JP2003145056A - Mail system and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mail system and its method which provide a service to user by using code information imparted to a mail and improves convenience. SOLUTION: By imparting a two-dimensional code containing various kinds of information to the mail, circumstantial information related to the delivery of the mail is collected from a sending office 20, a district partition office/super major office 30 and a district partition office 40 and is controlled in a central service center 60. The central service center 60 provides the circumstantial information in accordance with retrieval need from a sender S or an addressee R.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to postal systems and methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a conventional mail system. This mail system is for delivering the mail sent from the sender S to the recipient R,
Postage meter (mailing machine in the figure) 1, in-house sorting machine 2, sender station 3, regional station / oversized station 4, regional station 5
And the delivery station 6.

The postage meter 1 is arranged in a company or the like, and prints a stamp of a mailing fee or a customer bar code as shown in FIG. 31 on the mail of the sender S to process the mail with a stamp.

[0004] The postal items with imprint are sorted by the in-house sorting machine 2 to be delivered to the counter of the sending station 3. Next, the stamped postal matter is sent from the sending station 3 to the sorting machine at the regional sorting station or the extra-large station 4 and sorted by the destination area. The sorted mail items with the imprint are delivered to the delivery station 6 of the destination through the regional division station 5, and the delivery address of the delivery station 6 (recipient R).
Be delivered to.

Next, the above-mentioned postage meter 1 will be described. The postage meter 1 is prepared by a company, and has been approved by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications in advance, brought into a handling post office, and used after being approved by submitting an application form. Companies
The imprint of the postage meter 1 is clearly printed and displayed on a postal matter such as direct mail, and the postal matter with the obtained imprint is sent to the sending station 3.

At this time, the post offices handled are the post offices designated by the post office and the local post office director. In addition, the delivery method is, as a rule, an approved post office, and for regular mail items other than registered mail and booklet parcel post items to which the basic fee is applied,
It is possible to post to the post in the area where the Approval Bureau handles and the adjacent area. However, special postal items in the city and postal items that receive a discount are excluded. In addition, the imprinted mailpiece must be posted on the date of the imprint. However, a postal item with a black imprint on the top of the imprint can be sent the day after the date displayed on the imprint.

The postage can be prepaid or postpaid. However, post-payment must satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c). The contents of each condition are: (a) Sending out 50 or more mail pieces (months) every month, (b) Obtaining approval from the post office director in advance, (c) Posting charges for one month, etc. Providing as collateral an amount equivalent to more than twice the estimated amount.

Here, the condition (c) is covered by (i) cash, (ii) securities designated by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, or (iii).
A guarantee of a financial institution that the Minister of Post and Telecommunications recognizes as certain (when a material that clarifies the authority of the branch manager of the financial institution regarding the guarantee is submitted, collateral with the branch manager etc. as the holder is also possible) is valid. is there.

Further, the postage meter 1 prints the customer bar code on the postal matter as described above. The customer bar code concerned is a postal code or address number (address, number, etc.) of the customer (customer) that has been bar coded, and has been introduced in the new postal system from the viewpoint of facilitating classification and speeding up. There is.

That is, in the new mail system, the delivery classification is performed easily and at high speed by printing the bar code on the mail.

[0011]

However, although the conventional postal system prints a bar code on a mail for the purpose of facilitating sorting and speeding up, according to the present inventors' consideration, the bar code is used. It is considered to be still inconvenient because it does not provide any of the services that were provided to users.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a mail system and method capable of providing a service to users by using code information added to mail and improving convenience. To aim.

[0013]

A first invention is a mail system for delivering a mail item of a sender to a recipient even when the mail item is sent out via a postage meter. A two-dimensional code provided on a toll meter for converting at least the addressee information of the recipient, the ID information of the mail item and the charge information of the mail item into a two-dimensional code, and giving the obtained two-dimensional code to the mail item. Means and a two-dimensional code reading means provided in a sorting machine for sorting out the delivered mail, and reading a two-dimensional code given to the mail,
Based on the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reading means, status information creating means for creating status information including the ID information for the mail having the two-dimensional code, and the status information creating means. Status information transmitting means for transmitting the status information obtained through the network,
The status information transmitted from the status information transmission means is referred to as the I
Status registration means for registering in association with D information, and the ID
When a search request that presents information is received, a status search unit that searches the status information registered by the status registration unit based on the ID information, and a search result by the status search unit that is the sender of the search request. And a search result transmitting means for transmitting to the postal system.

As described above, the two-dimensional code is added to the mail to manage the status information regarding the delivery, and the status information is provided in response to the search request. Therefore, the code information added to the mail is used to inform the user. Services can be provided and convenience can be improved.

In the above invention, the case where it is expressed as "system" is shown, but it is not limited to this, and any name such as "apparatus", "method", "program" or "storage medium" or It goes without saying that it may be expressed in categories.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, each of the following embodiments,
It represents a mail system that can provide services to both senders and recipients using a new bar code system.
The payment method may be prepaid or postpaid.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a mail system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a postage meter applied to the system. It is a schematic diagram, and the same portions as those in FIG. 30 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, different portions will be mainly described. It should be noted that in each of the following embodiments as well, duplicated description will be omitted.

This postal system is capable of delivering the postal matter sent from the sender S to the recipient R and managing the processing status of the delivery. The postage meter (mailing machine in the figure) 10, in-house classification In addition to the machine 2, the sending station 20, the regional division / oversized station 30, the regional division 40, and the delivery station 6, each station 20-40 is provided with a central center 60 connected via the Internet 50.

The central center 60 is also connected to the terminal PC of the sender S via the Internet 50, and is also capable of communicating with the portable terminal K of the recipient R wirelessly.

Here, the postage meter 10 is installed after the approval similar to the above, prints a seal of a two-dimensional code on the mail of the sender S, and the obtained mail with a seal is the in-house sorting machine 2
The address information input unit 11, the sender information input unit 12, the two-dimensional code information generation unit 13, the two-dimensional code generation unit 14, and the two-dimensional code printing unit 15 are provided.

The address information input unit 11 has a function of inputting the address information of the mail to the two-dimensional code generation unit 14 by the operation of the sender S. Here, the destination information is composed of a zip code, an address number (address, number, etc.), a name, and a destination contact e-mail address.

The sender information input unit 12 operates the sender S to output the sender information of the mail to the two-dimensional code generation unit 14.
It has a function to input to. Here, the sender information is
It is composed of postal code, address number (address, number, etc.), affiliation, sender e-mail address.

The two-dimensional code information generation unit 13 determines the sender S
By the operation of, the two-dimensional code information for creating the two-dimensional code is generated, and the obtained two-dimensional code information is input to the two-dimensional code generation unit 14. Here, the two-dimensional code information includes a stamp version, a stamp ID,
It is composed of a postal ID, a postal type, a postage fee, a postal date (delivery schedule information), a fee type, a prior notice option (wish / unwanted), a digital signature, and a user area. However, the two-dimensional code information described here is only an example, and is not applicable to services provided to users (eg, delivery-related services, usage statistics services, settlement services, history provision services, services of each embodiment described later, etc.). As a matter of course, it is possible to appropriately add, change, or delete necessary data.

The two-dimensional code generation unit 14 is based on each information such as the destination information from the destination information input unit 11, the sender information from the sender information input unit 12, and the two-dimensional code information from the two-dimensional code information generation unit 13. The two-dimensional code as print pattern information is generated and the obtained two-dimensional code is sent to the two-dimensional code printing unit 15.

The two-dimensional code printing unit 15 has a function of printing a seal imprint of the two-dimensional code on the postal matter based on the two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code generator 14 and processing the postal matter with the imprint.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the two-dimensional code has a symbol in which the bar code has two-dimensionally encoded information in the X and Y directions. Such a two-dimensional code includes various types such as a stack type two-dimensional code in which bar codes are stacked as shown in FIG. 3 and a matrix type two-dimensional code as shown in FIG. 4 in which cells are placed on a square of a board. There are various types.

The stack type two-dimensional code is also called a two-dimensional bar code and is composed of a start code and a stop code like a bar code and a quiet zone attached before and after these.

The matrix type two-dimensional code is classified into a type having a square or L-shaped guide cell and a type having a unique cutout mark.

The two-dimensional code as described above has a high information density because a symbol having a very small amount and a large amount of information can be created as compared with the conventional bar code, and the binary data of Chinese characters, figures, images, voices, etc. Encoding is possible, error correction function provides high reliability and reading rate, there is no restriction on the reading direction, and non-contact reading is possible.
In addition, it is difficult to forge / alter and has high security.

On the other hand, the sending station 20 has a role of delivering the stamp-imparted postal matter sorted by the in-house sorting machine 2 to the regional sorting station / oversized station 30, and also from the read information read from the two-dimensional code of the imprinted postal matter. It has a sorting machine network system for registering the created status information in the database of the central center 60 via the Internet 50. The sending station 20
If the two-dimensional code of the stamped postal matter cannot be read, the registration of the central center 60 in the database is omitted. Here, the status information is preferably, for example, information in which at least the ID information of the own station (in this case, the sending station 20 is the own station) and the reading date and time information are added to the read information.

The regional division / extra-large station 30 has a role of delivering the imprinted postal matter delivered from the sender 20 to the regional divisional station 40, and also creates it from the read information read from the two-dimensional code of the imprinted postal matter. It has a sorting machine network system for transmitting status information to the central center 60 via the Internet 50.

The regional division station 40 is the regional division station / oversized station 3
In addition to the role of delivering the stamped postal matter delivered from 0 to the delivery station 6, the status information created from the read information read from the two-dimensional code of the stamped postal matter is transmitted to the central center 60 via the Internet 50. Have a machine network system.

The central center 60 communicates with each of the stations 20 to 40 and the terminal PC via the Internet 50 and a database relating to the delivery status of the stamped postal matter, and the recipient R
And a server device for managing the delivery status of the stamped postal matter by communicating with the portable terminal.

The terminal PC of the sender S is the Internet 5
It is possible to communicate with the central center 60 via 0.

The portable terminal K of the recipient R can communicate with the central center 60 via wireless communication.

Next, the operation of the postal system configured as described above will be described in the order of delivery processing, advance notification processing and search processing.

(Delivery Process) Now, in the postage meter 10, it is assumed that the sender S operates the destination information, the sender information, and the information for creating the two-dimensional code information of the mail item.

At this time, the destination information input unit 11 inputs the destination information into the two-dimensional code generation unit 14, and the sender information input unit 12 inputs the sender information into the two-dimensional code generation unit 14.

The two-dimensional code information generation unit 13 also generates two-dimensional code information from the two-dimensional code creation information, and the obtained two-dimensional code information is used by the two-dimensional code generation unit 1.
Enter in 4.

The two-dimensional code generation section 14 generates a two-dimensional code based on the destination information, sender information and two-dimensional code information, and sends the obtained two-dimensional code to the two-dimensional code printing section 15.

The two-dimensional code printing unit 15 prints a seal imprint of the two-dimensional code on the mail based on the two-dimensional code to process the mail with a seal.

Thereafter, the postal items with the imprint are sorted by the in-house sorting machine 2 and delivered to the counter of the sending station 20.

At the sending station 20, the sorting machine network system creates status information indicating the processing status of the imprinted postal matter based on the read information read from the two-dimensional code of the imprinted postal matter. The internet 5
After registering in the database of the central center 60 via 0, the stamped postal matter is delivered to the regional division / oversized station 30.

Similarly, the regional sorting station / extra-large station 30 uses the sorting machine network system to read the information read from the two-dimensional code of the imprinted postal matter, based on the status information indicating the processing status of the imprinted postal matter. And sends this status information to the central center 60 via the Internet 50, and then delivers the mail with seal imprints classified by destination area to the area classification station 40.

Similarly, the regional sorting station 40 creates status information indicating the processing status of the stamped mail by the sorting machine network system based on the read information read from the two-dimensional code of the stamped mail. , After sending this status information to the central center 60 via the Internet 50,
The sorted postal items with imprint are delivered to the delivery station 6.

As described above, the delivery station 6 delivers the stamp-imprinted postal matter to the destination address (recipient R).

(Advance Notification Processing) In the delivery processing described above, when advance notification is desired by the advance notification option of the two-dimensional code information, the central center 60 determines the destination electronic mail address from the registered mail data, Also, the sender information and the postal type are read out, and a prior notice is sent to the destination electronic mail address.

Here, the advance notice is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the name of the recipient R, the name of the sender S, the scheduled delivery date and time, the contact information (URL) when changing the delivery time, the postal ID, and the question. An electronic mail E including the above URL is delivered.

The recipient R receives the electronic mail E from the mobile terminal K, confirms the advance notice, and prepares for delivery of the stamped mail without access if there is no change.

When the change is desired, the portable terminal K operates the recipient R to access the URL of the changed contact information described in the e-mail E and input the postal ID and the desired date and time for processing. finish.

When the refusal of acceptance is desired, the portable terminal K
Operates the recipient R to access the URL of the changed contact information described in the electronic mail E, inputs the postal ID and the refusal of receipt, and ends the process.

(Search Process) In the delivery process described above,
Suppose that the sender S wants to retrieve the processing status of mail. Here, as described above, the central center 60 has the stations 20-40.
Has registered the processing status of postal items with imprint.

Therefore, the terminal PC of the sender S accesses the central center 60 via the Internet 50 by operating the sender S, and inputs the postal ID to retrieve the processing status of the corresponding post with stamp. You can The same applies when the terminal K of the recipient R searches.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code is added to a mail item to manage status information regarding delivery, and the status information is provided in response to a search request. The information can be used to provide the service to the user, and the convenience can be improved.

Further, when advance notification is desired by the two-dimensional code information, electronic data E of advance notification is transmitted to the recipient R, and the recipient R is given the authority to adjust the delivery schedule or reject the receipt. , The convenience of the recipient R can be further improved.

When the advance notice is given, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the trouble of the post office, such as the redelivery due to the absence of the recipient R.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a mail system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a change screen displayed on the recipient's terminal K. It is a schematic diagram which shows.

The present embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment, and shows the case where the recipient R receives the advance notice and performs the process of changing the receipt date.

Here, the recipient R receives the e-mail E of the advance notice at the terminal K (a PC or a mobile phone capable of connecting to the Internet), and changes the receiving time of the stamped mail for the sake of convenience. .

The terminal K of the recipient R accesses the URL of the central center 60 through the communication I / F unit k1 and the Internet 50 by the operation of the recipient R. Then, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the change initial screen G1 is displayed on the screen, and the change of the receipt date is selected and determined.

When the change of the receipt date is selected, the change confirmation screen G
2 is displayed, and the ID of the mail to be received and the date and time of receipt are displayed. If you select OK, change caution screen (1) G3
Is displayed. Select "Next" to move to the change input screen G4, and input and register the date and time to change according to the change caution screen (1) G3. If the setting is such that it cannot be changed, the changeable setting conditions are displayed as in the change caution screen (2) G5, and "Return" is selected to return to the change input screen G6.

Then, according to the change caution screen (2) G5, the change date and time is input and registration is selected. When the change is completed, the change confirmation screen G7 is displayed, and the ID number of the mail piece and the date and time after the change are displayed on the change confirmation screen G7. If the date and time displayed on the change confirmation screen G7 is acceptable, select “OK”. Then, the change decision screen G8 is displayed, and the change of the delivery date and time is completed.

At this time, in the server of the central center 60, the reception change processing unit 63 is executed via the communication I / F unit 61 and the reception change reception unit 62 based on the change information from the terminal K of the recipient R. By executing the processing of each of the screens G1 to G8 described above, the scheduled delivery date of the corresponding postal ID in the database 64 is changed to the date transmitted from the recipient R.

Then, the reception change processing unit 63 transmits a change instruction to the next division station 40 of the division station 30 in which the corresponding postal item with the imprint is processed.

In this division station 40, the Internet 50
When the reception change code generation unit 42 receives the change instruction via the communication I / F unit 41, a new two-dimensional code is generated based on the change instruction and sent to the two-dimensional code printing unit 43.

The two-dimensional code printing section 43 prints this two-dimensional code on a sticker or the like. Then, in the sorting station 40, when the corresponding postal matter with the imprint is sorted by the sorting machine, the postal article with the imprint of the postal matter ID that has been instructed to change is temporarily repelled and a new two-dimensional code is printed on the sticker. Paste and divide again.

Thereafter, the sorting station 40 delivers the postal item with the imprint to the delivery station 6, and the delivery station 6 delivers the postal item with the imprint at a desired date and time of the recipient S. When the recipient R rejects the receipt, a two-dimensional code indicating rejection of acceptance is newly printed and affixed to the stamped postal matter, and the stamped postal matter is delivered to the sender S.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
It is possible to easily and surely obtain the operation and effect regarding the change of the receiving date in the embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows the recipient terminal K in the mail system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the reception refusal screen displayed on.

That is, this embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and shows a case where the recipient R receives the advance notice and refuses to receive the postal matter with the imprint.

When the recipient R refuses to accept the receipt, the recipient R accesses the URL of the central center 60. Then terminal K
Since the change initial screen G11 is displayed on the screen of, the refusal of receipt is selected.

When the decision is made, the acceptance refusal confirmation screen G12 is displayed, and the sender, mail type, mail ID, scheduled delivery date, etc. are displayed. On the acceptance refusal confirmation screen G12,
If you choose to decide, you will choose to reject.
When the refusal of reception is selected, a refusal notification selection screen G13 for selecting whether or not to notify the sender S in advance of refusal of reception is displayed.

If "Notify sender" is selected, an e-mail notifying the refusal of receipt is delivered to the sender e-mail address registered in the sender information after the rejection confirmation screen G14 is displayed. Thereafter, the rejection decision screen G15 is displayed, and the postal matter is returned to the sender S at a later date.

On the other hand, if "Do not notify receipt refusal" is selected, the stamped mail is returned to the sender S without notifying the sender S in advance of refusal of receipt.

If the acceptance is not rejected, nothing need be done.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
It is possible to easily and surely obtain the operation and effect related to the refusal of receiving in the embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a mail system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment,
The case where the sender S checks the delivery status of the postal mail that he has sent is shown.

That is, the sending station 20, the regional division station 40,
The two-dimensional code is read by the oversized station 30, or the sorting machine is connected to the Internet 50, and the result of reading the two-dimensional code is transmitted to the central center 60 via the Internet 50 as a processing status.

Therefore, the processing status of the postal matter sent by the sender S can be searched on the Internet 50 by using the terminal PC of the sender S.

For example, the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reading units 31 and 44 of the sorting machine of the regional sorting station 40 or the oversized station 30 is the date and time when the sorting machine passed, the place (sorting station information and sorting machine information). ), Status information such as post-classification processing (information on stations delivered after classification, etc.).
2, 45, and is transmitted to the server of the central center 60 via the communication I / F units 33, 41 and the network such as the Internet 50.

The server of the central center 60 receives the status information transmitted from the sorting machine via the communication I / F section 61, and the processing status registration section 65 registers this status information in the database 64.

The terminal PC of the sender S accesses the central center 60 via the communication I / F section pc1 and the Internet by operating the sender S, and retrieves the processing status (status information) of the mail by using the mail ID. To do. Search for WWW
Technology such as can be used.

In the server of the central center 60, based on the search key in the search request receiving section 66, the search processing section 67 searches the database 64 for the processing status of the corresponding mail, and the search result (processing status) is obtained. It is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 61 to the sender's terminal PC via the Internet 50.

Similarly, the recipient S also sends an e-mail E as a prior notice as to how far the mail received is processed.
You can search after receiving.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first
It is possible to easily and surely obtain the operational effects related to the search processing in the embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the mail system which concerns on embodiment. This mail system is a modification of the first embodiment, and is intended to improve the function of the central center 60. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the data center as the central center 60 is connected via the Internet. The postage meter 10 is connected to the next-generation digital meter.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the data center uses the next-generation digital meter to send mail with an imprint (in the figure,
It is possible to specify detailed information for each mail (two-dimensional bar code-attached mail) and automatically collect data regarding processing history and contents.

Also, the terminal PC, K of the user of the sender S or the recipient R (not shown) can easily download the latest postage rate and various software online via the data center.

Further, the terminals PC and K of the user of the sender S or the recipient R (not shown) can receive the remote diagnosis of the software trouble via the data center and deal with it.

Further, the sender S or the recipient R (not shown)
The terminals PC and K of the user can receive the mail tracking service as described above via the data center.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a mail system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a transmission system of the system.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a delivery system of the system, and FIG.
4 is a schematic diagram showing an information system of the system. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the entire system of the system.
It corresponds to.

This mail system is a modification of the first embodiment, and is provided with a higher-level data center for managing the electronic mail service center as the central center 60.

As a result, the sender (sender S) is
As shown in 2, after confirming the latest postage rate etc. (basic information of the two-dimensional code information) to the data center, the postal matter is processed into a two-dimensional coded postal matter, and the post office (sending station) ) To.

As shown in FIG. 13, the two-dimensional code-added mail is delivered from the sender to the recipient via the underwriting station, the relay station, and the delivery station.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the delivery processing status can be searched by either the sender or the recipient accessing the electronic mail service center that manages the information from each station. There is.

In the above mail system, as shown in FIG. 15, when a sender having a next-generation digital meter posts a two-dimensional code-added mail item, the two-dimensional code-added mail item is accepted by a receiving office, It delivers to the recipient via the relay station and the delivery station.

At this time, the underwriting station, the relay station and the delivery station are
Each of them has a sorting machine capable of reading a two-dimensional code, and the information read by this sorting machine is transmitted to an electronic mail service center. Further, the underwriting station, the relay station and the delivery station respectively exchange tracking information and billing information with the electronic mail service center.

Further, the sender can receive a utilization history inquiry service and a postage settlement service on the Web from the electronic mail service center.

Further, the sender can receive the information service (IntelliLink service (intelligent link service) in the figure) from the upper data center.

Further, the recipient can receive a prior notification service by electronic mail, an anonymous reception refusal service, etc. from the electronic mail service center.

On the other hand, the data center can make an inquiry to the electronic mail service center about the use status of the mail system for each sender.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the mail system which concerns on embodiment. This postal system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment, and instead of the present postage stamp-attached postal service on the left side of the drawing,
It is possible to provide a new stamp-attached mail service on the right side of the drawing.

That is, this postal system has a structure in which the two-dimensional code printing using the next-generation digital meter is used as an alternative to the affixing of postage stamps. With the above configuration, stamp sales cost (printing, transportation, management, etc.)
It is possible to reduce the number of users and improve the convenience of users (stamp management, sticking, etc.). In addition, the postmark process is unnecessary.
Further, the delivery / billing information of the mail can be centrally managed, and the user can browse it on the Web.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 17 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the mail system which concerns on embodiment. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment, and is capable of providing a new separate delivery service on the right side of the drawing in place of the current separate delivery service on the left side of the drawing.

That is, this mail system is constructed so that the contractor information / charge recorded in the two-dimensional code of the mail and the number of mails confirmed by the sorting machine can be confirmed. According to the above configuration, it is possible to automate the confirmation of the number of mails and the calculation of charges. In addition, it is not necessary to bring postal items to the office.
Further, the delivery / billing information of the postal matter can be centrally managed, and the user can browse it on the Web.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 18 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the mail system which concerns on embodiment. This postal system is a concrete example of the sixth embodiment, and instead of the current payee paying postal service on the left side of the drawing,
It is possible to provide a new payee mail service on the right side of the drawing.

In other words, this mail system is constructed so that the contractor information / charge recorded in the two-dimensional code of the mail and the number of mails confirmed by the sorting machine can be confirmed. According to the above configuration, it is possible to automate the confirmation of the number of mails and the calculation of charges. Also, depending on the destination information of the two-dimensional code,
It is possible to realize automation of area classification and recipient classification (pinpoint classification such as department, floor, seat, etc. is also possible).

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment, and instead of the current registered mail service on the left side of the drawing,
It is possible to provide a new registered mail service on the right side of the drawing.

That is, this postal system is constructed so that a two-dimensional code recording a temporary underwriting number issued via the Web is printed on a mail item and can be posted. According to the above configuration, it is possible to automate the confirmation of the number of mails and the calculation of charges. In addition, it is not necessary to bring mail to the station (you can post it like ordinary mail). Further, it is possible to reduce the cost of the counter work (issue / registration of the underwriting number). Also,
It is possible to realize online confirmation of delivery.

(Eleventh Embodiment) FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a mail system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. This postal system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide a new postage meter postal service on the right side of the drawing in place of the current postage meter postal service on the left side of the drawing.

That is, this mail system has a structure in which the upper data center, the electronic mail service center, and the sender can communicate with each other. With the above configuration, for example, the data center can automatically collect detailed information, history, and processing data for each piece of mail from the electronic mail service center. Also, for example, the sender can download the latest postage rate and various software online from the data center.
Further, for example, the sender can receive remote diagnosis and treatment of software trouble from the data center.

(Twelfth Embodiment) FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a mail system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide a mail tracking service.

That is, in this mail system, the electronic mail service center automatically collects mail passing information from the underwriting station, the relay station and the delivery station based on the two-dimensional code of the mail.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the sender or the receiver accesses the electronic mail service center via the Internet to send the passing information of the mail to We.
You can check it on the b service.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. This postal system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide a postage payment service.

That is, this postal system is configured to collect the contractor information and the postage information recorded in the two-dimensional code of the postal matter through the sorting machine.

With the above-described structure, online settlement can be performed from the contractor's account each time a new mail piece passes through the sorting machine.

(Fourteenth Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a mail system according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and is capable of providing advance notice / recipient convenience designating service.

That is, this mail system collects the information (e-mail address, telephone number) of the recipient recorded in the two-dimensional code of the mail through the sorting machine, and delivers the mail to the recipient. It is configured to give advance notice.

With the above configuration, it is possible to deliver a two-dimensional code-attached mail item according to the mail arrival notification and the convenience of the recipient (delivery destination / time, etc.).

(Fifteenth Embodiment) FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide a mail use history and a point service.

That is, this mail system has a structure in which the sender's or recipient's information recorded in the two-dimensional code of the mail is collected via the sorting machine, and the sender's or user's usage history can be managed. ing.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the electronic mail service center can refer to the mailing / receipt history of the mail by the Web service and can carry out the point discount service according to the mail usage history.

(Sixteenth Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a mail system according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide an anonymous mail service.

That is, this mail system is configured to use the two-dimensional code information recording only the user identification number of the recipient as the address of the mail. In addition,
The two-dimensional code information is provided in advance by the recipient to the sender via a network or the like.

According to the above configuration, the mail can be delivered anonymously without teaching the sender of personal information such as name and address. This is suitable, for example, for auctions, ordering materials, etc. via the Internet.

(17th Embodiment) FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a mail system according to the 17th embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and can provide a delivery route guidance service.

That is, this postal system is configured to use the address information recorded in the two-dimensional code information.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the GPS-equipped terminal carried by the delivery person can display the optimum delivery route up to the address of the recipient.

(Eighteenth Embodiment) FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a mail system according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment, and is capable of providing a reception signature service with a digital signature.

That is, this postal system is so constructed that the public key information of the recipient is registered in advance and the signature (digital signature) of the recipient is verified at the time of delivery. The recipient's signature means a digital signature by the recipient's smart card.

With the above arrangement, the delivery person can confirm the legitimacy of the recipient. Further, the delivery person can transmit the signature of the recipient as electronic data to the electronic mail service center. At this time, for example, the electronic mail service center publishes this electronic data on the Web service, so that the sender can confirm the receipt via the Web service.

(Nineteenth Embodiment) FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a specific example of the sixth embodiment and is capable of providing an application service for next-generation mail posts.

That is, this mail system has a structure in which the mail post has a function equivalent to the next-generation digital meter.

According to the above configuration, the post can print or attach the two-dimensional code and can transmit the two-dimensional code information to the electronic mail service center. Moreover, even a sender who does not have a next-generation digital meter can receive a service using a two-dimensional code. Also, information management and cargo collection work can be performed in units of post boxes.

(Twentieth Embodiment) FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a mail system according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention. This mail system is a combination example of the sixth to nineteenth embodiments, and in the basic configuration of the sixth embodiment, receipt confirmation by the digital signature of the eighteenth embodiment and the next generation of the nineteenth embodiment. It has a configuration including a model post.

According to the above configuration, the sixth to seventeenth
The effect of any one or more of the embodiments and the effect of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments can be obtained at the same time.

The method described in each of the above embodiments is
As a program that can be executed by a computer, a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, etc., Optical disk (CD-ROM, D
It can be stored in a storage medium such as a VD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a semiconductor memory or the like and distributed.

The storage medium may have any storage format as long as it can store the program and can be read by a computer.

An OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program installed in the computer from the storage medium,
MW such as database management software and network software
(Middleware) or the like may execute a part of each processing for realizing the present embodiment.

Further, the storage medium in the present invention is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, but includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Further, the number of storage media is not limited to one, and the case in which the processing in this embodiment is executed from a plurality of media is also included in the storage media in the present invention, and the medium structure may be any structure.

The computer according to the present invention executes each processing in the present embodiment based on the program stored in the storage medium. One computer such as a personal computer or a plurality of devices are connected to the network. It may have any configuration such as an established system.

The computer in the present invention means
Not only a personal computer but also an arithmetic processing unit, a microcomputer, and the like included in an information processing device, which collectively refer to a device and a device that can realize the functions of the present invention by a program.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be variously modified at the stage of implementation without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the respective embodiments may be implemented by being combined appropriately as far as possible, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Further, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent requirements. For example, when the invention is extracted by omitting some of the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, when omitting the extracted invention, the omitted portions are appropriately supplemented by well-known and common techniques. It is something that will be done.

In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0147]

As described above, according to the present invention, the service can be provided to the user by using the code information added to the mail and the convenience can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a mail system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a postage meter in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a two-dimensional code according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a two-dimensional code according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an e-mail for advance notification in the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a mail system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a change screen in the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a reception refusal screen of the mail system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a mail system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a transmission system of the mail system in the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a delivery system of the mail system in the same embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an information system of the mail system in the same embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an entire system of a mail system according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mail system according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional mail system.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional imprint of postage or the like.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... In-house sorting machine 6 ... Delivery Office 10 ... Postage meter 11 ... Destination information input section 12 ... Sender information input section 13 ... Two-dimensional code information generation unit 14 ... Two-dimensional code generator 15 ... Two-dimensional code printing section 20 ... Sending station 30 ... Regional Division / Extra Large Bureau 40 ... Regional Division Bureau 41, 61, k1 ... Communication I / F unit 42 ... Reception change code generation unit 43 ... Two-dimensional code printing section 50 ... Internet 60 ... Central center 62 ... Receipt change acceptance section 63 ... Reception change processing unit 64 ... Database 65 ... Processing status registration unit 66 ... Search request reception unit 67 ... Search processing unit S ... From PC, K ... Terminal R ... Recipient G1, G11 ... Change initial screen G2, G7 ... Change confirmation screen G3, G5 ... Change caution screen G4, G6 ... Change input screen G8 ... Change decision screen G12, G14 ... Acceptance refusal confirmation screen G13 ... Rejection notification selection screen G15 ... Rejection decision screen

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shingo Miyazaki             No. 1 Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo Toshiba Corporation             Fuchu Office (72) Inventor Toshiaki Saisho             No. 1 Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo Toshiba Corporation             Fuchu Office F-term (reference) 3F079 AA01 BA24 CA06                 5B072 BB00 CC21 CC24

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A mail system for delivering mail to a recipient even when the sender's mail is sent out via a postage meter, the mail system being provided in the postage meter and at least the recipient. Address information, the ID information of the mail item and the charge information of the mail item are two-dimensionally coded, and the obtained two-dimensional code is added to the mail item. A two-dimensional code reading unit that is provided in a sorting machine for sorting and reads the two-dimensional code given to the mail, and has the two-dimensional code based on the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reading unit. Status information creating means for creating status information including the ID information for a mail item, and status information sending for sending status information created by the status information creating means via a network Wherein the stage, the status information transmitted from the status information transmitting means I
When a status registration means for registering in association with the D information and a search request presenting the ID information are received, the I
A status search means for searching the status information registered by the status registration means based on the D information; and a search result sending means for sending the search result by the status search means to the sender of the search request. A postal system characterized by that. 2. The mail system according to claim 1, wherein when the two-dimensional code includes delivery schedule information and advance notification request information, the two-dimensional code is read based on the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reading means. Advance notice transmitting means for producing a advance notice including the ID information, the delivery schedule information and the changed contact information for a mail having a two-dimensional code, and transmitting the advance notice based on the destination information A mail system characterized by. 3. The mail system according to claim 2, wherein when a change request is presented in which the ID information is presented to the changed contact information, a mail item having the ID information is received based on the change request. A mail including a change instruction sending unit that creates a delivery change instruction and sends the delivery change instruction to a sorting station to which the mail is delivered based on the status information and the destination information. system. 4. The mail system according to claim 2, wherein when a receipt refusal request that presents the ID information to the changed contact information is received, the mail having the ID information is received based on the receipt refusal request. Change instruction transmitting means for generating a delivery change instruction for the article and transmitting the delivery change instruction to the sorting station to which the mail is delivered based on the status information and the destination information. Postal system to do. 5. A postal method for delivering a postal matter to a recipient even when the sender's postal matter is sent out via a postage meter, which is performed by the postage instrument and at least the receiving A two-dimensional code assigning step of two-dimensionally coding the address information of the person, the ID information of the mail item and the charge information of the mail item, and applying the obtained two-dimensional code to the mail item, A two-dimensional code reading step performed by a sorting machine for sorting the two-dimensional code given to the mail, and the two-dimensional code based on the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reading step. Status information creating step for creating status information including the ID information for a postal matter having status, and status information sending step for sending status information created by the status information creating step via a network The status information transmitted from the status information transmitting step I
When a status registration step of registering in association with D information and a search request presenting the ID information are received, the I
A status search step of searching the status information registered by the status registration step based on the D information; and a search result sending step of sending the search result of the status search step to the sender of the search request. A postal method characterized by being.