Abstract: Techniques for integrating a product model into a user supplied image are presented herein. A method is disclosed that includes receiving an image of a user space from a user, receiving one or more definitions that describe the user space, retrieving, based on search terms provided by the user, one or more items available at a networked marketplace that fit within the definitions of the user space, and generating a composite image by overlaying an image of one of the items on the image of the user space. The method further scales the image of the item according to the definition of the user space and the physical dimensions of the item, and depicts virtual guidelines indicating a current scale of the image of the item.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for matching an address to an optimal station for package delivery. Responsive to the at least one keyword k appearing in a substring of an address addr associated with a package to be delivered appearing in a keyword to station probability matrix associated with a city and/or district associated with the address addr associated with the package, for a set of keywords k in the substring of the address addr and station s of the city and/or district, a determination is made of a priority value function v that represents the priority of the combination of keyword k and station s. A critical keyword k* and optimal station s* is identified and the optimal station s* with a maximum determined value for delivery of the package is reported.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying unwanted email messages by transmitting metadata with an outbound email message that indicates the total number of email messages sent by that sender in a predetermined time period, or alternatively indicates the total number of email messages which are equivalent to the outgoing message that have been sent. In addition the metadata may include an identification of the sender and a “pledge” made by the sender. A pledge may take the form of a binding commitment from the sender that the information contained in the metadata is accurate, and/or that the sender promises to abide by predetermined good conduct rules designed to limit unwanted email. The outgoing message may be further signed by the sender with a digital signature that provides means for verifying the content of the message and the pledge as well as the identity of the sender.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, a device and a Mobile Broadcast Business Management System (MBBMS) for transmitting data information, wherein the method includes: a source platform sends a synchronous data stream to a data buffer, and determines whether the synchronous data stream is sent to the data buffer successfully; if the synchronous data stream is sent to the data buffer successfully, the data buffer sends the synchronous data stream to a target platform; and if the synchronous data stream is sent to the data buffer unsuccessfully, the source platform sends the synchronous data stream to a data memory for storing.

Abstract: An e-mail processing system includes: a non-persistent or random memory storing a message queue map having a plurality of message queues, an input handler, and an output handler. Each message queue includes a plurality of data nodes, and each data node represents one message intended for delivery to a respective domain. The input handler comprises instructions for: (i) obtaining an incoming first e-mail, (ii) digesting the incoming first e-mail into a first data node representing the incoming first e-mail, and (iii) analyzing the first data node to determine a first message queue in the number of message queues based at least on the destination domain of the first data node, and (iv) appending the first data node to the plurality of data nodes in the first message queue. The output handler processes a data node in a message queue in the message queue map to send e-mail to an intended recipient.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data that identifies the recipient of the mail object and data that corresponds to a content of the mail object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that manages security of one or more computer systems and/or one or more different types of I/O channels such as USB, Ethernet, SATA, and SAS. According to certain aspects, the management system is distributed. That is, a central management system and computer subsystems are physically distributed within one or more geographical areas, and communicate with each other by passing messages through a computer network. According to certain additional aspects, the configuration and/or security functions performed by methods and apparatuses according to the invention can be logically transparent to the upstream host and to the downstream device.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes transporting a mail piece, and during transport, determining physical dimensions of the mail piece. The method includes, during transport, determining a density profile of the mail piece using an x-ray scanner and determining a weight for the mail piece according to the physical characteristics and the density profile. The method includes selectively separating the mail piece during transport based on the determined weight.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to techniques and equipment for processing mailpieces. The mailpieces have been manufacture on a mailpiece inserter or directly from a printer The manufactured mailpieces are processed on a mail sorter to produce trays of mail that are grouped by zone improvement program. The mailpieces are sorted without a predefined sort scheme loaded on the mail sorter.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data that identifies the recipient of the mail object and data that corresponds to a content of the mail object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a simplified EMO linkage circuit that enables add-on equipment without retrofit, and eliminates the need for multi-contact EMO switches.

Abstract: Processing and tracking of individual mail items processed through a document processing system such as a sorter or inserter utilize a mail item identifier that is unique with respect to each individual mail item. A mail item may have a postal authority approved code representing or containing its associated unique identifier. If not, an identifier is generated and a corresponding postal authority approved code is applied to the mail item. Processing entails associating the unique mail item identifier for each respective mail item with collected metadata for the respective mail item and storing the identifier and associated the metadata. In a sorter example, each mail item is sorted into a postal sort group, and the processing entails identifying the sort group to which each item is sorted and storing the identified sort in association with the unique mail item identifier.

Abstract: A system for accepting a mail matter is provided, which includes an image processing unit recognizing a mailing address; a weight measurement unit measuring a weight of the mail matter; a mailing address information input unit; a postage information storage unit; a postage settlement unit; an interface unit for selecting mailing addresses of an addresser and an addressee; a labeler printing the mailing addresses of the addresser and the addressee and a registered barcode on a label and attaching the label to the mail matter; a discharger discharging the mail matter; and an integrated control unit settling the postage through the postage settlement unit, attaching the selected mailing addresses of the addresser and the addressee and the registered barcode to the mail matter through the labeler, and discharging the mail matter through the discharger.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: Rolling view optimization is initiated by receiving electronic mail data corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces, the electronic mail data including a first cycle and determining whether substantially all electronic mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing. In response to determining that substantially all of the electronic mail data from the first cycle cannot be processed for mailing, a determination is made whether a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing and in response to determining that a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing the electronic mail data corresponding to the first cycle for mailing is sent.

Abstract: A method is suitable for processing a plurality of electronic documents designated for processing and delivery to a plurality of recipients, each recipient having a zip code associated therewith. Each electronic document is assigned a plurality of attributes, and the documents are sorted into one or more attribute groups based on the attributes, such that the electronic documents of each attribute group share at least one of the attributes. Output groups are then formed from the electronic documents of each attribute group based on the zip code associated with each electronic document, such that the electronic documents of each output group have similar zip codes. The output groups can then be routed to processing sites for processing the electronic documents to form physical documents for delivery to the recipients.

Abstract: Mail manufacturing virtualization is performed at a centralized routing site. This includes receiving, from at least one mailing source, electronic mailing data associated with at least one mailing and determining a mail routing distribution for the received electronic mailing data. Similarly, mail manufacturing virtualization includes routing the electronic mailing data to a plurality of output centers according to the determined mail routing distribution, where the plurality of output centers are configured to generate physical mail from the electronic mailing data and facilitating sending the physical mail to at least one respective recipient.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining shipping services information over a network by a telephone call center receiving orders for merchandise. Instructions are received at the telephone call center, which permits the telephone call center to access the shipping information for shipment of the merchandise. The telephone call center sends the request over the network to the server for the shipping services information. Thereafter, the server sends the requested shipping services information to the telephone call center. The shipping service information may be in the format of a label, which may be attached to a package for shipment of the merchandise.

Abstract: One or more print streams destined for one or more print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing, based on relevant document attributes. Optimization may balance operation time of a first processing module with that of a second processing module, by appropriate assigning of documents to the print streams. Optimization may separate input print file document pages into sort groups and/or order sort group documents from largest to smallest. Optimization may allocate documents to optimize the inserter throughput without damaging the integrity of the sort groups. With 2-up or 3-up printing or the like, allocation of sort groups between the multiple outputs to be created after printed paper is split may ensure that parallel paper document outputs are as nearly the same length as possible, to minimize paper wastage. Separation of pages of the same document among different streams/modules can be avoided.

Abstract: A control device is provided for display means including several screens adapted for displaying several formats. The control device includes several command keys and means for automatic configuration of a command function for display of a format and visualization means associated with the command keys, adapted for respectively assigning to the command keys formats that can be displayed on a screen. The control device is usable in a cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

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: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: A method of franking mailpieces including the following steps: an operator loads a mailpiece on a feed deck of the machine; the width of the mailpiece is determined automatically by a plurality of presence detectors mounted on the feed deck; the length of the mailpiece is estimated by a processor, on the basis of the width of the mailpiece; an initial franking amount to be applied to the mailpiece is computed by the processor; the mailpiece is extracted automatically from the feed deck, and a postal imprint is printed; the real length of the mailpiece is determined; the real length is compared with the previously estimated length; if these two lengths do not match, an audible or visible alarm is generated by a warning device; the processor computes a corrected franking amount; and a new postal imprint making it possible to correct the initial franking amount is printed.

Abstract: A method of processing a mailpiece that bears identifiers for postal use and identifiers other than for postal use, in which method said identifiers other than for postal use are printed on the mailpiece prior to it being fed into a franking machine suitable for printing a postal imprint on the mailpiece, wherein the identifiers other than for postal use are printed in an ink that is erased after the process of printing said postal imprint.

Abstract: A closed loop postage metering system includes networked meters that provide mailers and/or recipients the capability to request additional or modified services during processing of a mail piece by a carrier. The networked meter allows the Post to charge the mailer, or even the recipient for these services or to provide them with a refund or credit. The services can include changing the processing of the mail piece. Further, the closed loop postage metering system enables more precise methods of paying for services when multiple carriers handle a mail piece. A special case of such multiple carriers handling is the handling of international mail.

Abstract: Mail manufacturing virtualization is performed at a centralized routing site. This includes receiving, from at least one mailing source, electronic mailing data associated with at least one mailing and determining a mail routing distribution for the received electronic mailing data. Similarly, mail manufacturing virtualization includes routing the electronic mailing data to a plurality of output centers according to the determined mail routing distribution, where the plurality of output centers are configured to generate physical mail from the electronic mailing data and facilitating sending the physical mail to at least one respective recipient.

Abstract: A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope.

Abstract: Rolling view optimization is initiated by receiving electronic mail data corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces, the electronic mail data including a first cycle and determining whether substantially all electronic mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing. In response to determining that substantially all of the electronic mail data from the first cycle cannot be processed for mailing, a determination is made whether a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing and in response to determining that a portion of the mail data from the first cycle can be processed for mailing the electronic mail data corresponding to the first cycle for mailing is sent.

Abstract: Methods of processing incoming documents. The methods may comprise receiving a plurality of documents in electronic form and classifying each of the plurality of documents into at least one of a plurality of document classifications. The methods may also comprise extracting metadata from the plurality of documents. In addition, the methods may comprise executing a first workflow for processing documents classified in a first document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications and executing a second workflow for processing documents classified in a second document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications.

Abstract: A method and system for handling returned prepaid device in a payment system. In one embodiment, upon receipt of a returned prepaid device corresponding to a consumer's account, a method indicates in the consumer's account that an address of the consumer is invalid; and determines whether the device should be stored in order to possibly re-send the device to the consumer if a new valid consumer address is received, or to destroy the device and refund the purchaser.

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

Abstract: Multiple print streams destined for individual print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing. The process of optimizing includes receiving an input representing a plurality of documents to be printed and determining an attribute of each document of the plurality of documents represented by the input. The attribute relates to processing of the respective document through the document processing system. Optimization involves balancing an operation time of a first print stream processing module with an operation time of a second print stream processing module, by assigning each document to one of the print stream processing modules based on its determined attribute.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a physical address submitted in an online communication is disclosed. An online communication comprising a physical address to be verified is received. A verification identification (VID) is requested and received. A transaction verification document (TVD) comprising an indicia indicative of the VID is generated. An electronic copy of the TVD is transmitted. Verification data produced in response to dispatch of a physical embodiment of the TVD is received, wherein the physical embodiment is generated from the electronic copy. The physical address is authenticated based at least in part on the verification data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, and for checking that the correct amount of postage has been paid for delivery of the article. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision closed-loop servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282) to determine weight. Correct postage is determined in a processor (1212), and the postage actually paid is checked either by image analysis (1204, 1214, 1280) or by accessing a stored mailer manifest (1280).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for electronically managing an address database such as AMS, and more particularly a system and method for automatically managing an address database through the use of a web-based application. Moreover, embodiments of the invention manage an address database, such as AMS, by comparing data in the address database with data collected from mailpieces during sorting operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention facilitate mailpiece processing by processing a mailpiece using an Address Directory Link (ADL) format. The present invention allows for mail to be sent when the sender may not know the delivery address of the desired recipient. In one embodiment, a method includes recognizing the ADL format on a mailpiece; reading ADL formatted data from the mailpiece; and determining a delivery address based on the ADL formatted data using an ADL database. Consistent with the present invention, this method may further include delivering the mailpiece to the delivery address associated with the ADL formatted data.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to techniques and/or equipment for validating mail items within a mail processing system. Sort scheme data and mail item identification data are loaded into the mail processing system. The mail item identification data includes a mail owner identification value and a unique mail item identifier. Then, mail item identification data is acquired from each of the mail items processed in the system and validated against the loaded mail item identification data. The method may involve storing mail item validation data. The mail items are sorted in accordance with the loaded sort scheme data. Further, the present subject matter relates generally to building reports based on the information derived from the techniques and/or equipment utilized therein.

Abstract: A method and a device transport a postal object to an incompletely specified destination address. The object has at least one information item relating to a destination address to which the object is to be transported. A set of address components is predetermined. An address database is used which in each case contains a computer-available record per destination address for a set of possible destination addresses. Each record contains in each case one entry for each predetermined address component. At least one destination address information item on the object is detected. A screen form is used which contains in each case one input field for each address component. The detected destination address information is compared with the records of the address database. When exactly one record is consistent with all detected destination address information items, a transportation of the object to the destination address of the record is triggered.

Abstract: A method that enables the post to deliver letters, flats, post cards and packages (mail) addressed to a recipient's virtual post office box and then to be delivered directly to the recipient. The process enables individuals or entities to rent a virtual post office (VPO) box i.e., a box that does not physically exist, from the post office (“post”). Mail addressed to the virtual post office box would be captured by the post during the post's sortation process and rerouted to the specified address of the renter of the virtual post office box.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

Abstract: A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope.

Abstract: In a mail franking system including a central secure metering device (PSD 20) connected to a remote credit reloading server (26) and a plurality of local franking management modules (22-1 to 22-N) each including a local secure metering device (28-1 to 28-N) and connected to said central secure metering device via a user's local area network (LAN), there is provided a method wherein a franking session is opened, each of the local franking management modules books a predetermined franking value from a central secure metering device so as to perform secure frankings up to the limit of this value and at the end of session each of these modules transmits its consumed franking value to the central device which is then debited by an overall franking value equal to the sum of the franking values consumed by each of the local modules.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to techniques and equipment to insert documents into either letter envelopes or flat mail envelopes on the same dual mode mailing inserter without the need to do machine setup between letter and flat mail envelope insertion. The dual mode mail inserting machine is configured to accept documents from a printer that are designed for insertion into flat mail envelope. If a document plus its inserts and envelope weighs less than a predetermined weight, the document will be diverted from the normal flat mail path to a second inserter and output section.

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. The report may include a geographic map which plots respective locations of recipients, and/or a listing of receipts grouped into a plurality of demographics segments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for franking mail items, comprising means for printing postal indicia on a mail item and means for also printing on this mail item a unique identification number for this mail item, means for creating at least one data document or file associated with this unique identification number printed on the mail item and means for communicating, through a secure link, the or each data document or file to an information server remote from the franking machine.

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: In a method, data processor and mail transport system for a mail item, the mail item has an electronic memory device physically associated therewith that contains electronically stored information that is relevant for the transport of the mail item.