111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US008350173B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Kian i et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,350,173 B2
`Jan.8, 2013
`
`(54) DETERMINING DISPOSITION OF
`UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Shah rom Kiani, Arlington, TX (VS);
`Ben F. Bruce, Arlington, TX (US);
`Carlos Macia, Plano, TX (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: T rinity Technical G roup, [nc.,
`Arlington, TX (VS)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 687 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/181,884
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`J ul. 29, 2008
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2009/0143898 Al
`
`Jun.4, 2009
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Provisional application No. 61/005.225. filed on Dec.
`4, 2007, provisional application No. 61 /069,537, filed
`on Mar. 17, 2008.
`
`Int.CI.
`GfJ6K 9100
`(2006.01)
`u.s. CI. ....... . 209/584; 209/583; 209/900; 700/21 3;
`700/219
`Field of Classification Search .................. 209/583,
`209/584, 900; 382/101; 700/219, 224, 226;
`705/402
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,363,971 A
`11/ 1994 Weeks et al.
`5,422,821 A * 611995 Allen et al. ................... 700/219
`
`5,703,783 A
`6,508,365 Bl •
`6,826,548 82.
`7,124,948 B2 *
`7.834,289 82.
`2002/008786 1 A l •
`2003/019165 1 A I *
`2005/01997 17 A I *
`2006/0080266 A1 •
`200810269946 AI
`
`1211997 Allen et al.
`112003 Cacace-Bailey et a!. . .... 209/584
`11/2004 Nungerpi ller et a!. ... ... .. 705/401
`10/2006 Longacre eta! ......... 235/462.01
`ll /20 10 Orbke el al. .................. 209/584
`7/2002 Segev et al. . ... .... ... ... ... .. 7131168
`10/2003 Hungerpiller el a! ............. 705/ l
`9/2005 Park el al. ..................... 2351385
`412006 Kiani et al. . ... ....... ... ... .. 705/402
`1012008 Kiani eta!.
`
`OTrJER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Kiani, Shah rom, et al., ''Processing of Undeliverable as Add ressed
`Mail", U.S. Appl. No. 12/ 108,681 , filed Apr. 24. 2008. 33 pgs.
`Ti·inity Tee/mica/ Group Inc. v. Siemens Indus(ly Inc. filed in the U.S.
`District Comt, Northern District of TX, Dallas Division (Nov. 14,
`2012) Case 3:12-cv-04602 (Patent Nos. 8,806.346 and 8.31 1.667).
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner - Terrell Matthews
`(74) Attorney. Agent, or Firm - DeLizio Gilliam, PLLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`lu some exaUlple, a computerized method includes sorting
`mail, wherein sorting mail for a mail piece comprises reading
`an encoded value located on the mail piece. Sorting the mail
`also includes decoding the encoded value to determine au
`identification of a class of the mail piece and an idemification
`of a service type of the mail piece. Sorting the mail includes
`perfonni.ng the following operatiou in response lo determin(cid:173)
`ing that the mail piece is undeliverable as addressed: perform(cid:173)
`ing final disposition of the mail piece using at least one of the
`identification of the class of the mail piece or the identifica(cid:173)
`tion of the service type of the mail piece derived from the
`encoded value, in response to a determination that the mail
`piece is an actual undeliverable as addressed mail piece.
`
`17 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Page 1
`
`RMI EXHIBIT 2029
`CBM2014-00116
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.8,2013
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`106
`
`10~
`
`UM MODULE 1----~
`
`108
`
`MAIL PIECES
`
`r--
`I
`1 UMMAIL
`I
`1 PIECES
`l
`- ....... 1
`
`~~
`112
`
`SORT
`MODULE
`
`104
`
`103
`
`FINAL DISPOSITION
`OF MAIL PIECES
`(UM)
`
`124
`
`126
`
`MAIL SORTER
`
`102
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.8, 2013
`Jan. 8, 2013
`
`Sheet 2 of4
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 8,350,173 B2
`Us 8,350,173 82
`
`200
`2 00
`
`202
`
`
`
`204
`
`206
`
`208
`
`210
`
`212
`
`FIG. 2
`FIG. 2
`
`Page 3
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.8,2013
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`30~
`
`RECEIVE MAIL PIECE FOR
`SORTING
`
`302
`
`READ AN ENCODED VALUE LOCATED
`ON THE MAIL PIECE
`
`304
`
`DECODE THE ENCODED VALUE TO
`DETERMINE THE DELIVERY POINT,
`SENDER, RECIPIENT, CLASS AND ANY
`ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE MAIL PIECE
`
`306
`
`NO
`
`RETRIEVE A NAME OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE MAIL
`PIECE USING THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE RECIPIENT
`OF THE MAIL PIECE IN THE ENCODED VALUE
`
`RETRIEVE A RETURN ADDRESS OF THE SENDER OF
`THE MAIL PIECE USING THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE
`SENDER IN THE ENCODED VALUE
`
`310
`
`311
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`SORT MAIL PIECE AS A
`NON-UAA MAIL PIECE
`
`312
`316
`
`DETERMINE FINAL DISPOSITION OF
`THE ACTUAL UAA MAIL PIECE USING
`THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE CLASS
`AND ANY ENDORSEMENTS OF THE
`MAIL PIECE THAT ARE IN THE
`ENCODED VALUE
`
`315
`
`SORT UAA MAIL PIECE BASED
`ON FINAL DISPOSITION
`
`END
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan.8, 2013
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`40~
`
`404 '(__..
`
`GRAPHICS
`CONTROLLER
`
`406 "1.--
`
`DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`402 s
`
`PROCESSOR($)
`
`'-..]' 422
`
`4 30 s
`
`MEMORY
`
`424 s
`
`408 '\...--
`
`IDE/ATA DRIVE(S)
`
`4 10
`
`--v
`411
`'\...--
`4 12
`'\...--
`414
`
`"'\...-
`41 6
`
`PORT(S)
`
`~
`
`INPUT/OUTPUT
`CONTROLLER
`HUB {ICH)
`
`~
`
`~
`
`MICROPHONE
`
`KEYBOARD
`
`BUTTONS
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE
`
`FIG.4
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`1
`DETERMJNI:NG DISPOSITION OF
`UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL
`
`RELATED APPLICATION($)
`
`1his patent application claims the benefit of priority, under
`35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 61/005,225, filed on Dec. 4, 2007 and to U.S.
`Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/069,537, filed on
`Mar. 17, 2008, which are both incorporated herein by refer(cid:173)
`ence.
`
`COPYRIGHT
`
`A portion ofthe disclosure of this document contains mate(cid:173)
`rial that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
`owoer bas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any(cid:173)
`one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
`appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or
`records. but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatso(cid:173)
`ever. The following notice applies to the software, data, and/
`or screensbots which may be described below and in tbe
`drawings tbatform a part of this docwnent: Copyright© 2008,
`Trinity Technical Group, lncorporated. All Rights Reserved.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`The approaches described in this section could be pursued,
`but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously
`conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated
`herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior
`art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be
`prior art by inclusion in this section.
`The delivery of mail includes identificatiou and processing
`of mail that is undeliverable as addressed (UAA). The pro(cid:173)
`cessing ofUAA may include ret11rning to the sender, forward (cid:173)
`ing to a diO'erent address, treating as waste, etc.
`ll1e delivery of mail includes identification and processing
`o f mail that is LmdeliverJble as addressed (UAA). The pro(cid:173)
`cessing ofUAA may include ret11rning to the sender, forward(cid:173)
`ing to a different address, treating as waste, etc.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The embodiments are provided by way of example and not
`limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
`which like refereuces indicate similar elements and in which:
`FlG. 1 is a system diagram for processing undeliverable as
`addressed (UAA) mail pieces, according to some example
`embodiments.
`FJG. 2 is a diagram of a mail piece that includes an encoded
`value, according to some example embodiments.
`FIG. 3 is a diagram of a method for perfonning includes
`processing of a mail piece that includes UAA processing,
`according to some example embodiments.
`FJG. 4 illustrates a computer that may be used for process(cid:173)
`ing UAA mail pieces, according to some example embodi(cid:173)
`ments.
`
`DETAJLED DESCRJPTlON
`
`Methods, apparams and systems for processing undeliver(cid:173)
`able as addressed mail are described. In the following
`description. nwnerous specific details are set forth. However,
`it is w1derstood that embodiments of the invention may be
`practiced without these specific details. ln other instauces,
`
`2
`stmctmes and techniques have not been shown in detail in
`order not to obscure the understanding of this description.
`Some example embodiments use encoded values that are
`located on mail pieces for processing those mail pieces that
`5 are undeliverable as address (UAA). I.n some example
`embodiments, the encoded values are bar codes that are
`placed on the mail pieces by mailers of the mail pieces. These
`bar codes have generally been used by the mail delivery
`service providers, such as the United States Postal Service
`10 (USPS), for delivery of the mail. An example of such a bar
`code is the Intelligent Mail® Barcode (1MB). Convention(cid:173)
`ally, the IMB is a bar code on a mail piece that is used to sort
`and track mail pieces. Currently, the USPS provides automa(cid:173)
`tion discounts for mailers that place lMBs on their mail
`15 pieces. Some example embodiments use the 1MB for di:ffer(cid:173)
`ent operations of UAA processing (as described below).
`Example embodiments herein are described as usinganlMB.
`However, embodiments are not limited to the format for the
`1MB. Example embodiments may be used on any type o f
`20 encoded value in any of a number of different fom1ats with
`different types of encoded data therein.
`The encoded value may include different types of informa(cid:173)
`tion to assist iu sorting and tracking of the mail. For example,
`the encoded value may include different types of mail param-
`25 eters for a mail piece, such as routing data (e.g., the delivery
`point), the mail class, the service type, the mailer identifica(cid:173)
`tion munber. identification of recipient, address of mailer, etc.
`ln some example embodiments, the delivery poiut (de-
`coded from the encoded value) may be used to determine
`30 whether a mail piece is a candidate UAA mail piece. In some
`example embodiments, the data decoded from the encoded
`value is also used to confirm that a candidate UAA mail piece
`is an actual UAA mail piece.lu some example embodiments,
`the data decoded from the encoded value is also used to
`35 determine final disposition of the confirmed ac111al UAA mail
`piece. In some example embodiments, the data decoded from
`the encoded value is also used to determine a ren1m address of
`a send of the mail piece (which may be used if the mail is an
`acnral UAA mail piece). These example embodiments may be
`40 used in any combination. For example, in some example
`embodiments, the data from the encoded value is used to
`determine whether the mail piece is a candidate UAA mail
`piece; used to confirm that a candidate UAA mail piece is an
`acnral UAA mail piece; used to detem1ine fi nal disposition o f
`45 the ac111al UAA mail piece: and used to determine a re111rn
`address. In other examples, the data from the encoded value
`may be used to perfom1 only one operation or less than a ll of
`the operations of UAA processing (listed described above).
`For example, data from the encoded value may only be used
`50 to confirm that a candidate UAA mail piece is an actual UAA
`mail piece. In another example, the data from the encoded
`value may only be used to determine fina l disposition of the
`actual UAA mail piece. Accordingly, if the encoded value is
`used for less than all of the operations for UAA processing,
`55 other data or other techniques may be used to perform these
`other operations.
`In some example embodiments. the encoded value (and/or
`the data decoded there from) may be correlated with the name
`of the recipient of the mail piece. For example, the encoded
`60 value, the data decoded there from and the name of the recipi(cid:173)
`ent for a mail piece may be stored in a data stmctllre within a
`database. This database may he stored in a machine-readable
`medium that is local or remote to the mail processing facility.
`In some example embodiments, parts of this data may be
`65 populated by the mailers of the mail pieces. while others parts
`of this data may be populated by operJtions perfom1ed by the
`mail processing equipment. For example, mailers of the mail
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`3
`pieces may store the encoded value and the name of the
`recipient for a mail piece, while the operations of the mail
`processing equipment may cause storage of the data decoded
`from the encoded value. This data is then accessible by mail
`processing equipment during UAA processing. For example, 5
`the encoded value may be used as a key for looking up the
`name of the recipient in the machine-readable meditun. The
`name of the recipient can then be used to determine whether
`a candidate UAA mail piece is confim1ed to an actual UAA
`mail piece.
`Such embodiments are in contrast to conventional tech(cid:173)
`niques for UAA processing of mail pieces.ln particular, using
`conventional techniques, mail sorters can only detect if a mail
`piece is UAA. However, some mail sorters cannot determine
`final UAA disposition (Forward, Return to Sender, Treat as 15
`Waste, etc.) for majj pieces. ln particular, in order to deter(cid:173)
`mine final disposition other characteristics such as the mail
`class and service type need to be taken into accmmt. Using
`conventional techniques, these additional characteristics can
`only be obtained by capntring and analyzing the image of a 20
`UAA mail piece using pattern recognition, Optical Character
`Recognition (OCR) methodologies or video coding tech(cid:173)
`niques. As a result, the UAA mail pieces are re-processed on
`other OCR capable mail processing equipment to capture and
`analyze the mail class. service type and return address. Sub- 25
`sequently, the final disposition of a UAA mail piece may be
`determined. This required additional processing results in a
`significant cost to mail processing. A more detailed descrip(cid:173)
`tion of the systems, apparatus and methods for processing
`undeliverable as addressed mail are now described.
`FIG. 1 is a system diagram for processing undeliverable as
`addressed (UAA) mail pieces, according to some example
`embodiments. FlG.l illustrates a systemlOO that includes a
`mail sorter 102 and a machine-readable medium 103. The
`mail sorter 102 may be a letter mail sorter, a flat mail sorter, a 35
`mixed mail sorter, a parcel mail sorter, or any other type of
`device that sorts mail pieces.
`Mail sorter 102 comprises a sort module 104 and a UAA
`module 106. The sort module 104 and the UAA module 106
`may be software, hardware. firmware or a combination 40
`thereof. While the UAA module 106 is shown as being part of
`the mail sorter 102, embodiments are not so limited. In some
`example embodiments, the UAA module 106may be separate
`from the mail sorter 102. Alternatively or in addition, the
`functionality of the UAA module 106 may be incorporated 45
`into the sort module 104.
`111e sort module 104 receives and sorts the mail pieces. ln
`some example embodiments, the sort module 104 sorts the
`mail pieces based on an encoded value (such as an IMB), a
`delivery point bar code or a combination thereof. The
`encoded value may be pre-printed onto the mail pieces by the
`mailer. As further described below, in some example embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the encoded value is used to perform some or all of the
`operations ofUAA processing.
`As shown. the mail pieces 108are passed to the sort module
`106 during a mail sort operation. The sort modLLle 104 may
`decode an encoded value located on a mail piece. The sort
`module and the UAA module 106may perfonn some or all of
`the operations of UAA processing using the decoded data
`from the encoded value. For example, the sort module 104 60
`may identify mail pieces as candidate UAA mail pi~'Ces by
`comparing a delivery point (encoded in the encoded value) to
`a table, list, etc. of addresses of recipients of mail whose
`address has changed (hereinafter referred to as a change of
`address table). In particular, based on the delivery point, the 65
`sort module 104 may be able to ideutify that one or more
`persons have changed addresses lor this particular location.
`
`4
`Multiple persons/entities may be having mail delivered to this
`particular location. Accordingly, one person for a given loca(cid:173)
`tion may have changed addresses, while other persons for this
`location have not changed addresses. Therefore, until the
`recipient is identified, the mail piece is only a candidate UAA
`mail piece.
`If the sort module 104 identifies the mail piece as a candi(cid:173)
`date UAA mail piece, the sort module 104 may pass the mail
`piece to the UAA module 106 for further processing (UAA
`10 mail pieces 112). The sort module 104 outputs the mail pieces
`(non-UAA}-126. For a candidate UAA mail piece. the UAA
`module 106 determines whether the UAA mail piece is con(cid:173)
`finned to be an actual UAA mail piece. In some example
`embodiments, the UAA module 106uses data decoded from
`the encoded value to perform this confirmation. Moreover, for
`those actual UAA mail pieces, the UAA module 106 deter-
`mines a final disposition (final disposition of mail pieces
`(UAA}-124). In some example embodiments, the UAA
`module 106 uses data decoded from the encoded value to
`determine this fina l disposition.
`The machine-readable medium 103 may be volatiJe and/or
`non-volatile media (e.g., read only memory (ROM), random
`access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage m<:dia, optical
`storage media, nash memory devices, etc.). ll1e machine(cid:173)
`readable medium 103 may be local or remote relative to the
`mail sorter 102. For example, in some embodiments, the
`machine-readable meditun 103 may be representative of
`machine-readable media distributed at different locations
`under the control of the mailers of the mail pieces. Accord-
`30 ingly, the mailers may have their own machine-readable
`medium that is accessible remotely by the mail sorter. Alter(cid:173)
`natively or in addition, the machine-readable medium 103
`may be located at the mail processing facility (which is local
`to the mail sorter 102). In some example embodiments, the
`machine-readable medium 103 stores data related
`to.
`extracted from, etc. the encoded values. For example, for a
`given encoded value, an entry in the machine-readable
`mediuml03 may include the encoded value, the name of the
`recipient of the mail piece, customer identification munber
`for the mailer and the mail class. service type and remrn
`address for the mail piece. In some example embodiments,
`parts of this data (e.g., the encoded value and the name of the
`recipient) is populated by the mailer of the mail pieces. For
`exan1ple, the populating of this data may be a requirement for
`qualification of the IMB automation discounts for mailers.
`Some mailers may desire to keep the names of the recipients
`of the mail pieces confidential. ln some example embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the names ofthe recipients may be stor~-d in a separate
`machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable meditlm
`50 under the control of the mailer). Alternatively or in addition.
`the names of the recipients may be encrypted.
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of a mail piece that includes an encoded
`value, according to someexampleembodiments. FIG. 2 illus(cid:173)
`trates a mail piece 200 that includes an encoded value 202.
`55 The encoded value 202 includes different data encoded
`therein. In this example, U1e encoded value 202 includes a
`delivery point 204, a mailer identification 206, a recipient
`identification 208, a mail class 210 and a mail service type
`212. ln some other example embodiments, the encoded value
`202 may include more or Jess data.
`OperJtions, according to example embodiments, are now
`described. ln certain embodiments, the operations are per(cid:173)
`formed by instructions residing on machine-readable media
`(e.g., software). while in other embodiments, the methods are
`performed by hardware or other logic (e.g., digital logic).
`FIG. 3 is a diagram of a method for performing includes
`processing of a mail piece that includes UAA processing,
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`5
`according to some example embodimeuts. A method 300 is
`described with reference to FIGS. 1-2. In some example
`embodiments, the method 300 is performed by at least one of
`the sort module 104 and the UAA module 106. The method
`300 conunences at block 302.
`At block 302, the sort module 104 receives a mail piece for
`sorting. The mail pieces may comprise both UAA and non(cid:173)
`UAA mail pieces. In some example embodiments, the mailer
`of the mail pieces print, mark, attach, etc. an encoded value
`onto an outside part of the mail pieces, as shown in FlG. 2. 10
`The method 300 continues ar block 304.
`At block 304, the sort module 104 reads the encoded value
`located on the mail piece. The encoded value may be a bar
`code, an alphanumeric value, etc. For example, in some
`embodiments, the encode-d value is an 1MB that is a type of 15
`height-modulated bar code. For example, the encoded value
`may be a vertical bar type that uses one to N number of
`different types of vertical bars. Therefore, in some examples,
`the sort module 104 may use some type of bar code scan
`operation to read the encoded value. The method c<>ntinues at 20
`block 306.
`At block 306, the sort module 104 decodes the encoded
`value to determine so rue or all of the following data: (I) the
`delivery point for the mail piece; (2) an identification and
`return address of1he sender of the mail piece; (3) tbeclass of
`the mail piece and (4) any endorsements (service types) for
`the mail piece. Other types of data (e.g., mailing sequence
`number) may also be decoded from the encoded value.
`In some example embodiments, the sort module 104 may
`update the data entry in the machine-readable medium 103
`for this given encoded value. As described above, in some
`example embodiments, the mailers of the mail pieces may
`input data into the machine-readable medium103 for access
`by the sorting module 104 or the UAA module 106. For
`example. the mailers may create an entry, table. array or any
`other type of data structure for a given encoded value. Within
`that entry in the machine-readable medium 103, the mailers
`may include the name of the recipient oft he mail piece for the
`given encoded value. IJ1 some example embodiments, this
`input of data by the mailers may be performed prior to the
`mail pieces being sorted by the mail sorter 102. In some
`example embodiments, the mailers may perform updates to
`the machine-readable medium 103 on a periodic basis or as
`mailer submit new mail pieces for sorting.
`In conjunction with decoding the encoded value, the sort 45
`module 104 may add the decoded data into the associated data
`structure for the encoded value. In particular, the sor1 module
`104 may store some or all of the parts of the decoded data for
`this encoded value. Moreover, in some example embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the decoded data is provided to the mailers of the mail 50
`pieces. For example, the mailers may have subsequent access
`to the machine-readable medium 103 to access their encoded
`values. Alternatively or in addition, this decoded data may be
`transmitted electronically or provided in a hard copy format
`to the mailers.Accordingly. the sort module 104 may perform 55
`the updates to the machine-readable mediwn 103 and trans(cid:173)
`mitted the decoded data to the associated mailers, as part of
`the decoding operation. The sort module 104 may perform the
`updates ancVor the data transmission in real time or non-real
`time relative to the decoding operation. For example, the sort 60
`module 104 may perform the updates to the machine-read(cid:173)
`able medium 103 in real time. Subsequently, the sort module
`104 may transmit the decoded data to the mailers in non-real
`time. The method 300 continues at block 308.
`At block 308, the sort module 104 determines whether the 65
`mail piece is a candidate mail piece using the identification of
`the delivery point decoded from the encoded value. The sort
`
`6
`module 104 may compare the delivery point bar code to a
`table, list, etc. of addresses of recipients of mail whose
`address has changed. Such data may be stored in the machine(cid:173)
`readable medium 103 or some other of machine-readable
`5 media.lftl1edelivery point barcode for a mail piece is within
`this list of addresses, the sort module 104 identifies the mail
`piece as a candidate UAA mail pie'Ce. As described below,
`fi.lrther confirmation and final disposition of a candidate UAA
`mail piece is performed in subsequent operations. While
`described such that the sort module 104 obtains the delivery
`point from the encoded value, embodiments are not so lim(cid:173)
`ited. In some example embodiments, the delivery point may
`be obtained from a delivery point barcode that is also located
`on the mail piece. If the mail piece is not a candidate UAA
`mail piece, the method 300 continues at block 316 (which is
`described in more detail below). Otherwise, the method 300
`continues at block 310.
`At block 310, the UAA module I 06 retrieves the name of
`the recipient of the mail piece using the identification of the
`recipient of the mail piece in the encoded value. The UAA
`module 106 may retrieve the name of the recipient of the mail
`piece from the machine-readable medium103.1n particular,
`as described above, in some example embodiments, the
`25 mailer oft he mail piece store-d the name oftl1e re'Cipient into
`the machine-readable meditun 103. Accordingly, the UAA
`module 106 may retrieve the recipient name from the
`machine-readable med.iur:n 103. In some example embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the UAA module 106 may perfonn the lookup based
`30 on the identification of the recipient (that was part of the
`decoded data from the encoded value), the encoded value, etc.
`The method 300 continues at block 312.
`At block 311, the UAA modttle 106 retrieves the return
`address oft he sender of the mail piece using the identification
`35 of the senderofthe mail piece in the encoded value. The UAA
`module 106 may retrieve the return address of the sender of
`the mail piece from the machine-readable medium 103. In
`particular, in some example embodiments, the mailer of the
`mail piece stored its return address into the machine-readable
`40 meditun 103.Accordingly. the UAA module 106 may retrieve
`the return address from themachine-readablemedjum 103. In
`some example embodiments, the UAA module 1 06 may per(cid:173)
`form the lookup based on the identification of the sender (that
`was part of the decoded data from the encoded value), the
`encoded value. etc. In some example embodin1ents, the remrn
`address may be used if the mail piece is returned to the sender
`as part of the final disposition of the actual UAA mail piece.
`Embodiments are not limited to obtairting the rerum address
`of the sender as described in the operation at block 311.
`Alternatively or in addition. in some example embodiments.
`the return address of the sender may be obtained by other
`tecb11iqucs, such as OCR. 1l1e method 300 continues at block
`312.
`At block 312, the UAA module 106 determines whether the
`candidate UAA mail piece is confirmed to be an actual UAA
`mail piece using the name of the recipient. In some example
`embodiments, the UAA module detennines iftbe recipient's
`name fort his mail piece is iu an entry in the change of address
`table for this delivery point. As described above, multiple
`recipients of mail pieces may be associated with a given
`delivery point. If the recipient's name on the mail piece is in
`the change of address table, the mail piece is considered to be
`a UAA mail piece. Otherwise, the mail piece is processed as
`a non-UA.<\. mail piece. If the mail piece is not confirmed to be
`a UAA mail piece .. the method continues at block 316, which
`is described in more detail below. Otherwise, the method
`continues at block 314.
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 8,350,173 B2
`
`7
`At block 314, the UAA module 106 detenuines final dis(cid:173)
`position of the acn~al UAA mail piece using the identification
`of the class and any endorsements of the mail piece that are in
`the encoded value. Because the UAA mail piece is confirmed
`as an actual UAA mail piece, final disposition may occur. In 5
`some example embodiments, fiual disposition may include
`return the mail piece to the sender, forwarding to a new
`address or treating as waste. Final disposition may depend ou
`the class of mail, the length of time since the address has
`changed, mailer applied endorsements, etc. For example. if 10
`the mail piece is .first class mail and the length of time is less
`than N number of months, the mail piece is labeled for for(cid:173)
`warding to the new address. In another example, if the mail
`piece is standard A class mail and the length of time is greater 15
`X number of days and there are no services requested (en(cid:173)
`dorsements), the mail piece is treated as waste. The method
`300 continues at block 315.
`At block 315, the UAA module 106 sorts tbe mail piece
`based on the final disposition. The UAA module 106 can sort
`the mail piece in accordance with the type offinal disposition.
`For example, the UAA mail piece may sorted into three dif(cid:173)
`ferent groups depending on the type of final disposition:
`return the mail piece to the sender; forward to a new address;
`or treat the mail piece as waste. Once sorted, the UAA mail
`pieces may then be processed differently depending on their
`grouping. For example, if the mail piece is ren1rned to the
`sender, the mail piece could be mailed to the return address
`for the sender. In some example embodiments, the return
`address may be retrieved based on the sender identification
`that is decoded from the encoded value. The operations of the
`method 300 are complete.
`At block 316, the sort module 104 sorts the mail piece as a
`non-UAA mail piece. The sort module 104 may perform this
`sort using the delivery point. which may or may not be derived
`from the encoded value. The operations of the method 300 are
`complete.
`A detailed block diagram of an example computer envi(cid:173)
`romnent, according to some embodiments, is now described.
`In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a computer that may be used
`for processing of UAA mail pieces, according to some
`example embodiments. In some example embodiments. the
`computer system 400 may be representative of parts of the
`mail sorter 102, the sort module 104 or the UAA module 106.
`As illustrated in FIG. 4, the computer system 400 com(cid:173)
`prises processor(s) 402. The computer system 400 also
`includes a memory unit 430, processor bus 422, and Input/
`Output controller hub (lCH) 424. The processor(s) 402,
`memory unit 430, and ICH 424 are coupled to the processor
`bus 422. The processor(s) 402 may comprise any suitable
`processor architecture. The computer system 400 may com(cid:173)
`prise one, two, three, or more processors, any of which may
`execute a set of instructions in accordauce with embodiments
`of the invention.
`The memory unit 430 may store data and/or instn1ctions,
`and may comprise any suitable memory, such as a dynamic
`random access memory (DRAM). The computer system 400
`also includes IDE drive(s) 408 and/or other suitable storage
`devices. A graphics controller 404 controls the display of
`information on a display device 406. according to some 60
`embodiments of the invention.
`111e input/output controller hub (IC[I) 424 provides an
`interface to 1/0 devices or peripheral components for the
`computer system 400. The JCH 424 may comprise any suit(cid:173)
`able interface controller to provide for any suitable commu(cid:173)
`nicationliuk to the processor(s) 402, memory unit 430 1111d/or
`to any suitable device or component in conununication with
`
`8
`the lCH 424. For one embodiment of the invention, the lCH
`424 provides suitable arbitration and buffering for each inter(cid:173)
`face.
`For some embodiments of the invention, the ICH 424 pro(cid:173)
`vides an interface to one or more suitable integrated drive
`electronics (IDE) drives 408, such as a bard disk drive (H DO)
`or compact disc read only memory (CD ROM) drive, or to
`suitable universal serial bus (USB) devices through one or
`more USB ports 410. For one embodiment, the JC[l 424 also
`provides an interface to a keyboard 412, a mouse 414, a
`CD-ROM drive 418, oue or more suitable devices through
`one or more Firewire ports 416. For one embodiment of the
`invention, the ICH 424 also provides a network interface 420
`though which the computer system 400 can communicate
`with other computers and/or devices.
`In some embodiments, the com