Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring postage indicia on mail items. According to the invention, graphic information is captured in at least one selected read area of the mail, whereupon the stored graphic information is compared to the graphic representation of the postage indicia. If the graphic information does not match one of the stored images, said mail is subjected to another monitoring step. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An image input apparatus which reconfigures a single reconfigured image from a plurality of low-resolution, object reduced images formed in a specified region on the light detecting element by the micro-lens array, wherein a high-resolution, single reconfigured image can be obtained even if the distance between the subject and the micro-lens array is long (infinitely long, for example), and further a reconfigured image can be realized in colors. The image input apparatus is characterized in that the relative distance between a micro-lens (1a) and light detecting cells (3a) in a specified region, where object reduced images corresponding to the micro-lens (1a) are formed, is different in each micro-lenses (1a). In addition, the light detecting cells (3a) are divided into a plurality of regions, and color filters (primary color filter, or complementary color filter, for example) are disposed in each of the divided regions.

Abstract: A universal cost minimizing mail arbitrator (UCMA) selects an optimum zip code result from a plurality of zip code results received from a plurality of mail processing directory match modules (DMM). The UCMA primarily has a cost tuner and an arbitration controller. The cost tuner receives truthed input for truthed mail, and user-defined cost profile parameters. The cost tuner determines an average weighted cost (AWC) for each DMM based upon the truthed input, to form a cost profile. The AWC is sorted in the cost profile based upon the Level of Sort (LOS) for the zip code result. The cost tuner gathers the cost profiles for each DMM together to form a cost profile array for all the DMMs. The arbitration controller receives the zip code results from the DMMs for each LOS code, and determines the lowest cost zip code result from amongst the various LOS codes based upon the AWC in the cost profile array. The arbitration controller selects the optimum zip code result based upon the lowest cost zip code result.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for obtaining ink annotations from paper comprises a comparator that compares an initial electronic version of a document with an electronic image of an annotated version of the document to identify a handwritten annotation. The system also includes an annotation lifter that extracts the handwritten annotation from the electronic image and converts the handwritten annotation into a computer-usable form. Methods for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A method for processing document image data wherein the quality of the document image is determined by examination of a vital document area includes determining a confidence level for the document by calculating two or more confidence factors for each vital document area. These confidence levels include calculations based on number, mass, and quality of identified characters within the vital area, the distribution of pixels horizontally across the document, and empirically determined norms for image density and distribution. The confidence levels are combined to give a confidence level for the document image quality.

Abstract: A central location of a face detecting device comprises an image input means for inputting a captured face image, a horizontal edge detecting means for detecting a horizontal edge having a predetermined vertical length based on the face image inputted by the image input means; and a central location of a face detecting means for calculating an average value of a horizontal location data of the horizontal edge detected by the horizontal edge detecting means, and determining the average value as a central location of the face.

Abstract: An image of a moving object, such as a postage indicium barcode on a mail piece, is captured with the object in motion (e.g., while being transported through a mailing machine). An array of CMOS picture elements is held in a reset condition. A signal asserted on control pin ends the reset condition and places the picture elements in an image capture condition. With the picture elements in a picture capture condition, a strobe light is actuated at a time when the barcode is predicted to be present at the picture element array. After the strobe light has been actuated, the signal on the control pin is de-asserted to initiate a read-out of the image data from the picture elements.

Abstract: An electronic messaging system for both participating institutions and nonparticpating institutions and their populations. When an institution is participating in the system of the present invention, both message senders and recipients are authenticated and known and verified before any communication can take place. Messages for institutions not currently participating in the system are converted to printed mail for delivery to the non-participating institution using traditional postal systems. The present invention also teaches novel message processing techniques that take advantage of the electronic format of the messages to provide automated security and translation and/or transliteration services and further teaches the novel feature of marking incoming messages with a code to assist in accurately and secure delivery of reply messages to the appropriate party.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: The transportation progress of a number of objects that are provided with an identifier of a destination address, in particular mail items, are monitored. Each object passes through a sorting unit at least once. The sorting unit generates an image of the object and identifies the destination address of the object by evaluating the image. Each object is transported to the identified destination address. The sorting unit examines each object passing through the sorting unit within a predefined time period to determine whether or not the object has at least one predefined optically detectable characteristic. To this end the sorting unit evaluates the image of the object generated by the sorting unit. The sorting unit is connected to a database. The sorting unit only stores an image of an object in the database, if the object has the characteristic. The images stored in the database are evaluated according to a predefined evaluation criterion.

Abstract: In the multistage sorting method, the mail items read in the first step are re-identified in the subsequent steps on the basis of characteristic features determined. If unambiguous assignment to a plurality of candidates is not possible, reading steps are additionally carried out in the subsequent sorting steps and the partial reading results of the candidates are compared with the corresponding partial reading results of the first steps until unambiguous assignment is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing objects in mail items and an arrangement for carrying out the method. In the method, the color image produced in the relevant color camera is converted into a gray level image having a resolution higher than that of the color camera and suitable for reading the postal information in the automatic reading devices; the color image produced in the relevant color camera is converted into a color image having a resolution lower than the camera resolution but sufficient far recognizing objects and their positions; the objects and their position present in the relevant lower resolution color image are determined and identified, the assignment of the objects to postal information categories being performed on the basis of structural rules established in an upstream teaching phase, and the required postal information in the gray level images of the relevant identified objects are automatically read.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for franking mail items, comprising means for printing postal indicia on a mail item, means for detecting the position of this mail item along a path of travel of this item and control means linked to said detection means and to said printing means for proceeding with printing postal indicia on said mail item at a predetermined place, and means for acquisition and processing of an image of such printed postal indicia so as to determine the conformity thereof with respect to at least one predetermined reference image. These image acquisition and processing means comprise in particular means for determining a lack of registration of said printed postal indicia.

Abstract: A system and method for lifting an enhanced image of a delivery item using a first low-resolution color scanner to lift a first image of the delivery item, analyzing the first image with a processor to determine a color of the delivery item, using the color information to adjust the spectrum of an illuminating device, lifting a second image of the delivery item illuminated with the adjusted spectrum, and lifting a second image of the delivery item using a high-resolution grayscale scanner, the second image having enhanced contrast.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to solicit and obtain updated information about a customer or person. The present invention can be incorporated into a service provision system and thus, request updated information from a customer attempting to access the service. In operation, when the customer requests a service, the customer either provides or is requested to provide sufficient information to identify the customer. The system then extracts a customer profile based on the identity of the customer. Portions or all of the customer profile is then presented to the customer to verify for correctness. If the information is incorrect, the customer can provide updated information immediately to the system. The system can force the customer to either update the information or affirmatively indicate the information is correct before providing the service.

Abstract: A method of enabling mailpieces to be distributed and consulted in electronic form, said method comprising the following steps: scanning each of the mailpieces and transmitting the images of the mailpieces scanned in this way to a first server on which said images are stored; displaying said images stored on said first server on a first viewing screen associated with said first server, and assigning each of said images to a recipient by “dropping” said image into one of the pigeonholes of a virtual sorting rack associated with said recipient and displayed on said first viewing screen or on a second viewing screen also associated with said first server; and displaying a dynamic dialogue box on at least one consultation screen of a final recipient, said dynamic dialogue box including at least one counter whose value depends on the number of images that are assigned to the pigeonhole of said final recipient and that are accessible on said first server from said consultation screen via a local area network con

Abstract: Methods and system for automatic identification of repeating patterns of slanted stripe features (marks) on an item.

Abstract: A method and system for fixtureless vision tracking of a target image for use by the vision system when processing subsequent sheets/documents in a sheet handling apparatus. A sheet of material is passed through the sheet handling system to acquire image data within a field of view of the initialization sheet. The acquired image is then filtered and stored/saved in a filtered image data file while an unfiltered image is also retained for the purposes of additional analysis. The filtered image is modified by an erosion technique to form blob images while the unfiltered image is substantially unchanged from the original optical image, i.e., retains the various character strings in their original form. The vision system then performs a dual tier analysis on the blob images and character strings to identify the target image. Additionally, the spatial location of the target image is determined to provide location data for processing subsequent sheet material.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail that may include performing an automatic address recognition process on a digitized image of a mail piece and generating a plurality of conditional address recognition results and a plurality of confirmation values each associated with one of the plurality of conditional address recognition results. The method can include sending the digitized image, the plurality of conditional address recognition results and the plurality of confirmation values to a video coding system, and selecting a video coding task corresponding to one or more of the plurality of confirmation values.

Abstract: The method of detecting single postal items and multiple overlapping postal items in a postal sorting installation consists in analyzing images (5) representing postal items (6) viewed from in front, and in applying to each image an outline-extracting process (10) in order to recognize items (6) having an outline (10) of substantially constant height as being single items. In this method, the reliability with which single items is detected is improved, and the digital image used for analysis purposes can be the digital image which is also used for optical character recognition processing in the postal sorting installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. The mail is serially fed from a stack of mail into a system transport. The system transport conveys the mail to an imaging station, which scans the mail to obtain image data corresponding to at least a portion of each piece. From the imaging station, the mail is conveyed to a buffer, which selectively maintains the mail while the address printed on the mail is determined. After the address for a piece of mail is determined, the piece is conveyed out of the buffer to a printer, which prints a POSTNET barcode onto the piece. The POSTNET barcode corresponds to the address that was determined for the piece. Optionally, the apparatus may include a labeler for applying a blank label onto the mail, and the POSTNET barcode can then be printed onto the label after it is applied to the mail. After the POSTNET barcode is printed on a piece, it is conveyed past a verifier, which scans the printed POSTNET barcode to ensure that the barcode was printed properly.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for providing paperless customs documentation associated with an international parcel shipment. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing shipping data associated with a parcel shipment, the shipping data designating a destination country and including invoice data, verifying that the destination country accepts electronic customs documentation, and creating an electronic invoice from the shipping data. In various embodiments, the electronic invoice may be easily accessed, such as being transmitted over a network or stored in an RFID transponder associated with the parcel shipment. As a result, the present invention reduces the costs and shipping times associated with preparing, processing, and receiving international shipments by determining whether a country accepts paperless customs documentation and, if so, providing a variety of functions that streamline the international shipping process.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for creating an international commercial shipping invoice on demand. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing an electronic copy of a shipping entity's identification indicator, storing an electronic copy of the shipping entity's shipping signature, receiving invoice data relating to the parcel shipment, and subsequently combining the identification indicator and the shipping signature with the invoice data to generate an on demand signed international commercial shipping invoice. In various embodiments, a signed international commercial shipping invoice may be generated by a parcel shipment carrier subsequent to receiving invoice data. In other embodiments, an international commercial shipping invoice may be generated by a customs broker upon request by an importing agent during customs processing.

Abstract: A method of processing an image containing written information according to the invention includes the steps of scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to determine locations of one or more regions with written indicia on the surface, where indicia may include logos, stamps, meter marks, alphanumeric information, labels or other distinctive marks, creating one or more sub-images substantially limited to the dimensions of the indicia-bearing regions, transmitting the sub-images from a first computer or process used to create the sub-images to a second computer or process, and further analyzing the sub-images at the second computer or process, such as by OCR, to decode the written indicia in the sub-images.

Abstract: A printing system that dynamically adjusts the resolution at which printing will occur based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed is provided. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and hence the relative lightness or darkness of the medium. The resolution at which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, sufficient contrast between the printed image and the medium upon which the image is printed can be maintained utilizing a lower resolution, while a higher resolution must be utilized to maintain sufficient contrast for darker colored mediums. Since it is not necessary to utilize the higher resolution for all mediums to ensure sufficient contrast is always provided, the amount of ink used by the printing system is reduced.

Abstract: Method and systems for early detection of potentially hazardous material associated with the collection of mail or other objects. In an embodiment of the method of this invention, image characteristics for an image of an item being examined are obtained. A predetermined profile is then retrieved from a profile database. The image characteristics for the image of the item are compared to the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile. If the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile substantially match the image characteristics for the image of the item, the item is identified for special processing. If the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile do not substantially match the image characteristics for the image of the item, another predetermined profile is retrieved and compared to the image characteristics for the image of the item. A system that implements the method of this invention includes a transport sub-system and a computing sub-system.

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: Method and systems for early detection of potentially hazardous material associated with the collection of mail or other objects. In an embodiment of the method of this invention, image characteristics for an image of an item being examined are obtained. A predetermined profile is then retrieved from a profile database. The image characteristics for the image of the item are compared to the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile. If the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile substantially match the image characteristics for the image of the item, the item is identified for special processing. If the image characteristics present in the predetermined profile do not substantially match the image characteristics for the image of the item, another predetermined profile is retrieved and compared to the image characteristics for the image of the item. A system that implements the method of this invention includes a transport sub-system and a computing sub-system.

Abstract: A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.

Abstract: An authenticating system includes an object, an authentication service, a segmentation system, and an analysis system. The object includes a plurality of steganographic instruments on a visible portion of the object. The authentication service is configured to receive a digital image of at least one of the plurality of steganographic instruments. The segmentation system is configured to extract the at least one of the plurality of steganographic instruments for analysis. The analysis system is configured to determine if the at least one extracted steganographic instrument corresponds to at least one registered steganographic instrument.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for detecting an object in a conveying system, where the object is one of a plurality of similar but otherwise distinctly individualized objects. The method comprises the steps of: sequentially conveying a group of objects past a first and optionally a second identification station arranged to read an indicia representing the individualization of each object; reading of the indicia of a first object when present at the first identification station; reading of the indicia of a second object when present at the first or second identification station; comparing the first and second indicia against a set of criteria and providing a positive or negative result of said comparison; and allowing said first object to be conveyed to a first location upon said comparison result being positive and otherwise conveying said first and second objects to a second location upon comparison result being negative.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.

Abstract: A method of processing postal articles in an automatic address-reading system in which a multi-level gray scale image is formed of the surface of each article including address information, the multi-level gray scale image is transformed into a first binary image and the binary image is sent to an OCR unit for a first automatic evaluation of the address information, wherein a signature representative of a category of address information marks is extracted from the multi-level gray scale image and/or the binary image and/or the result of automatic data evaluation, the multi-level gray scale image is transformed again into a second binary image taking account of the category represented by the signature, and the second binary image is sent to an OCR unit in order to perform a second automatic evaluation.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the thickness of a mail piece is provided. A first image of at least a portion of a surface of a mail piece is captured using a first optical axis for a feature on the surface of the mail piece. A second image of the feature is captured after the mail piece has moved a distance using a second optical axis that is angled with respect to the first optical axis. The first and second images are correlated to determine a displacement of the feature, and the thickness of the mail piece is determined based on the displacement and the angle between the first and second optical axes.

Abstract: Method of automatically sorting mail 1 which has to be forwarded by means of a sorting machine, which processes the mail 1 in a continuous main stream A and where the sorting machine comprises a feeder 2 via which a variety of unsorted addressed mail is fed. The singled mail 1 is marked with an individualising identifier by a following marking device. Each identifier is assigned to a data set in a file, and by means of a following reading device 5 the addresses on the mail 1 are taken up. A taken-up address is deciphered by a recognition module and is written in the corresponding data set. The mail 1 is assigned a corresponding error information when the address cannot be deciphered. A mail piece with assigned error information is then sorted out of the main stream as scrap mail 6.

Abstract: A method and system for reading various codes, such as codes imprinted on an item, includes a first and a second code reader that each scan the code on the item to read the code. The data obtained by the first and the second code reader is merged to reconstruct the code on said item. The position of the code readers may be adjusted such that the maximum reading efficiency of said code by each code reader occurs at different points of the scanned code. The method and system may be employed with different types of codes including various forms of bar codes.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for recognizing objects in mail item images, their position and reading their postal information The following operations are performed: Converting the color image produced in the relevant color camera (11) into a gray level image having a resolution higher than that of the color camera (11) and suitable for reading the postal information in the automatic reading devices, Converting the color image produced in the relevant color camera (11) into a color image having a resolution lower than the camera resolution but sufficient for recognizing objects and their positions, Determining and identifying the objects present in the relevant lower resolution color image including their position, the assignment of the objects to postal information categories being performed on the basis of structural rules established in an upstream teaching phase, Automatic reading of the required postal information in the gray level images of the relevant identified objects.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for automatically routing items, such as mail-piece items (FIG. 2), in support of efficiently and correctly delivering them to an intended destination. A destination address is read by a recognizer (12) but it may be too ambiguous (14,18) initially for routing the piece. The addressee name is also read (24), and the recognizer data is provided to a directory (26) that accesses a name+address database (28). The addressee name is used to disambiguate the recognizer address data (26,30) and thereby properly route the piece (32). In addition, the name+address directory (42,44) can detect incorrect address data (42,50), and notwithstanding the incorrect address, correctly routing the item (52,46) to the intended addressee based on the recognized addressee name (40).

Abstract: A method for processing a document, including performing one or more processing steps with the document, such as printing, franking, assembling mail pieces, or opening received mail pieces. The method further includes defining a first possible location of a marking on a document; and searching a first part of a document for the marking, the first part corresponding to the first possible location. When the marking is not found in the first part a further possible location of a marking on a document is defined and a further part of the document for the marking is searched. The further part corresponds to the further possible location. The location of the marking with respect to the document is stored in the memory in case the marking is found in the first part or the further part. Information about the document is derived from the found marking. The derived information is presented at an output, for further processing of the information.

Abstract: A method is described that provides efficient, secure web-based recognition services. More particularly, an embodiment of the method relates to confidential encoding by dissociating image information into individual word segments, or snippets, at a distribution point and distributing the snippets over a network to users who subscribe to provide their services. Users could include college students, housewives, or any individual with Internet access. The users view the snippets, enter equivalent ASCII information for the snippets, and send the ASCII information back over the network to the distribution point for reassembly.

Abstract: The method of sorting postal items in a plurality of sorting passes using at least one sorting machine having sorting outlets constituted by bins consists in using digital fingerprints (V_ID) identifying the items in a data processor system for automatic address recognition by OCR and/or by video coding. During the first sorting pass, the digital fingerprints of the items are recorded in association with the identification numbers (Bin_ID) of the bins. During the second sorting pass, these digital fingerprints and bin identification numbers are recovered in order to constitute a database (DB) which is updated by counting (46, 47, 48) the fingerprint matches obtained for each loaded bin and by counting consecutive accesses to the database that occur without obtaining a fingerprint match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably detecting bio-warfare agents in the mail stream that may be released from posted items. The agents are detected as the mail pieces are being processed using typical postal automation machines equipped with image scanning capabilities, and two technologies are combined. One is an aerosol trigger that can be based on a variety of different existing approaches which detects particulates of a specific size range and examines the spectral characteristics of the particles when illuminated with an ultra violet (UV) or other light source. Other approaches may include: mass spectrometry, ion mobility, IR spectrometry and the like. The second technology involves scanning and analyzing images of suspect mail, pieces and correlating aerosol trigger events with mail piece image risk factors. The second technology provides for obtaining images which provide information indicative of mail which is more likely to be from suspicious sources and provide increased risk factors.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of individual communications that are included in mail pieces created by a large scale document production and management processes. More than one communication may be included in a single mail piece to a given address. Accordingly, the present invention allows monitoring and tracking of individual communications where mail piece information alone may be insufficient. The production and management process may be comprised of a plurality of different stages including: utilizing a print stream to generate the documents, printing documents on a printer in accordance with the print stream, and forming completed mail pieces on an inserter from the printed documents in accordance with mail piece creation data files. A monitoring system receives information regarding the status of individual documents within these production and management process stages.

Abstract: A position and orientation measuring apparatus comprising, a storage unit adapted to store character region specifying information and position information in association with a character region place in a physical space, a detection unit adapted to detect the character region from first captured image data obtained by capturing an image of the physical space by an image sensing apparatus, using the character region specifying information stored in the storage unit, and an estimation unit adapted to estimate a position and orientation of the image sensing apparatus upon capturing the captured image data based on image position information of the character region, detected by the detection unit, in the first captured image data, and the position information which is stored in the storage unit and corresponds to the detected region.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus acquires, after acquiring a user ID of a user, an input of a criteria button for instructing creation of electronic data of an image quality satisfying predetermined criteria. The apparatus acquires electronic data and checks whether an image quality of the electronic data acquired satisfies the predetermined criteria. The apparatus transmits, on the basis of the image quality of the electronic data checked, a mail to a mail address of the user on a network corresponding to the user ID.

Abstract: Provided is a camera module having a wide dynamic range (WDR) function and a reduced size. The camera module includes a lens unit including a plurality of lenses collecting incident light; a filter unit having a plurality of filtering regions corresponding to respective regions of the lenses; and an image sensor unit having a plurality of sensing regions, each converting light that passes through each of the filtering regions into an electrical signal. The filtering regions are divided into a first filtering region in which different color filters are formed and a second filtering region in which a color filter having a higher transmittance than the transmittances of the color filters formed in the first filtering region is formed.

Abstract: Hybrid cables for communication networks are disclosed. An example cable includes a plurality of electrical conductors disposed along a central axis of the cable. The plurality of electrical conductors includes a first twisted pair cable in a twisted configuration with a second twisted pair cable. The cable also includes a first jacket surrounding the plurality of electrical conductors and a plurality of optical fibers adjacent to an outer surface of the first jacket.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing mailpiece information in an identification code sorting system by an identification code server. In one embodiment, a primary identification code server receives an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to a mailpiece. In this embodiment, the primary identification code server processes the mailpiece information and may send the identification file to a secondary identification code server. In another embodiment, a secondary identification code server receives an identification file from a primary identification code server and processes the mailpiece information.

Abstract: A method to reduce lost postal revenue by identifying and sorting a mail piece by determining whether algorithmically-resolved image data corresponding to the mail piece indicates that the mail piece is business reply mail. The method is facilitated in part by maintaining data related to each business reply customer account. The business reply customer data is consulted and compared to a predetermined set of criteria to ascertain if the possibly incomplete, incorrect, or ambiguous data discernable from the captured image of the mail piece is indicative of, at a minimum, that the mail piece is business reply for the purpose of sortation to an appropriate business reply collection point, and in addition, that a high-confidence match to a customer account can be obtained for the purpose of automated charge assessment. Machine-readable sortation signals are generated in accordance with the most refined level of sortation indicated by the consultation.