EP1106265B1 - Method and apparatus for readying mass mailings - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for readying mass mailings

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Publication number
EP1106265B1
EP1106265B1 EP00125550A EP00125550A EP1106265B1 EP 1106265 B1 EP1106265 B1 EP 1106265B1 EP 00125550 A EP00125550 A EP 00125550A EP 00125550 A EP00125550 A EP 00125550A EP 1106265 B1 EP1106265 B1 EP 1106265B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
postal
data
mass
recognition
address
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00125550A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1106265A2 (en
EP1106265A3 (en
Inventor
Holger Kühnemann
Harald Meier
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.)
Datacolor Dialog Medien GmbH
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Datacolor Dialog Medien GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Datacolor Dialog Medien GmbH filed Critical Datacolor Dialog Medien GmbH
Publication of EP1106265A2 publication Critical patent/EP1106265A2/en
Publication of EP1106265A3 publication Critical patent/EP1106265A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1106265B1 publication Critical patent/EP1106265B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • G07B17/00459—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
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • G07B2017/00443—Verification of mailpieces, e.g. by checking databases
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00483—Batch processing of mailpieces
    • 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
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00572—Details of printed item
    • G07B2017/0058—Printing of code
    • G07B2017/00588—Barcode
    • 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
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00612—Attaching item on mailpiece
    • G07B2017/00629—Circuit, e.g. transponder
    • 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
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00709—Scanning mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00717—Reading barcodes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for shipping mass mailings provided with addresses from an address database, the method comprising the steps of addressing, inserting and delivering to the mailing company, wherein at least one data field of the address of a single mailing of the mass mailing is recognized and a machine-readable coded Information is applied prior to delivering the mass mailing to the postal service, preferably a sorting of the individual consignments, in particular according to the route of the deliverer, depending on the content of the machine-readable coded information before delivering the mass mailing to the postal service.
  • mass mailings to specific addressees are merely printed, addressed and enveloped by the sender. Following this, the mass mailing will be delivered to the post office.
  • the recipient addresses are available in a database and are either linked to the cover letter or glued as an address label on the letter, the package or the postcard.
  • the recipient addresses of the incoming items are detected and coded in the coarse sorting area by means of address reading machines.
  • the programs are conveyed to the fine sorting area, where they are sent on the basis of the coding information in the corresponding postal code areas.
  • a further sorting of the postal company on the individual postman is carried out, which is too good last deliver the postal service. This process is associated with a relatively high staff costs.
  • US Pat. No. 5,142,482 A and US Pat. No. 5,119,306 A each disclose an inserting or packaging device in which the printed matters are packed in the corresponding envelopes or packages and the printed address data are automatically read by OCR and compared with the data in the database. Following this, the mass mailing will be handed in at the respective postal company.
  • the object according to the invention is achieved in that a transponder is used as the information carrier of the machine-readable coded information.
  • a transponder is a receive transceiver that works according to the interrogation response system.
  • An encoded interrogation signal received by the transponder is decrypted and evaluated.
  • For the interrogator a decrypted, selectively for the interrogator determined response signal is evaluated with the desired information.
  • the scope of application is much higher. For example, more data may be released for personal use than the postal company may use.
  • Pre-sorting before delivery of the mass mailing at the postal service is advantageous because the costs of outsourced mail sorting are saved.
  • the mass mailing must be delivered by the postal company only to the individual postal code areas.
  • the follow-up activities of the outgoing mail deliverer can be created.
  • the bulk shipments are sorted according to the order of the recipient addresses approached by the final deliverer. The fastest possible and safe delivery of the shipments is achieved by this measure.
  • the machine-readable encoded information is read and stored, in particular together with the time of delivery.
  • An advantage of this method is the ability to accurately understand the delivery of the shipments on the basis of the scanner information.
  • the deliverers can give a guarantee for the delivery.
  • a list of the shipment data can be created, for example, provide information about the delivery time for evaluation by the sender. Litigation over the time of delivery is avoided.
  • a further embodiment is characterized in that a bar code, in particular on a bar code label, is applied as machine-readable coded information.
  • the machine-readable encoded information is used to further rapid processing and targeted sorting and sending particularly advantageous when applied as a barcode. Barcodes are in use in almost every area that requires reliable data collection and recognition. Preferably, the information in this case is applied to a bar code label. The label can easily be attached to the respective shipment.
  • the detection unit is advantageously arranged so that the transported past individual items can be detected with the printed addresses. She points a connection to the coding unit that applies machine-readable encoded information about the receiver on the individual broadcast. An inserter of this type can be adjusted particularly well. This significantly improves the recognition rate and speed.
  • FIG. 1 shows the individual method steps of the preferred embodiment.
  • a single item is provided with addresses from an address database 4, that is addressed 1.
  • the individual item is, for example, a letter in which also recipient-specific information and criteria can be processed.
  • the address database 4, which is connected via a data line with the addressing device 1, for example a computer system with printer, transfers the required data fields from the data record of the database for each individual transmission. These are printed on specific, designated places. It can also be printed on address labels, which are then applied to the letter or a package.
  • the inserter After addressing the shipment they are transported to a conventional inserter. It follows the enveloping 2.
  • the inserter is additionally equipped with an optical detection unit 3.
  • This optical recognition unit 3 reads certain data fields of the address data set, converts them into a code which can be understood by that of a data comparison unit 6.
  • the data comparison unit is connected to the recognition unit 3 and to the computer system 4 through a data cable.
  • the data comparison unit 6 the data is compared with the address data from the address database 4, and as soon as there is a clear identification of the recipient address or the postal code area, the program can continue to run and the next program can be processed.
  • a machine-readable code here a bar code on the mailpiece
  • the data required for the coding transmits the data comparison unit to the coding unit by means of a data line.
  • This coding unit 5 is, for example, a printer which prints a bar code directly on the letter or generates bar code labels which are stuck on the packet or the letter.
  • a sorting 7 of the letters by postcode areas is carried out on the basis of the specific machine-readable information and delivered to the postal service 8. This must neither recognize the address of the recipient, nor must they manually rework unrecognized addresses, but they can send the letters directly to postcodes sorted in the fine distribution area record and ship from there. As a result, the postal service can save considerable costs. These savings can be credited in full to the sender in the form of discounted postage.
  • the sorting is refined by stored route data of the deliverer, which serve as a sorting criterion.
  • a hand-held scanner allows the deliverer to store the machine-readable encoded information, thus giving the sender an accurate delivery time.

Abstract

The method involves using addresses from a database, placing the items in envelopes and dispatching them to the postal service. At least one data field of the address of a single item of the mass mailing is detected and a machine-readable coded information item is attached before dispatching the mass mailing to the postal service. Recognition is improved by comparing with logical records from the address database and any errors corrected. Independent claims are also included for the following: an enveloping device for mass mailings.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Versandfertigmachen von Massensendungen, die mit Adressen aus einer Adressdatenbank versehen sind, wobei das Verfahren aus den Verfahrensschritten Adressieren, Kuvertieren und Aufliefern zur Postgesellschaft besteht, wobei mindestens ein Datenfeld der Adresse einer Einzelsendung der Massensendung erkannt wird und eine maschinenlesbare codierte Information vor dem Aufliefern der Massensendung zur Postgesellschaft aufgebracht wird, wobei vorzugsweise ein Sortieren der Einzelsendungen, insbesondere nach der Route des Zustellers, in Abhängigkeit vom Inhalt der maschinenlesbaren codierten Information vor dem Aufliefern der Massensendung zur Postgesellschaft erfolgt.The invention relates to a method for shipping mass mailings provided with addresses from an address database, the method comprising the steps of addressing, inserting and delivering to the mailing company, wherein at least one data field of the address of a single mailing of the mass mailing is recognized and a machine-readable coded Information is applied prior to delivering the mass mailing to the postal service, preferably a sorting of the individual consignments, in particular according to the route of the deliverer, depending on the content of the machine-readable coded information before delivering the mass mailing to the postal service.

Bisher werden Massensendungen an bestimmte Adressaten beim Absender lediglich gedruckt, adressiert und kuvertiert. Im Anschluß daran wird die Massensendung zur Postgesellschaft ausgeliefert. Von solchen Massendrucksachen werden zumeist sehr große Einzugsgebiete erfaßt, wobei die Empfängeradressen in einer Datenbank vorliegen und entweder mit dem Anschreiben verknüpft werden oder als Adressaufkleber auf den Brief, das Päckchen oder die Postkarte aufgeklebt werden.So far, mass mailings to specific addressees are merely printed, addressed and enveloped by the sender. Following this, the mass mailing will be delivered to the post office. Of such mass printed matters usually very large catchment areas are detected, the recipient addresses are available in a database and are either linked to the cover letter or glued as an address label on the letter, the package or the postcard.

Bei den Postgesellschaften werden im Grobsortierbereich die Empfängeradressen der eingehenden Sendungen mittels Anschriften-Lesemaschinen erkannt und codiert. Anschließend werden die Sendungen in den Feinsortierbereich gefördert, wo sie an Hand der Codierinformation in die entsprechenden Postleitzahlenbereiche gesandt werden. Meistens wird in den jeweiligen Postleitzahlenbereichen eine weitere Sortierung der Postgesellschaft auf die einzelnen Postboten vorgenommen, die zu guter letzt die Postgesellschaft zustellen. Dieser Prozeß ist mit einem relativ hohen Personalaufwand verbunden.At the postal companies, the recipient addresses of the incoming items are detected and coded in the coarse sorting area by means of address reading machines. Subsequently, the programs are conveyed to the fine sorting area, where they are sent on the basis of the coding information in the corresponding postal code areas. Mostly in the respective postal code areas a further sorting of the postal company on the individual postman is carried out, which is too good last deliver the postal service. This process is associated with a relatively high staff costs.

Bei den bekannten Anschriften-Lesemaschinen wurden die Erkennungsraten in den letzten Jahren immer weiter verbessert, eine hundertprozentige Erkennungsrate kann aber auf Grund der vielen unterschiedlichen Sendungen bei weitem nicht erreicht werden. Die nicht erkannten Sendungen müssen manuell und deshalb sehr personalintensiv erkannt und mit Codeinformationen bedruckt werden.In the known address reading machines, the recognition rates have been continuously improved in recent years, but a hundred percent recognition rate can not be achieved by far because of the many different broadcasts. The unrecognized programs must be manually and therefore very personnel-intensive detected and printed with code information.

Aus der US 5,142,482 A und der US 5,119,306 A ist jeweils eine Kuvertier- oder Verpackungsvorrichtung bekannt, bei der die Drucksachen in die entsprechenden Briefumschläge oder Pakete verpackt und die aufgedruckten Adressdaten mittels OCR automatisch gelesen und mit den Daten der Datenbank verglichen werden. Im Anschluss daran wird die Massensendung bei der jeweiligen Postgesellschaft abgegeben.US Pat. No. 5,142,482 A and US Pat. No. 5,119,306 A each disclose an inserting or packaging device in which the printed matters are packed in the corresponding envelopes or packages and the printed address data are automatically read by OCR and compared with the data in the database. Following this, the mass mailing will be handed in at the respective postal company.

Es ist deshalb die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren anzugeben, mit dem Massensendungen schneller und sicherer zugeordnet und somit schneller und kostengünstiger zugestellt werden können.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method with which mass mailings can be assigned faster and more secure and thus delivered faster and cheaper.

Die erfindungsgemäße Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass als Informationsträger der maschinenlesbaren codierten Information ein Transponder verwendet wird. Ein Transponder ist ein Empfangs-Sendegerät, das nach dem Abfrage-Antwort-System arbeitet. Ein vom Transponder empfangenes codiertes Abfragesignal wird entschlüsselt und ausgewertet. Für den Abfragenden wird ein entschlüsseltes, selektiv für den Abfragenden bestimmtes Antwortsignal mit den gewünschten Informationen ausgewertet. Die Anwendungsbreite wird dadurch wesentlich höher. Beispielsweise können zum eigenen Gebrauch mehr Daten freigegeben werden als die Postgesellschaft verwenden darf.The object according to the invention is achieved in that a transponder is used as the information carrier of the machine-readable coded information. A transponder is a receive transceiver that works according to the interrogation response system. An encoded interrogation signal received by the transponder is decrypted and evaluated. For the interrogator, a decrypted, selectively for the interrogator determined response signal is evaluated with the desired information. The scope of application is much higher. For example, more data may be released for personal use than the postal company may use.

Eine Vorsortierung vor Auflieferung der Massensendung bei der Postgesellschaft ist vorteilhaft, weil die Kosten der ausgelagerten Postsortierung eingespart werden. Die Massensendung muß von der Postgesellschaft nur noch an die einzelnen Postleitzahlenbereiche ausgeliefert werden. Zusätzlich können Gehfolgen der Postendauslieferer erstellt werden. An Hand dieser Informationen werden die Massensendungen so sortiert, wie es der Reihenfolge der Empfängeradressen, die vom Endauslieferer angefahren werden, entspricht. Eine schnellstmögliche und sichere Auslieferung der Sendungen wird durch diese Maßnahme erreicht.Pre-sorting before delivery of the mass mailing at the postal service is advantageous because the costs of outsourced mail sorting are saved. The mass mailing must be delivered by the postal company only to the individual postal code areas. In addition, the follow-up activities of the outgoing mail deliverer can be created. On the basis of this information, the bulk shipments are sorted according to the order of the recipient addresses approached by the final deliverer. The fastest possible and safe delivery of the shipments is achieved by this measure.

In Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß bei Zustellung die maschinenlesbare codierte Information gelesen und gespeichert wird, insbesondere zusammen mit dem Zeitpunkt der Zustellung. Vorteilhaft an diesem Verfahren ist die Möglichkeit, die Zustellung der Sendungen an Hand der Scannerinformationen genau nachvollziehen zu können. Die Zusteller können eine Garantie für die Zustellung geben. Außerdem kann eine Aufstellung der Sendungsdaten erstellt werden, die beispielsweise Informationen über den Zustellzeitpunkt zur Auswertung durch den Absender bereitstellen. Es werden Rechtsstreitigkeiten über den Zustellzeitpunkt vermieden.In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that upon delivery the machine-readable encoded information is read and stored, in particular together with the time of delivery. An advantage of this method is the ability to accurately understand the delivery of the shipments on the basis of the scanner information. The deliverers can give a guarantee for the delivery. In addition, a list of the shipment data can be created, for example, provide information about the delivery time for evaluation by the sender. Litigation over the time of delivery is avoided.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als maschinenlesbare codierte Information ein Strichcode, insbesondere auf einem Strichcodeetikett, aufgebracht wird. Die maschinenlesbare codierte Information wird zum weiteren schnellen Verarbeiten und zielgerichteten Sortieren und Versenden besonders vorteilhaft genutzt, wenn Sie als Strichcode aufgebracht wird. Strichcodes sind nahezu in jedem Bereich, der eine zuverlässige Datenerfassung und -erkennung erforderlich macht, im Einsatz. Vorzugsweise wird die Information in diesem Fall auf einem Strichcodeetikett aufgebracht. Das Etikett kann problemlos an der jeweiligen Sendung befestigt werden.A further embodiment is characterized in that a bar code, in particular on a bar code label, is applied as machine-readable coded information. The machine-readable encoded information is used to further rapid processing and targeted sorting and sending particularly advantageous when applied as a barcode. Barcodes are in use in almost every area that requires reliable data collection and recognition. Preferably, the information in this case is applied to a bar code label. The label can easily be attached to the respective shipment.

Die Aufgabe des erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstandes wird ebenfalls durch eine Kuvertiervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 4 gelöst.The object of the subject invention is also achieved by an inserter according to claim 4.

Die Erkennungseinheit ist vorteilhaft so angeordnet, daß die vorbeitransportierten Einzelsendungen mit den aufgedruckten Adressen erkannt werden können. Sie weist eine Verbindung zur Codiereinheit auf, die maschinenlesbare codierte Informationen über den Empfänger auf der Einzelsendung aufbringt. Eine Kuvertiervorrichtung dieser Art kann besonders gut eingestellt werden. Damit wird die Erkennungsrate undschnelligkeit wesentlich verbessert.The detection unit is advantageously arranged so that the transported past individual items can be detected with the printed addresses. She points a connection to the coding unit that applies machine-readable encoded information about the receiver on the individual broadcast. An inserter of this type can be adjusted particularly well. This significantly improves the recognition rate and speed.

Weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sind in den Unteransprüchen 7 bis 10 beschrieben.Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims 7 to 10.

Die Erfindung wird in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform unter Bezugnahme auf eine Zeichnung beschrieben, wobei weitere vorteilhafte Einzelheiten den Figuren der Zeichnung zu entnehmen sind. Funktionsmäßig gleiche Teile sind dabei mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen.

Fig. 1:
schematische Darstellung des Verfahrens zum Versandfertigmachen
The invention will be described in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details are shown in the figures of the drawing. Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.
Fig. 1:
schematic representation of the procedure for shipping

In Figur 1 sind die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte der bevorzugten Ausführungsform dargestellt. Zu Beginn wird eine Einzelsendung mit Adressen aus einer Adressdatenbank 4 versehen, also adressiert 1. Die Einzelsendung ist beispielsweise ein Brief, in welchem auch empfängerspezifische Informationen und Kriterien verarbeitet werden können. Die Adressdatenbank 4, die über eine Datenleitung mit dem Adressiergerät 1, beispielsweise ein Computersystem mit Drucker, verbunden ist, übergibt für jede Einzelsendung die benötigten Datenfelder aus dem Datensatz der Datenbank. Diese werden auf bestimmte, dafür vorgesehene Stellen aufgedruckt. Es kann aber auch auf Adressetiketten gedruckt werden, die dann auf dem Brief oder einem Paket aufgebracht werden.FIG. 1 shows the individual method steps of the preferred embodiment. At the beginning, a single item is provided with addresses from an address database 4, that is addressed 1. The individual item is, for example, a letter in which also recipient-specific information and criteria can be processed. The address database 4, which is connected via a data line with the addressing device 1, for example a computer system with printer, transfers the required data fields from the data record of the database for each individual transmission. These are printed on specific, designated places. It can also be printed on address labels, which are then applied to the letter or a package.

Nach dem Adressieren der Sendung werden diese zu einer üblichen Kuvertiervorrichtung transportiert. Es folgt die Kuvertierung 2. Die Kuvertiervorrichtung ist zusätzlich mit einer optischen Erkennungseinheit 3 ausgestattet. Diese optische Erkennungseinheit 3 liest bestimmte Datenfelder des Adreßdatensatzes ab, konvertiert sie in einen Code, der von der von einer Datenvergleichseinheit 6 verstanden werden kann. Die Datenvergleichseinheit ist mit der Erkennungseinheit 3 und mit dem Computersystem 4 durch ein Datenkabel verbunden. In der Datenvergleichseinheit 6 werden die Daten mit den Adressdaten aus der Adressdatenbank 4 verglichen und sobald eine eindeutige Identifizierung der Empfängeradresse oder des Postleitzahlenbereiches vorliegt, kann die Sendung weiterlaufen und die nächste Sendung verarbeitet werden.After addressing the shipment they are transported to a conventional inserter. It follows the enveloping 2. The inserter is additionally equipped with an optical detection unit 3. This optical recognition unit 3 reads certain data fields of the address data set, converts them into a code which can be understood by that of a data comparison unit 6. The data comparison unit is connected to the recognition unit 3 and to the computer system 4 through a data cable. In the data comparison unit 6, the data is compared with the address data from the address database 4, and as soon as there is a clear identification of the recipient address or the postal code area, the program can continue to run and the next program can be processed.

Im Anschluß an die Erkennung 3 der Empfängeradresse kann nun ein maschinenlesbarer Code, hier ein Strichcode auf der Sendung mittels einer Codiereinheit 5 aufgebracht werden. Die Daten, die für die Codierung benötigt werden, überträgt die Datenvergleichseinheit mittels einer Datenleitung an die Codiereinheit. Diese Codiereinheit 5 ist beispielsweise ein Drucker, der einen Strichcode direkt auf den Brief aufdruckt oder Strichcodeetiketten erzeugt, die auf das Paket oder den Brief aufgeklebt werden.Subsequent to the recognition 3 of the recipient address, a machine-readable code, here a bar code on the mailpiece, can now be applied by means of an encoding unit 5. The data required for the coding transmits the data comparison unit to the coding unit by means of a data line. This coding unit 5 is, for example, a printer which prints a bar code directly on the letter or generates bar code labels which are stuck on the packet or the letter.

Im folgenden wird an Hand der spezifischen maschinenlesbaren Information eine Sortierung 7 der Briefe nach Postleitzahlenbereichen vorgenommen und bei der Postgesellschaft aufgeliefert 8. Diese muß weder die Adresse des Empfängers erkennen, noch muß sie nicht erkannte Adressen manuell nachbearbeiten, sondern sie kann die Briefe direkt nach Postleitzahlen sortiert im Feinverteilungsbereich aufnehmen und von dort versenden. Dadurch kann die Postgesellschaft erhebliche Kosten einsparen. Diese Einsparungen können dem Absender in Form von verbilligtem Porto in vollem Umfang gutgeschrieben werden.In the following, a sorting 7 of the letters by postcode areas is carried out on the basis of the specific machine-readable information and delivered to the postal service 8. This must neither recognize the address of the recipient, nor must they manually rework unrecognized addresses, but they can send the letters directly to postcodes sorted in the fine distribution area record and ship from there. As a result, the postal service can save considerable costs. These savings can be credited in full to the sender in the form of discounted postage.

Die Sortierung wird verfeinert durch gespeicherte Routendaten des Zustellers, die als Sortierkriterium dienen. Ein handgeführter Scanner ermöglicht dem Zusteller, die maschinenlesbare codierte Information zu speichern und so dem Absender eine genaue Zustellzeit mittzuteilen.The sorting is refined by stored route data of the deliverer, which serve as a sorting criterion. A hand-held scanner allows the deliverer to store the machine-readable encoded information, thus giving the sender an accurate delivery time.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1.
Adressieren durch AdressiereinheitAddressing by addressing unit
2.Second
Kuvertieren durch KuvertiervorrichtungInserting by inserting device
3.Third
Erkennen durch ErkennungseinheitDetection by detection unit
4.4th
AdressdatenbankAddress database
5.5th
Codiereinheitcoding
6.6th
Datenvergleich durch DatenvergleichseinheitData comparison by data comparison unit
7.7th
Sortierensort by
8.8th.
Auflieferung zur PostgesellschaftDelivery to the postal service

Claims (5)

  1. A method for preparing the dispatch of mass postal items, which are provided with addresses from an address data bank, wherein the method consists of the method steps of addressing, inserting and delivery to the postal company, wherein at least one data field of the address of an individual postal item of the mass postal item is recognised, and machine-readable, coded information is deposited before the delivery of the mass postal item to the postal company, wherein a sorting of the individual postal items, in particular according to the route of the deliverer, is effected in dependence on the content of the machine-readable, coded information before the delivery of the mass postal item to the postal company, characterised in that a transponder is used as an information carrier of the machine-readable, coded information.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the recognition is improved by way of comparison with the data sets from the address data bank and, as the case may be, recognition errors are corrected.
  3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that on delivery, the machine-readable, coded information is read and stored, in particular together with the point in time of the delivery.
  4. An inserting device for mass postal items, which are provided with the addresses from an address data bank, wherein the inserting device (2) comprises a recognition unit (3), preferably an optical recognition unit, for recognition (3) of the address of the addressee, and a coding unit (5) for depositing machine-readable, coded information on an information carrier, is connected to the recognition unit (3) via a data lead, wherein the inserting device comprises a sorting means which is in active connection with the data comparison unit, wherein in the data comparison unit there is provided a memory for a sorting criterion, in which in particular a route of a deliverer is stored, characterised in that the information carrier is designed as a transponder.
  5. An inserting device according to claim 4, characterised in that the recognition unit (3) comprises a data comparison unit (6) which is connected to the data bank (4) and assists the recognition of the data fields.
EP00125550A 1999-12-03 2000-11-22 Method and apparatus for readying mass mailings Expired - Lifetime EP1106265B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19958279A DE19958279A1 (en) 1999-12-03 1999-12-03 Method and device for preparing bulk shipments
DE19958279 1999-12-03

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1106265A2 EP1106265A2 (en) 2001-06-13
EP1106265A3 EP1106265A3 (en) 2003-12-17
EP1106265B1 true EP1106265B1 (en) 2006-10-04

Family

ID=7931276

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00125550A Expired - Lifetime EP1106265B1 (en) 1999-12-03 2000-11-22 Method and apparatus for readying mass mailings

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1106265B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE341404T1 (en)
DE (2) DE19958279A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2276660T3 (en)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2940771C2 (en) * 1979-10-08 1986-10-09 U.E. Sebald Druck und Verlag GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg Method for the continuous collation of a number of different leaflet sheets to form a mailing batch
US4999481A (en) * 1985-12-26 1991-03-12 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and apparatus for sequentially numbering mail pieces
US4800505A (en) * 1987-03-13 1989-01-24 Pitney Bowes Inc. Mail preparation system
US4908768A (en) * 1987-08-07 1990-03-13 Pitney Bowes Inc. Inserter based mail manifesting system
US5142482A (en) * 1989-10-03 1992-08-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Mailing system with information feedback
US5119306A (en) * 1990-01-02 1992-06-02 Pitney Bowes Inc. Mail piece weight quality control system and method
DE19829484C1 (en) * 1998-07-01 1999-11-11 Siemens Ag Sorting system combining three stacks of paper into one

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE341404T1 (en) 2006-10-15
DE50013553D1 (en) 2006-11-16
EP1106265A2 (en) 2001-06-13
DE19958279A1 (en) 2001-09-06
ES2276660T3 (en) 2007-07-01
EP1106265A3 (en) 2003-12-17

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