EP0762336A2 - Verarbeitungssystem zum Erzeugen eines virtuellen Versandes von Briefen, das ein Drucken, Kuvertieren und automatisches Frankieren erlaubt - Google Patents

Verarbeitungssystem zum Erzeugen eines virtuellen Versandes von Briefen, das ein Drucken, Kuvertieren und automatisches Frankieren erlaubt Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0762336A2
EP0762336A2 EP96401736A EP96401736A EP0762336A2 EP 0762336 A2 EP0762336 A2 EP 0762336A2 EP 96401736 A EP96401736 A EP 96401736A EP 96401736 A EP96401736 A EP 96401736A EP 0762336 A2 EP0762336 A2 EP 0762336A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
paper
data processing
mail
stationery
conditions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96401736A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0762336A3 (de
Inventor
Robert Leroy Hillegass
Jean Charles Weber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0762336A2 publication Critical patent/EP0762336A2/de
Publication of EP0762336A3 publication Critical patent/EP0762336A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/00024—Physical or organizational aspects of franking systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00467—Transporting mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
    • G07B2017/0037—Calculation of postage value
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00467—Transporting mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00491—Mail/envelope/insert handling system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00822—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system including unique details

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to the assembly of mail items and, more specifically, the invention relates to the automatic production of printing, enveloping and security stamping of mail items.
  • the present invention relates to a new assembly and a new method for complete automation and production of mail items by using conventional operations for processing digital information and computer automation for printing, sheet management. of paper and postage counting or port printing by an ordinary carrier.
  • the steps of composing a text, addressing, classification of the postal service or of an ordinary carrier, determination of weight, calculation of postage or port by a carrier, creation of 'a manifesto and postal accounts are produced in a computer assembly with reference to a virtual sending of mail.
  • virtual mail delivery is defined, actual mail shipments are produced by using a security stamp label if applicable.
  • the main object of the invention is an automatic process for mass production of mail items.
  • An essential characteristic of the invention is the execution of preliminary steps on a virtual sending of mail using the time of a computer before the beginning of the steps of handling or printing of paper.
  • Another characteristic of the invention is the use of a material in the form of a flat sheet for printing and for packaging.
  • Another characteristic of the invention is the printing of a stamp in a secure manner directly on a flat sheet before packaging.
  • the text information and the mail information is transmitted to a process control computer with predetermined physical information relating to the mailings.
  • the computer assembly can then create a virtual sending of mail by formatting and storing text files and by determining the number of sheets required for stationery. After determining all the material characteristics of the virtual mailing as well as special factors relating to delivery, the total delivery costs are determined. Physical mail sending can then be created from virtual mail sending.
  • a device is intended for dispensing sheets of paper which can be pre-cut or cut from rolls of continuous paper. Electronic printing, such as dot-matrix printing by ink projection, is used for printing on flat sheets of paper. Paper handling machines receive and fold the printed sheets of paper if necessary.
  • the folded sheets of paper form a shipping envelope without the need to use a separate envelope or a filling of the envelope.
  • separate envelopes can be used and heat shrink packaging can also be used if desired.
  • Universal job computer provides central control of all, including postage metering based on encryption criteria specified by the postal service, word processing, mailing list processing , distribution costs including postage and postage costs by common carriers, mail cost accounting, and similar documentation functions.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the apparatus and the execution of the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 represents steps for creating a virtual sending of mail and for creating a real sending of mail using the assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate the printing, folding and enveloping of a mail item in an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an assembly according to the invention and FIG. 2 illustrates the functions of creating a virtual sending of mail and of creating an actual sending of mail by implementing the set of FIG. 1.
  • the creation of the virtual mail sending in the assembly 10 to the processing control computer of FIG. 1 creates all the text, the mail information and the necessary information relating to the materials used.
  • Mail information includes destination address, return address, category of postal service or regular carrier, special services requiring additional costs, such as insurance, oversize, recording, etc.
  • the identity of the carrier postal service or regular carrier
  • the physical characteristics of the sending of mail such as the type of envelope to be used (sealed envelope, separate envelope, heat-shrinkable packaging), format, number of envelopes and the additional information necessary for programming the material management part of the assembly is also incorporated.
  • the computer control assembly 10 implements the encryption software method specified by the postal service which allows the computer assembly 10 to use the necessary postage value. , already paid or paid later, and order the printer to print the stamp with an encrypted security label format, according to the applicable regulations and rules of the postal services of the United States of America or other countries.
  • the transporter requests a manifest, the cost of distribution is recorded on the manifest and the printer is then ordered so that it prints the port billed for distribution on the shipment, with the format of the supplier's label.
  • the system formats and stores address information and all data in the address fields for later printing. This information always includes the distribution address and return, and they can also include a barcode of the postal code, a barcode of the address and an advertising inscription, according to the conditions specific to the carrier.
  • the creation of the actual mail item can then begin. It requires a set 12 of paper advance, a printer 14, a machine 16 for managing sheets of paper and an applicator 18 for heat-shrinkable packaging (if applicable).
  • the material handling machine contains supplies of printing paper and other materials such as envelopes and packaging material.
  • the predetermined information relating to the various material elements, such as the weight of a part, its dimensions and the like, is transmitted to the processing control computer by the operator or by programmed command from a recorded database. .
  • the creation of the actual mailing includes controlling the handling of paper in the paper advance assembly 12 and the printer printing machine 14 as necessary for all printing, including distribution costs (postal rate and ordinary carriers) can be placed on flat sheets before folding.
  • the paper handling machine 16 controls the folding and the insertion or enveloping if necessary.
  • the actual shipment is assembled by stacking pages (when using an envelope) in the order provided and folding, if necessary, so that the following operations leave the address field exposed to view, as indicated by the carrier, and the text in the desired order.
  • the mail item is printed as shown in Figure 3A, stacked as shown in Figure 3B, folded as shown in Figure 3C, then stapled or sealed with a otherwise, so a separate envelope is not necessary.
  • the address and stamp printed as shown in Figure 3A are clearly visible on the outside of the shipment.
  • the pages of the shipment are attached to a printed cover sheet, so that the address field and the stamp label appear on the outer surface of the cover sheet which is then attached by stapling or gluing or by an adhesive tape or another paper fixing device.
  • the pages can be inserted into a window envelope so that the address field and stamp are exposed, or the pages can be folded as necessary and placed in an envelope with the printed address field and stamp.
  • the pages can be inserted into an outer envelope which is fully or partially transparent so that the address field and the stamp can be read through the transparent material formed by heat shrinkable packaging material.
  • the pages can be inserted into an envelope which is then sealed and an adhesive label bearing the printed address field is attached to the envelope.
  • the paper handling machine 16 routes the actual completed shipment to a collection bin pending collection by the specified carrier.
  • the invention allows the execution of all the steps of composing the text, addressing, postal classification, weight determination, postage calculation and postage accounting, then creation of the actual sending of mail in a single operation.
  • the invention can easily process mail. mixed in which each item or group of items forms an entity with its own characteristics of size, weight, carrier and category of service.
  • This encryption method may include a security transfer, by telephone line or otherwise, of accounting data between a user and an automatic bank or clearing house, so that the clearing house or bank performs the electronic funds transfers between the user's bank and the postal service or its bank for the payment of postage used by the whole. Payment can be made in advance or after printing.
  • Mail management intervention and handling by an operator
  • costs are reduced, as are the possibilities of error or deterioration.
  • the integrated and integrated execution of printing, packaging and postage presents a minimal risk of human error.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
EP96401736A 1995-09-05 1996-08-06 Verarbeitungssystem zum Erzeugen eines virtuellen Versandes von Briefen, das ein Drucken, Kuvertieren und automatisches Frankieren erlaubt Withdrawn EP0762336A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US52438795A 1995-09-05 1995-09-05
US524387 1995-09-05

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0762336A2 true EP0762336A2 (de) 1997-03-12
EP0762336A3 EP0762336A3 (de) 1999-11-10

Family

ID=24088991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96401736A Withdrawn EP0762336A3 (de) 1995-09-05 1996-08-06 Verarbeitungssystem zum Erzeugen eines virtuellen Versandes von Briefen, das ein Drucken, Kuvertieren und automatisches Frankieren erlaubt

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0762336A3 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0903699A1 (de) * 1997-09-23 1999-03-24 Neopost Industrie System zur Vorbereitung von Poststücken
EP0893788A3 (de) * 1997-07-21 2000-12-06 Pitney Bowes Inc. Verschlüsseltes Drucken von Freistempeln für die Einlegesysteme von Frankiermaschinen
GB2363759A (en) * 2000-06-19 2002-01-09 Pitney Bowes Ltd Mail production systems
EP1170142A3 (de) * 2000-01-29 2002-03-06 Neopost Limited Verfahren zum Drucken von Information mit einer Frankiermaschine
EP1325421A4 (de) * 2000-09-07 2007-07-04 Us Postal Service Online-betriebsfluss für postsendungen

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983679A (en) * 1975-05-30 1976-10-05 Bell & Howell Company Apparatus and method of processing mail
JPS641052A (en) * 1987-03-13 1989-01-05 Pitney Bowes Inc Device and method for preparing letter
NL8901686A (nl) * 1989-07-03 1991-02-01 Hadewe Bv Werkwijze en inrichting voor het vervaardigen van poststukken.
US5445367A (en) * 1993-04-19 1995-08-29 Long; John A. System and method for preparing letters for mailing
CA2177447C (en) * 1995-05-30 2007-01-23 James L. Harman System having multiple user input stations and multiple mail preparation apparatus for preparing and franking a mail piece

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0893788A3 (de) * 1997-07-21 2000-12-06 Pitney Bowes Inc. Verschlüsseltes Drucken von Freistempeln für die Einlegesysteme von Frankiermaschinen
EP0903699A1 (de) * 1997-09-23 1999-03-24 Neopost Industrie System zur Vorbereitung von Poststücken
FR2768828A1 (fr) * 1997-09-23 1999-03-26 Neopost Ind Systeme de preparation d'articles de courrier
US6366827B2 (en) 1997-09-23 2002-04-02 Neopost Industrie System for preparing mail items
EP1170142A3 (de) * 2000-01-29 2002-03-06 Neopost Limited Verfahren zum Drucken von Information mit einer Frankiermaschine
US7315845B2 (en) 2000-01-29 2008-01-01 Neopost Limited Method of printing statements using postage meter
GB2363759A (en) * 2000-06-19 2002-01-09 Pitney Bowes Ltd Mail production systems
GB2363759B (en) * 2000-06-19 2004-06-16 Pitney Bowes Ltd Mail production systems
US7539651B2 (en) 2000-06-19 2009-05-26 Pitney Bowes Ltd. Mail production systems
EP1325421A4 (de) * 2000-09-07 2007-07-04 Us Postal Service Online-betriebsfluss für postsendungen

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0762336A3 (de) 1999-11-10

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