Patent ID: 8005762
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: G06Q,G07B

Abstract:
1. A method using a computer-based postage system for handling printing errors in the computer-based postage system, said method comprising: generating an identifier in accordance with an authorization of a first class mail piece tracking provider of the computer-based postage system by a postal authority, said authorization to generate machine-readable tracking graphic symobolgies that are separate from postage indicia, for tracking first class mailings that bear machine-readable tracking graphic symbologies created in accordance with the authorization by the postal authority to the first class mail piece tracking provide, said authorization coupled with an agreement by the postal authority to scan said machine-readable tracking graphic symobolgies that are separate from postage indicia, said identifier to be associated with a particular first-class mail piece in response to a request by a particular mailer for tracking the particular first-class mail piece, wherein said identifier comprises a trackable mail piece identifier that trackably identifies the particular first-class mail piece during a particular period of time according to said authorization, wherein said trackable mail piece identifier is related to a particular mailer, and wherein said trackable mail piece identifier comprises: generating for printing at a print-rendering device associated with a remote computer operable by the particular mailer, a printable representation of a postage indicium for the particular first-class mail piece, and a separate printable representation of a machine-readable tracking graphic symbology comprising an encoding of the trackable mail piece identifier; receiving a request from the particular mailer for a refund for an amount of money corresponding to the postage indicium; searching a database of scanned machine-readable tracking graphic symbologies comprising encoded identifiers provided by the postal authority for a match between a scanned machine-readable tracking graphic symbology comprising an encoded identifier and the trackable mail piece identifier, wherein each scanned machine-readable tracking graphic symbology comprising an encoded identifier in the database, comprises an indication of a scanning by the postal authority of a corresponding first class mail piece during mail stream processing by the postal authority; and for a trackable mail piece identifier for which no match is found, crediting an account associated with the particular mailer for the amount of money corresponding to the postage indicium.