Mailpiece tracking

A method and system to process and track mailpieces. A code is printed on the mailpiece that can include an identification of a metering device generating the code and a subscriber number of a subscriber generating the mailpiece. The code is scanned during a processing step in a mailpiece delivery system, wherein information associated with the scanned code is stored in a database accessible by the user and allowing the user to track a movement of the mailpiece in the mailpiece delivery system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to processing mail pieces and in particular to utilizing a code on a mailpiece to identify and track individual mailpieces.

2. Brief Description of Related Developments

Present mailing applications that afford the customer generating mailpieces the ability to track the progress of the mailpieces through the postal mailing infrastructure and eventually to the recipient involve special material handling by the mailpiece generator. The USPS utilizes a destination functionality service referred to as “CONFIRM”, which provides for a subscriber to its service to imprint upon media (typically envelopes or paper tape) a barcode, referred to as the “Planet Code”. The “Planet Code” is described for example in the “Confirm using Plant Code USPS” Field Operations Guide, data February 2001, First Edition, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This code provides for a number of numeric digits that define the customer and a mailing identifier. Generally, the Planet Code comprises a 14-digit barcode where the first two digits can represent a type of service being used and the next 11 digits can be used to identify the subscriber and mailing. The 14thdigit can be used as a check-sum that helps the USPS detect errors. Examples of the Planet Codes used in the USPS confirm service are illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The mailing identifier relates to the actual mailing (batch of mailpieces) adhering to postal batching requirements for approval mail types. Such handling would include the mechanics of documentation to be attached to, or related to, a mailpiece, typified by the certification mail process of the USPS, and relate to extra handling. Such extra handling will be obviated by this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to processing mail. In one embodiment, the method comprises scanning at least on mailpiece. Identifying a PLANET code on the mailpiece and determining a customer type from the PLANET code. A unique mailpiece identifier can also be determined from the code that can allow the mailpiece to be identified and tracked.

In another aspect the present invention is directed to a method of forming and tracking at least one mailpiece. In one embodiment the method comprises forming at least one two-dimensional indicia on the mailpiece, forming at least one single-dimensional indicia on the mailpiece, initially scanning the two-dimensional mailpiece to at least collect postage and delivery information and validate a source of the two-dimensional indicia; and subsequently scanning the at least one single-dimensional indicia on the mailpiece to collect identification information unique to the mailpiece that can be used to track the mailpiece.

In another aspect the present invention is directed to a system for processing and tracking a mailpiece. In one embodiment the system comprises a user system that generates an improved PLANET code that is associated with the mailpiece, the improved code including at least a vendor and customer type identification and a unique mailpiece identifier. At least one scanning device is included in the system that is adapted to read the information from the improved code. A database system coupled to the at least one scanner is adapted to store the read information and make the information available for tracking purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring toFIG. 8, a block diagram of a system800incorporating features of the present invention is illustrated. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, a system800incorporating features of the present invention generally utilizes a postage-metering system or device812to print an indicia such as a postal mark on a mailpiece814. In the embodiments of the present invention, proof of postage indicia as well as a Planet barcode can be printed on the mailpiece814. The Planet barcode could be in line with the indicia on the mailpiece or in the general proximity of the indicia. This is shown for example, inFIG. 2A. The indicia can be digital indicia.

In the user system810, the mailpiece is imprinted with the indicia and Planet Code. During processing of the mailpiece in the delivery system820, the mailpiece814might be scanned by one or more scanners821-823at various points during the delivery process. The delivery process could include any number of scanning points or locations. Eventually, the mailpiece814will be delivered to its destination840, if the address processing and information is accurate.

A database system830can be used to collect data associated with the generation of the codes and each scan. The data can be used to track the progress of the mailpiece814. Other information related to the mailpiece can also be stored in and retrieved from the database.

FIG. 2Aillustrates one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a typical mailpiece200. The mailpiece200could be presented as a parcel or package, as well. The envelope200contains an information based indicia210, represented as a 2-dimensional barcode. The barcode containing information appropriate to the sender and mailpiece, as postage amount, serial number of the device imprinting the indicia, accounting information unique to the printing device, and as appropriate, cryptographically secure data validating the source device as the trusted producer of the indicia. Barcode220, represents the USPS Planet tracking single dimensional barcode used within the postal processing infrastructure to be scanned any number of times for the purpose of tracking the mailpiece through the mail handling system820to its final destination840as illustrated inFIG. 8. Detailed illustrations of a barcode set up incorporating features of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

As shown inFIG. 1Athe first bit102is a frame bar. The next sequence of bits104represents a type of service being used. The next sequence of bits106can comprise information, such as for example a customer ID. In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 1B, the information106could comprise a subscriber ID and a mailing ID. The sequence can also include a check digit bit108and a frame bar110.

Barcode210has the capability of including all information necessary to characterize the mailpiece related to its information based indicia information as well as the Planet code's mailpiece tracking information. Planet code220, due to the physical limitation in size of a single dimensional barcode generally provides for a data content of, for example, 14 or less numeric characters, thus limiting the amount of data in the barcode. In alternate embodiments, the barcode can provide for a data content of any suitable size that can be adapted to a mailpiece. Barcode210can contain many multiples in the quantity of data represented as compared with the limited amount of data in the Planet code220. It may or may not be desired to repeatedly scan barcode210with its large amount of imbedded data, through the mail processing infrastructure, therefore indicia220, with its limited data content and consequently rapid archiving, may be scanned multiple times and linked, as within relational databases, to its counterpart, indicia210, the indicia210being scanned, for example, a single time.

Referring toFIG. 3, examples of labels320,330and340incorporating features of the present invention are illustrated. Each label may include an alphanumeric code310and its representative barcode320. Although labels are referred to with respect to this embodiment, it will be understood that the codes shown inFIG. 3can be printed on any suitable medium.

As shown inFIG. 3, the alphanumeric code310shows 13 characters. A check digit (14th) character is not shown. In alternate embodiments, the alphanumeric code can include any suitable number of characters.

Moving from left to right inFIG. 3, the first set312of characters can be allotted to the service provider, such as for example, the USPS. The next set314of characters can be allotted to the subscriber or vendor of the service, such as for example, NEOPOST, the assignee of the instant application. The next set316of characters can be assigned to identify a particular customer of the vendor. For example, the USPS uses the block312to identify the type of mail. The characters of the block314are generally assigned by the USPS to the particular contractor. The contractor assigns the block316to their customer. The blocks of characters312,314and316generally do not change for a specific subcontractor and customer combination. The remaining character set318can be used for any suitable purpose, such as for example, a counter as illustrated in barcodes320,330,340. It is a feature of the present invention to provide automatic incrementing of the code applied by the postage meter to each mailpiece. This allows each individual mailpiece to be tracked through the mail system on the basis of the scanned code.

In one embodiment, the barcode300could also include the identification of the metering device as well as the subscriber identifier. This would allow for uniquely associating a particular mailer to a specific meter producing the barcode. For example, a subscriber could utilize or have multiple meters. The disclosed embodiments would allow for separately tracking the output of each meter.

The information gleaned from barcodes210and220, separately or in combination may be presented for monitoring purposes, by the Post, for a customer in a typical Internet methodology whereby the customer, based upon his predetermined credentials may have access to some or all of the archived data about the mailpiece in questions. The credentials, provided by the Post, could be based, for example, on the level of service purchased by the customer. The level of service could, for example, be limited to only tracking through the postal mechanical mail handling infrastructure, or the level of service could, for example allow monitoring of the mailpiece in question, to the actual destination customer.

By combining, via relational database manipulation, Planet Barcode220with Postnet (ZIP) code230data and indicia barcode210data, the sender of the mailpiece would now have access, via linkage through the Planet Barcode identification number, to information about the mailpiece destination address, corrected address, change of address that was unknown to the sender when the mailpiece was inserted into the postal mail stream. In effect, the sender of mailpieces may put uniquely sequentially numbered or uniquely randomly numbered Planet barcodes on any number of mailpieces, not knowing to whom the specific mailpiece is destined. However, once the mailpiece enters the postal mail processing stream and is scanned (or image video lifted to storage), the information from the scan or video lift is then linked to the Planet Barcode unique identification number to any mailpiece, thus affording the mailpiece sender to now obtain information about each specific mailpiece, not previously known to the sender. Should it happen that the destination address of a specific mailpiece be in error or the address changed (i.e. recipient moved), the correct (ed) address placed onto the mailpiece, when linked to the Planet Barcode, allows the sender, not only to identify the specific mailpiece, but update his address list accordingly.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary layout of a database to store information or records related to the present invention. Field710could comprise the status/location of the mailpiece in the USPS infrastructure. The status or value of the associated meter's ascending or descending registers can be presented in Field712. Field714could include the postal code. A subscriber ID, a unique ID and/or the mail class could be in Field718. A postage value or payment could be in Field720. The meter serial number or other meter identification is in Field721. The name/address of the recipient might be found in Field722. Field724can be reserved for other information. In an alternate embodiment any suitable arrangement of information can be used to provide a useful tracking report or data to the user.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 4, the Planet barcode220illustrated inFIG. 2Acould be eliminated and the contents of the barcode could be imbedded in the indicia410on mailpiece400. The indicia410would be typified by the information-based two-dimensional barcode images. In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 5, the indicia410ofFIG. 4could comprise an image having representative characteristics of a “FOUR STATE BARCODE” with 31 characters, yet the same length as POSTNET barcode, including 9 digits for tracking and providing additional content information. The term “four-state” describes the “up” and “down” bars in the barcode: a tall bar502, a short bar504, an upper half bar506and a lower half bar508. It holds 31 characters and will be the same length as today's Postnet barcode, but it is 1/25th of an inch taller than the Postnet code. The four-state code will incorporate the Postnet barcode, which is used for sorting, and the PlanetCode, which mailers apply to letter or flat mail for tracking and other value-added services. The 31 characters are:11-digit sort code;9 digits for unique tracking;3-digit service code;6-digit sender identification; and2 digits for application or barcode ID.

The system of the present invention could also utilize the barcode220ofFIG. 2Ato provide a link or cross-reference to a counterpart two-dimensional barcode210associated with the mailpiece200. For example, information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode210, such as a date of mailing, funds register contents, mail classification or originating zip or postal code, may now be combined in a query relational database methodology. The two-dimensional barcode need not be read/scanned as part of the mailpiece tracking, rather the single dimension barcode can be read rapidly anywhere within the mail processing system, thereby showing the progress of the mailpiece in the mail processing system. However, in concert with the independently scanned two-dimensional information based indicia, the single dimensional barcode may provide a link (typically via the symbology-producing device's serial number, or other similarly unique distinguishing identifier) associating the single dimensional barcode with its counterpart two-dimensional barcode. The result being the creation of a methodology to allow the acquisition of additional information generated from the two-dimensional barcode to be associated to the mailpiece as it traverses through the mail processing system (from sender to recipient). The aforementioned independently scanned two-dimensional information based indicia provides the noted additional information gleaned from associated barcode 2-D barcode, the additional information residing or archived in the infrastructure's back-end server or data storage system.

Referring toFIG. 2B, in one embodiment, a second, information-based two-dimensional barcode image272can be included on the mailpiece270.

The second image272can be considerably smaller, with less information, than its counterpart indicia image274, such that in combination, these two barcodes contain significantly more information than could be presented by the limiting size of the one-dimensional Planet barcode220ofFIG. 2A, thus providing the ability to remove all single-dimensional barcodes from the mailpiece. An embodiment of the two barcode combination shown inFIG. 2Bwould bring to bear the ability to select and parse data elements of both barcodes and present them in any fashion (e.g. utilizing database query functionality) to present the elements in any way desired.

The disclosed embodiments provide the ability to allow Planet barcode printing to be part of the address printed on the stationary within a mailpiece. In one embodiment, the mailer can automatically generate, as part of the addressing block within a letterhead, the Planet code barcode, such that when the letter is folded for insertion into its envelope, the Planet barcode is readable, along with the address block.

Referring toFIG. 6, one embodiment of a method incorporating features is illustrated. The proof of postage barcode is generated and printed604on a mailpiece. The postage meter generates and prints606a unique identifier as a one-dimensional barcode, as shown for example inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The postage meter can add a Planet Code subscriber608number and unique identifier number to the proof of postage barcode symbol604.

Once the mailpiece enters610the USPS mail stream, the proof of postage barcode is scanned and archived612. The one-dimensional barcode with subscriber identification and unique counter number is scanned and archived614. The proof of postage and scanned identifier, and related mailpiece unique counter number, are translated616from barcode imagery to digital data formats. The digital data is entered618into a relational database, one example of which is shown inFIG. 7.

The one-dimensional subscriber identification barcode with the unique mailpiece counter number can be scanned620multiple times throughout the USPS processing infrastructure. The relational data base shown inFIG. 7can be continually updated624to show or follow the progress of the mailpiece through the USPS infrastructure.

The relational database ofFIG. 7can be made accessible626by the customer, by using for example a subscriber ID and password. The customer is able to identify previously anonymous mailpieces by relating630each subscriber ID and unique mailpiece counter number to a specific destination ZIP CODE, as applied to the database by the USPS scanning equipment.

The customer is able to track632address changes as a result of a specific mailpiece zip code changing within the USPS processing system, the change being indicated as a change in the database from one zip code to another.

The new zip code (or original zip code) may now be cross-referenced634against the customer subscriber ID and the associated mailpiece counter number to identify the name and new address of the recipient of the mailpiece.

Further, utilizing the combination of existing postal databases wherein information gleaned from the mailpiece related to its Planet barcode content (and/or other mailpiece codes), demographic information about the receiver becomes available for access by the sender. In one embodiment, should it be identified in the processing of the mail that the address is incorrect or there has been a change of recipient address, the new or corrected information would be available to the sender. In effect, the Planet barcode can be cross-referenced or queried (via relational database standard techniques) to other mailpiece destination customer information. In another embodiment, should the initial scanning of the destination address reveal that a change of address occurred, or the address is incorrect, whereby the Post causes to be added to the mailpiece the correct address, the correct address information may also be linked to the Planet barcode, whereby the sender may access the information and subsequently update his address records. Further, by putting change of address information into the Post database, the change of address will occur at the early stages of mail stream processing, consequently eliminating the identification of the address change at the destination Post Office, causing the mailpiece to be re-entered into the mail stream for reprocessing to the corrected address. A third embodiment hereto, would provide for the sender to identify the ZIP code/address of the recipient, wherein the information is not known to the sender at the time the mailpiece is entered into the mail stream. That is to say, when a mailpiece received its proof of payment postmark and Planet barcode, it is not known to which piece of mail the postmark is applied. The Planet barcode reveals that a “transaction” number can track a mailpiece, but destination delivery information is not known. When the mailpiece is scanned in the Post's mail stream, the mailpiece's ZIP and or address information (whether digitally scanned or video lifted) is linked to the Planet barcode number, thus allowing the mailpiece sender to recover specific information about the mailpiece that was not known to the sender at the time of the mailpiece entry into the postal mail stream.