Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, and a movement sensor. The controller, using the movement sensor, can detect cyclic movement of a distal end of the first boom element and, in response to the detection, move the first boom element to reduce the cyclic movement. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting movement of a distal end of a first boom element, determining whether there is a cyclic movement of the distal end in one or more axes, and moving the first boom element when there is a cyclic movement of the distal end.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for mail analysis. A method includes receiving in a data processing system an image of a first mailpiece and associated machine-recognized data. The method includes comparing the machine-recognized data with a target list to determine a match with a target individual. The method includes performing a writer identification process on the image of the first mailpiece when a match is determined between the machine-recognized data and the target individual. The writer identification process produces writer identification data associated with the first mailpiece. The method includes storing the image of the first mailpiece and associated machine-recognized data and writer identification data.

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, and a movement sensor. The controller, using the movement sensor, can detect cyclic movement of a distal end of the first boom element and, in response to the detection, move the first boom element to reduce the cyclic movement. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting movement of a distal end of a first boom element, determining whether there is a cyclic movement of the distal end in one or more axes, and moving the first boom element when there is a cyclic movement of the distal end.

Abstract: An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, an input device, and a second boom element. The controller, using the input device, can adjust the position of the first boom element to maintain a distance relative to a user. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting a position of a user using the input device, moving the first boom element to a position relative to the position of the user, detecting a user input using the input device, moving the first boom element to a new position according to the user input, and transporting parcels loaded by the user on the conveying surfaces.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.

Abstract: Mail processing system, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes detecting and reading a tray label of a tray being placed on or in the mail processing machine to determine a tray identifier. The tray is a mail item container containing a plurality of mail items to be processed by the mail processing machine in a current mail processing function. The method includes validating the tray identifier for the current mail processing function. The method includes, when the tray identifier is valid for the current mail processing function, activating a valid-tray indicator, and otherwise when the tray identifier is invalid for the current mail processing function, activating an invalid-tray indicator.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for enabling manual sorting items to one of several designated areas associated with delivery destinations. The system includes a conveyor for transporting a stream of items. A video camera is positioned to capture an image of an observation zone to read destination data on the item as it is transported on the conveyor and the location of the item as it continues on the conveyor. A control computer is used in which destination data is stored associating the destination data for an item with a location of the item on the conveyor, and operable to track the location of the item by video tracking with the same camera as the item moves out of an observation zone into an unloading zone. A video projector projects an image onto the item on the conveyor in the unloading zone that includes human-readable instructions for disposition of the item.

Abstract: A system and method for mail processing. A method includes receiving an image of a mail piece, and identifying multiple regions of interest of the image. The method includes determining a classification key for the image based on a plurality of relationships between the multiple regions of interest and identifying a most-changing region of interest of the multiple regions of interest. The method includes processing the mail piece using the identified most-changing region of interest as the recipient address block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for container analysis and tracking. A method includes scanning a plurality of items by a first data processing system to generate x-ray image data of the items, each of the plurality of items having a unique identifier. The method includes performing a computer implemented image recognition process on the x-ray image data to identify the items. The method includes interactively reviewing the x-ray image data with a human operator by a second data processing system, including displaying the x-ray image data to the human operator. The method includes recording the result of the human operator's review. The method includes determining, for each item, if the results from the computer implemented image recognition process and interactive review meet criteria for items that are exceptions that should not be shipped, and storing an exception indicator for each item using the respective unique identifier.

Abstract: Document imaging apparatuses, systems, and methods. An apparatus includes a base having a platen on a top surface. The apparatus includes a boom having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the base, and the is boom movable between a first position where the second end is above the platen and a second position wherein the boom is stored within the base. The apparatus includes a camera mount located at the second end of the boom. The camera mount is configured to removably attach to a camera so that the camera is located above the platen and positioned to capture an image of the platen.

Abstract: Mail processing systems and methods. A method includes scanning a plurality of mailpieces by a mail processing system to produce at least one associated image of each mail piece. The method includes associating each mail piece with a respective recipient and transmitting the associated image of each mail piece to the respective recipients. The method includes receiving a work order for each mail piece from the respective recipients by the mail processing system. The method includes displaying instructions corresponding to the work orders to a user, wherein the user processes the mail pieces according to the instructions.

Abstract: A method is described for tracking position of a mail piece within a facility. It includes steps of scanning a series of mail pieces to obtain identifying indicia therefrom, sorting the series of mail pieces according to a destination-based postal sorting strategy; and placing the sorted mail pieces into a container together with a marker comprising an RFID tag. In a computerized control system, identifiers for the RFID marker are identified with a sequence of mail pieces in the container. The RFID tag is scanned to associate a position of the container at the time of scanning with the mail in the container. The container is then transported, e.g. by loading a tray as the container onto a cart and then moving the cart.

Abstract: A system and method for processing mail and other documents. A method includes scanning a document to produce a document image and analyzing the document image. The method includes determining that there is a condition of the data processing system that requires maintenance based on the analysis. The method includes notifying at least one user of the condition that requires maintenance based on the determination.

Abstract: Mail processing system, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes detecting and reading a tray label of a tray being placed on or in the mail processing machine to determine a tray identifier. The tray is a mail item container containing a plurality of mail items to be processed by the mail processing machine in a current mail processing function. The method includes validating the tray identifier for the current mail processing function. The method includes, when the tray identifier is valid for the current mail processing function, activating a valid-tray indicator, and otherwise when the tray identifier is invalid for the current mail processing function, activating an invalid-tray indicator.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for delivery route assistance. A method includes receiving a delivery location and an image associated with each of a plurality of items and determining a planned delivery route for delivery of the items. The method also includes displaying execution instructions for the planned delivery route to a delivery operator and, at each delivery location, displaying to the delivery operator a count of items for delivery at the delivery location and the image associated with each such item. The method further includes recording information associated with an actual delivery route and reconfiguring the planned delivery route when the actual delivery route is different from the planned delivery route. The method also includes displaying a comparison between information associated with the planned delivery route and the recorded information associated with the actual delivery route.

Abstract: A method, AND apparatus are described to accurately measure the delivery performance of a postal service using without external agents in the measurement process. The invention describes a system that measures the postal logistic automatically, and continuously. The basis for measurement are tag mail pieces that circulate continuously through the postal system.

Abstract: A system and method for mail processing. A method includes receiving an image of a mail piece, and identifying multiple regions of interest of the image. The method includes determining a classification key for the image based on a plurality of relationships between the multiple regions of interest and identifying a most-changing region of interest of the multiple regions of interest. The method includes processing the mail piece using the identified most-changing region of interest as the recipient address block.

Abstract: As automated screening system and method. A method includes receiving a personal identifier from an individual at an induction kiosk and issuing a scanning unit at the induction kiosk. The method includes associating the scanning unit with the personal identifier and inducting the scanning unit, including at least one item added by the individual, at the induction kiosk. The method includes conveying the scanning unit to an imaging device, and imaging the scanning unit and the item to produce a scanned image. The method includes receiving the personal identifier at a return kiosk and returning the scanning unit and the item to the individual based on the association between the scanning unit and the personal identifier.

Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.

Abstract: A method for screening and tracking items of cargo to be shipped aboard a vehicle includes steps of scanning the items to generate x-ray image data of the items; subjecting the image data to computer implemented image recognition to identify the items; presesenting images generated from the image data to a human operator trained in object recognition; reviewing the images with the human operator; recording the result of the human operator's review, wherein the human operator is one of a number of such operators at one or more locations who have access to or receive image data for items to be shipped for each item determining if the results from the computer implemented and human review meet criteria for items that should not be shipped “exceptions”; loading items which are to be shipped into a shipping container.