Abstract: A method of reversing a plurality of erroneous invoices proffered by a plurality of vendors/suppliers. The method comprises providing a master database for inputting a plurality of vendor invoices, storing a cancellation request for each of the plurality of erroneous invoices in a response database, executing an agent to extract data pertaining to the cancellation request stored for each of the plurality of erroneous invoices from the response database, creating an intermediate file containing data extracted from the response database, executing a delivery component for adding a header record and trailer record to the intermediate file, and for renaming the intermediate file, and executing a bridge program for delivering the intermediate file from the response database into the master database and processing the intermediate file in the master database in order to reverse each of the plurality of erroneous invoices in the master database.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a brokerage operations support system to facilitate international shipping of goods into a country. The system receives information pertaining to a shipment and rates the shipment for a specific country by applying rules defined for the country's customs regulations. Status information of the shipment is received by the system, including whether the shipment has cleared the importing country's customs process. If the shipment has not cleared, the handling systems ensure the shipment is withheld from delivery until clearance is obtained. A flexible system architecture comprising a server and both attended and unattended workstations for a core system that can be modified to allow rating and processing of shipments occur in various modes to accommodate the procedures for each importing country.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing a mail piece having associated therewith mail piece data includes an incoming mail processing center, an outgoing mail processing center located downstream from the incoming mail processing center and a data center in operative communication with the incoming mail processing center and the outgoing mail processing center. The incoming mail processing center receives the mail piece, obtains the mail piece and uploads the mail piece data to the data center. The data center performs a verification check on the mail piece data and downloads instructions based upon the verification check to the outgoing mail processing center. The outgoing mail processing center uses the instructions to process the mail piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing funds recovery for mailing machines including integrated circuits such as those used in postal security devices are described, and in certain configurations, systems and methods for recovering data such as postal funds records from a partially disabled single integrated circuit in a postal security device are described.

Abstract: A business method for promoting goods and services of providers includes the steps of designating a group of targeted recipients, and storing demographics information of each recipient in an electronic database. A plurality of direct mail items including provider promotions is generated, and each marked with a machine-readable ID code unique to each of the recipients. The direct mail items are sorted by their respective ID codes into cooperative mail packages, each mail package containing multiple items with common ID codes. The mail packages are then forwarded to respective recipients. After redemption of a direct mail item by a recipient, the ID code is read and electronically linked with the recipient's demographics information contained in the electronic database. A report is generated based on the direct mail items redeemed.

Abstract: A shipping system for shipping packages involving the coordinated use of at least a first carrier and a second carrier. The shipping system includes physical delivery facilities for the physical delivery of packages, the physical delivery facilities including at least one transfer location at which the second carrier may take over delivery responsibilities for a package. The shipping system also includes an information system having a shipper computer system configured to record and determine whether the delivery address of a package is an efficient destination for the first carrier. If not an efficient destination, such as a delivery address having a rural zip code, the shipper computer system is configured to label the package for delivery to one of the transfer locations, allowing the first carrier to transfer the selected package to the second carrier for completion of the less efficient portion of the delivery.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying recipient mailing preferences to mailers. A mail preparation center sends a plurality of mail recipients mail pieces having a mail campaign identifiers printed thereon. Mail recipients communicate with a data center to input the mail campaign identifiers received. The data center also gathers recipients' future mail campaign mailing preference options. The recipient preferences are communicated back to the mailing center. The mail preparation center may include a postage meter with at least one accounting register for accounting for value and the further steps of processing the plurality of mail pieces with the postage meter to account in the accounting register for the value of the mail piece mail campaign identifier of each mail piece processed by the postage meter.

Abstract: A system and method for bulk mail oriented transaction printing of variable documents by evaluating particular data such as zip code data in a VI PDL. A queue can be configured with information regarding a particular rendering job, which includes the VI data fields including required postal information, a particular postal information format, and a thickness adjustment with respect to each item of mail associated with a bulk mail. The rendering job can be received for production and a number of records associated with the job automatically parsed into one or more postal bundles, based on predefined information and postal regulations. Such an approach can also be utilized to automatically generate and render the required bundle labels.

Abstract: A system and method synchronize delivery of messages in multiple communications channels by generating mailing information regarding a first message to be delivered through a first communications channel to a customer. The mailing information includes an identifier of the first message and is embedded into an intelligent mail barcode. The first message is then tracked using the mailing information by scanning the intelligent mail barcode to obtain tracking information. Based on the tracking information, the system and method coordinate delivery of a second message the content of which is related to the first message through a second communications channel to a group of people including the customer. Delivery of the first message through the first communications channel and delivery of the second message through the second communications channel is synchronized.

Abstract: In a method for compensation of the first postage value of an unusable printed franking imprint billed in a billing module of a franking arrangement, the occurrence of the unusable franking imprint is detected as a first error event, error information associated with the error event is stored, and information derived from the error information is transmitted to a reimbursement entity for initiation of the reimbursement of the postage value. The error amount information associated with the error event is increased by the postage value and the error amount information is transmitted to the reimbursement entity for initiation of the reimbursement of the postage value.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing mail pieces having associated therewith respective mail piece data. The system includes a plurality of postage metering systems for preparing mail pieces, a plurality of mail processing centers for receiving mail pieces and obtaining the respective mail piece data and a data center means in operative communication with the plurality of postage metering systems and the plurality of mail processing centers, the data center means including a plurality of account files corresponding to the plurality of postage metering systems.

Abstract: A method for providing sponsorship for a directory comprises permitting a search of the directory. The method further comprising displaying a search result on a page and incorporating a designated web page of a sponsor on the same page as the search result.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for exchanging data between a first processing unit, containing first status information about the first data processing unit, and a second data processing unit, containing second status information about the first data processing unit, data are exchanged between the first and second units during transactions that include a status-changing transaction, which can be of two different types. Upon a successful completion of the status-changing transaction, the first and second status information are revised so that they match. Upon an unsuccessful completion of the status-changing transaction, at least one of the first and second status information is set dependent on the type of the status-changing transaction.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for producing an intelligent document comprising a program which, when a precondition has been met, can be executed by a program execution environment, the intelligent document containing contents that can be displayed by a display program. An exemplary method comprises incorporating a program module into the intelligent document, the program module being configured to create displayable information indicating a result of a checking step in order to check whether the precondition has been met within the intelligent document. The exemplary method also comprises inserting displayable information indicating a negative result of the checking step into the intelligent document. The exemplary method additionally comprises transforming, with the program module, the information indicating the negative result of the checking step into displayable information indicating a positive result of the checking step.

Abstract: A method of searching for a destination price zone applicable to a mailpiece, the method consisting in scanning the mailpiece so as to obtain an image of the destination address, in extracting an item of destination data from said image, in comparing the destination data extracted in this way with destination price zones previously stored in a database, in preventing any printing of a postal imprint by the franking means of the franking machine if said destination data does not belong to any of the destination price zones in said database or if such belonging cannot be established before the mailpiece goes past said franking means, and in incrementing a counter totaling a number of non-franked mailpieces that is associated with at least one determined reason for non-franking.

Abstract: Tracking, controlling, optimizing, and managing delivery of newspapers, periodicals and promotional materials to retail outlets is performed using a web server, a database server, and handheld computers. Newspapers or periodicals may be delivered based at least in part on the information displayed on the hand held devices, which are also used to collect information during said delivery. The collected information is communicated to the database for billing, reporting and analysis Intelligent advanced shuffle handling and tracking is provided.

Abstract: A self service kiosk for mailing prohibited items from TSA checkpoints has the following features: an easy-to-touch screen, full computerization, visual and auditory prompts, clearly displayed shipping options, an automatically calculated price, an instantly-produced address/postage label and payment receipt, secure credit card processing, daily emptying by the USPS, transaction logging and cumulative accounting reports, built in communications and UPS backup, built in security features, built in slot for mail acceptance, provision of US Priority and Express Mail service, and a heavy duty plate steel vault for security.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring an asset, or assets, from a first depreciation book to a second depreciation book possibly in different currencies. In particular a method for automatically transferring an asset from a first depreciation book to a second depreciation book with the steps of: gathering asset information from the first depreciation book including original currency for the asset; gathering details of transfer including new currency for the asset and date of transfer; determining the financial treatment of the asset; determining a translation rate between the original currency and said new currency based on the date of transfer; computing financial parameters for the asset in the new currency; retiring the asset from the old depreciation book and creating the asset in the new depreciation book; creating journal entries for the transfer. All of these steps are generally performed while maintaining an audit trail of the transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of franking of mail such that it can be tracked by carriers and mail-routing services. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of franking and tracking mail, such as letters or parcels, sent by at least one sender through a distribution network which is equipped with an information system (SI).

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of delivery DVDs, games, other electronically or computer readable media, or other high value items through the mail or via any other delivery service for return and redelivery to a second customer. For example, in one embodiment, items returned by a first customer are identified during processing of a container or mailer containing the item, the second customer is determined, a new address label is affixed to the container, and the item is delivered to the second customer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of documents created by a large scale document production and management process. 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. A user may then select one of the stages for closer inspection of the status of documents. For the selected stage, status of individual documents is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing mail pieces to automatically associate a manually entered postage to a class of service and to a system which implements the method. The method includes receiving a postage amount that is to be applied to the mail pieces and searching stored rate tables for one or more classes of service having a postage rate that matches the entered postage amount. The matching classes of service are displayed and the user selects one of the classes of service. The entered postage amount is applied to the mail pieces and transaction information for each is stored. A corresponding weight for each of the matching classes of service may also be displayed to the user. Mail pieces may be processed individually or in a batch using the discussed method and system.

Abstract: The present application describes systems and methods for reliable transfer of information of value such as virtual postage stamps between a remote data center and a local device. An identifier that is unique over at least some time duration is assigned to each virtual postage stamp such that the identifier is associated with a specific index memory location or record storage location in the local virtual stamp-printing device. The local printing device permits only a single use of a virtual stamp using a secure state flag. The transfer protocol provides reliable transfer of virtual stamps between the remote data center and the local printing device that accommodates resend requests, that is not limited to serial transfer and that does not require end-to-end acknowledgements.

Abstract: An envelope having a window for allowing a printed postage indicia to show through is shown. According to a preferred embodiment, the postage indicia window may be provided with a glassine covering. Preferably the postage indicia may be put in a corner of a document to be mailed and the document placed in the envelope so that the postage indicia shows through the postage indicia window.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing postal services which allow customers to flexibly obtain postal services while also allowing customers to defer the payment of postage until the time of mailing or later. Information provided by a postal service is used to identify items that have been processed by the postal service, allowing a service provider to collect payment for those items after they have been provided to the postal service for processing.

Abstract: A system for tracking and facilitating control of body weight of a person including a computing device to execute software elements including a weight tracker to receive undated body weights from the user and to display a graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time, a journal to display food items consumed by the person, and a display to present the graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time to the person, the graphical representation including at least one user selectable indicia consisting of at least one point on the graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time indicative of a past time period, which, when selected displays the food items consumed during the past time period, the graphical representation including a plurality of milestones plotted on the graphical representation indicative of weight targets reached by the individual over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of mail pieces that is able to make appropriate class of service determinations during processing based on a first class of service received from a user and a measured weight and dimension(s) of each mail piece. If the first class of service is determined to not be appropriate, a second, appropriate, class of service is determined for the each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s). A postage amount is determined for each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s) and the appropriate class of service. The method may further include determining whether each of a number of requested special services is applicable to each mail piece so that special service fees may be applied in a discriminate manner. More accurate transaction information may thus be stored for each mail piece.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reducing postal revenue losses associated with the processing and delivery of international mail pieces. Algorithmically-resolved image data associated with a mail piece is compared to international-mail-services postage data and a determination is rendered, based on the comparison, as to whether any postage indicated as paid is sufficient to further process the mail piece in accordance with the level of delivery service requested. In various aspects, an attempt to algorithmically ascertain the identity of the sender is undertaken for purposes of automated charge assessment relative to a mail piece for which it is determined that insufficient postage has been tendered. In accordance with alternative aspects, if the sender identity cannot be ascertained, the mail piece is variously (i) rejected for manual handling or (ii) routed for automated sortation and delivery in accordance with a “downgraded” delivery service level for which the amount paid is adequate.

Abstract: A method for franking mail, whereby a franking mark is generated in a franking unit, transmitted to an operating unit, connected to the franking unit, and printed out in a printing unit. A user interface is provided at the operating unit by the franking unit, and the printing out of the franking mark, generated in the franking unit and transmitted to the operating unit, is controlled by the user interface, whereupon the franking mark is printed exactly once one each piece of mail. The invention further relates to a device suitable for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A method for providing sponsorship for a directory comprises permitting a search of the directory. The method further comprising displaying a search result on a page and incorporating a designated web page of a sponsor on the same page as the search result.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for documenting mail work flows are provided. A mailing label is read and the label information stored in a database. Additional information about the mailing service may be added to the database. Billing and/or delivery information is added to the database. A mailing label is read at a postage machine and postage information including a rate is associated to the mailing label. The label information from the mailing label and the associated postage information are compared so that records having matching information can be reported together for billing of the mailing services. The records are updatable as well to provide for article tracking.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reducing postal revenue losses associated with the processing and delivery of international mail pieces. Algorithmically-resolved image data associated with a mail piece is compared to international-mail-services postage data and a determination is rendered, based on the comparison, as to whether any postage indicated as paid is sufficient to further process the mail piece in accordance with the level of delivery service requested. In various aspects, an attempt to algorithmically ascertain the identity of the sender is undertaken for purposes of automated charge assessment relative to a mail piece for which it is determined that insufficient postage has been tendered. In accordance with alternative aspects, if the sender identity cannot be ascertained, the mail piece is variously (i) rejected for manual handling or (ii) routed for automated sortation and delivery in accordance with a “downgraded” delivery service level for which the amount paid is adequate.

Abstract: System and method for creating response pieces. The response piece system authenticates a user, generates a standardized address based on address code information received from the user, and generates a response piece mailpiece based on the standardized address and the information received from the user. In additional embodiments, including an embodiment for prepaid response pieces, the response piece system generates a response piece permit based on permit information received from the user, generates a unique address code based on address code information received from the user, received payment of an identified fee, and generates the response piece mailpiece based on the permit and the unique address code.

Abstract: Method for generation and sale of frankings, which can be used for sending mail from a customer to a receiver. The frankings are thus preferably produced on an electronic mailbox, whereby the generation and the printing out can be carried out in a highly personalized manner by using stored customer data and receiver addresses entered by the customer concerned. In addition to personalized address input a franking comprises a unique identification code which can be used for franking security as well as transport control and monitoring.

Abstract: Aircraft data and portfolio management is automated by collecting all of the paper records and scanning them into a virtual portfolio. The scanned records are subjected to optical character recognition so that the text portions of the records become text-searchable. Then the files are organized in a logical directory tree. Access to the files may be had through the Internet or another network, or the data files may be stored and made available on a portable data carrier. The system provides for immediate and convenient access to historical aircraft records and portfolio management tools.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of default case files including foreclosure and bankruptcy related documents is disclosed. The system and method increases efficiency and reduces errors in the volume processing of case files for issuing foreclosure notices and for generating various documents related to bankruptcy proceedings such as MFR and POC. The method includes receiving a default case file, inputting default information from the default case file to a computer system, the default information comprising data records and digital images from the default case file, reviewing the data records and digital images to verify the validity and accuracy of the default information, electronically signing a notice for issue, and producing the notice using a printer connected to the computer system. The system includes a database server networked to other components in the system such as workstations, printers, scanners, and other document processing equipments.

Abstract: A system for accepting and storing items for subsequent pickup by a commercial carrier includes a storage area which is defined by an outer housing, and a customer interface area that includes a weighing unit and a unit, such as a magnetic card reader, for accepting payment from a customer. The system may also include a control system that accepts address information from the customer through a key pad, and then instructs a printer to print an address label for the item. The system includes safeguards which prevent unauthorized access to the storage area, and will not provide a receipt to the customer until internal sensors verify deposit of the item. A manifest printer may also be provided for the benefit of the commercial carriers who service the system, to print out a summary of the transactions that pertain to each carrier. Alternatively, no storage area is provided.

Abstract: Given the recent changes in the policy governing Internet content distribution, such as the institution of per listener royalties for Internet radio broadcasters, content distributors now have an incentive to under-report the size of their audience. Previous audience measurement schemes only protect against inflation of audience size. We present the first protocols for audience measurement that protect against both inflation and deflation attempts by content distributors. The protocols trade-off the amount of additional information the service providers must distribute to facilitate audience inference with the amount of infrastructure required and are applicable to Internet radio, web plagiarism, and software license enforcement. The protocols can be applied to other situations, such as auditing website screen scrapers and per-seat licensed software installations.

Abstract: A formal mechanism for defining a broad variety of postal products using measurable attributes. The mechanism for the products then may be formalized into data structures and procedures executable by computer systems. Once the above is executed an automated production is established for the mail unit and suitable for delivery of the new services to assist postal operators in effective execution of all operations specified by the services selected. In order to fulfill the mailer's requirement as expressed in computer processible format and captured by the mailer's computer the software may make decisions regarding the creation and sending of each mail unit. Based upon the mailer's requirements and available carrier services the mailer's computer may determine the need to modify the content of the mail units and create instructions or controls for the mail units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for statistically following up postal products for electronic franking system, comprising a random access memory (RAM) used for recording communication statements, in which a saved part of this RAM contains a plurality of communication counters each associated with a determined postal product and corresponding to the total number of postal products considered as priority or secondary by the Postal Service.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real time financial product matching is disclosed. In one embodiment, the real time financial product matching system may store one or more financial product data records. Each financial product data record may be associated with a financial product. The real time financial product matching system may receive a customer data record associated with a customer, the customer data record including a customer preference related to financial products. The real time financial product matching system may then match the customer with one or more financial products in real time by comparing the customer data record to the one or more financial product data records. And, the real time financial product matching system may present the matched one or more financial products to the customer in real time.

Abstract: A system for preparing mail for submission to a postal service is described, the system comprising: a mail finishing system of the mailer for generating items of mail for inclusion in a submission of mail by the mailer to the postal service; an announcement system of the mailer for analyzing the items of mail generated by the mail finishing system and generating an electronic statement based on the composition and value of the items of mail in the submission and transmitting the electronic statement to the postal service via an electronic link therewith; and a secure accounting system of the mailer connected to the mail finishing system and to the announcement system for generating accounting data relating to the items of mail in the submission. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic link between the announcement system of the mailer and the postal service may be established via the internet. A corresponding method of exchanging information between a mailer and a postal service is also described.

Abstract: Modeled contact results for contact attempts to plural accounts using plural contact treatments are applied to optimize the contact treatments used to contact the accounts. Plural objective functions solved by a goals programming formulation include the number of accounts to manage through a predetermined contact treatment, such as telephone communication treatment. Contact results from the contact treatment are fed back to re-optimize accounts for additional contact attempts. Optimization of the number of accounts downloaded for telephone communication treatment improves utilization of contact resources, such as contact device utilization.

Abstract: A method of accounting for postage charges in respect of batches of mail items is disclosed. The method includes storing an accumulated aggregate value of postage dispensed in applying postage charges to mail items and storing an accumulated pending value of postage dispensed in applying postage charges to mail items of a batch of mail items which has not been completed. In response to completion of the batch of mail items, the accumulated pending value is decremented by a value of postage relating to the completed batch of mail items.

Abstract: A materials management system, and a method of controlling a materials management flow including at least one inventoried item, are disclosed. The materials management system may include a remote operation center that provides a coordination of at least one portion of the materials management system, and that receives at least one attribute of at least one material flow item in the at least one portion of the materials management system, and at least one receiving station that transmits the at least one attribute to the remote operation center, and that receives the at least one update attribute from the remote operation center, over an external interconnection.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for payment remittance receives a payor's payment information, processes this payment information, other than a received zip code, to identify an eleven digit zip code for a payee. The system and method then accesses a database of payee records to locate a payee record corresponding to the eleven digit zip code.

Abstract: A system comprises a parser operable to receive a log file containing detailed processing tool transactional data and generate an operation journal containing a subset of the detailed processing tool transactional data arranged in a known format, a comparator operable to receive automated material tracking data, and compare with the operation journal data, and an automatic correction module operable to automatically correct the automated material tracking data in response to a discrepancy between the automated material tracking data and the operation journal data.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing and evidencing indicia by an indicia generating device is disclosed in a system having a plurality of indicia generating devices that have been divided into n groups. Each of the indicia generating devices generates and prints indicia on a media that is to be received at a plurality of establishments, wherein the establishments are associated with different geographic designations. The method and system include receiving a plurality of verification keys, wherein each one of the received verification keys is encrypted as a function of a respective geographic designation. A plurality of key IDs are also received, where each one of the key IDs is associated with one of the verification keys and is encrypted as a function of the same geographic designation used to encrypt the corresponding verification key.

Abstract: A virtual postage metering system and method provides value added services corresponding to postage metering transactions. Funds are not stored at a user's site, reducing the risk of unauthorized modification of accounting balances. There is a database record of every mailpiece, thereby improving verification since all valid pieces are known. Furthermore, the present invention enables the Post to know the volume of mail to be processed prior to receipt of physical mail pieces. Since more mailer data is available (e.g. when users usually mail, how much mail per day, average postage amount) the virtual postage metering system enables the postal service to predict mail handling patterns. Additionally, users have the option to pay as they go which contrasts present systems in which funds must be on deposit prior to being downloaded to a meter although such downloaded funds may remain in the meter for weeks before being used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.