Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an image containing written information include the steps of (a) scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by first image data, (b) creating second image data from the first image data, the second image data having a lower data density than the first image data, (c) analyzing the second image data with first image analysis logic to decode the written information, and (d) if the written information cannot be decoded to a desired extent from the second image data, analyzing the first image data with second image analysis logic different from the first image analysis logic to decode the written information. Steps (a) and (b) preferably use a single scanning device to create the high data density image (e.g., color or grayscale) from which the lower data density image (e.g., binary or black and white) can then be created. The resulting two-stage image analysis provides a significant improvement in OCR results.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for the automatic detection of items as originating from a specific source, e.g. client or customer, identifying specific characteristics of the items, comparing these characteristics to a database of sets of such characteristics identified with or more sources, and providing an output of items that match the characteristics. In one embodiment of the invention, a mailer detection and manifest system detects mail pieces that were sent by specific mailers using mail piece characteristics that are unique to the mail pieces of each mailers' job within a mixed mailer mail stream. This is preferably accomplished in real-time or near real-time while sorting the mail pieces after the mailers' specific mail piece characteristics have been determined.

Abstract: A system is provided for the simple image capture and address recognition of mail, flats or parcels that does not require complex support or equipment and can be practiced on machinable and non-machinable mail pieces. The method described herein allows for further downstream processing of the scanned items by automated or manual mail or parcel systems. A simple OCR device can be used to read information on a piece of mail, flat or parcel using a hand held camera or fixed mounted camera. The image data is analyzed with OCR software or pattern recognition software, and a bar code label is printed representing the ZIP code or other relevant information and applied to the mail piece. A unique identification tag is printed on a label for those mail pieces captured but with no ZIP code results determined for later recall of the image and processing either on-line or off-line.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and system for processing mail items on bar code sorting machines. Such a method includes the steps of scanning a surface of each mail piece with at least one imaging camera to obtain at least one image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to locate a bar code in the image, and analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code. If the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then the mail piece is processed further in a manner dependent on the first destination code. If the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, the image data is analyzed to locate destination address lines in the image, and the address lines are analyzed to determine a second destination code. The mail piece is sorted according to the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an image containing written information include the steps of (a) scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by first image data, (b) creating second image data from the first image data, the second image data having a lower data density than the first image data, (c) analyzing the second image data with first image analysis logic to decode the written information, and (d) if the written information cannot be decoded to a desired extent from the second image data, analyzing the first image data with second image analysis logic different from the first image analysis logic to decode the written information. Steps (a) and (b) preferably use a single scanning device to create the high data density image (e.g., color or grayscale) from which the lower data density image (e.g., binary or black and white) can then be created. The resulting two-stage image analysis provides a significant improvement in OCR results.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an information form such as a postal change of address form. Such a form includes various data elements, such as a name of a person submitting the form and the information on which action is to be taken. In the case of mail forwarding, these data elements would include, for example, the name of the person that wishes mail to be redirected, an old address to which mail for that person was previously sent, and a new address to which mail for that person should be sent.

Abstract: A process according to the invention takes daily address information and uses it to update the United States Postal Service (USPS) NCOA database, creating a new database that is current daily. The new database will assist businesses in making corrections to address information prior to printing address labels and delivering the items to a mail or parcel service provider. This process will enable the collection of address change information at near real time, validate the change information, and distribute this new database to licensed users on a daily or more frequent basis.

Abstract: A system is provided for the simple image capture and address recognition of mail, flats or parcels that does not require complex support or equipment and can be practiced on machinable and non-machinable mail pieces. The method described herein allows for further downstream processing of the scanned items by automated or manual mail or parcel systems. A simple OCR device can be used to read information on a piece of mail, flat or parcel using a hand held camera or fixed mounted camera. The image data is analyzed with OCR software or pattern recognition software, and a bar code label is printed representing the ZIP code or other relevant information and applied to the mail piece. A unique identification tag is printed on a label for those mail pieces captured but with no ZIP code results determined for later recall of the image and processing either on-line or off-line.