Patent ID: 7085811

Claim:
A method utilizing a computer system that enables a recipient to inform a carrier of the manner in which the recipient would like the mail delivered, said method comprises the steps of: depositing with the carrier physical mail containing the recipient's name and physical address and the sender's name and address; capturing by electronic and optical means the name and physical address of the recipient and the sender from the physical mail; translating the name and physical address of the recipient into an e-mail address; by checking a postal address database and the recipient's e-mail database; notifying the recipient electronically by the recipient of the availability of the deposited physical mail; notifying the carrier electronically by the carrier of the manner in which the recipient would like the physical mail delivered; notifying the carrier that the sender wants the deposited physical mail to be delivered directly to the recipient or that the sender elects to permit the recipient to divert the physical mail; and delivering physical mail to the recipient by the carrier in the manner specified by the recipient to the carrier, if the sender elects to permit the recipient to divert the physical mail.