The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 11, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 06, 2004
Russell Elliot, Endicott, NY (US);
Audrey Ferry, Vestal, NY (US);
Jeffrey S. Poulin, Endicott, NY (US);
Linda H. Rockwood, Endwell, NY (US);
Russell Elliot, Endicott, NY (US);
Audrey Ferry, Vestal, NY (US);
Jeffrey S. Poulin, Endicott, NY (US);
Linda H. Rockwood, Endwell, NY (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
Provided is a method of reducing postal revenue losses associated with the processing and delivery of international mail pieces. Algorithmically-resolved image data associated with a mail piece is compared to international-mail-services postage data and a determination is rendered, based on the comparison, as to whether any postage indicated as paid is sufficient to further process the mail piece in accordance with the level of delivery service requested. In various aspects, an attempt to algorithmically ascertain the identity of the sender is undertaken for purposes of automated charge assessment relative to a mail piece for which it is determined that insufficient postage has been tendered. In accordance with alternative aspects, if the sender identity cannot be ascertained, the mail piece is variously (i) rejected for manual handling or (ii) routed for automated sortation and delivery in accordance with a 'downgraded' delivery service level for which the amount paid is adequate.