Intelligent barcode systems
First Claim
1. A method of providing information relating to en route items, the method comprising:
- receiving, in an item processing system, a plurality of en route items each comprising an encoded value located thereon;
reading, using a component of the item processing system, the encoded value;
decoding, using a processor, the encoded value to identify a sender and a recipient of each of the plurality of en route items;
determining a first property relating to the plurality of en route items, wherein the first property comprises the type and quantity of the plurality of en route items sent by a specific sender identified in the encoded value; and
providing a notification including the one or more properties relating to the plurality of en route items.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece. In yet another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow mailers more visibility into the mail stream and information on the quality of their mailings.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of providing information relating to en route items, the method comprising:
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receiving, in an item processing system, a plurality of en route items each comprising an encoded value located thereon; reading, using a component of the item processing system, the encoded value; decoding, using a processor, the encoded value to identify a sender and a recipient of each of the plurality of en route items; determining a first property relating to the plurality of en route items, wherein the first property comprises the type and quantity of the plurality of en route items sent by a specific sender identified in the encoded value; and providing a notification including the one or more properties relating to the plurality of en route items. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for providing information relating to en route items, wherein upon execution the instructions cause a machine to:
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receive a plurality of en route items each comprising an encoded value located thereon; read the encoded value; decode the encoded value to identify a sender and a recipient of each of the plurality of en route items; determine a first property relating to the plurality of en route items, wherein the first property comprises the type and quantity of the plurality of en route items sent by a specific sender identified in the encoded value; and provide a notification including the one or more properties relating to the plurality of en route items. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of providing information relating to en route items, the method comprising:
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receiving, in an item processing system, a plurality of en route reply mail items each comprising an encoded value located thereon; reading, using a component of the item processing system, the encoded value; decoding, using a processor, the encoded value to identify a sender and a recipient of each of the plurality of en route items; determining a quantity of reply mail items being returned from a specific geographic area to one or more of the senders identified in the encoded value; and providing a notification including the quantity of reply mail items being returned from a specific geographic area. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for providing information relating to en route items, wherein upon execution the instructions cause a machine to:
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receive plurality of en route reply mail items each comprising an encoded value located thereon; read the encoded value; decode the encoded value to identify a sender and a recipient of each of the plurality of en route items; determine a quantity of reply mail items being returned from a specific geographic area to one or more senders identified in the encoded value; and provide a notification including the quantity of reply mail items being returned from a specific geographic area. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification