System and method for automatic notification of upcoming delivery of mail item
US6463354B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00145
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, when a mailer generates a mail piece, for example using mail generation software in a PC metering system, the mail generation software accesses a database of mailing addresses. This database also contains e-mail address of recipients in the mailing list (address database). If a mailer wants to send advance notice to a recipient that a mailpiece has been sent to the recipient, the mailer can choose this option automatically and use a unique mailpiece ID as an identifier of the upcoming mailpiece. (The mailpiece ID can be generated specially for this purpose and serve as a reference point for the mailer and the recipient). This can be particularly advantageous in a legal environment, when there is a need for timely distribution of information as well as the need for distribution of legally valid hard copy documents. The unique ID number may be printed in plain text in the address block and cryptographically encoded within the DPM. This ID number can be used to provide references and links to other relevant documents as well. When the DPM is scanned upon induction into a postal distribution network, system includes recognition of the recipient…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.