JPS63302982A - Mail treater - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to mail processing equipment, and more particularly to computer-controlled, interrelated outgoing and incoming mail processing equipment configured as modules.

[Conventional technology]

The way large commercial letter senders prepare and process various types of outgoing commercial letters has changed from using traditional labor to being handled primarily by computer-controlled automated paper processing equipment. This has been changing in recent years. Therefore, for senders of large commercial letters such as telephone companies, bulk merchants, and private mail senders, envelopes with address windows can contain monthly bills, remittance slips, return envelopes, questionnaires, and product orders. It is common to use computer-controlled inserters to insert and automatically seal forms and other non-returnable forms (hereinafter referred to as articles). The sealed envelope is sent to the fare meter, where the scheduled fare is printed.
They are then collected to be sent to the post office. In some cases,
Prior to collection, postage items are placed into sorters or other mechanical devices for bundling according to their destination postal code. In other cases, such mail pieces are placed in a printer that has a keyboard, and a bar code corresponding to the postal code is applied to each mail piece in response to keyboard input by an operator. The pre-sorted mail is sent to the post office with a paid fee, postal code and/or barcode.

In the absence of a barcode, the postal code and address given by the sender of the commercial mail when it arrives at the post office is used for classification. For this purpose, the mail pieces are placed in an automatic processing device for individualization, and computer control reads the address or postal code information from each mail piece and converts it into a corresponding destination barcode, which is then printed on the mail piece. Ru. The mail is then sorted according to the destination information from the computer. If a given piece of mail already has a destination barcode, this computer-controlled device or other automatic device in different modes of operation is utilized to read the barcode and sort the mailpiece accordingly. Generally, the postal service automatically processes mail at at least one main post office or distribution center before final sorting at the local office level. Therefore, for delivery to a destination identified in human and machine readable language,
Normally, a given piece of mail is sorted and processed several times. The mail piece is thereby delivered to the recipient, who responds thereto by sending the mail piece containing the returnable, unaltered item or items to the postal service for return to the sender.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The sender places a classification code on the return envelope sent to the customer along with the invoice, and when such envelope is returned at the same time as the payment, the caller scans the code and the classification corresponding to that code is automatically sent to the location. and sort from envelopes with other codes or without codes. This hands the envelope to the commercial unit corresponding to the code. In this regard, mail may or may not be placed into the automatic opening device depending on the size of the mail received by a particular commercial unit. If for some reason the location of a commercial unit changes and the return envelope is moved, the mail may or may not be delivered directly to the commercial unit. Often, if the original recipient does not notify the postal handler of the change of address, whether or not the original recipient gives the correct route for the mail, the mail will be sent to the commercial unit's old address and will not be received in the future. This means that the mail cannot be delivered properly.

Adding to this problem, in order to encourage payment on large invoices and lower customer "float," senders of large commercial letters may include selected return envelopes enclosed in mailings sent to particular customers. We are researching special methods for attaching machine-readable codes. When the envelope is returned, this code separates it from the mainstream of returned envelopes so that it can be processed quickly. The sender of this commercial letter is
Help must be sought from such procedures that clearly highlight the inadequacies of normal postal processing procedures.

In other parts of the commercial community, there are mail processing delays that negatively impact the reputation of commercial mailers.

For example, in the field of mail order, it is sometimes necessary to inform customers in a timely manner that a particular item being ordered is out of stock and possibly on back order by filling out a pre-coded promotional form. In some cases, the expected delivery date is not notified. Similarly, insurance companies often require additional information from health care providers for specific claims, and payment of claims may be delayed depending on receipt of requested additional information from health care providers. It may not be possible to notify the claimant in a timely manner.

These and other problems arise from the fact that senders of commercial letters must sort return mail before sending it to customers.

The code marked on the return envelope or other returned unaltered item is used by the mail processing system as a reference to determine where the returned item should be delivered.
Or code reading and segmentation is only a source of information provided to the device. However, the sender of commercial mail does not know the basis for sorting a given returned item at the time the item is mailed, or knows the return address but does not know the basis for sorting the returned item from the sender to the customer. Then, while returning to the sender, you may not be aware that the change has occurred, or you may know the return address or other information necessary for sorting, but that information may be sent to another recipient, for example to avoid double billing. Such instructions for notifying a person that a particular return envelope has been received may not be within the incoming mail sorter's code recognition capabilities.

The object of the invention is to improve a letter processing device.

Another object of the invention is to have a marking means and a means for sending an article unchanged thereto, the coded and sent article having a structure for sending the article out of the path of travel to the printing means when a code is detected. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for processing unaltered articles.Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for processing interrelated outgoing and incoming mail.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an incoming mail processing apparatus that includes means for sorting incoming mail based on sorting guidelines made during or after the mail is being routed to the recipient.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular, interrelated outgoing and incoming mail processing apparatus having a structure for processing unaltered items returned with different codes.

[Means and Operations for Solving the Problems] The letter processing apparatus of the present invention includes means for preparing a letter containing a returnable, unchanged article containing a code for the identification of the recipient to be sent to the recipient; means for detecting the code and for directing the article as it is returned to a selected one of a plurality of locations; means for controlling the directing means; and means for storing a processing data list for the code. and a computer connected to said directing means, said processing data list including means for limiting said selected locations, said control means receiving said signal and said change being transmitted back to said directing device. means for directing an item without an item to said selected location; and means for modifying said processing data list to change said selected location.

〔Example〕

Figures 1a-1f illustrate examples of various document formats that can be processed by the present invention. FIG. 1a shows a typical return unaltered item, designated envelope A. Envelope A contains the address A1 of the commercial mailer to which it is to be mailed. For convenience, address A1 refers to the applicant of the present invention. Additionally, envelope A includes a return address portion A2 for filling in by the name, company, etc. to which it was sent and returned. An alphanumeric reply code A3 is added to the lower left corner of envelope A during printing of the envelope. According to the invention, the code A3 shown, namely 5C23
0 represents an arbitrary reply code assigned by the sender, and may be a bar code. Code A3 may be placed anywhere on envelope A. Preferably code A
3 identifies the sender of reply envelope A, but it may be attached to a plurality of envelopes for classification. Instead of the code A3 shown, the sender's social security number or, in the case of a legal entity, the tax ID code may be printed instead, or if such a number is not used, a bar code or the recipient's telephone number. Other customer accounting codes such as numbers may also be used.

Figure 1b shows other unaltered items for return;
In this case, it is remittance slip B. Remittance slip B contains the address of recipient B1 in its lower right corner, which is visible through the window of the windowed envelope in which slip B is received. Furthermore, the return slip B has a perforation B2 along which the slip B may be folded so that the return part B3 and the storage part B4 can be easily separated according to the instructions written above. In this example, reply code A3 is arced to both portions B3 and B4, since recipient B1 often returns the wrong portion, in this case B4, to sender B5.

FIG. 1C shows another return unchanged article, a folded return article C, such as a letter or a computer printout. Article C has a recipient's address C2 and a sender's address C3 at its lower right and upper left. Article C is sent from the sender C3 to the recipient C2 in a window with a window in the lower right corner and in an envelope with a window in the upper right corner. Additionally, item C includes reply code A3, which is located in the upper left corner of item C, illustrating by way of example that it does not matter on which item reply code A3 is placed as long as the standard location is used for code scanning.

Figure 1d shows the article without any other reply changes;
This is another form of remittance slip D.

Slip D has the sender's and recipient's addresses DI, D2 at its upper right and upper left for the reasons mentioned with respect to FIG. 1c. Slip D also has a customer accounting number D3 that is different from code 83. According to the invention, code A3 and number D3, although identical in FIG. 1b, may be different. In some cases, the ability of the equipment to process returned unaltered items does not include the ability to recognize accounting numbers such as D3, so that part of that number or a different number A3 is used as the return code A3. .

In FIG. 1e, the windowed envelope E has a window E1 in the lower right corner, and in FIG. 1f, the envelope F has a window F1 in the upper right corner. Envelope E has the sender's address E2, and envelope F has an area F2 to be filled in by the recipient.

Envelope E thus represents a sender's windowed envelope labeled with code A3 according to the invention, and envelope F represents an unaltered article that is a windowed return envelope containing code A3.

In order to save on postage costs, the sender must include in the mail the standard barcode symbol E3, which is a bar-half barcode used by the United States Postal Service for barcode segmentation, as shown in Figure 1e. and pre-sorting such mail before sending it to the post office. Preferably, the return envelope F also includes the sender's postal barcode F3 to facilitate high-speed processing by the post office. Further, the envelope F may be provided with a serial number F4 for recipient-paid mail at the upper right corner to provide the sender's customer with a recipient-paid return envelope.

From the above, the sender sent the return envelope A together with the unaltered return item B to JE, and the sender sent the recipient's address B1 to the window E.
It may be enclosed so that it can be seen from 1.

Or send the return item C along with the return envelope F to address C2.
is placed in envelope E so that it can be seen from window E1, so that when return envelope F is returned from recipient C2, address C3
The article C is placed in the envelope F so that it can be seen through the window F1. It will be apparent that other combinations, sizes and shapes of envelopes ASESF, and articles B, C, D without other changes may be used by those skilled in the art, including, for example, windowless envelopes E and F.

FIG. 2a shows that an apparatus 10 of the type that can be used to process unaltered articles A-D as described above includes a conventional sheet feeding module 12 into which a plurality of such unaltered articles 14 are fed. It is put in for the purpose. A representative article 14 includes a code A3, which is printed at a predetermined location on the article 14 before being processed by the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the device 10 is used to print the code A3 on the article 14. If the article 14 contains the code A3, the supply module 12 is configured within the device 10 to detect the code A3 in order to know that the document 14 with the particular return code 83 is being prepared for mailing. can be included.

Supply module 12 (FIG. 2a) is preferably a conventional, independent device that includes a suitable controller 15, such as a microprocessor, for controlling the various configurations and functions of module 12. Additionally, module 12 has a conventional operator interface device 16 including a keyboard, which interface is conventionally connected to control device 15 for operation in response to input signals therefrom. The control device 15 receives a signal 1 from an external source.
It is adapted to have a two-way serial or parallel communication link 17 for connection to an external source, such as a local computer, described below, for operation in response to control signals such as 7A. Module 12 is thus capable of controlling its configuration and functionality from an external source rather than from interface 16. Additionally, this module 12 has a conventional input stack device 18 into which the unchanged articles 14 are placed. Additionally, module 12 includes a conventional supply system 20, a suitable code detection system 22, and preferably a conventional gated output stack system 24.

Device 20 may be a conventional sheet feeding device. When the sheet feeding device 20 is of a top type, the code detection device 22 detects the article (
2a) is operatively associated with a feed device 20 for detecting the code 83 (FIG. 1) on the document 14 (FIG. 2a);
is operatively conventionally associated with the device 20 to detect the code A3 (FIG. 1) thereon after transmitting the code A3 (FIG. 1). Output stacking device 24 may be a conventional stacking device including suitable bins 24A and article conversion gates 24B. Gate 24B is located in the article path from input stacking device 18 and is selectively actuated by controller 15 to remove each article 14 from the feed path and into bin 24.
Make sure to put it in. The code detection device 22 is the control device 1
6, which generates a digital signal such as signal 25 corresponding to code A3 which is detected when article 14 passes detection device 20. The module 12 further includes a motor 26 and one or more drive units 28 for the gate 24B of the output stack device 24 and the feed device 20. Furthermore, the module 12 includes a plurality of sensors 3 for detecting the articles 14 in the feed path and for detecting the various positions of the motor 26 and the drive unit 28, each having a home position.
has 0. The sensor 30 is connected to a control device 16 which generates digital signals, such as a signal 25, indicative of the position of the document 14 and the motor 26 and elements of the unit 28. Additionally, feeder 20 includes conventional means, such as rollers 32, for feeding each article 14 from feeder 12.

The device 10 (FIG. 2b) optionally stores an uncoded unaltered article 14 or an article 14 containing an ID code D3 unsuitable for subsequent sorting of the article 14, or an I.D.
A respective reply code A3 on the item 14 containing the D code D3 or other reply code A3 that is not properly placed on the item.
It includes a conventional printing module 4o for marking. Additionally, this module 40 prints a postal bar code and/or recipient payment receipt serial number on each item for expedited mailing by the customer and/or expedited processing by the post office, thereby, e.g. It is used to lower the "float". If module 40 is used, it may be a conventional independent device with a suitable controller 41, such as a microprocessor, for controlling its various functions. Furthermore, module 40 has an operator interface 42 including a keyboard, which interface is connected to control device 41 for operation in response to output signals therefrom. Control device 1
5 is a conventional two-way serial or parallel communication link connecting device 41 to an external device such as a local computer for operating control device 41 in response to a control signal, such as signal 43A, from such external device; It has 43.

The module 40 is designed so that its functions can be controlled from an external device rather than the interface 42.

The module 40 further includes a detection device 44 for detecting that the article 14 has been received, and a suitable printing device 46 for printing a reply code A3, a bar code F3, or a recipient payment number F4, each alone or in combination, on the article. have The module 40 further includes a roller 50, and the print module 4
0 has conventional means 48 for transporting the articles 14 through the 0. Module 40 further includes a motor 52 and one or more drive units 54 for printing device 46 and feed device 48 when in a mechanical printing configuration. Also module 4
0 has a plurality of sensing devices 56 for sensing the respective elements of the motor 52, drive unit 54, printing device 46 and feed device 48 and for sensing the various positions of the article 14 within the path of the module 40. Further, each sensor 44 and 56 is connected to a control device 41, which device 41
4, the motor 52, the printing device 46, the feeder 48, and the drive unit 54, including their respective home positions and various other positions of the article, generate digital signals such as fi 58.

The device 10 (FIG. 2b) is used to store coded articles 1 in envelopes.
4 and has a conventional operator module 60 for sealing it. Module 60 is an independent device, such as a microprocessor, for controlling its various functions. Module 60 further includes a conventional operator interface 62, including a keyboard, which interface is operatively connected to controller 61 in response to input signals therefrom. Device 61 has a two-way serial or parallel communication link 63 for connecting to an external device, such as a local computer, for operating control device 61 in response to a control signal, such as signal 63A, from an external device. Thus, module 60 may control its functionality from an external device rather than interface 62. Module 60 may optionally include conventional folding equipment 64 depending on the size of the articles 14 typically processed by the sender.
can be included. With or without device 64, module 60 has an envelope stacking device 65, which device 6
A plurality of window envelopes 66 are placed in the envelope 5. Furthermore, module 6o includes a detection device 68 connected to device 61 for detecting the presence or absence of an envelope 66 within device 65. Module 6° further comprises a sheet detection device 7o connected to device 61 for detecting the receipt of articles 14. The module 60 further includes suitable feeding means 72 for feeding the articles 14 therethrough and through a folding device 64, if any, for folding the articles 14 for the person, and an inserter 74 for so placing the articles 14 into respective envelopes 66. including. Module 6o is optionally one to be placed in envelope 66
An insert supply device 75 is included for applying one or more inserts to the article 14. For example, if item 14 is a remittance envelope, the remittance envelope does not have a recipient's address and therefore an additional insert containing the recipient's address is required in a position visible through the window in envelope 66. If there are multiple inserts, module 60 includes multiple sheet detection devices 70 for detecting the presence of one or more inserts and sending appropriate signals to controller 61. Furthermore, the module 6o includes a suitable accumulator 7 for stacking the article 14 and additional inserts in front of the envelope so that the destination address of the envelope 66 is visible through the window of the envelope 66.
It has 6. Module 6o is also so personified envelope 6
a sealing device 77 for sealing 6 and devices 72, 74.7;
motor 7 connected to one or more drive units 79 for 5;
8, article 14 and other inserts and motor 78
and a plurality of sensors 70 connected to the control device 61 for detecting the positions of the elements of the unit 79. The controller 61 receives digital signals such as signals 80 corresponding to the presence or absence of the envelope 66, the article 14, and other inserts, the motor 78 detected by the sensors 68, 70, the drive unit 79, the position of the article 14, the insert, and the envelope 66. Occur. Additionally, device 72 includes suitable means, such as rollers 81, for transporting sealed envelopes 66 from module 60.

The device 10 (FIG. 2C) further includes a charge meter module 85.
has. The module 85 has a suitable control device 8, such as a microcomputer, for controlling its various functions.
6 is a conventional independent electronic postage meter.

Module 85 further has an operator interface 87 including a keyboard, which interface is connected to controller 86 for operation in response to human input signals from interface 87 . Controller 86 has a two-way serial or parallel communication link 88 connecting it to external devices for operation in response to control signals, such as signal 88A, from an external device such as a local computer. Therefore, module 85 may control its functions from an external device rather than interface 87. The module 85 includes a sensor 89 connected to the device 86 for detecting receipt of a sealed envelope 66, a charge setting device 90 for setting the charge value to be printed on the envelope 66, and a charge setting device 90 for setting the charge value to be printed on the envelope 66 and the set charge value at a given time. A plurality of toll value sensors 90A connected to the device 90 for detecting values, and a printing device 91 including toll value printing means set by the device 90 to print the set toll values and sealed through the module. an envelope feeder 92 for feeding the envelope 66; a motor 93 connected to one or more drive units; and a plurality of other sensors 89 to be connected. Feeding device 9
2 is a roller 9 for feeding the envelope 66 from the module 85;
5. The microcomputer of controller 86 is programmed to store charge credits and usage charges 96 that each reflect the charge used for printing and the sum of all charges being printed by printing device 91 at a given time. be done. Module 85 has a card reader 96A into which a toll credit or billing card provided by the post office is inserted. leader 96
A connects to the control device 15 and serves as an interface with the logic circuit of the credit or charge card for changing the total charge used to print the addition or subtraction value according to the credit or charge amount recorded on the card. It has a logic circuit that is operatively constructed and arranged. Controller 86 generates digital signals, such as signal 97, corresponding to the stored credits and amounts spent and the respective conditions detected by sensors 89 and 90A.

If there are no other processing modules to be described later, the device 10
(FIG. 2C) can use a conventional stack module 100. Stack module 100 is a conventional independent device that includes a suitable controller 101, such as a microprocessor, for control of its functions. Module 100 has an operator interface 102, including a keyboard, which connects to controller 101 for operation in response to human input signals therefrom. Device 101
is the signal 1 from an external device such as a local computer.
It has a two-way serial or parallel communication link 103 connecting it to external devices to perform its operations in response to control signals such as 03A. Module 100 may control its functionality from an external device rather than an interface. The module 100 further includes an envelope feeder 104 and an envelope 6
a motor 10 connected to one or more drive units 108 for driving the feeder 104;
7. Control device 1 for detecting the position of the motor 107 and the elements of the drive unit 108 and the position of the envelope 66;
The control device 1 has a plurality of sensors 109 connected to the control device 1.
01 generates a digital signal, such as signal 110, corresponding to the condition detected by sensors 105 and 109.

Apparatus 10 (FIG. 2C) can optionally be used by other processing modules 112, such as printing barcodes corresponding to postal codes on envelopes 66, and for sorting at post offices or as described below, by mechanized barcode sorting by module 130. It has a printing module 40 that makes it possible. Sorting module 130 pre-sorts envelopes 66 into a plurality of different destination areas to reduce sorting costs at the post office.

With or without module 112, the mail from module 100 or 112 is submitted to the post office for final delivery to the destination determined by the address on envelope 66.

Considering the delivery of mail by the post office, a coded and enclosed return envelope or other coded return article 1
Most, but not all, recipients who receive a 4 will send it back to the sender. However, the mail piece 120 (second
(Fig. C) is received in an envelope without a reply code A3 with or without such a reply article 14, and other mail items 120 are classified into return articles 14 with a code if there is such a reply article 14. You will receive it in the included envelope with or without it.

For processing incoming mail 120 (FIG. 2c), apparatus 10 includes a conventional sorting module 130. Module 130 is a conventional independent device having a suitable controller 131, such as a microprocessor, for controlling its functions. Module 130 further includes a conventional operator interface 132, including a keyboard, which controls controller 131 in response to input signals therefrom.
Connect there to make it work. Device 131 has a two-way array or parallel communication link 133 for connection to an external device such as a local computer and is actuated by its signals 133A and interface 132.
In addition, the functions of the module 130 can be controlled from outside. The module 130 is further connected to a conventional singulating device 134 of a type adapted to mailpieces 120 of different sizes for singulating the incoming mailpieces 120, and to a control device 131 for singulating the mailpieces 120. a sensor 136 and 1 for detecting whether or not the mail item 120 can be sent, a sending device 138 for sending the individual mail items 120 from the device 132, and a return code A of each mail item 120 connected to the device 131;
3, and a plurality of sorting and locating devices 142 for stacking the mail pieces 120 that are sent to sorting and locating devices 142 by device 138. Some of the mail pieces 120 consisting of reply code A
3, one or more sort location devices 142 are non-coded sort location devices for uncoded mail 120. The module 130 further includes one or more drive units 14 connected to a singulation device 132, a feed device 138, and a sorting device 142.
6, and a plurality of position sensors 148 connected to the control device 131 to detect the positions of the motor 144, the drive unit 146, the elements of the sorting device and the mail pieces 120, respectively. There is.

Controller 131 generates signals 150 corresponding to conditions detected by sensors 136, 140, 148.

The mailpieces 120 from the location device 142 are manually distributed to recipients corresponding to the location or possibly to other devices for further processing.

Depending on the volume of uncoded mail 120, opening of the letters and retrieval of the contents may be automated.

Considering the mechanical processing of the mail piece 120, it is assumed that the machine 1° (second b)
Figure 1) may have a conventional opening module 160 adapted for manual entry of uncoded mail pieces 120. Module 160 is a conventional independent device that includes a controller 161, such as a microprocessor, for controlling its functions, and includes a conventional operator interface 162 that includes a keyboard, which is connected to controller 161. The device 161 is operated by an input signal from the interface 162. Device 161 includes two-way serial or parallel communication link 16
3 to an external device such as a local computer, and is operated not by the interface 162 but by an input signal 163A from the external device.

The device 162 includes a sensor 164 connected to the control device 161 to detect whether the mail piece 120 is opened and hanging.
has. Module 160 further includes letter sending device 16
6. Opening device 168, content extraction device 170, envelope disposal device 172, content stacking device 174, device 166.16
8, 170, 172° 174, a motor 176 connected to a drive unit 178, connected to the device 161 and connected to the motor 176 and the elements of the unit 178 and the elements of the device 166, 168, 170, 172 and the mail piece 120, respectively. A plurality of sensors 1 detecting the position of
It has 80. The control device 161 has sensors 164 and 180.
generates a signal 182 corresponding to the condition detected by. The mail contents from stacker 174 are then manually processed to separate them.

The separate contents of the mail piece 120 include a personal check or other return item 14 with or without a coded remittance slip. All coded remittance slips sent with checks that cover the entire invoiced amount will be processed differently than those that do not, depending on the recipient's business practices. However, given the large amount of coded remittance slips or other coded articles 14, the coded articles 14 are hand-packed to sorting module 130 for sorting as described above.

According to the invention module 12, 40, 60° 85.1
00, 112, 130.160 are each adapted to be interfaced by the local computer 180 and the remote computer described below via conventional two-way serial or parallel communication lines. To this end, local computer 180 may be a commercially available computer having multiple communication ports that can be programmed for serial or parallel communication to provide separate two-way serial or parallel communication links to the respective modules described above and to remote computers. Further, the local computer typically includes a plurality of separate circuits, including one for a plurality of CPUs, each CPU having a control circuit 186, a program memory 188, a plurality of registers 1
90 and logic operation circuitry 192; one or more oscillator and clock circuits 194; data memory 196; timer and event counters 198; program expansion control circuitry 20;
Contains 0. The computer 180 further includes a register circuit for storing a log 202 of reply codes A3, each of which individually fixes a particular unchanged item or person, organization or company, etc. to which one or more items are being sent. . Furthermore, this local computer includes a register circuit for storing a plurality of processing data lists 204, each associated with one of the reply codes A3 of the log 202 in a one-to-one relationship, a main program 300, and a plurality of module routines 350. ,380,400°440.460,50
0,550, each having a plurality of register circuits and local terminals interconnecting the plurality of registers 206 and the remainder thereof used as working registers and for permanent or temporary data storage. This terminal generally includes a plurality of processing circuits 214 that interconnect to a keyboard 216, a display 218, a disk drive 219, and a printer 220.

At least one of the processing data lists 204 includes data corresponding to a plurality of operations to be performed by the apparatus according to the invention. Each operation takes the form of a routine for performing those or messages, each of which relates to the preparation, processing, and the like associated with envelopes and other items with and without return codes. For example, each post 204 includes a message identifying the sort location 142 of the sort module 130 to be distributed when each mail piece having a reply code A3 associated with it is distributed. Additionally, each list includes the recipient's postal barcode, the sender's postal barcode, and the sender's payment authorization sequence number. Additionally, the provided list 204 indicates that the detection of code A3 on a given item causes a routine to be executed to send a message to the remote computer and that an item with the particular code has been detected. Contains information indicating the time and date of the message and whether there was any such detection during processing of outgoing or incoming mail. Preferably, the remote computer is programmed to print such messages as they arrive. In this manner, an operator at a remote computer location receives a message in accordance with the present invention indicating that there has been a code detection for a particular article in the feed module 12 where the article is distributed to the output stacker 24 rather than to the print module 40. Given. Alternatively, detection of a code may provide a message indicating that the sorting occurred in the module so that the mailpiece is sorted to a particular separation location 142. In connection with the above, in the time delay between the generation of a particular item with a return code and the stacking of the item in the feed module 12, the commercial originator may The occurrence of an event that is not known at the time the data is being prepared may cause the sending module 12 to add a message to the processing data list indicating that it should be transferred to the output stacker 22. Accordingly, certain items are thus converted in the feed module to avoid incurring tolling costs.

Furthermore, when the given code is detected, its list 2
04 contains a message that causes the local terminal printer 220 to print a notice that will be mailed to the addressee named in the message. This addressee may be the addressee identified by the detected code A3. Alternatively, the list may include messages that cause printed reminders to call specific people. Additionally, this list may include one or more other messages that pertain to one or more communications between the addressee and the sender, such as a change in the addressee's address, including a postal code, and a local computer. or printed by a remote computer, or any bar code, tax code number, telephone number, facsimile number or other information of the addressee regarding the current relationship between the addressee and the caller or the operation of said module. It can contain messages that cause printing.

Furthermore, the processing circuit 21 of the local computer terminal 212
4 is programmed to allow recalling, displaying and modifying the reply code log 202 and the processing data list 204 associated with each of the reply codes A3 of the log 202. Additionally, terminal 212 is programmed to allow an operator to change the contents of any of processing data list 204 at any time by entering appropriate instructions from the terminal's keyboard 216 on the remote or local computer. Additionally, local computer terminal 212 is programmed to do the same from a disk inserted into disk drive 219. The terminal 212 also outputs all or part of the log 202 as is or in combination with all or part of the processing data list to the keyboard 212.
16 calls printer 22 in response to operator input to 16.
Programmed to print with 0.

The device tIO (FIG. 2) has a remote computer 250 and a boat 254 between it and the local computer 180.
and means for providing a serial or parallel communication link 252 via. Computer 250 logs 2
02 and a processing data list 204 stored on the local computer 180. Computer 250 also includes a main line program 600 for communicating with local computer 180 and for modifying the contents of logs and processing data lists on computers 180 and 250. Program 600 includes routines that respond to communications from local computer 180 or from operator input from one or more ends of computer 250.

Computer 250 also has at least one local terminal, such as terminal 212.

Generally, the local computer 180 is the main browser 3
00 (Figure 3) and multiple command execution programs 400
(Figure 4).

The program 300 (FIG. 3) starts with an initialization step 302 on the local computer 160,
This generally consists of achieving initial voltage levels and setting timers and counters on the computer board used for the control and communication lines of the various modules. Local computer 300 then communicates with the respective modules to initialize their motors and drive units in step 304. Step 304
The microprocessor which is the controller of the various modules scans the various microprocessor supports associated with the motor, drive unit and sensors so that the detected elements, such as the output elements of the motor and drive unit, are connected to the various microprocessors of these modules. It is determined whether the component is in the required position to begin operation, and if not, the program 300 drives the motor and unit according to their respective elements to bring the motor and unit to the home position.

Upon completion of initialization steps 302 and 304, program 300 enters an idle loop routine at 306. In routine 306, modules 12, 40,
A determination is first made at 308 as to whether a request or command is coming from the remote computer 250 or the local terminal 212. If no request or command is entered at 308, the process returns to step 306. If so, step 310 is entered where a determination is made as to whether the request or command 308 is from a remote computer. If it is from a computer, a determination is made in step 312 as to whether it indicates the use of a local terminal. If the request or command is for a local computer terminal, program 300 causes the local terminal to execute the request or command, ie, print the message, at 314, and returns to step 306. If the request or command is for a local terminal, the log, list, or both are preempted in step 316, followed by a determination in step 318 whether to modify the log, list, or both.

If no changes are to be made because the reason for preempting the log, list, or both is to have it copied to a remote computer, program 300 causes the log, list(s), or both to be copied to the main computer in step 320, and then Then, the process returns to step 306. If changes are to be made, program 300 causes changes to be made to the log, one or more lists, or both at step 322 and returns to step 306.

Once the determination is made in step 310 that the request or command is not from a remote computer, the program determines in step 32 whether the request or command is from a local terminal.
Do it in 4. If so, a determination is then made in step 326 whether the request or command is for a remote computer. If so, the request or command or message is sent to the remote computer in step 328 and the process returns to step 306. However, since the request or command preempts the log, one or more lists, or both, if the messages are not for the remote computer, they are displayed at step 330.

Thereafter, program 300 makes a determination at step 332 as to whether changes should be made.

If so, the program changes the log, one or more lists, or both in step 334 and returns to step 306. If no changes are made in step 332, return to step 306 so that if the request or command comes from the remote computer before receiving the request or command from the local computer terminal, it processes the request or command from the local terminal. Before doing so, steps 312-322 are performed. Processing priority is thus given to requests or commands from the remote computer over those from the local terminal.

In step 324, if the request or command is not from a remote computer and is not from a local terminal, then it necessarily comes from one of the modules of the device, and therefore the determination as to whether it is for a local terminal. is performed in step 338. If so, a message is printed in step 340.

Otherwise, the request or command is executed in step 338 since it is to be executed for one of the modules (Figure 3.4b).

As shown in Figure 4, consisting of Figures 4a-4d, requests and commands from various modules for those modules and not for use of local terminals (Figure 3) are sent to the local computer (Figure 3) on a first-come, first-served basis. ). However, in the preferred embodiment, local computer 180 has the ability to process requests and commands for them from modules in parallel, so that the local computer's response time for execution of a given request or command, respectively, is does not affect the timing of the module's article processing functions.

When the routine of the feed module 350 (FIG. 4a) is called, a determination is first made at step 352 as to whether an article is ready to be fed from the stacker of that module. If the item is not present, the program returns to step 306 and allows the program to execute the next request or command until such time as the item is present.

If an item is present, the program causes the item to be sent by the module's feeder in step 354. As the item is being shipped, its ID code is scanned by the module's code sensor in step 356. Thereafter, the routine preempts the log code to be used for processing the item with the ID code in step 358, and in step 360 preempts the log code and ID code to be used for processing the item with the ID code.
A determination is made whether the D codes are the same. If they are the same, in step 362 the program stacks that ID code as the next code to be used as a reference in inspecting and preparing the article. If not, step 364 stores the log code on the stack as the next code to be used as a reference thereafter.

Once the next code to be used for inspection of the article has been identified, the program preempts the processing data list corresponding to that code in step 365 and directs the article to the output stack of the feed module in step 366. let them decide whether or not to do so. If so, the program directs the article to the output stack in step 367, and in step 3
At 68, the sending module is caused to send a message indicating that the request or command has been executed. The program then returns to step 306. On the other hand, if the list in step 366 does not indicate that the item with the code should be directed to the sending module's output stack, the program causes the item to be sent to the next module in step 369 and the request or command is sent to the next module in step 368. It causes the sending module to send a message indicating that it has been executed, and then returns to step 306.

If the request or command at step 338 (FIG. 4a) pertains to a print module, a print module routine 380 is called and first a determination is made at step 382 whether an article is in the print module. If not, the program returns to step 306 to allow execution of the next request or command. If so, the next code from the code stack, either log code 364 or ID code 362 stacked as the next code in routine 350, is prefetched from the stack in step 384. Additionally or separately, a processing data list associated with the code may be prefetched. Thereafter, the program makes a determination at step 386 as to whether one or more messages, such as a preempted code or a bar code included in the processing data list, or a recipient payment authorization sequence number, should be printed. If so, the program will step 38
At 7, the printer in the printing module prints the appropriate code or number on the article. Regardless of whether printing occurs, the routine 380 then passes the article to the next module, such as the inserter module, in step 388, and sends a message to the print module to indicate that the request or command was executed in step 368. The message is sent and the process returns to step 306.

If the request or command in step 342 (FIG. 4b) is for a person module, then the person module routine 400 is called in step 4.
A determination is first made at 02 whether there is an envelope. If not, the process returns to step 306 for execution of the next request or command until an envelope is available. A determination is made at step 404 whether an envelope, if any, contains an encoded item from the printing module. If it is not present, the process returns to step 306 for execution of the next request or command until it is present. If an item is entered, a determination is made at step 406 whether to fold it. Step 4: Determine if other inserts should be placed in the article if not folded.
Step 10 and step 4 if the article is to be folded.
08 and a determination is made at step 410 whether another insert should be placed in it. If there are no other inserts, the folded or intact articles are placed in an envelope at step 414, and if there are other inserts, they are sent to an accumulator in the inserter module where they are loaded into a stack of inserts and articles. The contents of the stack are then placed into an envelope in step 414. After step 414, the local computer routine performs step 416.
The calculation or table starts determining the postage cost for the envelope. Further, the routine 400 includes step 416.
Start the delay timer at . Step 41
When the charge determination and timer function are completed in step 6, step 41
The envelopes are sealed at step 8, and the sealed envelopes are sent to the next module at step 420. A message is thereby sent to the inserter module indicating that the request or command has been executed (Figure 4d). The routine then returns to step 306. Step 33
Rate meter module routine 4 if the request or command in step 8 is for a rate meter module.
40 is called and a determination is made at step 442 whether the next envelope has been received. If not, the process returns to step 306 to execute the next request or command. If so, a determination is made in step 444 as to whether a fee has been set.

If no charges have been set, a determination is made at step 446 whether the delay timer has expired. Until the time limit expires, the process connects steps 444 and 446 until the fee is set or the timer expires.

If the fee is set before the timer expires, step 44
8, it is determined that the fee has been set. This causes the charge to be printed and then the mail to be sent on in step 450. A message indicating that the request or command has been executed is sent to the rate meter module in step 368 (FIG. 4d), and then the process returns to step 306.

On the other hand, if the toll is not set before the expiration of the timer, the timer will be set for a sufficient period of time to allow the meter setting to be changed to another meter setting before the expiration of the timer. Maintenance of the fare meter setting system will be required. Therefore, in such a case, the routine 440 causes a message to be printed at the local terminal in step 452 indicating that there was an error and that appropriate maintenance personnel should be sent to check the operation of the toll meter.

The routine 440 then disables the print module at step 454. The routine then returns to step 306. Here, the fee is set in step 44 and step 448゜450.368.306
It is said that this will be carried out.

If the request or command to be executed at step 338 (FIG. 4C) is for a stack module, then the stack module routine is called at step 460 to determine at step 462 whether the mail came from the rate printing module. If it is not entered, the process returns to step 306 and other commands are enabled until it is entered. When mail arrives, the routine 460 stacks it at step 464, step 364 (Figure 4d).
causes the stack module to send a message indicating that the command has been executed, and returns to step 306.

If another outgoing mail processing module is involved in processing the mail and the request or command to be executed is directed to such module, step 480
appropriate other processing module routines are called.

For convenience, this other process is assumed to be printing a bar code on the envelope and/or pre-sorting it before sending it to the post office. Therefore, if another processing routine is called in step 480 and a bar code is printed in step 482, the mail piece is processed to print the bar code on it and the mail piece passes through steps 384 and 387 of routine 380. processing according to routines 350 and 380. However, when pre-sorting or pre-sorting after barcode printing is included, the process will include execution of the steps of the sorting module routine described below.

The above-described processing of the local computer is primarily for preparing the item to be returned and the envelope containing it for submission to the post office. On the other hand, returned items may be processed by the carrier rather than the post office;
Whether or not the returned item is placed in an envelope, it is prepared in the same manner as described above, giving each item a return code that identifies it and its recipient. This return code, or a code pre-printed on a given item, can also be used to access a list of processing data associated with the code to determine whether the item should be prepared for mailing. If the data list indicates otherwise, the item will be sorted out of the main preparation system before charge marking is applied to the envelope. As a result, there will be no waste of fees. Since additional mail may not reach the recipient and may be returned to the sender, the printing module is used to print a reply code on the outgoing envelope after the inserter module completes processing. The above-described unique code that identifies the originating mail piece or its recipient thus facilitates the proper processing of the returned mail piece.

Let us now assume that the mail is being prepared to be brought to the post office. In that case, these mail items are processed at the post office and manually placed at the recipient for delivery. after that,
The pre-coded return item is returned in a pre-coded envelope or, in some cases, an envelope without a return code.

In any case, the incoming coded reply 120
The sort is delivered to module 130 (FIG. 2) and sorted by the sender.

In FIG. 4d, if the request or command is for a module, the local computer calls the module routine in step 500. This begins by eliminating the determination of whether an item has been received. If no article is present in step 502, the process returns to step 306 until the article is present. If an article is included, the article is separated in step 504, sent out in step 505, and a return code is scanned in step 506. In this regard, the routine 500 makes a determination at step 508 whether the item is coded H. If you do not have the code, step 510
Then, the inserter module sorts the article into the codeless sorting location. Thereby step 368
sends a message to the inserter rod module indicating that the request or command has been executed, and then returns to step 306. If it is determined in step 508 that the article has a code, then in step 512 a processing data list corresponding to the reply code is prefetched. Thereafter, in step 514, a determination is made whether the prefetched list contains messages for the remote computer. If so, step 516 sends the message to the local computer. This message may include, for example, simply informing the remote computer that a coded return item has been received, or telling the remote computer to execute a routine that prints a Bartkovy for a particular purpose at the remote computer's location. If the message is being sent to a remote computer at step 516, or if there is no message for the remote computer at step 514, a determination is made at step 518 whether the processing data list includes a message for the local terminal. If so, the message is printed by the local terminal printer in step 520. The message may include, for example, instructions to have the local terminal operator call a specific person to inform them that a coded return item has been received. Upon this person's instructions to retrieve the item, the local terminal operator will recall the processing data list for display, determine the location in which the item was sorted, and retrieve the item. Take it out. If the printer at the local terminal prints this message (step 520) or if there is no message in the processing data list for the local terminal (step 518), then in step 522 the article is sorted as indicated in the processing data list. Sort by location. As a result, a command execution message is sent to the sorting module in step 368, and step 3
Return to 06.

In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, coded and uncoded articles are located in sorting location 142 of sorting module 130. These sorted items are then manually delivered to their respective destinations where they are manually removed or sent to an optional opening module 160. If it were to be sent to the unsealing module 160, this module would be controlled by the local computer and the process would be as shown in FIG. 4d.

As shown in FIG. 4d, upon receipt of an appropriate request or command, the unsealing module is invoked in step 530 and a determination is made in step 532 as to whether an item is contained. If not, the process returns to step 306. If the envelope is inside, the envelope is opened in step 532, the contents are taken out in step 536, the envelope is thrown away in step 538, the contents are stacked in step 540, and the envelope is stacked in step 36.
At step 8, a message indicating that the request or command has been executed is sent to the opening module and the process returns to step 306.

As shown in FIG. 2, the discarded envelope 172 may be discarded manually. Additionally, the contents of the opened mail item are removed from the stacker 174 to separate the coded items from the others. As a result, coded items are sorted in module 13.
0 and processed as described for mail 120.

As shown in FIG. 5, a remote computer is online and includes a main line program 600 having an idle loop into which requests or commands can be issued to and from a number of routines, including routines for the local computer. shall be. Program 60 creates a loop from idle step 602 to determining whether a request or command is present at step 604, and from there to idle step 602 until a request or command is present. If a command is found in step 604, it is determined in step 606 whether or not the routine can be called.

If the routine is not needed, the request or command is executed in step 608 and the process returns to step 602. When the routine is called, a determination is made in step 610 whether the local computer is involved.

If the local computer is not included, step 612
calls other included routines, step 612
Then, the request or command related to the routine is executed and the process returns to step 602.

On the other hand, if the request or command is for the local computer, or is a message to or from the local computer, step 616 calls the local computer, and step 618 determines whether the request or command is to be executed by the local computer. conduct. If so, a determination is made in step 620 as to whether it is a message for a local terminal. If so, a flagged request or command message for the local terminal is sent to the local computer in step 622 and the process returns to step 602. If the message to be executed by the local computer is not for a local terminal, then in step 624 the message without the local terminal flag is sent to the local computer. If the request or command is not executed by the local computer (step 618), then the message is from the local computer. Therefore, if the message is not for the local computer, the request or command from the local computer is
26 and returns to step 602. In the above processing steps, processing priority is given to messages from the remote computer over messages from the local computer.

〔Effect of the invention〕

At any time after the item has been coded for return, and therefore on the basis of an indication made while the item is being prepared for dispatch and afterwards and before it is actually processed, The result is an interrelated outgoing and incoming mail processing device particularly suited for processing coded articles.

Furthermore, the sorting of such documents can add to the preparation and processing of shipped and received items.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1a is a front view of a reply envelope prepared as the contents of the envelope, showing the position of the reply code, and Figure 1b is a front view of another reply item, with the reply code in one or more positions. Figure 1C is a front view of the folded article and shows return codes attached to different positions;
Figure d is a front view of a return item to be placed in a windowed envelope, showing different reply and customer accounting codes; Figure 1e is a front view of a return item to be placed in a windowed envelope; Figure 1e is a front view of a return item to be placed in a windowed envelope; A front view of a window-opening envelope adapted to contain a combination of it and the return envelope of Figure 1a or Figure 1f, Figure 1f is a front view of a window-opening envelope with a code, and Figure 2a is a front view of a window-opening envelope with a code. Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of a portion of the apparatus of the present invention including the inserter module, opening module and remote computer; Figure 2c is a charge meter; 3 is a flowchart of the main program for the local computer of FIG. 2a; mJa is the feed module and printing of FIG. 2a. FIG. 4b is a flowchart of the operation of the local computer of FIG. 2a for the configuration of FIGS. 2b and 2c; FIG. 4c is a flowchart of the operation of the local computer of FIG. 2c for the stack module and others of FIG. 2c is a flowchart of the local computer of FIG. 2c, FIG. 4d is a flowchart of the local computer of FIG. 2a for the sorting and opening module of FIGS. 2c and 2b, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the local computer of FIG. 2b is a flowchart of the remote computer of FIG. 2b; FIG. 12... Supply module, 14... Goods, 15゜4
1.61.86...Control device, 16.42...Interface, 17.43...Communication link, 18...
・Manual stacking device, 20... Supply device, 22...
Code detection device, 24... Output stack device, 26.
78...Motor, 28,54.79...Drive unit, 30,56.68...Position detection sensor, 40...
・Printing module, 50...Roller, 46...Printing device, 48...Feeding device, 60...Folding module, 64...Folding device, 66...Envelope, 70...
・Sheet detection device, 76...accumulator, 77・
... Seal device, 90... Postage setting device. Applicant's representative: Yu Sato FIG, 1a FIG, lb/. FIG, 1c FIG, 1d FIG, 1e FIG, If Procedural amendment form G) June-7, 1985 1, Indication of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 60181 2, Title of the invention Mail processing device 3, Amendment Patent applicant Pitney, Bowes, Incorporated 4, agent (zip code 100) 3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Telephone Tokyo (211) 2321 Representative 1986 May 11th (Shipping date: May 31st, 1986) 6. Subject to amendment

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. (a) means for preparing a means for containing a returnable permanent article for sending to a recipient, containing a code identifying the recipient; (b) means for sending said code. orienting means for directing said article to a selected one of a plurality of locations when returned; controlling means for said directing means including means for operating said directing means to direct said returned article to a location; and storing a processing data list for said code including means for limiting said selected location. and (d) means for modifying said processing data list and enabling said selected location to be changed. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article is an envelope. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the article is a remittance guide. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said code is a barcode. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said preparation means includes means for printing serial numbers on said envelopes, and said computer includes means for controlling said printing means. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said preparation means includes means for printing said code on said envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said printing means. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said preparation means includes insert means for placing said article into an envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said insert means. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said preparation device includes charge printing means for printing a charge on said envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said charge printing means. 9. The computer includes a terminal including a printer, the delivery data list includes data corresponding to a message, and the computer includes a device for printing the message upon detection of the printer and the code. 1. The device according to 1. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computer includes a terminal including a keyboard controlled by an operator, and wherein said changing means includes said keyboard. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processing data list includes data corresponding to a message, and said computer includes means for transmitting said message to an external device upon detection of said code. 12. a remote computer connected to the computer, the remote computer including a printer;
the processing data list includes data corresponding to a message; the computer includes means for causing the message to be sent to the remote computer upon detection of a previous code; and the remote computer includes means for causing the printer to print the sent message. 2. The device of claim 1, comprising: 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote computer connected to said computer and containing said modifying means. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, including a remote computer connected to said computer including means for storing data corresponding to said processing data list and an operator controlled keyboard, said changing means including said keyboard. 15. The computer includes means for storing data corresponding to the code, means for providing data corresponding to the code, and means for comparing the detected code data and the stored code data, a processing data list is associated with the stored code data, the detection means includes means for providing a signal corresponding to the detected code, and the control means causes the article to:
2. The apparatus of claim 1, including means for directing said detected code data and stored code data to a different location than said selected location when said detected code data and stored code data are not compared with each other. 16. (a) having a code identifying the recipient of the article; (b) printing means; (c) means for normally transporting said article to said printing means via a first supply path; and said first supply. (d) means for detecting said code and said code being detected and said processing data list being transmitted through said second supply channel; control means including means for causing the supply means to send the article through the second supply path when the code includes data defining the second supply path for the code; and (e) means for selectively modifying the processed data list so that the list includes data defining the second supply path. Equipment for processing permanent goods with. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said printing means includes means for printing a charge, and said computer includes means for controlling said charge printing means. 18. The means for delivering the article includes means for selectively diverting the article from the first supply path, the article being in the first supply path.
Claim 1: The device is configured so that it can be removed from the supply path.
6. The device according to 6. 19. The code detecting means includes means for providing a signal representing the code, and the computer receives the signal and includes means for providing data corresponding thereto, and code data that is a code therefor associated with the processed data list. 17. A method according to claim 16, comprising means for storing and means for comparing said given code with said stored code data and, in response to a match, preempting a processing data list associated with said stored data. Device. 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said computer includes said changing means, said changing means including an operator-controlled keyboard. 21. The apparatus of claim 16, including a remote computer containing said changing means, said changing means including an operator-controlled keyboard. 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the computer is located in a mailroom. 23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said printing means includes means for printing a bar code on said article. 24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said printing means includes means for printing a serial number on said article. 25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the computer includes a printer and means for controlling the printer, and wherein the processing data list includes data corresponding to a message to be printed by the printer when the code is detected. . 26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processing data list includes data corresponding to addresses. 27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said computer includes means for displaying said processed data list. 28. having means for so placing said article in an envelope;
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said means is arranged in a supply path from said supply means to said printing means. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said means for inserting includes means for closing said envelope. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said printing means includes means for printing a charge index on said envelope. 31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said inserting means includes means for folding said article prior to placing said article in an envelope. 32. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the article is a remittance slip. 33. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the article is an envelope. 34. (a) means for processing an outgoing mail piece containing a return permanent article having an ID code identifying the recipient for mailing to the recipient; (b) means for storing said ID code and by means of the apparatus; (c) a computer comprising a processing data list for said ID code containing data corresponding to an action to be performed, and means for causing said apparatus to perform said action upon detection of said ID code for said list; (d) means for detecting said code; and (e) means for modifying said processing data list and said data corresponding to said operation. Processing equipment for incoming and outgoing mail related to. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the article is an envelope. 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the article is a remittance slip. 37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the code is a barcode. 38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said outgoing mail processing means includes means for printing a bar code on said envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said printing means. 39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said outgoing mail processing means includes means for printing a serial number on said envelope, and said computer has means for controlling said printing means. 40. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said outgoing mail processing means includes means for printing said code on said envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said printing means. 41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said outgoing mail processing means includes means for inserting said unchanged item into an envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said inserting means. 42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said outgoing mail processing means includes means for printing a charge on said envelope, and said computer includes means for controlling said charge printing means. 43. The computer has a terminal including a printer, the action to be performed includes printing a message, and the means for causing the device to perform the action sends the message to the printer when the code is detected. 35. The apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising means for printing. 44. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said computer has a terminal that includes an operator-controlled keyboard, and said changing means includes said keyboard. 45. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said action includes issuing a message, and said means for causing said apparatus to perform said action comprises means for sending said message to an external device when said code is detected. 46, a remote computer having a printer and connected to said computer, said operation comprising printing a message, said means for causing said apparatus to perform said operation, said means for transmitting said message to said remote computer when said code is detected; Claim 34, further comprising means for causing the message to be sent and means for causing the sent message to be printed by the printer.
The device described. 47. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a remote computer including said changing means and connected to said computer. 48. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a remote computer connected to said computer and including means for storing data corresponding to said processed data list and an operator-controlled keyboard, said changing means including said keyboard. 49. The computer includes means for storing data corresponding to the code, means for providing data corresponding to the code signal, and means for comparing the detected code data with the stored code data, and the detecting means 3. wherein said means for modifying comprises means for providing said code signal corresponding to said detected code, and wherein said changing means comprises means for causing said operation to occur when said detected code data and stored code data are compared with each other. 34. The device according to 34. 50. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the computer is located in a mailroom. 51. Claim 3, wherein the barcode is a postal barcode.
8. The device according to 8. 52. The processing data list includes data corresponding to an address, the operation includes printing the address, the outgoing mail processing means includes means for printing the address on the article, and the changing means includes the code 35. The apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising means for causing said printing means to print said address when said address is detected. 53. The outgoing mail processing means includes printing means and mail transport means, the transport means typically including means for transporting the article to the printing means via a first feed path and a second mail feed means different from the first feed path. means for selectively transporting said article through a feed path, said operation including data defining said second feed path as a path through which said article is to be conveyed, said modifying means controlling said object when said code is detected; 35. The apparatus of claim 34, including means for causing a feeding means to send said article through said second path, said processing data list including data defining said second path. 54, said incoming mail processing means includes means for directing said item when it is returned to a selected one of a plurality of locations, said computer being connected to said directing means, and said computer being connected to said directing means; means for controlling means, said operation comprising directing said article to one of said locations, and said means for operating said apparatus in said one of said locations when said code is detected. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising means for directing the selected article to the selected location.