JP2004523022A - Mail online operation flow - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for delivery of a printed document using at least one processor (1030) that interfaces with a network (1020) is provided. The processor (1030) can receive, via the network 81020), first information specifying an electronic version of the document. Next, the processor (1030) provides second information indicating one or more options for printing the document so that the customer can select a print option. A processor (1030) receives third information indicating at least one physical delivery address for sending the document, processes the document according to a selected print option for generating a print file, and prints the document. (1040) can be selected. This print file can be printed at the selected printing location (1040) and provided to the service provider (1050) for shipping to a delivery address.

Description

[0001]
Cross reference to related application
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 230,787, entitled "Postal Online Operation Flow," filed September 7, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Enjoy the benefits.
[0002]
Description of the invention
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated document creation / transmission / delivery.
[0003]
Background of the Invention
Conventionally, a customer has requested that the United States Postal Service (USPS^TM), Federal Express (FEDEX)^TM) Or United Parcel Service (UPS^TMTo send a physical document to a service provider (SP), such as), create a mailing by generating the document in a physical form. The SP sorts each physical document by delivery address, transports each physical document to an SP hub located near the delivery address, and delivers each document to the specified delivery address. I do.
[0004]
Conventional approaches to creating and shipping documents are inconvenient and inefficient for small or short term shipments. For example, consider a customer who needs to print and ship thousands of brochures. First, the customer will contact the printer to print and fold and staple each brochure. The printer then prepares a sample pamphlet for inspection by the customer before the start of the production operation. Typically, the customer can inspect some samples to determine if the printer provides acceptable quality of service before allowing the printer to start production. .
[0005]
The customer then addresses each brochure using the designated recipient's delivery address selected from the address list. Each brochure must generally be addressed according to a specific, predetermined format. For example, USPS^TMIs selected as the SP, the format specified by the postal code is required to obtain the discount service charge. Customers can create and maintain their mailing lists. However, maintaining a list of thousands of addresses in the format required to obtain a discounted service fee can be inconvenient and inefficient for many customers. In addition, customers will find that addressing thousands of brochures that have been folded and stapled requires significant manual effort. After completing the addressing of the pamphlet, the customer transports the pamphlet to the SP.
[0006]
Finally, the SP receives the pamphlet from the customer. First, the SP must examine each brochure to find the designated recipient. Second, the SP delivers each pamphlet to the SP's delivery site located near the delivery address. Third, each pamphlet must be delivered to a designated recipient. Each sent pamphlet must be processed several times before delivery to the designated recipient. Thus, the bulk of the cost of creating and shipping a document can be spent physically transporting the document around.
[0007]
Traditional electronic mailing services, such as e-mail, provide a lower cost alternative for document delivery if the customer has the appropriate address to deliver the document to a designated recipient. provide. However, business mailings often have recipients selected for delivery based on the recipient's geographic location. Customers may not be able to ask for the appropriate email address for each address. Further, many potential mail recipients do not have email addresses. Thus, conventional email services do not provide an effective alternative to traditional mailing schemes.
[0008]
Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the creation and shipping of documents by customers by increasing the use of automation. This can be achieved by eliminating manual processing steps, which reduces the inconvenience and total cost of creating small or short term shipments.
[0009]
Summary of the Invention
A method according to one aspect of the present invention can achieve delivery of a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces to a network, the method comprising: electronically transmitting the document over a network and at at least one processor. Receiving first information specifying a version, providing second information indicating one or more options for printing the document from at least one processor and over a network, and one for printing the document. Or selecting a print option from among a plurality of options; receiving third information over the network and at least one processor indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is to be sent; To generate Processing an electronic version of the document according to the selected print option; selecting a print location from one or more print locations; transmitting a print file to the selected print location; Printing the print file at the designated printing location and providing the print document to the service provider for delivery to the physical delivery address.
[0010]
A system according to another aspect of the invention is capable of implementing delivery of a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces to a network, the system comprising: transmitting the document through a network and at least one processor; Means for receiving first information specifying an electronic version, means for providing second information indicating one or more options for printing the document from at least one processor and over a network, and one for printing the document. Means for selecting a print option from among the one or more options; means for receiving, via the network and at least one processor, third information indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is to be sent; Generate Means for processing an electronic version of the document according to the selected print option, means for selecting a print location from one or more print locations, and means for transmitting a print file to the selected print location. Means for printing the print file at the selected printing location, and means for providing a printed document to the service provider for delivery to the physical delivery address.
[0011]
A computer program product according to another aspect of the present invention, including a computer-readable medium containing embodied computer program code, can implement delivery of a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces with a network. The program code comprises: a code for receiving first information specifying an electronic version of the document over a network and at least one processor; and one or more programs for printing the document from at least one processor and over the network. A code for providing second information indicating the option, a code for selecting a print option from one or more options for printing the document, and a A code for receiving third information indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is to be sent; a code for processing an electronic version of the document according to the selected printing options to generate a print file; A code for selecting a printing site from one or more printing sites, a code for transmitting a print file to the selected printing site, a code for printing a print file at the selected printing site, and a physical delivery destination And a code for providing a printed document to a service provider for delivery to an address.
[0012]
A method according to yet another aspect of the invention can implement an online document printing and mailing service, the method including receiving a list of recipient address data for an electronic document, and providing a pre-defined specification list. Receiving a document printing / finishing specification selected by the sender from within, processing the electronic version of the document to generate an electronic file, and listing the electronically processed version of the document in a recipient address data list And transmitting the electronic print file to the selected document printing location based on the payee mailing address code; printing the document and consequently allowing mailing; transporting the document; and , So that the local mail service provider accepts, processes and delivers documents to the recipient, And a to mailing permission for local mail service providers based on the code.
[0013]
Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of specific examples only, and are not restrictive of the invention as described. I want to. Still other features and / or variations may be implemented in addition to the features and / or variations described herein. For example, the invention may relate to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations of some additional features disclosed in the detailed description below. It can also be directed to combinations.
[0014]
Description of the embodiment
In the following, this exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a customer / service provider communication model in which the method and system according to the invention can be implemented. The system shown here is USPS^TM, But the systems and methods described herein are^TMHowever, the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for other service providers (SPs). The customer can use the processor 1010, such as a personal computer, to transmit documents to the service provider 1030 over a network 1020, such as the Internet. The SP 1030 can deliver the document to the printing base 1040. Next, the printing base 1040 prints the document and transfers the printed document to a postal service such as a local post office to physically transport the printed document to a physical delivery address. 1050 can be provided.
[0016]
FIG. 2A shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for sending a document from a customer to a recipient. Initially, a customer can communicate with SP 1030 (FIG. 1) using a browser program on personal computer 1010 to access SP 1030 over network 1020. For example, the customer may access the NETSCAPE to access a graphical user interface such as the graphical interface shown in FIG. 3 provided by SP 1030.^TMNAVIGATOR developed by^TMOr MICROSOFT^TMINTERNET EXPLORER developed by^TMIt is possible to use
[0017]
Referring again to FIG. 2A, after the customer has been authenticated by SP 1030, the customer can provide an electronic version of the document to SP 1030 (step 2030). The customer can create a document online, for example, by typing information into a text box provided by SP 1030, or upload a document in an approved format. For example, a customer can use MS WORD^TMOr WORDPERFECT^TMOr a word processing software such as PAGEMAKER^TM, VENTURA^TMOr QUARK^TMIt is possible to upload documents in a format approved by desktop publishing software such as. Alternatively, the document is a PostScript^TMOr ADOBE^TMIt can also be uploaded in a platform-independent format, such as Portable Document Format (PDF) developed by. The system according to the present invention can include new document formats as needed.
[0018]
Next, the SP 1030 may store an electronic version of the document to facilitate additional processing (step 2040). For example, the SP 1030 may store the provided document for a period such as 60 days. The customer can also manage the documents stored by SP 1030. For example, a customer may be able to selectively delete documents stored by SP 1030. Next, SP 1030 may determine the file type of the document and mailing list (step 2042). If the document has features that can be detrimental to the mailing online system, the document can be filtered out. For example, the SP 1030 may reject the document and provide advice to the customer if the document contains unsupported features of the otherwise authorized document format. Further, the SP 1030 can examine the document to determine whether the document should be merged with the information from the mailing list as a mail merge file. After the file type has been determined, SP 1030 may scan the file for viruses (step 2044). For example, SP 1030 specifies that the document is MS-WORD.^TMIt is possible to inspect a file to see if it contains a macro virus. If the SP 1030 determines that the document contains a virus, the SP 1030 can reject the document and give advice to the customer.
[0019]
Next, the document file can be converted to an intermediate format, such as PDF (step 2046). For example, WORDPERFECT^TMThe document file may be converted to a PDF document to achieve higher compatibility. After the conversion of the document, the customer can review the document (step 2050). For example, a customer may view a converted document and proofread the converted document using a browser on a personal computer to confirm that the document has been properly converted. If the document is not valid (step 2060), the customer can upload another document (step 2030).
[0020]
Next, the customer provides the address list to SP 1030 (step 2070). The customer can create an address list, for example, by typing information into a provided text box, or upload a mailing list in an approved format. For example, a customer may assemble a mailing list by downloading addresses and data from an existing commercial database, and then upload the mailing list to SP 1030. For example, the customer can use MS EXCEL^TM, MS ACCESS^TM, MS WORD^TMIt is possible to upload a mailing list in the form of a table or ASCII delimited text. The system according to the present invention may include further mailing list formats as needed.
[0021]
Next, the SP 1030 may store the mailing list locally to facilitate additional processing (step 2080). For example, SP 1030 may store a mailing list for a predetermined period, such as 60 days. After the mailing list has been stored, the SP 1030 may verify that the mailing list conforms to the specified predetermined format (step 2090). For example, SP 1030 is MS EXCEL^TMThe address list specified as a document is actually MS EXCEL^TMIt is possible to confirm that it conforms to the specifications. If the mailing list is not valid (step 2100), the customer can upload another mailing list (step 2070).
[0022]
The SP 1030 can further identify each of the physical delivery addresses in the list. For example, SP 1030 may verify that the address is within the valid range of the address and that the ZIP code matches the specified city, and report a report identifying the address that cannot be matched to the database. Can be generated. For example, SP 1030 sets the address to USPS^TM  It is possible to check against the Address Management System database. The customer can remove the identified address from the list or send a document to the identified address at a non-discounted service fee.
[0023]
Then, the SP 1030 can estimate a fee for sending each document to each address in the mailing list. For example, the SP 1030 may estimate a delivery fee for each document based on whether the document is sent at a First-Class service fee, a Standard service fee, or a Non-Profit service fee. SP 1030 may also consider other factors when estimating the delivery fee for each document. For example, SP 1030 may provide the location of printing location 1040 relative to each address in the mailing list, the possible categorization depth for documents to be delivered, and the type of documents to be sent, such as postcards, for example. It is possible to consider whether it corresponds to the service fee. If the customer accepts the mailing list, the document is sent for mailing (step 2110). The customer can select among pre-defined printing and finishing specifications, select the desired service grade, and select the type of document to be sent.
[0024]
The SP 1030 can further estimate a fee for printing each document. For example, the SP 1030 may determine the proximity of the document to the delivery address, the production capacity of the printing facility for the type of document, such as a booklet selected by the customer, whether the printing facility 1040 is currently in operation, and It is possible to select a printing location from one or more printing locations based on a fee for printing the document type selected by the customer. Printing fees will also vary depending on the number of printing colors selected by the customer. For example, the cost of printing a document in black and white would be less than the cost of printing a document in color, and the cost of printing a document in a limited number of colors (eg, highlight colors) would be less than in the case of photorealistic images. Would be cheaper than full-color printing rates like that. Printing charges will also vary depending on the type of paper selected by the customer. For example, a customer may select off-white 28 # paper, white 24 # paper, yellow 24 # paper, or white 80 # postcard stock. Printing fees will also vary depending on the size of the paper. For example, a customer may choose to print on 8.5 × 11 inch paper, 8.5 × 14 inch paper, 11 × 17 inch paper, A4 size paper, or A5 size paper. In this case, the SP 1030 can estimate the fee for printing the document and delivering it to the customer.
[0025]
For example, a mailing list may include both United States and international addresses. The SP 1030 determines which printing site has the type of document selected by the customer based on the printing and finishing services provided at each of the printing sites and the printing site's ability to create the selected type of document. It is possible to determine whether it can be created. The SP 1030 can then estimate the cost of printing the document at each available location and estimate the cost of sending each document from each location to the corresponding delivery address. is there. The SP 1030 may combine fees for printing and shipping each document to provide customers with a report detailing shipping costs, printing fees, and creation fees. Next, the customer can approve the transaction and provide payment information such as a credit card number, prepaid account, or other authorized payment method (step 2120). The SP 1030 can confirm the payment by authenticating the payment information, for example, by charging the specified fee to the credit card (step 2130). If the payment cannot be confirmed (step 2140), the customer can provide alternative payment information (step 2120). The mailing online process flow of FIG. 2A continues to FIG. 2B (step 2170). After payment is confirmed, the job is stored for processing (step 2180). The document can be converted to another intermediate format to facilitate merging the document with the mailing list (step 2190). Similarly, the mailing list can be converted to an intermediate format to facilitate merging the mailing list with the document (step 2200). For example, MS-ACCESS^TMThe mailing list can be converted to an ASCII delimited text file for improved compatibility.
[0026]
After the mailing list is transformed, the delivery addresses are standardized (step 2210). For example, a "standardized" address may conform to the address format specified in USPS Publication 40, Address Information Systems: Products and Services (PUB 40), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is possible.
PUB 40 defines a standardized address as having certain characteristics,
For example, the bottom line is the city name, state, and proper ZIP CODE for the delivery address.^TMThat is, it must contain only the ZIP + 4 code, and the next line above this bottom line must identify the intended recipient. Still other "standardized" addresses are defined in USPS Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards (PUB 28), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. PUB 28 includes, for example, guidelines for address formatting, two-letter abbreviations for states / territories, abbreviations for streets, unique addressing situations, alphanumeric and / or fractional coding, and so on. Provide specifications for physical delivery addressing standards and business addressing standards, including: PUB 28 also provides abbreviations, business words, and Spanish addresses for countries, states, and local highways.
[0027]
Standardizing the delivery address can convert an incomplete delivery address to a complete delivery address. For example, if the street name of the delivery address is misspelled, the street name can be corrected. As another example, if the street name lacks a direction symbol, such as "N" for north, "S" for south, "E" for east, and "W" for west. , The missing direction symbol can be added. As yet another example, if any part of the street name is missing, such as "road", "street", "avenue", or "boulevard", this missing information can be added It is. Thus, an incomplete address can be converted to a proper and complete delivery address before the document is sent.
[0028]
After the addresses have been standardized, each address can be updated by an address correction service (step 2220). For example, if the address is a USPS FASTFORWARD containing the National Change of Address database^TMThe service can be updated by verifying each address in the mailing list. If the address has been moved, the address in the mailing list can be replaced with the new address of the addressee.
[0029]
The document can then be merged with information from the mailing list (step 2230). For example, MS-WORD^TMMail Merge Tool or WordPerfect^TMA mail merge tool can be used to merge the document with each record in the mailing list. The mailing list may include one or more delivery addresses and additional information for customizing each document. For example, a customer may send a breakdown invoice for each address in the mailing list. The additional information may include a description of the service for each recipient, a fee for the service, and an account balance. The mail merge tool can merge additional information into the document to customize each mailing to the intended recipient. The additional information can also include job data such as print instructions and finish instructions. The customer may further indicate that an enclosure, such as a return envelope or personalized coupon, must be sent to several delivery addresses.
[0030]
Then, the merged document and job data can be prepared for shipping to one or more printing locations, for example, using workflow software (step 2240). The “job” including the merged document and the job data may be compiled into a mail stream and transmitted to one or more printing sites (step 2250). For example, a job can be transmitted to the first printing site 1040. When the first printing base 1040 cannot process the job due to, for example, a device failure, the first printing base 1040 notifies the SP 1030, and the SP 1030 transfers the job to the second printing base ( (Not shown). Otherwise, the first printing site 1040 processes the job and notifies the SP 1030 that the job has been printed. The SP 1030 may wait for a predetermined period of time, such as 24 hours, to receive an indication from the first printing location 1040 that the job has been printed. If the SP 1030 does not receive a notification from the first printing site 1040 within a predetermined time period, the SP 1030 transmits the job to the second printing site 1040 for printing. Is possible. Thus, if the SP 1030 becomes unable to communicate with the first printing site 1040, the job can be printed by the second printing site.
[0031]
At each printing location, each "job" can be pre-sorted prior to printing to facilitate delivery of the mailing by the mail carrier route (step 2260). See, for example, Addressing Systems and Products, Inc. POSTALSOFT manufactured by^TMThe software can sort each job by ZIP + 4 code before printing. Then, the job can be printed to create the mailings (step 2270) and each mailing can be finished (step 2280). For example, each merged document can be stapled, folded, and inserted into an envelope according to a customer's choice. The finished shipment can be sorted (step 2290), placed on a tray (step 2300), and delivered to a bulk mail entry unit (BMEU) (step 2310). For example, shipments are grouped in ascending order, marked on each shipment by a unique identifier such as a delivery barcode, placed in a poster tray, and defined in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual. It can be transported to a dedicated facility for receiving mailings that have been pre-classified according to certain standards. Next, each piece of mail is delivered for delivery by a postal carrier (step 2320) and can be delivered to the recipient (step 2330).
[0032]
FIG. 3 is an exemplary graphical interface, such as a web page, for a mailing online service according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can select from a variety of options to generate one or more of a plurality of document types, such as, for example, a customized correspondence or a premium postcard. It is. For example, the customer may select a first "Sign In" button 3010 to access a customized correspondence service, or a "Cost Estimate" button 3020 to receive an estimated cost for preparing a customized correspondence. The selection can be made, or the first “More info” button 3030 can be selected to request additional information regarding the customized correspondence service. As another example, the customer may select a second “Sign In” button 3040 to access the premium postcard service, or request a second “sign in” button 3040 to request additional information regarding the premium postcard service. It is also possible to select the “Details” button 3050.
[0033]
The customer can then register with SP 1030 to set up a customer profile. FIG. 4 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for registering a customer according to the method and system of the present invention. The customer can use the "username" control 4010 to provide a unique identifier. The customer can use the "password" control 4020 to identify the customer. For security, the graphical user interface may display an asterisk instead of the password 4020 so that the password 4020 is invisible. Thus, the customer can use the “re-enter password” control 4030 to confirm the password 4020. The customer can use the "answer" control 4050 to provide an answer to a predetermined question 4040 if the customer forgets the password. Finally, the customer can select the "login" button 4060 to send the provided information to the SP 1030 to access the mailing service (step 2020).
[0034]
The SP 1030 may require that the customer provide additional information before granting access to the mailing service. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for profiling a customer according to the methods and systems of the present invention. For example, the SP 1030 may provide a customer with a first name 5010, a last name 5030, a mailing address 5040, a city 5060, a state 5070, a ZIP and / or mailing code 5080, a business phone number 5130, It is possible to request that a mail address 5150 be provided. The SP 1030 further includes a middle name initial 5020, additional address information 5050, a country 5090, an urbanization code 5100 for an address in Pureto Rico, a company name 5110, a home phone number 5120, and a fax number 5140. It is also possible to require the customer to enter additional information, such as an indication 5160 whether the customer is authorized to mail at non-commercial rates. In addition, the customer can change his or her password 4020 by entering a new password in the “new password” text box 5170 and re-entering the new password in the “re-enter password” text box 5180. .
The customer can also correct his answer 4050 to the predetermined question 4040. Finally, the customer may select the "Send" button 5190 to send the provided information to the SP 1030, or select the "Reset" button 5200 to cancel all of the changes made. Is also possible.
[0035]
After the customer profile has been set, the SP 1030 can also provide a simplified graphical user interface. FIG. 6 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for accessing a mailing online service in accordance with the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer confirms that the SP 1030 authenticates the customer by providing his username 4010 and password 4020 and then selecting the "login" button 4060 to access the postal service. A request can be made (step 2020). If the customer forgets his password 4020, the customer may select the hyperlink 6010 to request that the SP 1030 send the customer's password 4020 to the provided email address 5150. It is possible. If not, the customer can select another hyperlink 6020 to register as a new customer.
[0036]
After accessing the postal service, the customer can order the postal online service from SP 1030. FIG. 7 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for ordering a postal online service in accordance with the methods and systems of the present invention. If the customer has previously provided a document to SP 1030, the customer can select a document from the "Documents" list 7040. Otherwise, the customer can provide a new document to SP 1030 by selecting the first "New" button 7050. The customer can create a new document online, for example by typing into a text box (not shown) provided by SP 1030, or send a new document to SP 1030. It is also possible to use the processor 1010 for this (step 2030). After the customer provides the new document to SP 1030, SP 1030 can store the new document for additional processing (step 2040). For example, SP 1030 states that the new document is MS WORD^TMThe new document can be verified to ensure that it conforms to an approved format such as a document (step 2050). If the SP 1030 determines that the new document conforms to the approved format (step 2060), the document list 7040 can be updated to include the new document. Then, the customer can select the new document from the document list 7040.
[0037]
If the customer previously provided a mailing list to the SP 1030, the customer can select a mailing list from the Mailing List control 7070. Otherwise, the customer can provide a new mailing list to SP 1030 by selecting a second "New" button 7080. The customer can create a new mailing list online, for example by typing into a text box (not shown) provided by SP 1030, or the customer can create a new mailing list The processor 1010 can be used to send the destination list to the SP 1030 (step 2070). After the customer has provided the new mailing list to SP 1030, SP 1030 may store the new mailing list for further processing (step 2080). For example, SP 1030 states that the new mailing list is MS EXCEL^TMThe new mailing list can be verified to ensure that it conforms to an approved format such as a document (step 2090). If the SP 1030 determines that the new mailing list conforms to the approved format (step 2100), the Mailing List control 7070 may be updated to include the new mailing list. It is possible. The customer can then select a new mailing list via the Mailing List control 7070.
[0038]
If the customer previously provided a return address to SP 1030, the customer may select a return address from the "Return Address" control 7090. Otherwise, the customer can provide SP 1030 with a new return address by selecting a third "New" button 7100. The customer can also provide a new return address online, for example, by typing into a text box (not shown) provided by SP 1030, or the customer can The processor 1010 can also be used to send a return address list in the form of a mailing list to the SP 1030. For example, the customer can use MS EXCEL^TMTo create a mailing list for the return address, and then upload the mailing list to the SP 1030. The customer can then select a new return address via the "Return Address" control 7090.
[0039]
The customer can select various printing options for the document. For example, the customer can indicate whether to print the selected document in booklet format 7060. The customer can select the “Previous” button 7020 to exit the web page without ordering the mailing service, or the user can click the “Next” button to send the mailing 7030 can be selected (step 2110). The customer may also select the help button 7010 to request additional help.
[0040]
Alternatively, the SP 1030 can guide the customer through the online mailing service ordering process step by step. FIG. 8 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for selecting a document to be sent according to the methods and systems of the present invention. After the customer selects a document, the customer selects a mailing list 7070, provides a return address 7090, and selects various print options for the document using a subsequent web page (not shown). It is possible to do.
[0041]
Customers can use the online address book to organize their mailing lists. FIG. 9 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for maintaining one or more mailing lists according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer creates a first hyperlink 9010 for adding a new address to the address list, a second hyperlink 9020 for uploading the address list in an authorized format, or a new mailing list. To select a third hyperlink 9030. Customers can organize addresses into groups. For example, a customer can indicate whether an address is related to a personal or business relationship. The customer may also select a fourth hyperlink 9040 or “Add New Group” button 9070 to create a new address group. The customer can select an "Address" button 9060 to review available addresses. The customer can select a "Custom Field" button 9080 to define an additional address information field. The customer may also select a help button 7010 to request additional help.
[0042]
The customer can add a new address to the address book maintained by SP 1030. FIG. 10 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for adding a new address to an address book according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can select a group for a new address from the group list 10010. The customer can indicate the honorific name 10040, first name 10050, middle initial 10060, last name 10070, suffix 10080, title 10090, and email address 10180 for the individual at the mailing address. The customer may further include a company name 10100 in the mailing address, a first address line 10110, a second address line 10120, a city 10130, a state 10140, a ZIP / postal code 10150, an urbanization code 10160 for an address in the Puerto Rico, And the country 10170 can also be indicated. SP 1030 displays the customer with specific information to qualify for a reduced mailing service fee, such as first address line 10110, city 10130, state 10140, ZIP / postal code 10150 for the individual at the mailing address. It is possible to request that The customer can also provide additional information using customer-defined fields 10190-10230. The customer may also add a "Add New Group" button 9070 to form a new address group, a "Custom Field" button 9080 to define additional address information fields, or request additional help. It is also possible to select the help button 7010. After the customer has completed entering the information, the customer may have a submit button 10240 to save the new address, a reset button 10250 to delete all selections made, or a button to return to a previous web page. A cancel button 10260 can be selected (FIG. 9).
[0043]
The customer can create an address list by selecting one or more addresses from an address book. FIG. 11 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for selecting one or more addresses from an online address book according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer selects the address using criteria such as honorific name 10040, first name 10050, middle initial 10060, last name 10070, suffix 10080, title 10090, and email address 10180 for the individual in the mailing address. It is possible. The customer may further include a company name 10100, a first address line 10110, a second address line 10120, a city 10130, a state 10140, a ZIP / postal code 10150, an urbanization code 10160 for an address in Puerto Rico, a country 10170, and It is also possible to select an address using criteria such as the contents of customer defined fields 10190-10230. The customer can also select an address according to the address type 11010. For example, the customer may limit the selection to a "standard" address that meets the requirements for a discounted mailing service fee, or a non-standard physical delivery address that requires a First-Class service fee. The customer uses the "ignore case" checkbox 11020 to indicate whether to ignore the case of the characters in the fields (10040-10230) when selecting an address. It is possible. The customer may also select the help button 7010 to request additional help. After the customer has entered the selection criteria, the customer may click a "Next" button 11030 to create an address list from all addresses that meet the selection criteria, a reset button 11040 to delete all selections made, or , It is possible to select a cancel button 11050 to return to the previous web page (FIG. 9).
[0044]
Customers can add new groups to facilitate organizing their addresses. FIG. 12 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for adding a new address group according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can review the list of existing address groups 12010 displayed on the web page. The customer can further add a new address group by inputting the name of the new address group in the “new group name” text box 12020 and selecting the send button 12030. The customer can select a help button 7010 to request additional help, a reset button 12040 to delete all entered text, or a cancel button 12050 to return to a previous web page. (FIG. 9).
[0045]
In addition to the predefined address fields, customers can add custom data fields for the address book. For example, a customer can add a custom data field for storing a phone number, birthday, or Christmas card. FIG. 13 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for customizing address fields according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can enter a name for each specialized data field via the corresponding text box 13010-13050. The customer may also select a help button 7010 to request additional help. After the customer has entered the name in the custom data field, the customer may click the submit button 13060 to accept all changes made, the reset button 13070 to delete all changes made, or return to the previous web page. Can be selected (FIG. 9).
[0046]
The customer can request that a sample document be sent to the customer to evaluate a typical document. FIG. 14 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for requesting a sample document in accordance with the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can select various options for printing and finishing the document according to his preferences. In the case of the first example 14010, the customer selects a one-sided, one-page personalized letter that is black and white printed on off-white 28 # paper and sent in a # 10 envelope by the First-Class service. It is possible. In the case of the second example 14020, the customer can select a one-sided one-page leaflet that is printed in full color on white 24 # paper and sent in an # 10 envelope by the First-Class service. It is. In the case of the third example 14030, the customer can select a one-sided one-page leaflet that is printed in black and white on white 24 # paper and sent as a self-mailer by standard service. It is. In the case of the fourth example 14040, the customer can select a postcard that has been full-color printed on white 80 # postcard stock and sent with the First-Class service. In the case of the fifth example 14050, the customer can select a postcard that is black and white printed on white 80 # postcard stock and sent at First-Class postage. Each example (14010-14050) may include an estimated cost per piece of mail. The customer can select the "receive sample" button 14060 to send his request for the selected sample document.
[0047]
After the mailing order has been sent (step 2150 in FIG. 2), the customer can monitor the status of the order. FIG. 15 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for monitoring the status of an open service order in accordance with the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer may view a list of all open orders, otherwise message 15010 may indicate that there are no open orders. The customer can select hyperlink 15020 to view a list of all completed orders. The customer may also select the help button 7010 to request additional help.
[0048]
After the creation of the mail order is complete (step 2270 in FIG. 2), the customer can review the order. FIG. 16 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for reviewing one or more completed service orders according to the methods and systems of the present invention. The customer can view a list of all completed orders, otherwise message 16010 can indicate that no orders have been completed. The customer may also select the help button 7010 to request additional help.
[0049]
Customers can review and update their registration information as needed. FIG. 17 is an exemplary graphical user interface, such as a web page, for updating customer registration information according to the methods and systems of the present invention. Customer can have their last name 5030, first name 5010, middle initial 5020, company name 5110, first address line 5040, second address line 5050, city 5060, state 5070, ZIP code 5080, country 5090, home phone You can review your registration information, including number 5120, business phone number 5130, fax number 5140, email address 5150, and date 17010 when the customer registered. The customer can correct and update his or her displayed information by selecting the edit button 17020. The customer may also select the help button 7010 to request additional help.
[0050]
The above-described embodiments and other aspects and principles of the present invention can be embodied in various environments. Such an environment and its associated uses can be specially constructed to perform the various processes and operations of the present invention, or by program code (also referred to as code) to provide the necessary functionality. It may include a general purpose computer or computing platform that is selectively activated or reconfigured. The processes described herein are not uniquely associated with any particular computer or other device, but may be embodied by a suitable combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. It is possible. For example, various general-purpose machines may be used with programs described in accordance with the disclosure, or may be specialized devices or systems to perform the required methods. May be more convenient.
[0051]
The invention further relates to a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions or code for performing various computer-implemented operations based on the methods and processes of the invention. The media and program instructions may be those specially designed and constructed for the present invention, or may be of the type known and available to those skilled in the computer software arts. Examples of program instructions include microcode, machine code such as machine code as generated by a compiler, and files containing high-level code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.
[0052]
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that such specifications and examples be considered merely exemplary, and that the true scope and spirit of the invention be indicated by the following claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary model of communication between a customer and a service provider in which the methods and systems of the present invention can be implemented.
FIG. 2A
FIG. 2A is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending a document from a customer to a recipient.
FIG. 2B
FIG. 2B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending a document from a customer to a recipient.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3 is an exemplary graphical user interface for a mailing online service according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4 is an exemplary graphical user interface for registering a new customer according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 5A
FIG. 5A is an exemplary graphical user interface for profiling a new customer according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG. 5B
FIG. 5B is an exemplary graphical user interface for profiling a new customer according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG. 6
FIG. 6 is an exemplary graphical user interface for accessing a mailing online service according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG. 7
FIG. 7 is an exemplary graphical user interface for ordering a postal online service according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG. 8
FIG. 8 is an exemplary graphical user interface for selecting a document to be sent according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 9
FIG. 9 is an exemplary graphical user interface for maintaining one or more mailing lists according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG. 10
FIG. 10 is an exemplary graphical user interface for adding a new address to an address book according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 11
FIG. 11 is an exemplary graphical user interface for selecting one or more addresses from an online address book according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG.
FIG. 12 is an exemplary graphical user interface for adding a new address group according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 13
FIG. 13 is an exemplary graphical user interface for customizing an address field according to the method and system of the present invention.
FIG. 14
FIG. 14 is an exemplary graphical user interface for requesting a sample document in accordance with the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG.
FIG. 15 is an exemplary graphical user interface for monitoring the status of an open service order according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG.
FIG. 16 is an exemplary graphical user interface for reviewing one or more completed service orders according to the methods and systems of the present invention.
FIG.
FIG. 17 is an exemplary graphical user interface for updating customer registration information according to the methods and systems of the present invention.

Claims (30)

A method of delivery of a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces with a network, the method comprising:
Receiving first information specifying an electronic version of a document through the network and at the at least one processor;
Providing second information indicating one or more options for printing the document from the at least one processor and over the network;
Selecting a print option from among the one or more options for printing the document;
Receiving third information through the network and at the at least one processor indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is to be sent;
Processing the electronic version of the document according to the selected print options to generate a print file;
Selecting a printing location from one or more printing locations;
Transmitting the print file to the selected printing site;
Printing the print file at the selected printing site;
Providing the printed document to a service provider for delivery to the physical delivery address;
A method that includes The method of claim 1, wherein the document conforms to a predetermined format approved by a program selected from the group consisting of MS WORD, COREL WORDPERFECT, ADOBE PAGEMAKER, VENTURA, and QUARK. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information comprises a document type selected from the group consisting of a booklet, a letter, a leaflet, and a postcard. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information includes a document enclosure selected from the group consisting of an envelope, a self-mailer, a coupon, and a postcard. The second information may include one or more finishing instructions selected from the group consisting of folding, binding, stapling, one-sided printing, two-sided printing, full color printing, limited color printing, and black and white printing. 2. The method according to 1. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information comprises a service class selected from the group consisting of a First-Class service, a Standard service, and a Non-Profit service. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information comprises a paper type selected from the group consisting of off-white 28 # paper, white 24 # paper, yellow 24 # paper, and white 80 # postcard stock. . The second information includes a paper size selected from a group consisting of 8.5 × 11 inch paper, 8.5 × 14 inch paper, 11 × 17 inch paper, A4 size paper, and A5 size paper. The method of claim 1. further,
Selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Merging the document with the delivery address;
The method of claim 1, comprising: The method of claim 9, wherein the third information further comprises fourth information for customizing the document, and wherein the document is merged with the fourth information to generate a customized document. The method described in. further,
Selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Standardizing the delivery address to conform to a predetermined address format;
The method of claim 1, comprising: further,
Selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Checking the delivery address with a database to determine if the recipient corresponding to the delivery address has already changed his physical delivery address;
Updating the delivery address if it is determined that the physical delivery address has already been changed;
The method of claim 1, comprising: further,
Having the ability to create a document with the selected print option, the proximity of the printing location to the delivery address, the ability to create a document with the selected print option, and the selected print option Selecting the printing location by at least one criterion selected from a group consisting of a fee for printing a document;
The method of claim 1, comprising: further,
Estimating a fee for printing the document;
Estimating a fee for delivering the printed document to the delivery address;
Accepting a payment based on the estimated fee for printing the document and the estimated fee for delivering the printed document;
The method of claim 1, comprising: A system for delivery of a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces with a network, the system comprising:
Means for receiving first information specifying an electronic version of a document through the network and at the at least one processor;
Means for providing second information from the at least one processor and through the network indicating one or more options for printing the document;
Means for selecting a print option from among the one or more options for printing the document;
Means for receiving, through the network and at the at least one processor, third information indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is sent;
Means for processing the electronic version of the document according to the selected print option to generate a print file;
Means for selecting a printing location from one or more printing locations;
Means for transmitting the print file to the selected printing site,
Means for printing the print file at the selected printing site,
Means for providing the printed document to a service provider for delivery to the physical delivery address;
Including the system. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the document conforms to a predetermined format authorized by a program selected from the group consisting of MS WORD, COREL WORDPERFECT, ADOBE PAGEMAKER, VENTURA, and QUARK. The system of claim 15, wherein the second information comprises a document type selected from the group consisting of a booklet, a letter, a leaflet, and a postcard. The system of claim 15, wherein the second information comprises a document enclosure selected from the group consisting of an envelope, a self-mailer, a coupon, and a postcard. The second information may include one or more finishing instructions selected from the group consisting of folding, binding, stapling, one-sided printing, two-sided printing, full color printing, limited color printing, and black and white printing. A system according to claim 15, The system according to claim 15, wherein the second information includes a service class selected from the group consisting of a First-Class service, a Standard service, and a Non-Profit service. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second information includes a paper type selected from the group consisting of off-white 28 # paper, white 24 # paper, yellow 24 # paper, and white 80 # postcard stock. . The second information includes a paper size selected from a group consisting of 8.5 × 11 inch paper, 8.5 × 14 inch paper, 11 × 17 inch paper, A4 size paper, and A5 size paper. The system according to claim 15. further,
Means for selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Means for merging the document with the delivery address;
16. The system of claim 15, comprising: The third information further includes fourth information for customizing the document, and the means for merging the document includes the fourth information for generating the customized document. 24. The system of claim 23, further comprising means for merging with. further,
Means for selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Means for standardizing the delivery address to conform to a predetermined address format;
The method of claim 15, comprising: further,
Means for selecting the delivery address based on the third information;
Means for checking the delivery address with a database to determine whether the recipient corresponding to the delivery address has already changed his physical delivery address;
Means for updating the delivery address if it is determined that the physical delivery address has already been changed,
16. The system of claim 15, comprising: further,
Having the ability to create a document with the selected print option, the proximity of the printing location to the delivery address, the ability to create a document with the selected print option, and the selected print option Means for selecting the printing location according to at least one criterion selected from a group consisting of a fee for printing a document;
16. The system of claim 15, comprising: further,
Means for estimating a fee for printing the document;
Means for estimating a fee for delivering the printed document to the delivery address;
Means for accepting a payment based on the estimated fee for printing the document and the estimated fee for delivering the printed document;
16. The system of claim 15, comprising: A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having embodied computer program code for delivering a printed document using at least one processor that interfaces with a network, comprising:
Code for receiving first information specifying an electronic version of a document through the network and at the at least one processor;
Code providing second information from the at least one processor and through the network indicating one or more options for printing the document;
Code for selecting a print option from the one or more options for printing the document;
Code for receiving third information through the network and at the at least one processor indicating at least one physical delivery address to which the document is sent;
Code for processing the electronic version of the document according to the selected print option to generate a print file;
A code for selecting a printing site from one or more printing sites,
A code for transmitting the print file to the selected printing site,
A code for printing the print file at the selected printing site,
Code for providing the printed document to a service provider for delivery to the physical delivery address;
Computer program products, including: A method for providing online document printing and mailing services,
Receiving payee address data for the electronic document;
Receiving the document selected by the sender, printing and finishing specifications from a predetermined list of specifications,
Processing an electronic version of the document to generate an electronic print file, linking the electronically processed version of the document with the recipient address data list;
Transmitting the electronic print file to a document printing location selected based on the recipient mailing address code;
Printing the document, and consequently allowing mailing;
Transporting the document and mailing a permit to the local mail service provider based on the payee mailing address code so that the local mail service provider accepts, processes and delivers the document to the recipient;
A method that includes

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