AU2007202690A1 - Method and Apparatus for Sorting and Distribution of Documents - Google Patents

Description

3910-1.doc -1 Method and Apparatus for Sorting and Distribution of Documents Background The present invention relates to mail processing systems and more particularly relates to an alternative system for pre sorting mass volumes of mail and particularly, though not exclusively, mail which originates from an electronic source such as, but not limited to, mass mailed accounts, inserts, advertising, financial statements etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for processing and collating mail which eliminates process and labour intensive sorting of mail and particularly mass mail outs at all stages up to and including the postal clearing house.

Prior Art A variety of organizations customarily deliver and receive mail in large quantities and in bulk form and a number of devices have been developed to facilitate the handling of such mail so as to enhance productivity.

However, to date, methods, devices or systems for directly combining automated functions for pre sorting prior to distribution have not been commercially available.

The known art generally teaches automated systems applied in relation to mass processing of mail and particularly incoming bulk mail and in document extraction from and insertion in envelopes. The prior art teaches some automation of various stages of bulk document processing but it does not, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, teach a combined automated system and/or method which allows electronic sorting and/or merging in communication with a mass processing apparatus so that mail can be sequenced and categorised electronically before printing into a sequence or category order for subsequent mail delivery.

A "Mail House" is an organization that receives in electronic form lists of information that are printed and mailed to various people and or organizations: for example: telephone bills, bank account statements, council rate notices, monthly news letters etc. Each document can be the same (mass mail out) and or specific to the recipient. Mail Houses usually undertake each job in separate and unrelated (batch) printing and envelope inserting processes where each document within the batch is the same type. That is there is a separate batch prepared for documents such as: Company A land line telephone bills 3910-1.doc -2- Company B land line telephone bills Company C credit card statements Company C Bank account statements Government Taxation Office Tax Returns etc.

Smaller printing jobs, including individual letters, are not currently sent to mail houses. People and organizations simply prepare them in electronic form, print them and manually insert them in envelopes before mailing. The described invention can accommodate such small printing and mailing activities and incorporate them into the described processing sequence.

Various mail houses routinely receive requests from organizations to print and address documents to various individuals and organizations.

Each mail house usually undertakes each of its jobs as a batch run in isolation from other jobs. Each batch run's prepared documents (letters) are presented to the mail service provider(s) in a random order for mailing. Due to the volume of material that is processed by the mail house industry, there are many individual mail house batch mail runs that are presented to mail service provider(s) in a random fashion each day. Each of these mail house job batches has its documents also in a random fashion. Once the random documents are prepared, the postal service then combines the mail house sourced documents (letters) with other mail it has received from the public and proceeds to sort all documents/letters via a series of processes until the documents end up in the applicable addressees' post offices through out the country. The postal service employees sort them into delivery order sequence in preparation for mail delivery to the recipient's letter box or Post Office Box. The sorting activities associated with this process, are process and labour intensive and consequently relatively expensive.

To date, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, it has not hitherto previously been known to merge databases, sorting by category for processing and then printing in delivery order sequence and merging like ordered categories to obtain a consolidated grouping of documents in delivery order sequence.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an alternative to the known mail sorting 3910-1.doc -3processing and delivery systems. More particularly the present invention provides an electronic sorting system which enables mass and low volume mait from at least one data base to be sorted into a predetermined category or into sequence and then automatically printed and despatched in a predetermined sequence. Embodiments of the present invention provides printing of letters and minimal physical logistics are required to bring the mail together before sorting, significantly simplifying the process and reducing the associated logistics costs. Furthermore the method of the present invention does not have a practical restriction on the number of addresses which can be sorted in one pass (ultimately this is restricted by the database size of the computer).

Doing a sort print for a large number of addresses, including one for each USA address, for example, can be achieved.

It is, therefore, a primary object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an integrated apparatus and system for automatically sorting bulk and individual documents from a data base and then presenting such documents for eventual processing.

It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an interface between a data base and a document processing and distribution system in order to present such documents for processing in automated fashion and in bulk form.

It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an interface between a data base and a document processing and distribution system in order to present such documents for processing in automated fashion and in bulk form and which requires a minimum amount of intervention or no intervention by an operator.

It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus for extracting documents from a data base according to a predetermined category or order and for presenting such extracted documents for processing which is compatible with conventional mail room processing operations.

It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an interface between a data base and a document processing and distribution system in order to present such documents for processing in automated fashion and in bulk form and which is straightforward in operation, and relatively simple to use.

It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an interface between a data base and a document processing and distribution system in order to present such documents for processing in automated 3910-1.doc -4fashion and in bulk form which is capable of assuming different configurations to satisfy varying needs of the mail distribution industry.

It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide controls over mail origins and to ensure no dangerous or anonymous mail is delivered.

In addition, the present invention provides in combination according to one embodiment a method of merging databases, sorting by category for processing and then printing in delivery order sequence and merging like ordered categories to obtain a consolidated grouping of documents in delivery order sequence.

These and other objects are achieved in accordance with embodiments of the present invention by providing at least one data base of documents and an apparatus for the automated processing of bulk documents wherein documents extracted from said at least one data base are printed and transferred to a document processing and distribution system in order to present such documents for processing in automated fashion and in bulk form.

For example, pre sorting functions may be employed associated with the data base so that only documents of a predetermined type or in a predetermined order will be fully and subsequently processed.

The essence of embodiments of the invention is to totally eliminate, or at least significantly reduce the need to do the automated and manual sorting currently performed by Postal services for the mail that originates from or can be put into an electronic form.

The process entails various combinations of documents in electronic form being forwarded to a mail house or a series of nominated mail houses.

The documents can range from high volumes of similar documents, example telephone bills down to an individual document, for example an organization's quotation to supply a good or service that is prepared in Microsoft Word for mailing to an individual. The mail house would then: a) collttate atll the electronic mail onto a computer (database) b) sort the electronic data (mait) into a predetermined sequence (for example and probably delivery order sequence for each region or post code) c) print and insert the documents into envelopes in the delivery order sequence 3910-1.doc d) maintaining the delivery order sequence and dispatching the documents to the people that willtt deliver the documents to the final delivery address (letter box/Post Office Box) The people nominated to deliver the mail would then simply deliver it to the letterboxes in a manner similar to normal mail delivery practice.

Using the above method, there is no need for the electronically sourced documents to go through the normal machine or manual mail sorting processes that postal services normally use. An advantage of the invention is the elimination of the need to do the sorting that is the benefit that the invention provides.

Yet other sorting functions may be employed following extraction of the documents. For example, it may be desired to identify specific types of documents, for example mass mail outs, invoices, statements and the like for separate processing, for instance according to a predetermined geographic category. Alternatively, such documents, may be bulk processed based upon certain common criteria deemed appropriate for effective presentation for processing.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of processing devices may be fed by a single extraction from at least one data base.

In one of its broadest form the present invention comprises: a method for processing documents for individual and /or mass distribution the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a data base of a predetermined document type; b) electronically sorting documents from the data base into a predetermined category, sequence, grouping or the like; c) printing said document in said category, grouping sequence or the like; d) inserting said documents into envelopes and while maintaining said category, grouping sequence or the like; e) transferring said documents to a mail delivery house for subsequent distribution.

In another broad form the present invention comprises a method for processing documents for mass distribution comprising the steps of: a) providing a data base of at least one document type; 3910-1.doc -6b) merging said at least one document type with another document type and electronically sorting said merged documents from the data base into a predetermined category, grouping, sequence; c) printing said merged documents in said category, grouping, sequence; d) distributing said documents to a mail distribution service for final distribution.

According to one embodiment the distribution may be related to the category, grouping or sequence; According to one embodiment, the method includes the step before step d) of inserting said merged documents into envelopes prior to distribution to said mail distribution service.

Preferably, the data base is electronic and the documents originate from a single or a plurality of sources which generate mass distribution or circulation material. According to one embodiment, the category or sequence etc may include but is not timited to be post code, street address name, city, suburb.

In another broad form the present invention comprises a method for mass mail processing and distribution comprising the steps of; a) providing at least one electronic data base b) inputting documents for mass distribution into said at least one data base; c) allowing said documents from one or more said data bases to be sorted or merged into a predetermined order or category; d) printing said documents in a predetermined order relative to said predetermined category or order, e) transferring said documents in said category or order to a mail distribution system.

According to one embodiment, said inputting of documents into the data base may be effected by Internet, Email or other electronic transmission, scanning or manual insertion. According to a preferred embodiment, the mail distribution system includes an apparatus to receive documents printed from said printer in said predetermined order and to enable insertion of said documents into envelopes for subsequent mass distribution.

3910-1.doc -7- In a further embodiment, according to the method aspect the invention comprise the further step of sorting printed documents prior to insertion in an envelope insertion apparatus.

In a further embodiment, the data base is held on a computer interfaced into said insertion apparatus such that the progress of printing and insertion of mass produced documents can be monitored on the computer screen at any time in the processing.

According to various embodiments, the documents may be such items as invoices, mass mail outs, advertising literature, statements, telephone, credit card and other bills. This is not to be construed as limiting of the extent and nature of the documents which can be processed according to the invention.

In another broad form the present invention comprises a system for mass mail processing and distribution, the system comprising; at least one electronic data base; means for inputting documents into said at least one data base; means for sorting said documents from one or more said data bases into a predetermined order or category; a printer for printing said documents in a predetermined order relative to said predetermined category or order; and means for transferring said printed documents through a mail distribution system.

According to a preferred embodiment the mail distribution system includes an apparatus for sequential feeding of printed documents into envelopes prior to distribution.

The present invention also provides a method of mass mail processing, including: providing a first dataset, the first dataset including data relating to: multiple first addresses; at least one delivery run, said data associating each address with a delivery run and a position in the respective delivery run relative to other addresses associated with the same delivery run; 3910-1.doc -8selecting a plurality of said first addresses to obtain a plurality of delivery addresses, each for delivery of a package; ordering the delivery addresses into delivery sequence for each delivery run for which there is at least one delivery address associated therewith.

The present invention also provides a system of mass mail processing, including: a first dataset, the first dataset including data relating to: multiple first addresses; at least one delivery run, said data associating each address with a delivery run and a position in the respective delivery run relative to other addresses associated with the same delivery run; selection means for selecting a plurality of said first addresses to obtain a plurality of delivery addresses, each for delivery of a package; ordering means for ordering the delivery addresses into delivery sequence for each delivery run for which there is at least one delivery address associated therewith.

Selecting a plurality of said first addresses in the method or system may include providing at least one second dataset, said at least one second dataset including data relating to: multiple second addresses to each of which one or more packages are to be delivered; associating the second addresses in the second dataset with the corresponding first address in the first dataset, and obtaining delivery addresses includes selecting first addresses that correspond to said second addresses.

The invention may include creating delivery media and means for creating such, each of which includes a delivery addresses or data relating to the delivery address. The delivery media may be a label, envelope box, packaging or at least part the content of the package itself.

The invention may include printing items with a delivery address, data 3910-1.doc -9associated with the delivery address or both.

The invention may include selecting data or items or both for inclusion in packages according to data associated with the delivery address. Multiple items may be provided for each delivery address. Each package may include multiple items. Multiple packages may be provided for each delivery address.

Separate and different sized packages may be provided for the items associated with each delivery address, the items associated with a particular package depending on the physical dimensions of the item and/or the content of the item.

packages may be collated after assembly into delivery sequence.

The first dataset may include one or more separate datasets. The second dataset may include one or more separate sub datasets.

The invention may include merging data from at least two first sub datasets, at least two second sub datasets or at least two first sub datasets and at least two second sub datasets.

The invention may include creating, selecting or obtaining at least one item for each second address in each second sub dataset and providing at least one of: a single package for the or all items associated with each second address, or multiple packages for items associated with each second address.

A single package may be provided for the or all items associated with each second address in each second sub dataset.

The invention may include inserting items into envelopes.

The delivery address may be placed on the delivery media using a technique selected from a group including printed, embossing, engraving, etching and structural or material deformation.

The delivery addresses may be ordered by delivery run and then delivery sequence.

The first dataset may include data relating to delivery point locations and each delivery run is associated with a delivery point location.

The delivery addresses may be ordered by delivery point, then delivery run 3910-1.doc and then delivery sequence.

The invention may include transferring packages for the same delivery point to the respective delivery point whilst maintaining the packages in delivery sequence.

The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments The present invention will be described with reference to a system and method in which a bulk mail out of invoices takes place originating from an electronic data base. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that any form of mass mail out or document distribution may be processed employing the invention. The system according to one embodiment, allows sorting by a category and then a predetermined sequence.

The invention is predicated on the availability of delivery sequence as opposed to mere address sequence data. For example, a delivery run may deliver mail along the odd side of a street, deliver mail in one or more other streets and then return to the first street and deliver any mail to the even side of the street.

A simple delivery run may be schematically presented as: Street Name Number in Street Delivery order Street1 1 1 Street1 3 2 Street1 5 3 Street1 99 Street2 2 51 Street2 4 52 Street2 99 100 Street1 100 101 Street1 98 102 Street1 2 150 The obtaining of delivery runs and sequences is, generally, a once only event.

3910-1.doc 11 New data would be required if a run is modified. Reasons for modification include road changes, addition of new streets or general reorganisation of the delivery process/runs.

The data relating to delivery runs and delivery sequences may be obtained by having delivery persons manually enter/provide their delivery sequence.

Alternatively, the delivery sequence may be obtained by tracking the delivery personnel or vehicles. For example, a data logger with a GPS receiver can store the path taken by the delivery person or vehicle and, combined with appropriate mapping software, provide a delivery sequence for the particular delivery run.

This tracking could occur when mail is being delivered. Alternatively, a "dry" run taken with no mail delivered, in which all streets in the run are covered as if there were mail in all streets and all sides of streets. If this tracking occurs during actual delivery more than one if not atll streets are covered by a delivery run on a particular day.

The invention provides addressing and/or collating of packages in delivery sequence. This may be by delivery media having the address in delivery sequence or by collttating after printing/assembly.

The delivery media may be a label, envelope box or the content of the package itself. Typically the delivery address is printed on the delivery media but other forms of creating the second address on or in the delivery media are within the scope of the invention, such as embossing, engraving, etching and structural or material deformation A package may include one or more items. The items themselves may be generic with a separate tabet or envelope printed with the address or one or more of the items in the package may be printed with the relevant address.

Typically this delivery sequence is contained in one data set and a second data set (the mailing list) containing addresses to which mail is to be sent is combined or merged with this first dataset to produce a set of delivery addresses. The first dataset is relatively static and whilst maintenance is required, this means that only one set of delivery sequence data needs to be maintained.

Whilst combining or merging of two or more datasets is preferred, one may utilise a single dataset and select the set of delivery addresses using criteria applied against data in that dataset.

The first dataset may include one or more separate datasets. For example, 3910-1.doc -12addresses in each state or city may be located in separate datasets. This can be useful in combining the datasets if mailings are only to a specific area region or location.

The second dataset may be provided in one or more separate sub datasets. For example, the second dataset may include one sub dataset relating to telephone bills and a second sub dataset relating to electricity bills.

Where multiple sub datasets are used, separate delivery media may be provided for each entry in the sub datasets, i.e. an electricity bill would have its own delivery media and a telephone bill would have its own delivery media. However, the same addresses would appear consecutively in the sequence.

Each package may include multiple items. The items may be associated with different datasets. Thus a single package could have both an electricity bill and a telephone bill derived from the same or different sub datasets.

The first dataset preferably includes data relating to delivery point locations and each delivery run is preferably associated with a delivery point location.

The delivery addresses may be ordered by delivery point, then delivery run and then finally delivery sequence.

The combining and ordering of the second dataset with the first dataset is relatively easy by use of a select query in a database.

The combining of multiple sub datasets is relatively easy in a database by use of union queries. A union query of multiple second sub datasets may be used to produce a unified set of second addresses that may then be combined with the first dataset. Similarly multiple first sub datasets may be combined by a union query into a unified set of first addresses.

A union query of multiple second sub datasets can then be combined with the first dataset and sorted by, for example, delivery point, delivery run and finally delivery sequence.

If all items to the one address are to be sent in a single package, any union query of the second sub datasets may be structured to provide unique records, i.e. each second address would only appears once in the union query.

If multiple packages may be sent to a single address, any union query of the second sub datasets may be structured to provide a record for each record in the sub datasets.

3910-1.doc 13 If necessary the resulting union query or resulting select query may be combined by way of another query with the second datasets or sub datasets to produce the actual sequence of delivery addresses for subsequent processing.

Typically, there is provided at least one electronic data base 1 which is contained in a computer 2. Computer 2 may itself be linked to a source of documents which are downloaded to computer 2 from a remote source.

Alternatively documents to be mass distributed originate from computer 2.

Once documents are in data base 1 they may be electronically sorted according to a predetermined regime 3. This may for instance be a group of statements or invoices sorted according to geographic areas and or alphabetically The sorting criteria are potentially limitless. Once the documents from data base 1 are sorted into a predetermined category and/or sequence, the documents may then be printed via one or more processes or printers in the predetermined sequence or category. Once printed, the documents may be inserted into envelopes then distributed sequentially according to the predetermined sequence.

The invention contemplates the use of a wide variety of combinations in preparing the preliminary sorting and collating for subsequent distribution to a mailing service. Examples include: 1. Pre-printing, 2. Differing printer and envelope requirements for different documents 3. Inserts including advertising inserts 4. Merging of batches of documents sorted into the same sequence Number of data-bases.

Due to the ability to use any combination of these items in the invention's process, there are a large number of possible software and hardware configurations that can be used in an application of the invention with equipment and process configuration governed by the items it is to process.

Pre-printing Usually for each separate batch process the customized printing is done on a standard pre printed form ("Preprint"). For example with a phone billtt atll noncustomized print is prepared prior to the mail house receiving the paper in bulk form. "Preprint" usually contains things like colour corporate logo, standard terms and conditions, methods available for payment and all print 3910-1.doc -14that is the same for each recipient.

The preprint is selected/produced at 4.

In a conventional process, the preprint is the same for all documents in the batch. However, in the invention there is scope for different document in the batch to require different preprint. There may be multiple preprints available and the specific preprint used may be selected/produced on the basis of the job (where all documents in the job use the same preprint) or on the basis of the item, (where the documents in the job use different preprints).

For each document printed in sequence order, means have to be provided to ensure that the correct pre printed paper is matched with each page to be printed. (Similarly the envelope has to be matched to the printed page).

This may be achieved by one or more of the following being incorporated into the process.

For one printer to do all the preprint artwork in one pass. Eg a full colour printer.

For a number of printers to do the preprint artwork and then combining them in the required predetermined order.

For a number of printers to do the preprint artwork in the predetermined order required.

To restrict the numbers of colours required on the preprinted documents to the colours that the available printer can print.

Presorting pre-manufactured preprint in the order required to match the order of the documents to be printed Having pre-manufactured preprint available for all documents to be prepared and then selecting (picking) the appropriate preprint to match the document to be printed next.

Any combination of the above.

Production of preprint may utilise cut sheet that is merely printed on or may involve use of continuous paper that is cut to size as needed.

The data-base is to contain the information on which preprint is applicable to each document. The process control system controls the means by which the preprint is to be prepared and combined with the document.

3910-1.doc 15 Depending on the job, use of preprint may not be necessary and both the variable and "static" content may be printed at the same time, in which case selection/production of preprint at 4 may be omitted, as indicated by line Differing printer and envelope requirements for different documents Print documents have to be sent to printing apparatus (printers) that are capable of processing the required documents. This is indicated at 6 and includes the use of multiple printers. If different types of apparatus are required means have to be available for directing the mail to the correct printer and processing apparatus and then merging the various processes to allow the output of the combined processes and apparatus to form a combined category of mail in the predetermined sorted order. An alternative is to merge batches of documents that have previously been sorted into the same sequence It is possible to process a number of jobs in the same sequence and then merge them to end up with a combined set of documents in a predetermined sorted order. The jobs don't have to be processed by the same equipment, thus accommodating different envelope sizes and or configurations.

Inserts (first embodiment) Bulk mailings frequently include one or more inserts. Inserts are usually preprinted and do not have any variable content and, usually, merely need to be selected, as indicated at 7.

If no insert is required for a particular document the process bypasses the insert selection, as indicated by line 8. In practice a document may pass along the same physical path and just have no insert added at the appropriate point.

Usually different categories of documents require different inserts. A means for sorting the inserts into the correct order is required so they can be combined with the correct document printed at 6 before they are put into the envelope. This requires a similar sorting process to that described by the main invention and pre-printing. In one embodiment documents from multiple local or remote data bases may be merged into the predetermined category or sequence. Thus the sequence or category may be compiled from within one local or remote data base or merged from multiple and/or remote data bases.

This will depend upon the requirements of either the document supplier or the recipients of the documents. Since the data base is electronic, a 3910-1.doc 16potentially unlimited number of service providers who requires distribution of a high volume of documents can elect to down load mass circulation documents to a predesignated data base or data bases in a local computer.

Once a document is in the data base it may be grouped with other like documents within a single data base or it might be grouped with other documents according to a predetermined selection category. Preferably the data base is electronic and the documents originate from a single or a plurality of sources which generate mass distribution or circulation material.

Inputting of documents into the data base may be effected by Internet, Email or electronic transmission, scanning or manual insertion. The mail distribution system includes an apparatus to receive documents printed from the printer in said predetermined order and to enable insertion of said documents into envelopes for subsequent mass distribution. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the further step of sorting printed insert documents prior to insertion in an envelope insertion apparatus 9. The data base is held on a computer interfaced into said insertion apparatus 9 such that the progress of printing and insertion of mass produced documents can be monitored on the computer screen at any time in the processing. The documents may be such items as invoices, mass mail outs, advertising literature, statements. This is not to be construed as limiting of the extent and nature of the documents which can be processed according to the invention.

Merging batches of documents that have previously been sorted into the same sequence According to one embodiment, it is possible to process a number of jobs individually in the same sequence and then merge them to end up with a combined set of documents in a predetermined sorted order, or delivery sequence order (DOS). The individual jobs can be processed to any stage, then merged and finally processed. For example batches may be merged prior to or after the documents are inserted into the envelopes. The jobs don't have to be processed by the same equipment, thus accommodating different envelope sizes and or configurations. The batches to be merged can be manufactured just prior to being merged or pre-manufactured and stored in devices for easy unloading prior to being merged. A combination of these methods is also possible.

Each job may thus be stored temporarily in DOS for future merging with other jobs, as indicated at 10. The merging of separate jobs that each have been produced in DOS is indicated at 11.

3910-1.doc 17- Number of data-bases White it is possible that the process can be undertaken with one data-base having being loaded with all required information to undertake the process, it would be possible for more than one data base to be used. According to one embodiment, a number of databases could be configured so that each database was asked in sequence to provide details of the items it had that were related to a destination or means of classification sequence. By systematically progressing through each destination in a predetermined order, and asking each database to provide its content associated with each, one would end up with the combination of the contents of the computers in the predetermined order.

Inserts (second embodiment) Often documents will require accompanying inserts (example: advertising literature). In its simplest form each document and envelope will require the same insert. Under such circumstances the insert can be pre-manufactured or printed in situ and combined with the printed document prior to being inserted into the appropriate envelope.

Where different categories of documents require different inserts a means for ensuring the correct insert is matched to the correct printed page and envelope is required.

The data-base is to contain the information on which insert is applicable to each document. The process control system controls the means by which the insert is to be prepared and combined with the document.

Alternatives for providing, preparing and combining the inserts with the documents include: For one printer to do all the insert artwork in one pass. Eg a full colour printer.

For a number of printers to do the insert artwork and then combining them in the required predetermined order.

For a number of printers to do the insert artwork in the predetermined order required To restrict the numbers of colours required on the insert to the colours that the available printer can print.

3910-1.doc -18- Presorting pre-manufactured inserts in the order required to match the order of the documents to be printed Having pre-manufactured inserts available for all documents to be prepared and then selecting (picking) the appropriate insert to match the document next to be printed.

SAny combination of the above.

Envelope Where the categories of documents being combined and printed in the predetermined order require the same envelope no special requirements are required to ensure correct matching of the envelope to the document. On occasion different categories of documents require different or unique envelopes. Under such circumstances the envelope can be pre manufactured or printed insitu and combined with the printed document and insert. Where different categories of documents require different envelopes, a means for ensuring the correct envelope is matched to the correct printed page and envelope is required. The data-base is to contain the information on which envelope is applicable to each document. The process control system controls the mean by which the envelope is to be prepared and combined with the document. Alternatives for providing, preparing and combining the envelope with the documents include: For one printer to do all the envelope artwork in one pass. Eg a full colour printer.

For a sticker or similar item be placed on the envelope with the required artwork, or to hide artwork that is not applicable.

For a number of printers to do the envelope artwork and then combining them in the required predetermined order.

For a number of printers to do the envelope artwork in the predetermined order required.

To restrict the numbers of colours required on the envelope to the colours that the available printer can print.

SPresorting pre-manufactured envelopes in the order required to match the order of the documents to be printed.

Having pre-manufactured envelopes available for all documents to be prepared and then selecting (picking) the appropriate envelope to 3910-1.doc 19match the document next to be printed.

SHaving envelopes with windows in them to allow preprint or custom print showing through the window which customizes the assembled envelope/document's appearance.

Any combination of the above.

Destination Package When it is desired or where there is more that one piece of mail destined for the same address, the pieces of mail can be placed in a destination package addressed to the required location, as indicated at 12. Where the categories of mail being combined are the same envelope no special requirements are required to ensure correct matching of the envelope to the destination package and a single size package may be used to accommodate atll envelopes with the same addresses. The package may be a conventional envelope or a plastic wrap/envelope. Generally, if a package is used the package will need to include address information that is separate form the individual envelopes contained within.

On occasion different categories of envelopes require different or unique destination packages. Under such circumstances the destination package can be pre manufactured or printed insitu and combined with the envelopes.

Where different categories or combination of envelopes require different destination packages, a means for ensuring the correct destination package is matched to the envelope(s) is required. The data-base is to contain the information on which destination package is applicable to each combination of envelopes. The process control system controls the mean by which the destination package is to be prepared and combined with the envelope combinations. Alternatives for providing, preparing and combining the destination package with the envelopes include: For one printer to do all the destination artwork and addressing details in one pass. Eg a full colour printer.

For a sticker or similar item be placed on the destination package with the required artwork, or to hide artwork that is not applicable.

For a number of printers to do the destination artwork and addressing details and then combining them in the required predetermined order.

To restrict the numbers of colours required on the destination package to the colours that the available printer can print.

Presorting pre-manufactured destination packages in the order required 3910-1.doc 20 to match the order of the combined envelopes to be packaged.

Having pre-manufactured destination packages available for all envelopes to be prepared and then selecting (picking) the appropriate destination package to match the combination of envelopes next to be packaged.

Having destination packages with windows in them to allow preprint or custom print showing through the window which customizes the assembled envelope/destination package's appearance.

Any combination of the above.

According to one embodiment the method allows placing atll mail, with or without an envelope, with the same destination address, even if the specific addresses are different, in one package, a destination package, addressed to the applicable destination. This package could take on the appearance of an envelope and for example be addressed to the household advising that it contains individual envelopes addressed to a number of different persons. The details of disclosure of the destination packages contents can be varied as per ones requirements. A security integrity device or statement advising it has come form a secure or known source might also be mentioned.

Where separate jobs are included within a package without separate envelopes all documents and inserts may be packaged at 12 without first being individually inserted into envelopes. This bypassing of insertion into individual envelopes is indicated by line 13.

An added benefit of placing atll items addressed to one destination in the same packaged is that is reduces the number of items requiring delivery, with the possibility of reducing mailing logistics and the associated service fees.

At the end of the process the documents are in DOS and may be dispatched as appropriate to relevant delivery points, as indicated by 14.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not timited to".

It willtt be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention and that while mass mail outs have been used to describe the process it is equally capable of processing the aggregation of individual mail.

Claims (4)

1. 3910-1.doc -21 The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. A method of mass mail processing, including: providing a first dataset, the first dataset including data relating to: multiple first addresses; at least one delivery run, said data associating each address with a delivery run and a position in the respective delivery run relative to other addresses associated with the same delivery run; selecting a plurality of said first addresses to obtain a plurality of delivery addresses, each for delivery of a package; ordering the delivery addresses into delivery sequence for each delivery run for which there is at least one delivery address associated therewith.
2. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting a plurality of said first addresses includes providing at least one second dataset, said at least one second dataset including data relating to: multiple second addresses to each of which one or more packages are to be delivered; associating the second addresses in the second dataset with the corresponding first address in the first dataset, and obtaining delivery addresses includes selecting first addresses that correspond to said second addresses.
3. 3. The method of claim 1 including creating delivery media, each of which includes a delivery addresses or data relating to the delivery address.
4. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the delivery media is a label, envelope box, packaging or at least part the content of the package itself. The method of any one of the preceding claims including printing items with a delivery address, data associated with the delivery address or both. 6. The method of any one of the preceding claims including selecting data or items or both for inclusion in packages according to data associated with 3910-1.doc 22 the delivery address. 7. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more items are provided for each delivery address. 8. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein each package includes multiple items. 9. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein multiple packages are provided for each delivery address. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein separate and different sized packages are provided for the items associated with each delivery address, the items associated with a particular package depending on the physical dimensions of the item and/or the content of the item. 11. The method of any one of the preceding claims including collttating packages after assembly into delivery sequence. 12. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first dataset includes one or more separate datasets. 13. The method of any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2 wherein the second dataset includes in one or more separate sub datasets. 14. The method of claim 13 including merging data from at least two first sub datasets, at least two second sub datasets or at least two first sub datasets and at least two second sub datasets. The method of claim 13 or claim 14 including creating, selecting or obtaining at least one item for each second address in each second sub dataset and providing at least one of: a single package for the or all items associated with each second address, or multiple packages for items associated with each second address. 16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein a single package is provided for the or all items associated with each second address in each second sub dataset. 17. The method of any one of the preceding claims including inserting items into envelopes. 3910-1.doc 23 18. The method of any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3 wherein the delivery address is placed on the delivery media using a technique selected from a group including printed, embossing, engraving, etching and structural or material deformation. 19. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the delivery addresses are ordered by delivery run and then delivery sequence. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first dataset includes data relating to delivery point locations and each delivery run is associated with a delivery point location. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the delivery addresses are ordered by delivery point, then delivery run and then delivery sequence. 22. The method of claim 20 or claim 21 including transferring packages for the same delivery point to the respective delivery point whilst maintaining the packages in delivery sequence. 23. A system of mass mail processing, including: a first dataset, the first dataset including data relating to: multiple first addresses; at least one delivery run, said data associating each address with a delivery run and a position in the respective delivery run relative to other addresses associated with the same delivery run; selection means for selecting a plurality of said first addresses to obtain a plurality of delivery addresses, each for delivery of a package; ordering means for ordering the delivery addresses into delivery sequence for each delivery run for which there is at least one delivery address associated therewith. 24. The system of claim 23 including at least one second dataset, said at least one second dataset including data relating to: multiple second addresses to each of which one or more packages are to be delivered; associating means for: 3910-1.doc 24 associating the second addresses in the second dataset with the corresponding first address in the first dataset, and obtaining delivery addresses includes selecting first addresses that correspond to said second addresses. 25. The system of claim 23 including means for creating delivery addresses or data relating to the delivery address on or in delivery media. 26. The system of claim 25 wherein the delivery media is a label, envelope box, packaging or at least part the content of the package itself. 27. The system of any one of claims 23 to 26 including at least one printer for printing items with a delivery address, data associated with the delivery address or both. 28. The system of any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the selection means selecting data or items or both for inclusion in packages according to data associated with the delivery address. 29. The system of any one of claims 23 to 28 wherein one or more items are provided for each delivery address. The system of any one of claims 23 to 29 wherein each package includes multiple items. 31. The system of any one of claims 23 to 30 wherein multiple packages are provided for each delivery address. 32. The system of any one of claims 23 to 31 wherein separate and different sized packages are provided for the items associated with each delivery address, the items associated with a particular package depending on the physical dimensions of the item and/or the content of the item. 33. The system of any one of claims 23 to 32 including collttating means for collating packages after assembly into delivery sequence. 34. The system of any one of claims 23 to 33 wherein the first dataset includes one or more separate datasets. The system of any one of claims 23 to 34 when dependent on claim 24 wherein the second dataset includes in one or more separate sub datasets. 36. The system of claim 35 wherein the associating means merges data from at least two first sub datasets, at least two second sub datasets or at 3910-1.doc 25 least two first sub datasets and at least two second sub datasets. 37. The system of claim 35 or claim 36 wherein said system creates, selects or obtains at least one item for each second address in each second sub dataset and provides at least one of: a single package for the or all items associated with each second address, or multiple packages for items associated with each second address. 38. The system of any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein a single package is provided for the or all items associated with each second address in each second sub dataset. 39. The system of any one of claims 23 to 38 including inserting means for inserting items into envelopes. The system of any one of claims 23 to 39 when dependent on claim wherein the delivery address is placed on the delivery media using a technique selected from a group including printed, embossing, engraving, etching and structural or material deformation. 41. The system of any one of claims 23 to 40 wherein the delivery addresses are ordered by delivery run and then delivery sequence. 42. The system of any of claims 23 to 41 wherein the first dataset includes data relating to delivery point locations and each delivery run is associated with a delivery point location. 43. The system of claim 42 wherein the delivery addresses are ordered by delivery point, then delivery run and then delivery sequence. 44. A method of mass mail processing, substantially as herein described. 45. A system of mass mail processing, substantially as herein described. Dated 12 June 2007 Anthea Gardner By her Patent Attorneys Acumen Intellttectual Property