Systems and methods for sorting mail using a name/firm database
First Claim
1. A system for sorting mail items, comprising:
- a first database containing addresses and ZIP codes for a plurality of mail item recipients;
a second database containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses;
an imaging device for capturing an image of address information on the mail item; and
one or more subsystems containing an algorithm that;
compares the address information with the first database and determines if there is a match,only if the address information and the first database is unmatched, compares the address information to the second database,determines, according to a set of criteria, whether a match exists between the address information and a listing in the second database, andif a match exists between the address information and a listing of either the first or second database, deems the message deliverable, and resolves the address information based on the matched listing.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for sorting mail items, comprising:
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a first database containing addresses and ZIP codes for a plurality of mail item recipients; a second database containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses; an imaging device for capturing an image of address information on the mail item; and one or more subsystems containing an algorithm that; compares the address information with the first database and determines if there is a match, only if the address information and the first database is unmatched, compares the address information to the second database, determines, according to a set of criteria, whether a match exists between the address information and a listing in the second database, and if a match exists between the address information and a listing of either the first or second database, deems the message deliverable, and resolves the address information based on the matched listing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for sorting mail items having address information comprised of a plurality of elements including a name element, the method comprising the steps of:
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identifying the plurality of elements on a mail item; comparing each element of the plurality of elements on the mail item to listings of a first database and identifying matched and unmatched elements, wherein if all of the plurality of elements on the mail item match a listing in the first database, the address information is resolved based on the listing in the first database, and the mail item is deemed deliverable; and wherein only if less than all of the plurality of elements on the mail item match a listing in the first database, comparing the plurality of elements on the mail item to a second database and identifying matched and unmatched elements; and applying an algorithm to the matched and unmatched elements of the mail item with respect to listings of the second database, to determine if a set of criteria of the algorithm are met, and if the set of criteria are met, deeming the mail item to be deliverable and resolving the address information based on a listing in the second database. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A system for sorting mail items with address information having a plurality of elements, the system comprising:
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means for identifying the plurality of elements on a mail item; means for comparing each identified element of the plurality of elements of the mail item to listings of a first database and identifying matched and unmatched elements; and
for, if the plurality of elements of the mail item match a listing in the first database, resolving the address information based on the listing in the first database, and deeming the mail item to be deliverable;means for comparing the elements of the mail item to listings of a second database only if less than all of the plurality of elements of the mail item match a listing in the first database, and for identifying matched and unmatched elements of the mail item; means for applying an algorithm to the matched and unmatched elements of the mail item with respect to listings of the second database, to determine if a set of criteria of the algorithm are met, and if the set of criteria are met, deeming the mail item to be deliverable and resolving the address information based on a listing in the second database. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A system for sorting mail items, comprising:
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a first database containing addresses and ZIP codes for a plurality of mail item recipients; a second database containing a plurality of recipient names, and addresses associated therewith; an imaging device for capturing an image of address information on the mail item; and one or more subsystems executing a process that; compares the address information with the first database and determines if there is a match, only if the address information is unmatched, compares the address information to the second database, and determines, according to a set of criteria, whether a match exists between the address information and the recipient names of only the second database, and if a match exists between the address information in either the first or second database, deems the message deliverable, and resolves the intended address information based on the match. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification