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 is provided for managing asset access. The system includes a processor, a user manager interface, an asset manager interface, and an access tool. The access tool, when executed by the processor, compiles a user list of user access to restricted assets, provides the user list to the user manager interface, and receives a modified user list of user access to the restricted assets from the user manager interface. The access tool also compiles an asset list of user access to the restricted assets, provides the asset list to the asset manager interface, and receives a modified asset list of user access to the restricted assets from the asset manager interface. Additionally, the access tool modifies the user access to at least one of the restricted assets based on at least one of the modified user list and the modified asset list.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for automatically configuring a feeder system of a mail sorting system are shown and described. The feeder system is configured in accordance with a customer's mailing parameters. This improves the performance of the mail sorting system. In various examples, customer information associated with a processing job is received. A feeder profile is also received. The feeder system is automatically configured according to parameters of one or more of the customer information and feeder profile.

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of mail, to sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.

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 is provided for routing mail items in a mail sorting system that includes means for capturing address information from a mail item in the form of an address block and an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis modules. The method comprises: receiving the address block at the analysis engine and making available to each of a set of the analysis modules at least a portion of the address block; at each analysis module, decomposing the available portions of the address block into one or more data objects, each including a representation component representing at least part of the portion and a data type identifier; storing the data objects with an indication of the mail item to which the objects relate; and subsequent to identifying a delivery endpoint for the mail item, adding at least one of the stored data objects to a data set associated with that delivery endpoint whereby future mail items may be routed to that delivery endpoint in dependence on those data objects.

Abstract: Provided is a transport method comprising judging whether there is a possibility that misalignment greater than or equal to a threshold value occurs between substrates to be layered that are held by a pair of substrate holders aligned and stacked by an aligning section, the misalignment occurring when the pair of substrate holders is transported from the aligning section to a pressure applying section; and if the judgment indicates that there is the possibility of misalignment, transporting the pair of substrate holders to a region other than the pressure applying section. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on acceleration of the substrate holders. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on acceleration of a transporting section that transports the substrate holders. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on relative positions of the substrate holders.

Abstract: A sheet processing system includes an arrangement device, a sheet processing apparatus, and a server with a communication line to count and sort sheets. The arrangement device includes an input unit configured to input attribute information of the sheets, a reading apparatus configured to, sort the sheets to a first sheet group and a second sheet group by respective first and second identification cards, and a unified identification card corresponding to a unified sheet group. A transmitting unit processes the input attribute information and the identification information, transmits the processed arrangement processing information to the server via the communication line. A sorter conveys and sorts the sheet groups and identification cards. A second reading apparatus reads the identification information, and a CPU checks the information from the server.

Abstract: A system for surrogate control of a space that incurs an ineffective sensor connection with its controller for running environmental conditioning equipment to maintain the space at one or more certain environmental parameters such as temperature. A selection of a surrogate space from which the surrogate control is obtained, may be made by correlation of data over time and specifications of other spaces in a building complex. The surrogate control may be from the controller of the space selected for control of the space having the ineffective sensor connection. The surrogate space may be a construct of one or more spaces. It may be based on a virtual space that combines behaviors of other spaces for a good match. Diagnostics may be effected from information about spaces in the system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an information handling system having at least one hardware component, e.g. motherboard, bearing a unique identifier (component ID) in software-readable form. The method comprises generating a digital identifier (system trackcode) which defines the hardware and software configuration of the item, storing the system trackcode in association with the component ID in a manufacturing database such that the component ID can be used as a key to retrieve the associated system trackcode. During manufacture the component ID is read from the motherboard and used to retrieve the associated system trackcode from the database.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for electronically-capturing a destination address of a package and for using the destination address to automate a package pre-load operation. An embodiment of the invention includes a compression system for compressing the destination address as a compressed MaxiCode symbol, a smart shipping label system for generating a shipping label with a compressed MaxiCode and a pre-load assist system for generating package handling instructions from the electronically-captured destination address.

Abstract: The media storage status of a target medium stacker is reported to the user through a host computer. In response to a height measurement command for measuring the height of blank media stacked in a blank media stacker and processed media stacked in a processed media stacker, a height measurement step measures the height of blank media and processed media based on operation of the media transportation arm, and a measurement transmission step sends the measurement acquired in the height measurement step to the host computer in response to a measurement transmission request from the host computer.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating address information and using document processing equipment to print delivery point information, including a barcode or readable text, on mail pieces. The address data is processed and updated by a service provider or by an address service provider. When the mailpieces are processed on document processing equipment, the printed address data is compared with an updated address data record to retrieve the updated address and apply the correct delivery point information. The delivery point information representing the most current and accurate address for the addressee of the mail piece.

Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: A method for coding the address location on a document or in a data base so that two or more electronic mailings with differing address placements may be combined together and sorted while the mailings are still in electronic form in order to take advantage of workshare discounts, delivery sequence efficiency, desired delivery date, class of delivery service, etc.

Abstract: In a product distribution system, a product with a product identification code (e.g., a serial number) is shipped between the different entities of a chain with a security label having a security label code. At each entity, the product can be authenticated by sending a query with the security label to the product source. At the product source, the received label code is compared to a label code stored in a database. Preferably the label codes are indexed with the product identification and if they match, a verification of authenticity is sent to the entity. In addition, if the entity desires to relabel the product before sending it on the chain, the source generates a new label code, stores the new label code so that it can be authenticated in the future and sends information to the entity for generating the new label with the new label code. The entity cannot generate or print a new label without receiving the label code from the source.

Abstract: Invention embodiments are concerned with the problem of controlling access to a media storage device in response to, e.g., employees leaving or changing jobs. More specifically, embodiments provide a method of controlling access to a media storage device storing a plurality of media objects. Thus embodiments of the invention solve the afore-mentioned problem by providing a mechanism for updating the list of recipients based on data received from a user identification system after the media storage device has been dispatched.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of a production process a new method is presented. Thereby a flow of items is generated in a production system. Electronic devices that are attachable to the items are used for tracking the items. An identification of a first electronic device attached to a first item is read out. The identification is forwarded to a computer system that steers the flow of items. Due to a reception of the identification by the computer system, a transport status indicating authorization or prohibition to process the second item is set. The transport status is then transmitted to a second electronic device with an authorizing signal that is sent from the computer system to the second electronic device. The second electronic device contains a signal receiver circuit for receiving the authorizing signal and the second electronic device is attached to the second item.

Abstract: A method and a system for shipping objects and/or goods which are transferred from a drop-off point (4) constructed as an organized franking system for the application of at least partially coded labels to a delivery service (7-10) for transport of the objects to a remote destination, wherein the delivery or transport of the objects is determined or handled by the franking system or franking machine (3), which is equipped with control functions. In the system for shipping objects and/or goods, which are provided with at least partially coded labels and are sent from a drop-off point (4) equipped with a franking machine (3) to a remote destination by a delivery service (7-10), the franking machine (3) can be connected to an information system (6) which processes the data of a delivery service (7-10) and generates shipping data for the franking machine (3), so that the shipping order can be handled.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an intelligent mail barcode artwork. The method includes inputting parameters including inputting a delivery point ZIP code; verifying the input parameters are within specified ranges; computing an intelligent mail barcode using the input parameters; and generating the intelligent mail barcode, the intelligent mail barcode containing and ascender bar, a descender bar, a tracker bar and a full bar.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for line management. The apparatus, system and method includes data indicative of a plurality of items to pass through the line, a plurality of available processes, and a plurality of available streams. Ones of the plurality of available processes are corresponded to obtain at least one outcome.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow for orienting and delivering mail between a postage verifier and a mail sorter. A postage verifier includes an optical character reader for decoding addresses on mail pieces that do not have bar codes. A reverter orients mail from the postage verifier into a position required for processing by the mail sorter. A combination of mail carrying modules carry the mail from the reverter to the mail sorter. The mail sorter prints bar code information on mail lacking bar codes, when the data is available, and sorts the mail based on the bar code information.

Abstract: Methods to solve the costly “loop mail” problem (FIG. 4, 464) in automated sorting and delivery of mail pieces are disclosed. Loop mail is detected, and marked as such (FIG. 7, 738), in an automated reject encoding machine (REM) (FIGS. 9-10). In one case, loop mail is detected where a new image of a returned mail piece is captured (702), a new destination address is read (720), and the new address does not match the bar code on the piece (732), suggesting that the previous address resolution was erroneous. The bar code is over-labeled (734) and replaced with the new postal code (736). The mail piece is marked with a loop mail indicator (738), and then returned for automated DBCS sortation (740). The loop mail indicator (810) indicates that the piece has already gone around the sorting and attempted delivery loop at least once, and is used to prevent recurrence (704, 710).

Abstract: The present application relates to the ability to track mail items through a postal authority network with reference to a specific mail target. More particularly, the present application relates to a system and method for enabling tracking of event data by a mail owner of one or more mail items specifically by mail target through a mail delivery network's mail stream.

Abstract: The disclosed technology enables manufacturers to efficiently design and manufacture structural wall panels, floor panels and roof panels from cold-formed steel for use in residential and commercial construction. The panels are individual components that can be installed at a building site to form a structure that includes walls, floor and a roof. Structures may be manufactured in a manufacturing facility and delivered to a construction site for installation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an information handling system having at least one hardware component, e.g. motherboard, bearing a unique identifier (component ID) in software-readable form. The method includes generating a digital identifier (system trackcode) which defines the hardware and software configuration of the item and storing the system trackcode in association with the component ID in a manufacturing database such that the component ID can be used as a key to retrieve the associated system trackcode. During manufacture the component ID is read from the motherboard and used to retrieve the associated system trackcode from the database.

Abstract: The production history information management apparatus 100 comprises: machining an identifier for identifying a pipe or tube in a region of the pipe or tube on which thread cutting is to be performed before an initial production process is performed among production processes which are management targets of the production history information; reading the identifier machined on the pipe or tube before each of the production processes is performed or while each of the production processes is performed; management for storing the production history information of the pipe or tube obtained in each of the production processes and the identifier read from the pipe or tube while the production history information and the identifier are associated with each other; and thread cutting for removing the identifier machined on the pipe or tube in the process of performing the thread cutting on the end portions of the pipe or tube among the production processes which are management targets of the production history inform

Abstract: A method of managing digital rights in a network without a central license server where each instance of the program broadcasts its identification into the network, and any instance of the program detecting its own license code from another node closes down. A closing program may also generate a close down message to the conflicting program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program are provided for distributing objects on locations, in particular, for distributing components and materials to different locations of an assembly line. Controlling data is provided to control a distribution of the objects on object delivering units. A list is generated indicating a sequence, in which the objects have to be located on the object delivering units, depending on the controlling data. The objects are placed on the object delivering units in accordance with the list, and the object delivering units are moved to the locations.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with this invention manage a database of delivery destination information. Such methods and systems identify an item to be delivered to a destination; determine a batch of items for delivery having the item to be delivered to the destination; determine when the batch of items has been delivered: and update the database to indicate a delivery of the item destined to the destination after determining when the batch of items has been delivered.

Abstract: There is provided a method for conveying a mailpiece, whereby a first machine-readable code is applied onto the mailpiece as a data matrix code or stored in a transponder. An exemplary method comprises detecting the machine-readable code by at least one reading unit. The exemplary method also comprises applying a second machine-readable code onto the mailpiece as a linear code or storing the second machine-readable code in the transponder. The exemplary method additionally comprises storing information about a link between the first code and the second code in a data processing system. A service request is received and, depending on content of the service request, the service request is converted and forwarded to a provider server for a service.

Abstract: A package handling system for use with a plurality of packages having package identification thereon. The system of one embodiment comprises processing stations where packages having heterogeneous contents are processed. One or more identifiers are positioned at the processing stations to detect the package identifications associated with the packages. A controller is coupled to the identifier and has access to first and second package data. The first package data related to an actual condition of the package, and the second package data related to acceptable package conditions. A labeler coupled to the controller is configured to apply a first label to the package if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in an acceptable condition or a second label if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in a condition requiring further processing.

Abstract: Tracking an item through an item delivery system comprises reading a tracking indicia on the item, entering data from the tracking indicia into a management system, providing access to the management system, and updating the management system with information regarding the item passing various points within the item delivery system. In addition, the management system may comprise at least one of a business interface system, a coding strategy system, a surface/air management system, a processing operations information system, an activity-based costing system, and a delivery operations information system.

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: There is provided a distributed medicine supplying device, which allows medicines to be distributed at a time relative to a plurality of prescription data and to be distributed appropriately in response to various types of requests. The distributed medicine supplying device includes: a receiving means 7 for receiving a prescription data; a storing means 8 for storing an assignment condition for a medicine to be accommodated in each of measures 4 of a tray 5; a position determining means 10 for determining a position of the medicine to be distributed to each of the measures 4 of the tray 5 in accordance with the assignment condition stored in the storing means 8 based on the prescription data 12 sequentially received by the receiving means 7; and a displaying means 9 for displaying the distribution position determined by the position determining means 10.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for printing a new postal authority code on a mail piece prepared by and received from an inserter or wrapper. A barcode post-processing system receives a mail piece from an inserter and communicates with the image capture equipment. The barcode post-processing system during performs various functions. The functions can include receiving legacy address block information from the mail piece from the image capture equipment, processing the captured legacy address block information to determine one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code to create processed data, and supplementing the captured legacy address block information data with the one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code received from one or more data source.

Abstract: A cryptographic device that will actively clear its memory even in the absence of external power when a security breach is detected is provided. The memory cell clusters of the cryptographic device are provided with an internal power source that provides sufficient energy for the memory cell clusters to perform a clearing operation. If the external power source for the memory is removed and a physical security breach is detected, the power from the internal power source will allow the memory cells to actively clear their contents, thereby rendering any attempt to obtain the contents of the memory cells fruitless.

Abstract: Today, high density mailings such as “marriage mail,” Advo type advertisements, saturation mail, periodicals, and catalogs often require manual handling by the postal authority. Other than saturation mailings, where every carrier stop gets the same article, these items must be addressed. Verification of production is often desired due to spoilage and damage during production, which requires rework by the mailer. The addition of a data controlled mail collation feeder to existing or new Postal Authority automation equipment or the like eliminates the need to manually handle these difficult mail types and eliminates the need to address specific items. The manual casing at the delivery is eliminated. The data processing system that controls the data controlled mail collation feeder will also perform delivery confirmation and may assess postage due.

Abstract: A board inspection device 1 comprises: an inspection unit 50 for inspecting a board P; a board-supplying unit 24 that enables a board P to be manually supplied to the inspection unit 50; and a liquid crystal monitor 4 for displaying prescribed information including the results of an inspection of the board P, wherein the board inspection device 1 is further provided with: a camera 52 for recognizing identification information assigned to the board P; and a control unit 60 that confirms inspection history of the board P based on the identification information acquired via the camera 52 and controls, when it is confirmed that the board P has already been inspected, the liquid crystal monitor 4 to display information to the effect that the board P has already been inspected and prohibits execution of an inspection operation on the board P by the inspection unit 50.

Abstract: A method for automatic evaluation, processing and/or testing of an anatomic pathology specimen is disclosed. The specimen is placed into a primary or secondary container labeled with a unique identification code, placed into a specimen carrier, and the carrier marked with an identification code which uniquely identifies the specimen and, by virtue of the identification code, the evaluation, processing and/or tests to be conducted thereon. The identification code may be in the form of a bar code, an RFID tag or similar device or any other identification that is either human read able, machine readable or electronically transferred. The specimen contained within the specimen container or within the specimen carrier is entered into the anatomic pathology, histology or molecular diagnostics LAS at a receiving station, which reads the identification code.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables a sender to ship an item in an envelope using a mobile shipping application running on a computing device or carrier computer. This system includes an electronic envelope having an updateable flexible electronic visual display that displays shipping information transmitted by a carrier computer via a wireless network, a cellular chip for receiving updated shipping information from the carrier computer, and a microcomputer chip for transmitting the information to the electronic display. The computing device, carrier computer, or both, execute the mobile shipping application that is accessible with a computing device and through which a sender places a shipping order. The system further comprises a carrier computer configured to execute the mobile shipping application running on the carrier computer, a data storage device to store the shipping orders, and a transceiver for communicating with the cellular chip on the envelope across a wireless communications network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using same is provided which includes the use of an apparatus configured to scan and apply labels to parcels moving along a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention includes first and second adjacent conveyors positioned with a gap there between, the gap being sufficiently narrow to allow passage of parcels from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. Parcels crossing the gap are exposed to a reading device having a reading axis passing upwardly through the gap to read indicia. The labels, which are scanned and decoded, provide information which is subsequently sent to a printing device which prints a “second” label which is blown or otherwise transferred to a second side of the parcel. The parcel then exits the second conveyor to be sorted downstream by use of the second label.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting mail verification data over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving and authenticating at least a portion of mail identification (ID) data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mail verification application is adapted to store at least a verifying portion (e.g., an identifiable code portion, a shipping portion, a recipient portion, etc.) of mail ID data in memory. The mail ID data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. At least an authenticating portion of the mail ID data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device, which communicates with the mail ID device over a wide area network, transmits at least the authenticating portion of the mail ID data to the mail verification application operating on the mail ID device. The mail verification application then compares the authenticating portion of the mail ID data with the verifying portion stored in memory.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to a method and system for the processing of mail items within a multiple device document processing environment to ensure generation of unique mail items. The present teachings provides for an improved system and method for assigning and maintaining unique mail item identifiers and processing of the unique mail items in a multiple mail processing device environment to qualify for maximum postal work sharing discounts.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.

Abstract: A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.