WO2002097740A1

WO2002097740A1 - Printing system

Info

Publication number: WO2002097740A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/002426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ray George
Original assignee: Pfe International Limited
Priority date: 2001-05-25
Filing date: 2002-05-23
Publication date: 2002-12-05
Also published as: WO2002097740A8

Abstract

A system for mail delivery verification comprising means to affix to a mailing item address information and a corresponding image uniquely identifying a defined feature of an intended recipient at a location corresponding to the address information means to deliver the item to the location, and means to compare the identifying image with the defined feature of a person presenting to receive the item at the location to determine whether the person presenting is the intended recipient.

Description

PRINTING SYSTEM

This invention is in the field of printing media for postal delivery and in particular relates to the printing of media to improve mail delivery verification systems.

A key component of any mail delivery system is ensuring delivery of a posted item safely to the addressee. For regular mail it is usual for a particular package to contain details identifying the addressee and the delivery address. A local delivery agent, or post man, possessing knowledge of the local area locates the address on the package and delivers it to the appropriate residence .

In some situations it is desirable to ensure that a package is delivered to the addressee specifically and no other person, for example when sending confidential information or valuable items . Particular circumstances which may require such sensitivity include delivery of credit cards, benefit payments, medical test results, pay slips and other sensitive information such as bank pin numbers and passwords. A well known approach to this problem is to send the .package by recorded or registered delivery. Both systems use a courier to deliver a package to the address printed on an envelope or label. Upon delivery the courier obtains a signature from a person receiving the package to demonstrate that the package has been safely delivered. The assumption being that safe delivery to any person at the correct address is essentially the same as delivery to the correct addressee. If nobody is available to receive the package, the courier may return the package to the sender or deposit it at a local sorting office for later collection by the addressee.

Whilst a local courier can successfully identify the correct address on a package he is unlikely to be able to successfully verify that the actual recipient of the package is in fact the intended recipient. Usually the courier does not have a sample signature for the addressee with which he can compare an obtained signature and therefore he is unable to confirm that the actual recipient is the intended recipient. Furthermore a signature can be easily forged. If the addressee has to collect the package from a post office then some form of identification is required.

Another more secure approach is to insist that the addressee collects the package from a suitably secure collection point. The addressee must present himself at the collection point together with an acceptable form of identification such as a passport or photo driver's licence. One example of this form of delivery method is when a credit card company insists that a credit card be collected from a local branch of a bank as in some areas of the country post men may be targeted by criminals if they carry such valuable ^eπιs_._Ha ing to make a trip to a collection point can be inconvenient for the addressee and even more so if they do not currently possess any of the acceptable forms of identification required.

Accordingly the current invention seeks to provide means for improving the efficacy of mail delivery verification systems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for mail delivery verification comprising means to affix to a mailing item address information and a corresponding image uniquely identifying a defined feature of an intended recipient at a location corresponding to the address information means to deliver the item to the location, and means to compare the identifying image with the defined feature o.f a person presenting to receive the item at the location to determine whether the person presenting is the intended recipient.

The mailing item may comprise any one of a parcel, a package, a letter, a confidential memo and a wage slip, deliverable via postal services or by hand within an organisation.

The identifying image may comprises a picture of the intended recipient's face, or a representation of any one or any combination of a signature, a finger print, a palm print or a retina scan of the intended recipient.

The means to compare may comprise a visual inspection performed by a person delivering the item, or alternatively reading equipment to read a corresponding feature of the person presenting to receive the item and to compare it to the identifying image. For example the image may comprise a representation of a finger print and the reading equipment comprises a finger print recorder and comparator, or the image may comprise a representation of a retina scan and the reading equipment comprises a retina scanner and comparator.

The system may comprise a computer having: at least one database to store a plurality of records of address information each identifying a corresponding geographical location, and a plurality of the identifying images, and means for associating a record of address information with a corresponding image, means for printing the address information together with the corresponding image onto the mailing item.

The printer may be adapted for printing directly onto the mailing item, or the printer may be adapted for printing onto a label for affixing to the mailing item, or alternatively onto the mailing item so as to be visible through a window in the item.

The database may be located at the printer, and comprise means to print confidential and/or personal data separately from the outer wrapping. There may be means for automatically inserting such data in the outer wrapping and means for also inserting a predetermined selection of generic data sheets. In one embodiment personalised data, for example a password or pin number, for the intended recipient is printed and ^'included in the package. The personalised data can be printed separately ^• from the package and inserted either by hand or automatically. For automatic systems one embodiment of the invention provides means to ensure that the correct personalised data are inserted into the package with the corresponding address information and the corresponding unique identifier applied. Automatic systems may also be arranged for further insertion of a selection of generic data sheets into a particular package. The personalised data are not normally visible.

In another embodiment personalised data, and corresponding address information and image are applied to the same package or printed on a single piece of paper which is then folded and sealed so that the personalised data are not visible and the corresponding address information and image are visible. The package may be a single sheet form letter such as is commonly known as a pressure seal form which may be printed and sealed in a secure confidential environment so as to maximise security. For example the personalised data may comprise salary information which is printed onto one portion of the pressure seal form and the corresponding address information and image are printed onto a second portion of the form. The form is then folded and pressure sealed within the printer such that the image and address information are exposed and the. personalised data are concealed.

The confidential and/or personal data for the intended recipient can be stored in a database with the corresponding address information and image. Alternatively a number of databases may be arranged to store the different types of corresponding information. Such personal data may include pay details, pin numbers or medical records. In a further embodiment communications may be received using telecommunication means, such as an e-mail system. The communication comprises a message and partial address details. The address details can be used to identify a corresponding image identifying the intended recipient and corresponding full address information which are digitally stored in a database. A local system administrator can manually, or by automatic means, apply the full address information and the corresponding image on to an envelope, and include in the envelope the corresponding message. The envelope can be arranged such that both the address information and image are visible and the personalised data are not visible. It will be appreciated by the skilled man that the address information and corresponding image can be printed on to a label which can be applied to a package or parcel.

Preferably the communication received by telecommunication means includes a picture of the intended recipient's face.

However other unique identifiers such as signatures, finger prints, palm prints or retina scans can be used. Reading equipment may be used to read the actual recipient's corresponding features and to make a comparison with the unique identifier stored on the package.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of mail delivery verification comprising the steps of printing address information and at least one corresponding image uniquely identifying an intended recipient of a package, delivering the package to the address contained in the address information, verifying that an actual recipient is the intended recipient by comparing the image uniquely identifying the intended recipient applied to the package with the actual recipient, and completing delivery of the package only to the intended recipient, if correspondence is found between the image and the corresponding feature^' of the person. Advantageously the verification step is an inspection process that is performed by the person delivering the package. The printed image is visually compared with the actual recipient and the degree of similarity is assessed. If the deliverer is satisfied that the actual recipient and the intended recipient correspond then he completes delivery of the package. If the deliverer is not satisfied then delivery is not completed and the deliverer enacts his organisation's non-delivery protocol. The main advantage of this approach is that it obviates the need for the recipient of the package to produce personal forms of identification at delivery to demonstrate that he is the intended recipient. It also improves the confidence of the delivery organisation to be able to identify addressees and make successful deliveries.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an outer wrapping of a manually deliverable communication comprising address information and at least one corresponding image uniquely identifying an intended recipient of the package.

Preferably the unique identifier comprises a photograph of the intended recipient. The photograph can be in colour or in black and white. Alternatively other unique identifiers such as finger prints can be used. For some unique identifiers such as finger prints reading equipment can be used. The reading equipment is used to read the actual recipient's corresponding features and to make a comparison with the image applied to the package. Both the address and the corresponding image are preferably arranged to be easily viewable and readable. For embodiments using reading means to compare the image on the package with the actual recipient the image can be arranged to be readable by the reading means only. Such arrangements include the image being non-visible to the naked eye or images that are printed in an encrypted form and requiring reading means to interpret and display the intended image, eg as bar codes or magnetic strips. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a printing system comprising a computer system having means to interact with at least one text file comprising address information, means to interact with at least one image file . comprising an image uniquely identifying an addressee, means for associating the address information with the corresponding image, means for storing the address information and the corresponding image, a printer adapted to receive the address information and the corresponding image, means for communicating the address information and the corresponding image to the printer, and wherein the printer is adapted for transferring the address information and the corresponding image onto an outer wrapping of a manually deliverable communication.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into effect some preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 - is a flow diagram of a first embodiment according to the first aspect of the current invention Figure 2 - is a flow diagram of a second embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention Figure 3 - is a flow diagram of one embodiment according to a second aspect of the invention

Figure 4 - is a schematic view according to the third aspect of the invention

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the current invention. Address information 16 and corresponding images 15 which identify respective addressees are digitally stored in a database 1. Optionally additional personalised data such as salary information can also be stored in the same database 1. The database 1 is adapted such that address information 16 of a particular addressee and a corresponding image 15 identifying the addressee are associated. The image 15 comprises a digitised photograph of the intended recipient. Alternatively the image 15 may be a reproduction of the addressee's signature.

Address information 16 and the corresponding image 15 are extracted from the database 1 and communicated to a printer 2 using conventional software means. The image 15 and the corresponding address information 16 are printed on to the outside of a blank envelope 4 or a label 3 producing a personalised envelope 7 or a label 8. The label 8 is attached to a respective package 9.

If required, the associated personalised data stored in the database 1 is printed on to a separate document 10. Examples of personalised data are medical test results, or a pin number for credit card or for a telephone transaction service. The document 10 is inserted into the envelope 7 or the package 9 either manually or automatically. For automatic systems the printer 2 can be arranged to incorporate means for inserting the correct document 10 into the corresponding envelope 7, for example an indexing system can be used together with an inserting device. Inserts such as credit cards can be produced separately and indexed accordingly, for insertion into the corresponding envelope 7. A tailored selection of generic data sheets may also be inserted into the envelope 7 such as leaflets advertising products or services. The envelope 7 is sealed concealing the specific nature of the personalised data contained therein.

The database 1 may comprise any convenient number of sub- databases depending upon the amount and complexity of data to be stored. Where appropriate a single database could be used. A database may also or alternatively be incorporated into the printer for example on a hard disk drive or in RAM.

The printer 2 may also comprise a sorting device, a device for inserting sheets into envelopes, a sheet folder mechanism and a sealer. The sealer can be arranged to seal envelopes 7 and can also be arranged to produce pressure sealed documents. For example due to the sensitivity of salary information it is incumbent upon companies to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure that such information is kept confidential, which includes processing wages in a secure environment and ensuring that pay slips are delivered only to .the intended recipient. Producing pay slips can be achieved using a printer which prints the personalised data together with the corresponding address information 16 and image 15. The document is folded by the sheet folder mechanism and then pressure sealed by the sealer such that the personalised data are enclosed and the address information 16 and image 15 are exposed.

Figure 3 shows the further steps made to deliver a personalised envelope 7 or a package 9 which has a label 8 with an address. The envelope 7 is delivered to the address contained within the address information 16. At the point of delivery 11 a verification process 12 is undertaken to ensure that the actual recipient is the intended recipient. If the outcome of the verification process is positive, i.e. the actual recipient is identified as the intended recipient, delivery of the envelope 7 is completed. If the outcome of the verification process is negative, i.e. the actual recipient of the envelope is deemed not to be the intended recipient, then the deliverer enacts - a prearranged non-delivery protocol 14. The verification process 12 comprises a comparison between the picture of the intended recipient printed on the envelope 7 and the actual recipient. If the actual recipient bears sufficient resemblance- to the picture of the intended recipient the envelope 7 is delivered. If not, a non-delivery protocol 14, such as return to sender, is enacted. The principal advantage of this method is the actual recipient does not have to produce any identification to establish his identity. If the . image 15 printed on to the envelope 7 comprises a reproduction of the addressee's signature the actual recipient signs for the delivery. A comparison is made between the 'obtained signature and the signature printed on the envelope 7. If the courier is satisfied that the signatures match delivery of the envelope 7 is completed.

For companies with large numbers of employees it can be difficult to ensure that a person collecting a pay slip is the correct employee. The pay slip can be delivered using an internal mail system or can be collected from a central wages office. Incorrect delivery of such sensitive information leads to disgruntled employees. Use of a verification process to ensure the actual recipient is the correct employee can help a company fulfill its obligation to ensure confidentiality of this information.^'

Figure 2 shows an embodiment wherein electronic communications are received, such as e-mails 11,' containing a personalised message and partial address information. The system administrator processes 12 the e-mail, either manually or by automatic means. The partial address information, such as the name of the addressee, is used to obtain corresponding full address details 16 and a corresponding image 15 which identifies the addressee from an electronic database 1. The full address details 16 and the corresponding image 15 are communicated to a printer 2 and printed on to a- blank envelope 4 or a label 3 to produce a personalised envelope 7 or a label 8. The personalised message is printed on a separate document 10 and inserted into the corresponding envelope 7 which is then sealed. The envelope 7 is delivered using the mail verification process outlined above in relation to Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows an envelope 7 comprising an image 15 which uniquely identifies the intended recipient and corresponding address information 16. The image 15 comprises a photographic picture of the addressee. This is a convenient means of identifying the intended, recipient at the point of delivery which does not require the actual recipient to produce an accepted form of identification. The photographic image 15 can be in colour or . in black and white and can be arranged to suit the size and shape of the envelope 7 together with the visibility and readability requirements .

If a window envelope is used the image 15 and the address information 16 can be printed on the document 10 containing corresponding personalised data and wherein the image 15 and the address information 16 are arranged to be visible through the window and the personalised data are arranged to be hidden.

Images 15 identifying addressees can be collected in a number of ways . For instance customers or employees can supply a photograph electronically to an administrator of a database 1 such as via an e-mail attachment. Such pictures can be acquired by scanning an existing photograph or by capturing an image 15 using a digital camera. It may be necessary to include some security protocols to ensure that the .picture received by e-mail is a true likeness of the intended recipient. Alternatively photographs can be taken or supplied under controlled circumstances to ensure a true likeness by for example attending a local centre to be photographed by the administrator of the database 1. Images 15 applied to the envelopes 7 or the labels 8 can also include data such as the date of birth or age of the intended recipient and the date the photograph was taken. Protocols can be employed to ensure that only photographs of less than a predetermined age can be printed to produce an envelope 7 or label 8.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. For example, photographic images could be replaced by other means of identifying the intended recipient such as images of finger prints. Reading devices may be used to enable successful comparisons between the image and the corresponding features of the recipient.

Claims

1. A system for mail delivery verification comprising' means to affix to a mailing item address information and a corresponding image uniquely identifying a defined feature of an intended recipient at a location corresponding to the address information means to deliver the item to the location, and means to compare the identifying image with the defined feature of a person presenting to receive the item at the location to determine whether the person presenting is the intended recipient.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the mailing item comprises any one of a parcel, a package, a letter, a confidential memo and a wage slip.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the identifying image comprises a picture of the intended recipient's face.

4. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the identifying image comprises a representation of any one or any combination of. a signature, a finger print, a palm_. print or a retina scan of the intended recipient.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means to. compare comprises a visual inspection performed by a. person delivering the item.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the means to compare comprises reading equipment to read a corresponding feature of the person presenting to receive the item and to compare it to the identifying image.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the image comprises a representation of a finger print and the reading equipment comprises a finger print recorder and comparator.^'

8. A system according to claim 6 wherein the image comprises a representation of a retina scan and the reading equipment comprises a retina scanner and comparator.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a computer having: at least one database to store a plurality of records of address information each identifying a corresponding geographical location, and a plurality of the identifying images, and means for associating a record of address information with a corresponding image, means for printing the address information together with the corresponding image onto the mailing item.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the printer is adapted for printing directly onto the mailing item.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the printer is adapted for printing onto a label for affixing to the mailing item.

12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the printer is adapted for printing onto the mailing item so as to be visible through a window in the item.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or at least one database is located at the printer.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the printer comprises means to print confidential and/or personal data printed separately from the outer wrapping and means for automatically inserting such data in the outer wrapping and means for also inserting a predetermined selection of generic data sheets.

15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the printer comprises means for printing personalised data and corresponding address information and identifying image on to. a single piece of paper, and means are provided to fold and seal the paper so that the personalised data are not visible and the corresponding address information and identifying image are visible .

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein confidential and/or personal data for an intended recipient is stored in a further database with its corresponding address information and identifying image wherein one database is arranged to store personalised data.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for receiving information over a telecommunication link wherein the information comprises a message and an address code and wherein the address code is used to identify a corresponding image identifying the intended recipient and corresponding full address information from a database, to be visibly applied to the manually deliverable communication, and for incorporating the message in the communication.

18. A method of mail delivery verification comprising the steps of printing on a mail delivery item address information and at least one corresponding identifying image, uniquely identifying an intended recipient of the item, delivering the package to the address identified by the address information, verifying that a person presenting to receive the item is the intended recipient by comparing the image uniquely identifying the intended recipient applied to the package with a corresponding feature of the person presenting, and completing delivery of the item to the person only if correspondence is found between the image and the corresponding feature of the person.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the verification step comprises a visual inspection process that is performed by a person delivering the item.

20. A method according to claim 18 wherein reading equipment is used to read a corresponding feature of the person presenting to receive the item and to make a comparison with the unique identifying image applied to the item.

21. An outer wrapping of a mailing item comprising information relating to a postal address and at least one identifying image uniquely identifying an intended recipient of the item at the postal address.

22. An outer wrapping according to claim 21 wherein the unique identifying image comprises a photograph of the intended recipient .

23. An outer wrapping according to claim 21 wherein the unique identifying image comprises a finger print.

24. An outer wrapping according to claim 21, 22 or 23 wherein the identifying image is encoded.

25. An outer wrapping according to claim 21, 22 or 23 wherein the identifying image is non-visible to the naked eye.

26. A printing system comprising a computer system having means to interact with at least one text file comprising address information, means to interact with at least one image file comprising an image uniquely identifying an addressee, means for associating the address information with the corresponding image, means for storing the address information and the corresponding image, a printer adapted to receive the address informa'tion and the corresponding image, means for communicating the address information and the corresponding image to the printer, and wherein the printer is adapted for transferring the address information and the corresponding image onto an outer wrapping of a manually deliverable communication.