Image analysis – Applications – Mail processing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-26
2001-09-04
Au, Amelia M. (Department: 2623)
Image analysis
Applications
Mail processing
C382S176000, C358S402000, C358S462000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285777
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improved mail communications and more particularly to techniques that combine surface mail delivery and an internet link
2. Background Art
There are several problems that exist in present paper mail handling system. The problems include the expensive manpower needed for distribution of paper mail at sorting/delivering locations the handle handwritten/typed mail addresses. Existing automatic means for identification of the addresses (e.g. automatic handwriting recognition) are unsatisfactory. Another problem is that the delivering of paper mail letters can be relatively slow, especially if letters are sent to remote places. The volume of paper mail undergoes several peaks at different times of the year such as at holidays. During those peaks the above-mentioned problems become especially acute. On the other hand, internet users enjoy a fast and easy access and communication to other internet users. However, this internet interaction suffers from the deficiency that the internet user cannot deliver/receive internet messages from people who have no internet facilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a new system and service for speeding up surface mail communication, by replacing and adding an internet link to the normal delivery.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system wherein a user sends an internet message to a post office including the post mail address for delivery of the message. The post office forwards the internet message via e-mail to the internet equipped post office that is the closest to the addressee. This post office that is closed to the addressee downloads the internet message, prints a hard copy on a paper, encloses it in an envelope and delivers the hard copy to the addressee via usual local mail.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a communication system wherein a user sends paper mail to an internet equipped post office. The post office electonically scans the paper mail and forwards the scanned information data either to the addressee directly via the internet or via an internet equipped post office that is local to the addressee.
Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate one of the embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in general terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.
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Kanevsky Dimitri
Maes Stephane H.
Zadrozny Wlodek Wlodzimierz
Au Amelia M.
Dastouri Mehrdad
International Business Machines - Corporation
Percello, Esq. Louis J.
Perman & Green LLP
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