 through the communication line 28 automatically following a request for additional postage value. This data is processed so that a record is maintained through the processor 18 that communicates with the memory 22. If there is a problem in terms of accountability, the requested postage value will not be charged to the DR. If the accounts are correct, the transfer takes place. The memory 22 includes ascending register data therein that corresponds to the register of the memory 26, i.e., one is an inverse record of the other. As is known, an ascending register is one that accumulates charges over a long term. Optionally, the memory 22 may have a descending register that duplicates the amounts in the descending register in the NVM on an ongoing basis. By having the postage value contained within the memory 22 that corresponds to the value of the server 16, a correspondence is constantly available for assurance that there is agreement between the passport 46 information and the amount of postage paid by the user. More specifically, the total amount credited to the user station is stored in the memory 22 and if the amount in the ascending register of that memory exceeds that total amount credited to the user, the user location 16 is notified that there are insufficient funds.
When a batch of mail is sent to a post office for processing, the passport 46 for that particular batch accompanies the mail. The postal employee can determine whether it is an authorized transmission of mailfrom the information contained upon the accompanying passport 46. If there is any question on the part of the postal service as to whether the information is authentic, it contacts the central station 14 and through the line 19 obtains the information from the central station to verify the information contained ; on the passport 46. If this information is accurate, then ; 35 the postal service knows that the mail is authorized, i.e., the postage for the mail has been paid. On the other hand, if there is any discrepancy, the postal service is able to act to ferret any fraud or correct any discrepancy. As is 1278Ct~
the usual practice in the use of postage meters, a user station 16 sends all its mail to an assigned post office which is referred to as the U.S.P.S. entry point.
Referring now to Fig. 3, an envelope 42 is shown as it would be prepared in accordance with one embodiment of the present system 10. The upper left hand corner contains the address of the mail sender and the upper right hand corner contains a pre-printed block 43 containing the class of mail and gives the identification number or server number of the mail sender. This information may be pre-printed on the envelopes 42 prior to processing of a batch. Such pre-printing may be accomplished through direct communication of the input/processor 38 with the printer 44 without any participation of the other components of the user location 16.
In the processing of batch mail, the three address lines 60,62,64 are first printed in the address field with the name of the eecipient, the street address and the city, state, zip code. The fourth line 66, or postage line, is then printed using information supplied by the processor 24. This postage line 66, includes the postage amount $.22, the date, October 18, 1986 and the transaction number, which in this case is 274356. A1BO included on the face of the mail piece 42 is an individual mail piece number. This number of the mail piece 42 may either be controlled by the inserter as is commonly done or through the server 25. Other information may be given on this postage line as desired including the time the mail is processed. Although the postage line 66 is shown in alphanumerics it will be appreciated that the same may be printed in bar code and, optionally, bar code address information may be printed on the envelope as desired.
! Additionally, the information in the pre-print block 43 may be printed in the address fieldwith the other information therein and the pre-print block may be eliminated.
Although an envelope 42 shown has the postage and address information printed on the face thereof the same scheme may apply to a windowed envelope. In a windowed envelope, it may be preprinted as previously described but instead of the printer 40 printing on the face of the envelope 42, an insert is printed with the same information shown on the face of the envelope 42 and inserted so as to be viewed from the window. Alternatively, the postage and address information may be printed upon a label and the label may be attached to the envelope 42.
In this way a method is provided for allowing an organization to send large amounts of mail without having to use a postage meter to print postage on every piece of mail.
In addition, the postal service is saved the problem of requiring on-site inspections at the user station 16 in order to verify that no unauthorized mail is being sent. By correlating the amoun' of postage, the transaction number, piece count, registration amount and the like, verification can be made. The central station 14 acts more or less as a bank representing the postal service and handles the funds on its behalf as well as maintains records for verification.
The funds or postage value charged to the server 25 may be either pre-paid or charged to the user by the central station ~0 14 on a credit arrangement. The central station 14 may be accountable to the postal service for the postage value placed in the server on a immediate basis. The central station may be a postage meter or server 25 manufacturer or any other reliable entity.
Another advantage of this system is that the printer 40 that prints the large numbers of mail pieces is not part of a secure member, i.e., the cerver 25, as in the case of a postage meter. Because of this, the printer may be replaced frequently without the expense or inconvenience of entire replacement of a secure accounting unit. It will be appreciated that one printer may be used in place of the two printers 40, 44 shown and described,but the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of two printers.
Figs. 4-6 are flow diagrams showing preferred operation methods for the arrangement of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, Fig. 1 illustrates briefly a background ~ program for processor 24, Fig. 5 illustrates a program for ; the processor 24 for the determination of the postage to be . . .
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accounted for and the printing of the mail pieces, and Fig. 6 illustrates a program for the processor 24 for the development of data Eor, and the printing of, the passport.
In accordance with the invention, another embodiment of a passport for accompanying a batch of mail is illustrated in Fig. 7. This passport comprises a sheet of paper or other substrate having an upper section 200, a central section 300 and a lower section 400. The passport may be formed on a conventional 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, with the portions being substantially equal to enable the passport to be folded along fold lines 201, 301 to permit the fold~d document to be readily placed upon the top of a batch of mail processed by the printer 40. The three sections 200, 300 and 400 of the passport 151 are arranged in a manner in order to facilitate their review by a postal inspector.
The upper section 200 includes an indicia area 202 within which the equivalent value of mail accounted for in the accompanying batch is printed. The indicia area may thus conveniently be in the form of a conventional postal city, state and date pictorial indicia, showing a value corresponding to the total postage value for the mail in the given batch as well as the city, state and date appropriate for the mailing transaction.
The portion 200 of the passport, which is intended to be folded to be visible when located on top of a batch of mail, further includes the permit number 203 of the user of the server 25, as assigned by the post office, as well as the address information 204 of the user. In addition, this portion of the passport may include an identification 205 of the class of the user (for example, non-profit, in the illustrated document) to provide a postal inspector with initially available information concerning the user.
The passport section 200 includes a passport number 208 and a number 209 corresponding to the total number oE pieces in a given batch, the sum 210 is the amount in the descending register at the time of starting the printing of the batch.
The amount indicated by 211 is the amount of the postage value that may be credited to the descending register during , ~ 1278~9,~
processing of a batch of mail the postage used 212 shows the amount of postage required to mail the batch of mail. The final balance 213 shows the remaining balance in the descending register after the postage used 212 has been debited.
In addition, the passport portion 200 includes the date 214 of preparation thereof, and the identification 216 of the post office at which the batch will be mailed, which is referred to as the post office or U.S.P.S. entry point.
Still further, the passport section 200 may include the number 217 of the current copy of the passport (i.e. if multiple copies have been made thereof), in order to facilitate processing of the passport if more than one copy is necessary. The date for which the batch of mail 150 is sent to the post office 12 is shown at 218. Preferably the date prepared 214 and the date 218 the batch of mail is delivered to the post office 12 will be the same.
The passport section 200 thereby provides identification information, as well as postage and verification information, enabling a postal inspector to be clearly advised of adequate information to enable a determination of whether or not the mail is authorized. Since this portion of the passport is initially visible when assembled with the respective batch of mail 150, the postal inspector, upon inspection thereof, will be able to make any necessary checks of the information to assure that the batch itself is authorized, and may be led to a more careful inspection of the batch and the authorization to prepare it, in the event of any apparent discrepancies.
The second portion 300 of the passport is a summary of the calculation of postage for the mail pieces in the batch.
Thus, the summary provides a listing of the number of pieces of mail, and amount for mailing thereof, in accordance with rate classifications and weight classifications. The rate classifications include the various classes of presorted mail,such as first class presorted mail, carrier route presorted mail,etc. The summary includes a totals column 202 for this information, as well as an additional column 203 summarizing the postage accounted for mail pieces that had been processed by presorting techniques but did not conform to the requirements of the various presorting classes to enable rate reduction. For example, column 203 may include data concerning mail addressed to certain zip codes when an insufficient number of mail pieces is directed to such zip code to fall within reduced rate postage classification. The passport section 300 may further list the total number of pieces of mail, the total weight in the batch, and other information such as a number of sacks, trays, pallets or the like, as well as the total amount of postage accounted for with respect to the accompanying batch of mail pieces. The total amount of accounted postage must of course coincide with the amount on the indicia area 202 of the passport section 200, as well as the number listed on line 212 of the passport portion 200. This provides a still furtherverification check for the postal inspector, to enable the ready detection of discrepancies.
The passport section 400 provides the necessary certification locations for the user as well as the postal inspector, the provision of this portion of the form ensuring that the batch of mail will be inspected by both, as required.
The passport sections 200, 300 and 400 as illustrated in Fig. 9, all being one piece of paper or other suitable substrate,and being folded with the section 200 uppermost, enable a logical sequence of inspection steps by the postal inspector, thereby not only simplifying the test of the postal inspector, but also providing adequate and concise information to facilitate the detection of discrepancies or the need for further investigation.
When a batch of mail is processed at the user location 16, the accounting will proceed as though all the mail pieces qualify for a posted rate discount based on first class pre-sort (FP) or zip code presort (ZP). There are occasions when a mailer will have an insufficient number of mail pieces in a particular group to qualify for a postal rate discount and must account for the same.
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Another document 500 is illustrated in Fig. 8 with further information including details of the mail that has not qualified for postal rate discounts. This document may list the number of pieces 501 in each sequence of non-qualifying mail, the class of mail 502, an explanation of the postage adjustments 503 that had been required and accounted for in determining the postage for mailing a batch of mail.
Optionally, the non-qualifying mail report includes the identification number 68 of the mail pieces when the mailpieces are so numbered. It is contemplated that each mailpiece may be given a sequential number during a run of mail and these sequential numbers may be used to identify individual mail pieces. These mailpieces identification numbers are given for the start 504 of a run of a particular group and the end 506. For example, the first line shows a group that is broken down for first class presort tFP) and for a particular U.S.P.S. entry point (not designated is Fig.
10). The number of pieces is indicated as being eight and the postage adjustment is 32 cents. Multiplying the number (8) by the adjustment (.32) the amount added to the total postage by these pieces Gf non-qualifying mail is obtained;
obviously, this is repeated for all groups on the list. With such a non-qualifying mail report accompanying a batch of mail, the post office would be able to determine the accuracy of the poctage paid by the user as indicated by the accompanying passport.
It is of course apparent that the record member 500 will be of sufficient length or number of pages to include all register ranges of non-qualifying mail. Accordingly, this non qualify report may be absent if no non-qualifying mail is present.
A still further statement sheet or record member that is printed by the printer 44 under control of the server 25 is a fund transaction receipt 600 illustrated in Fig. 9. This funds transaction receipt will be printed at times funds are transferred Such information may include the date of transaction 602, transaction number 604, amount of funds transferred 606 the time the funds transfer was completed 608, communication number 610 and the new balance 612.
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The funds transaction sheet is primarily for the benefit of the user location 16 and provides him with the opportunity of accounting for his postage costs. The funds transaction record member 600 is printed upon every charging of the discending register 26 and may be sent to the central station periodically. Upon receipt of a periodic statement from the user location, the central station 14 can determine through copies of passports and funds transaction receipt for the appropriate period the correctness of charges against the user. Obviously the period for such accounting is arbitrary and may be weekly, monthly or quarterly depending upon the volume of mail processed by the user locator 16.
Additionally, the user may send a copy of the funds transaction receipt passport to the post office 12 with a batch of mail. This would provide further information to the post office for purposes of verification of postage payment.
Claims (19)
1. Apparatus for processing a batch of mail having mail pieces with different postal depository destinations, said apparatus comprising:
means for segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups according to said postal depository destination;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups;
means for determining those groups unqualified for a postal discount rate.
means for segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups according to said postal depository destination;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups;
means for determining those groups unqualified for a postal discount rate.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises:
means for printing on a first record member the number of mail pieces that do not qualify for a postal rate discount.
means for printing on a first record member the number of mail pieces that do not qualify for a postal rate discount.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises:
means for identifying the mail pieces that do not qualify for a postal rate discount.
means for identifying the mail pieces that do not qualify for a postal rate discount.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises:
means for printing a second record member showing the total amount of postage required to mail the batch of mail.
means for printing a second record member showing the total amount of postage required to mail the batch of mail.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said batch of mail includes mail pieces having different weight and wherein said segregating means also segregates according to said weight of said mail pieces.
6. An apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
means for printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a second record member;
means for subtracting said postage amount from the postage value in said descending register; and means for selectively communicating the postage amount and the number of mail pieces to a central station.
means for supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
means for printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a second record member;
means for subtracting said postage amount from the postage value in said descending register; and means for selectively communicating the postage amount and the number of mail pieces to a central station.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprises:
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate; and means for printing on a second record member information relating to said unqualified mail pieces.
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate; and means for printing on a second record member information relating to said unqualified mail pieces.
8. Apparatus for processing a batch of mail, said apparatus comprises:
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces;
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate;
means for printing on a first record member information relating to said unqualifying mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and means for printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of mail pieces on a record member.
means for printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for counting the number of said mail pieces;
means for determining those said mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate;
means for printing on a first record member information relating to said unqualifying mail pieces;
means for determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and means for printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of mail pieces on a record member.
9. A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
processing a batch of mail pieces having different postal depository destinations;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destinations;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
processing a batch of mail pieces having different postal depository destinations;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destinations;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of:
printing, on a first record member, the number of said unqualified mail pieces.
printing, on a first record member, the number of said unqualified mail pieces.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of:
identifying said unqualifying mail pieces.
identifying said unqualifying mail pieces.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of:
printing a second record member showing the total amount of postage required to mail said batch of mail pieces.
printing a second record member showing the total amount of postage required to mail said batch of mail pieces.
13. A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
processing a batch of mail pieces including mail pieces of different weight and different postal depository destination;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destination and weight;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
processing a batch of mail pieces including mail pieces of different weight and different postal depository destination;
segregating said mail pieces into a plurality of groups in accordance with said postal depository destination and weight;
counting the number of said mail pieces in each of said plurality of groups; and determining those groups having mail pieces unqualified for a postal discount rate.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:
printing on a record member the number of said unqualified mail pieces.
printing on a record member the number of said unqualified mail pieces.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of:
identifying said unqualifying mail pieces.
identifying said unqualifying mail pieces.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:
printing a second record member showing the total amount required to mail said batch of mail pieces.
printing a second record member showing the total amount required to mail said batch of mail pieces.
17. A method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
printing, upon a first record member, information relative to said supplying of postage value;
printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and said number of said mail pieces on a second record member;
subtracting said postage amount from said postage value in said descending register; and selectively communicating said postage amount and said number of said mail pieces to a central station.
supplying postage value to a descending register of a memory;
printing, upon a first record member, information relative to said supplying of postage value;
printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces;
printing the postage amount required to mail the total mail pieces and said number of said mail pieces on a second record member;
subtracting said postage amount from said postage value in said descending register; and selectively communicating said postage amount and said number of said mail pieces to a central station.
18. The method of claim 17 further including the steps of:
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate; and printing on a third record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate.
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate; and printing on a third record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate.
19. In a method of processing a batch of mail, said method comprising the steps of:
printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate;
printing on a first record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a record member.
printing mailing information upon each of a plurality of mail pieces;
counting the number of said mail pieces;
determining which of said mail pieces do not qualify for a postal discount rate;
printing on a first record member information relating to said mail pieces that do not qualify for said postal discount rate;
determining the amount of postage required to mail said mail pieces; and printing said postage amount for the total mail pieces and the number of said mail pieces on a record member.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US813,445 | 1985-12-26 | ||
| US06/813,445 US4962454A (en) | 1985-12-26 | 1985-12-26 | Batch mailing method and apparatus: printing unique numbers on mail pieces and statement sheet |
| US94011086A | 1986-12-10 | 1986-12-10 | |
| US940,110 | 1986-12-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1278095C true CA1278095C (en) | 1990-12-18 |
Family
ID=27123740
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000526037A Expired - Fee Related CA1278095C (en) | 1985-12-25 | 1986-12-22 | System and method of processing mail with multiple statement sheets |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1278095C (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-12-22 CA CA000526037A patent/CA1278095C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |