WO1995032812A2 - Rationalization of mail service - Google Patents

Abstract

For automated receiving and distribution, the type of mailing (postal code, post-office box, ID character sequence - address, etc.) and/or a monetary amount are indicated on a printed from (e.g. on a check) by a coded marking, e.g. characterized by crosses at certain positions. The charges for a mailing can be billed using a purchased card, e.g. a mini-smart card that can be separated from a carrier.

Description

 Post-rationalization

Automation in the areas of the postal service, freight mail and Postbank

In the following sections we try to make inventions with which we implement automation in the areas of postal, freight and Postbank. Some inventions extend into other areas such as telephone, banking.

Most of the inventions are independent of each other. A user has a choice of how to combine the inventions with one another in order to achieve a solution as desired.

1- mark

In this section we try to invent a principle according to which mail items can be picked up and distributed fully automatically with a reading station that is as simple as possible to construct, but whose envelopes, notes should be as cheap as possible and should require as little effort as possible. In order to make the items (all types: letters, postcards, parcels, small packages ... and type of items: registered mail, express, blind, cash on delivery, etc.) machine-readable according to this principle, the individual customers mark the correct ones Positions that are on an envelope or on a piece of paper. The marking can be identified by a cross, a line (horizontal, vertical, oblique) or a point. We wanted to call the principle the marking principle. We will see that there are numerous possibilities, combinations, variations of this marking principle.

If the boxes that belong together, like figures in figure number 1, lie together, they form an entire matrix. In this case we have the Matrix Marking Principle 1 (MMP-1). For example, in the mail area we see pictures 7, 8, 9, 10.

Here we will differentiate between MMP-1 and MMP-2. The matrix in figure number 1 is divided into smaller matrices after figure number 2. For example, in the area of the post office we see pictures 11, 16.

Another variation of the principle we see the figure number 3. The boxes that belong together are then one after the other. In this case we have the Linear Marking Principle-1 (LMP-1).

We also see that the MMP-2 is a combination of MMP-1 and LMP-1. That is why we wanted to call the MMP-2 Matrix Linear Marking Principle (MLMP).

The marking principle is at least easier to read by machine than the OCR principle and not too unusual for humans. The principle can be used not only in postal automation but also in other areas. As in the banking area, administration or forms area e.g. at offices. As a result, all forms at offices, banks, etc. that are filled out by hand, regardless of the type of writing, of languages, are basically 100% read by machines (reading station reading station)

¹ OCR abbreviation of optical character recognition, which means optical character recognition in German. to be able to. A reading device is easy to implement according to the MP and is independent of hand fonts.

From the figures we can also see that the numbers are marked according to the principle, e.g. B. can assign the date of birth, an amount, a number, etc.

In the figure groups we saw that every ten boxes form a small group (elementary group EG), which in the MP is represented by words like i. Number (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, ...), day, month, year, 100 DM, ..., pfennig and / or by visual distinction (as if tinted by something dark, white or by different colors numbers, letters, or each field and sufficiently different horizontal, vertical distances). This separation or division should not be meaningful.

Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 have been drawn as examples. However, the principle also applies to other individual mail items such as postcards, parcel or packet labels, etc. without having to be specially labeled.

reduction

The number of boxes in an elementary group EG can be reduced by other options. For example, 10 boxes can be reduced to 5 boxes. This is possible using the binary and decimal system. The marking principle in this case we wanted the general reduced marking principle ² (ARMP).

The general reduced marking principle (ARMP). We see an example with a binary system and according to figure group 2 in figure number 5

This gives us a more compact field for marking. However, in order to reach some numbers, the users e.g. Add 2 + 4 = 6 or 1 + 2 + 4 = 7. That is a disadvantage.

In individual cases we can reduce the number of boxes in an EC and / or the number of EC. The principle in these cases we wanted the single reduced marking principle (ERMP). This is not another use of the sensual or agreed limitation of a number. For example: The first number of a mailbox number is either 0 (five digits) or 1 (six digits). There is no six-part PO box number that starts with i ³ 2. We see more clearly that there is no birthday t ³ 32 or the month m ³ 13.

We see the individual reduced marking principle (ERMP) and a possible combination of ARMP and ERMP in figure number 6

So that it is not drawn unnecessarily repeatedly, we do not want to mark all the groups of figures below, but only consider the groups of figures 2 above. Other groups of figures in the RMP are similar to those in the MP.

There are different combinations to combine the marking principle with other methods. We see an example in Fig. 13. The type of shipment is then like. The reduced marking principle means a reduction in the number of boxes on the ground floor and / or the number of ground floors. Registered mail, express delivery, etc. marked with a cross, while the postal code and mailbox number of the recipient are written in the boxes by the sender.

See some examples in the:

Figure number 9: Postal code and type of shipment are determined by marking.

Figure number 10: On the back, the mailbox number can be determined by marking.

The identification code (EC) in the figure will be discussed in another section.

Figure number 11: The postcode and PO box number are marked on the

Front.

Figure number 12: An example of a combination with the OCR.

Figure number 13: Another possible combination with another possibility: writing and marking.

Figure number 14: So that everyone understands what is on a program, the type of a

Consignment can be indicated by symbols. Here we see some suggested ones

Assignments.

Figure number 15: Such assignment explanations should e.g. stand on the back.

Figure number 16: The figure shows us an application as an example from the figure number

14

2- Machine readable code

In this section we will try another way to implement post-rationalization.

Machine-readable code is written together with the address in the letterhead, on labels, on piece of paper, on envelopes. To generate the machine-readable code in the letterhead, on labels, on a piece of paper, on envelopes, either the new typewriter or advanced word processing programs are used.

2.a- The new typewriter

New typewriters are being developed in conjunction with the new automated mail reception and distribution system. In a totally rationalized postal system, a new typewriter is more attractive and useful than the ones it has today with the additional functions. There would be more reasons to buy typewriters in the private and business sectors. In the new mail distribution system, the purchase of a typewriter is not only about writing, but also economically and environmentally friendly for the owner and our whole society. It is economical and environmentally friendly because you can save something with it and pollute the environment less. If we have read the new mail distribution, we will easily see that with the new typewriter you can use simple envelopes that require less effort, less material and are therefore cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

In addition to the old functions, this new typewriter also has additional functions with which the information entered for the new mail distribution can be converted into a summarized code. With this code, a machine at Swiss Post has all the information (including the type of mail) necessary to be able to calculate the total fee for the mail. It also gives an automatic distribution machine ( Sorting and distribution machine) the information about the recipient (mailbox, city, country). The complexity upwards is open. The extensions

We will try as best as possible to make the new typewriter characters understandable internationally. They are supposed to be symbols that are easy to understand humanly.

2.a.1.) - The type wheel

The type wheel still has some new signs or symbols. How many new characters a typewriter has depends on the international agreement on codes for automated mail distribution. Here, as an example, we assume that a new type wheel basically has two new symbols. Namely two vertical stripes. One is a little thicker than the other. A code is printed with these strips. We see such a code in Figure 1.

The user can still save some time, save money, be more environmentally conscious and internationally oriented if we insert another new symbol El. The symbol has the meaning of the word PO Box. It has the advantages:

- Internationally understandable. It is good that everyone can understand what is written here. Because it goes without saying that not everyone in the world can understand the word: PO Box or PO Box (Post Office) ...

- Instead of typing or printing the entire word mailbox, you or the machine only need to type a single key or print a single character. This saves time, money and is environmentally friendly. Because this can extend the life of the (color) tape cassette a little.

So that there is no problem with the control of the stepper motor, the symbol width should at most be equal to the width of the W character.

2.a.2.) - The buttons and their symbols

For the external shape of such a typewriter we need some new keys. We will try to label the buttons with symbols (imagery) so that everyone can understand them.

Figure numbers 17 and 18: a proposal for the new buttons.

The dots on the buttons are made for blind people. Figure number 19: Shows us suggestions for input of a shipment type. Figure numbers 20 and 21: Show us with additional key 5 or key 4, with which we can make a machine-readable code on a program on a world level.

2.a.3.) - The typewriter - protective blanket

Almost every typewriter today has a protective cover or keyboard cover that can also be used as a paper pad. For the new typewriters we can use them to make a table about the country codes. Ie write on the paper pad we have a table about a country code that is understandable or uniform worldwide. The country code can be represented with numbers as usual. Similar to the issue of money cards, we could also use pure letters, hexadecimal numbers or a combination of numbers and letters for coding. This means that a three-digit country code made up of decimal numbers can be reduced to a two-digit one and the memory requirement in the MC. It is also more convenient for the user. With a skill and attention to a limited code element inventory when designing firmware for the single-chip microcomputer (MC), the memory requirement of the MC can be reduced even further. For example, instead of three-digit code 123 for Vatican 124 for Vietnam, we have two-digit code lv for Vatican and 2v for Vietnam and there is no 3v.

Figure number 22: protective cover or keyboard cover also as a paper support with a table of notes. It shows us a suggestion, like hints about possible input, to get a complete summarized code about the way the destination of a shipment.

We see that this (table) code has been thought somewhat somewhat. For today's tariff, we only need to differentiate between a shipment whether it is a domestic, European or world shipment. The tariff is wrong but simple for human workers. Because we have already learned that with the old tariff the postal officials had difficulties and often calculated a wrong fee if the shipment was outside the standard range. With the new mail distribution, almost all human workers will be replaced by machines and vending machines. You have no difficulties, troubles and delays with a fairer, more precise and of course more complicated tariff. No matter whether the shipments are outside the standard range or not. This requires a further postal reform in the tariff area, which is an advantage of the new postal distribution that should be exploited.

Until then, we only need two codes for Europe and World broadcast e.g. 1 and 2, but if we use key 5 in figure number 20 or key 4 in figure number 21. For the domestic shipment, the codes are sent without confirmation of this button.

In this case (without key 5 in figure number 20 or key 4 in figure number 21) it is also possible with figure numbers 17, 18 and 19. We use a combination of key 4 in figure number 17 or 3 in figure number 18 with key G for world broadcast or key U for European broadcast in figure number 19.

2.a.4.) - The one-chip microcomputer

The standard electronic typewriters today have a simple single-chip microcomputer (MC) that controls the steps (rotations) and strokes of the type wheel. We only need to expand this MC a bit for the new functions. It has a firmware and a structure so that it is able to translate the entered data into a summarized code.

Figure number 23: shows us a diagram of how the summarized code on an envelope, in the letterhead, on a label, on a piece of paper comes about. Figure number 24: shows us the simple structure of today's typewriter

The user enters the information according to figure number 23 from the keyboard (with new keys). The MC records the entered data for coding and processes it. After processing the data, he uses the control of the (step) motor or the type wheel. The control principle is the same as that of today's typewriter. The controlled characters are the stripes, spaces and possibly that Icon sign for mailbox. The result of this is the stripes as in Figure 5 on a letterhead or on a label. These strips contain all the information for automatic billing of the fees and automatic distribution of the shipment.

2.a.5.) - Example

Let's do an example. The address of a recipient is:

Mr. Mustermann

Musterstrasse 27

Box 10 34 56

34560 sample location. The shipment would like to be sent as registered mail, express delivery domestically.

For the example we take figure number 18.

1) - The sender types in the name, if necessary street, house number of the recipient as normal.

2) - Then he confirms the key with the number 1. The translation program is then activated. The next entered numbers are stored in a memory under the address for mailbox number. In this example, the numbers 10 34 56 at the address e.g. PF saved.

3) - This first entry is completed by pressing key 2. If there is a display like in picture la, the * sign now appears under the word PO Box (or symbol [_ <3) in the display. After confirming key 2 the

Typewriter the word mailbox or the new symbol character ES on the

Standard type wheel and the mailbox number and waits for an entry for the postal code in example 34560. After entering the number 0 the storage under the address e.g. PL completed. A further number entered may be interpreted with a tone signal for error. The typewriter now prints the zip code.

4) - The sender can now type the location or country if necessary. For the type of program, he presses button 4 and confirms a desired button. In the example, he needs two combinations of keys 4 and E for registered mail, then keys 4 and L for express delivery. All preparation is completed with key 4. If the shipment is e.g. Is world broadcast, then the writer confirms the 3 and G keys again before concluding the entire entry with the 4 key. The single-chip microcomputer translates the information entered into machine-readable code and controls the printing process. The writer can theoretically start writing. The result e.g. on a letterhead through the window of the envelope looks like this:

Mr. Mustermann Musterstraße 27 Postfach 10 34 56 34560 Musterort. The machine reads the information about the format of the shipment directly on the envelope or packaging using the EC identification code.

Note: If the system for machine mailing and distribution can use the address written with a typewriter, the strip code only contains the type of mail.

2.b- The new word processor

Together with the new mail distribution method, new application programs for word processing are being developed. In addition to the old commands and functions, these new application programs also have additional functions to convert the information required for the new mail distribution into summarized code. Since the issue is software, complexity should be exploited as much as possible. That is, it must be able to convert all possible combinations of the types of a mail item into compact code. In contrast to the new typewriter, the use of the new word processing programs is easier, more convenient. They make writing a little easier.

2.b.l- For single letters

Requests for information about the recipient:

1) - Person: Entry: e.g. B. Mr. Mustermann la) - Or company possible input

Department etc.

2) - Street possible entry: z. B. Musterstrasse 27

2 *) - PO box possible entry if necessary

3) - Location possible entry: z. B. Sample location.

4) - Country (leave blank, means the country of the recipient and sender identical i.e. inland).

After the user has typed this address (on the letterhead), which letter should normally be written at the beginning, the program looks for the correct zip code in the appropriate library (the computer does this in the background.). The search criteria are:

1- location

2- Street and number (possibly replaced by the PO box number).

Then the program asks whether it is a normal letter (or a general shipment), or express, value, blind, registered mail, printed matter etc. Now the program sets the postcode, if necessary, the mailbox together with the type of shipment into a compact code. This code is in the envelope window if the envelope has a letter window. Otherwise the program can have this address printed on labels or directly on an envelope (also possible on paper for other items). 4. a) There are alternatives to 3):

3a) - The sample location is specified (typed). The computer can check whether the location is known or entered correctly. Or

3b) - Only the zip code. The calculator can save the work of searching for zip code. The user would have to calculate the risk of entering the wrong zip code. Because the computer can possibly not recognize an incorrect entry. The advantage, however, is that the computer automatically outputs the company, the street (not always there) and the location. This is particularly advantageous if the recipient is not personal and has his own zip code. In this case, the user only enters the postcode, otherwise normally

- if applicable, name of the recipient (only if personally e.g. Mr. Mustermann, department)

- possibly house number (for some companies that have their own zip code, this is not necessary)

- and the zip code.

The computer automatically outputs the name of the company, the office, the location, where applicable, the street and the house number. For example, with the single entry of the zip code 80297 and type of shipment, the coding is completed on the part of the user. The output from the calculator is:

German Patent Office German Patent Office

80297 Munich 80297 Munich

Or II III II I Uli Uli II>

3 c) - The postcode and the sample location are entered. User effort is required. Here the computer must also check whether the two match.

Depending on the recipient, the user can preferably choose 3a, 3b.

4.1.b) to 4):

4a) - For countries that do not yet have a similar mail distribution system, the computer only outputs the code for the corresponding zone Europe or world broadcast after the information about the country. In the event of a reform of a more precise fee of the shipment

4b) - For those countries that have a uniform (Post-DIN) coding and also a fully automated mail distribution system, the computer should output a code that is used for machine distribution further abroad.

2.b.2- For form letters. -Broadcasts

The data file contains names, companies, and for Germany only city (no postcode. The postcode is automatically added by the computer. This is to prevent incorrect entry of the postcode and to save paperwork for the user). The computer calculates the corresponding code directly in the background without having to output it on the screen (it may or may not be necessary). This will speed up the printing process (mail merge).

2.b.3- Generation of machine-readable receipts (e.g. for parcels, parcels, etc.)

For companies, mail order companies, in general for people who often want to send a lot of packages or do not often have a personal computer and such a word processing program or a new typewriter, the information about the program is easily translated into compact coding. Together with the address, such a code is on a label, letterhead, or on very simple paper (for sticking). The implementation is done in such a way that the manufacturer of the system delivers the corresponding software program to the customer free of charge. The program should be able to be embedded in other word processing programs.

2.b.4- Summary

1- It is suddenly noticed that the program user does not need any additional work. (Exceptionally, it might be a return confirmation.)

2- He also does not need to buy a machine for coding and therefore no additional work and time to operate this machine.

3- Purchasing software is much cheaper than buying hardware. It is also beneficial in maintenance and future-oriented changes.

4- When converting to coding, the computer needs a certain amount of time to work in the background (waiting time). But if you compared the lost time in 2, this waiting time is probably neglected. This waiting time can, however, be reduced considerably to an imperceptible level using good programming technology and powerful computers, which are relevant today.

5- With the inventions of the envelope, the sticky notes for parcels, small parcels (individual mail traffic), as well as with the new typewriter and the new word processing programs (for companies, mail order companies) we can now handle all mail traffic (mailing of all kinds: e.g. private letters , Parcels, as well as business consignments) are led through machines. The counters, vending machines and machines are to be taken over at all times for work such as recording and distribution.

Like other inventions in this entire mail distribution system, we need a globally uniform coding that we have to discuss and act with in other countries.

4- Identification code

Applications Recognition code on envelopes, parcel packages - packaging, on pieces of paper to show mechanically what the packaging is. description

With machine sorting, recordings, optimal arrangements (saving space) of mail items, it is necessary to recognize the size, careful measures (such as fragile) cost-effectively, at lightning speed. In this section we want to make inventions with which we can fulfill these wishes.

On the envelope, on a package of a shipment (either from a shipment promotion company or from an environmentally friendly no longer used e.g. in a supermarket package) is a code that we wanted to call the identification code for further comments.

As examples we see figure numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, 16 and especially 26.

Figure number 26: shows us how many companies can participate in an environmentally friendly campaign.

5- machines

description

In this section we try to invent machines that can automatically pick up mail. These machines have the following properties:

1- The machine generally does not require the sender to enter the destination of a mail item directly at the machine.

2- At main points at which mail items can be sorted mechanically, items that are picked up by this machine at this point can be sorted directly after picking up.

We want to achieve the following advantages:

1- Senders don't have to wait long at the machine to enter data about the destination of a shipment. Since the entries are usually slow (compared to machines), an automaton has to wait. The performance of a machine is not exhausted. In addition, other people standing in line also have to wait until the sender is finished.

2- At main locations, consignments can be sorted directly after machine recording and can already be transported. This significantly shortens the funding time for a program.

In figure number 28, suggestions of a recording system at an extension (in figure number 27), at which there is no sorting system, are presented as an example. The figure numbers 29, 30, 31, 32 show us suggestions for realizing the installation at a main location (figure number 27), which can carry out machine recording, sorting and distribution of mail items.

For an optimized work of the system in figure numbers 30 and 32, a mechanical buffer is additionally set up. There will be broadcasts briefly stored if other components deal with work that have a higher priority or if they are not in use (e.g. defective, brief interruption ...). The mechanical memory therefore serves to ensure that components of a system according to figure numbers 30 and 32 work together in an optimized manner and, if one component fails, others should be able to continue working as far as possible.

Data about a shipment that is machine-recorded with such a machine must be machine-readable before recording. The work in other sections shows us how a shipment is made machine-readable.

By machine recordings of all shipments, it is possible to record exactly how many, which ... shipments are recorded in a time interval. Each machine gives the information to a central in time. This precisely recorded data enables a really optimal optimization of the transport routes of the entire shipments. As a result, shipment subsidies should be faster and cheaper.

6- video coding

- Use of video coding in the areas of recording, filing and approval of mail items

- Use of video coding in the banking sector (check, transfer, deposit, etc.)

Problems and description

With the following inventions, we want to implement semi-automatic processes for receiving mail items in the area of freight and postal services, transfers, solving checks in the area of Postbank and banks. We want to implement reception counters at which postal items, checks, transfers are recorded and processed without human labor (in the foreground) according to the OCR principle (optical character recognition).

When it comes to detection, there is certainly a proportion of mail, checks, transfers that an automatic pick-up machine cannot recognize. For these mailings, checks, transfers we need workers who sit in the background in a video screen system (No. 3 in figure number 33) and read characters and enter them into the machine, which the machine uses the OCR principle cannot recognize. The rest of the processing is done by the machine. As a result, the term comes semi-automatically. Together with other sections, we have also tried to minimize the human help needed.

For further comments, we want to agree here that we combine postal items, checks, transfers as one thing.

Figure number 33: is drawn as an explanation of such a system for shipment recording. The principle also applies to Postbank and banks. The thing no. 2 is picked up by a machine no. 1. He tries to recognize all the necessary data about the matter. If there are signs on the item that he cannot recognize, this data is pending forwarded a plant. This data appears on a monitor (screen) of system no. 3. An employee reads it and returns the data to the machine via a keyboard. This method is currently used for mail distribution at Swiss Post. Our work here is to realize the application of this method in the areas of the reception of the thing and to exploit the performance of the existing system, we see such an exploitation in figure number 35.

Figure number 34: shows us a suggestion how the recording points from figure number 33 are connected to a video system center.

Figure number 35: shows us an example of a complete recording system at a main location (figure number 27) with the OCR principle.

7- fee card

7.A- One-piece fee card specific to a broadcasting company

description

With the following inventions we want to pay with an extra card for billing a shipment. The card is sold directly or indirectly to the sender by a mail order company (e.g. Deutsche Post AG.).

With this card, the fee for a shipment can be paid by the company from which the shipment is requested and the card is issued.

Each sender can buy the card directly or indirectly from the company. The value of the card is reduced accordingly with each fee payment. If the card is no longer solvent, the sender needs to buy a new card.

The card can still contain data about one or some senders. The data can be house number, street, post office box number, post code, place of residence of a sender or a group of senders whose senders have this data in common as in figure number 38-a. If the owner uses the card alone, his name can also be added. In the event that there are data on several senders on the card, there is also a selection device (No. 5, 6 in figure number 38-b, 39, 40) with which a sender selects his personal data on the card, can determine, determine.

The data can be written on the card as machine-readable characters, holes, codes, electronic, magnetic or electromagnetic information. As in figure number 38-a, the data on the sender are, for example, magnetic on strip 1 or on some senders as in figure number 38-b (No. 5 and 1A), which are numbered 6 in the figure 38-b are selectable, saved. You can use words, numbers, holes or codes with special characters, for example ||||||||||| as shown in figure number 39 No. 1 A or figure number 40 No. 1 A and 6 and written on the card. As a result, the sender can partially or entirely refrain from writing the sender's address (figure number 36 no. 1). In this case, the sender's address is read from the card and then printed or written on the shipment and / or on a receipt. Depending on the sender address written on the card, the sender only needs his personal address Write names (figure number 36 no. 1) or nothing at all for the sender's address. The sender data on the card can be printed on a shipment (example figure number 37 no. 2 or figure number 41 no. 2).

Is there a cooperation between the consignment company and another company such as between Telekom AG and Deutsche Post AG, the payment option for such a card can specifically expand the company. Figure number 38 number 4 shows us, for example, with the symbols the payment options specific to the consignment company. The cards as in figure numbers 39 and 40 (No. 4) are specific to a group of companies.

On the card there can still be possibilities that a sender can communicate, display, determine the type of his shipment with the card. In figure number 39 numbers 7 and 8 we see an example. The types of a shipment on the card can be literal or symbolic.

The choice of a sender or a type of shipment on the card can be implemented mechanically and / or electrically and / or electromagnetically and / or optically. In figure numbers 38-b, 39, 40 as examples we see that the selections are realized mechanically with parts 5, 6 and 7, 8, respectively. We see something more convenient with buttons as an example in figure number 50. What the card has chosen is shared by the automatic recording machine, for example in figure number 50 contacts no. 12.

The voting devices No. 5, 6 or 7 and 8 are to be constructed on the card so that they can still be reached by the sender during the recording of a program without having to remove the card.

We want to achieve the following advantages:

1- A sender can use the card to pay fees quickly and easily.

2- Error towers when changing or returning money are excluded.

3- No hassle with stamps, storage, gluing, etc.

4- If all senders use such a fee card, there is no cash in the pick-up machine. This enables us to dispense with work such as filling in, collecting, securing, etc. This makes it possible to reduce the fees for shipments.

5- Since there is no cash in the automatic teller machine, there is no temptation to destroy the machine in order to rob money.

6- If the data about a sender or a few senders are entered on the card, there are the following options: a- A sender can partially or completely forego writing the sender's address. b- The data about the sender can be easily recorded first with the card and then automatically from the shipment. c- With data about the sender, a new procedure in the mail area is made possible, which we describe in section 11 in more detail.

7- With the card, a sender can automatically determine the type of a shipment before standing in front of an automatic pick-up machine. As a result, the time for a shipment to be picked up at the machine is reduced. 8- If there is a possibility that the card can not only be used to pay the fees for shipments, but also to make calls, the user can make a call from one

Telephone booth to tell the called party who the user or caller is before that

Phone call begins.

Unfortunately, it requires close cooperation between Deutsche Post AG. and the Telekom

AG.

7.B- chip card or mini chip card carrier

description

With the following inventions we want the existing card specific to a company, e.g. Deutsche Telekom AG's phone card and the new one that is specific to a shipment request company (e.g. Deutsche Post AG.) Can be reached in section 7.A in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner if they are simple as shown in figure 42, 43 and 44. The inventions can be a bit more comfortable as in figure - number 45, ..., 52, if we want to achieve new possibilities, functions in areas of communication (postal service, freight service, telecommunication). We will see the inventions in this section that they are not only in the fields of broadcasting, telecommunications but also in other areas such as banking, transport, security, etc.. We see this in the example in figure - number 52.

For further comments, we want to agree here that we allow ourselves the card (in figures No. 1) mini chip card and the part that carries at least one such mini chip card in use. Mini chip card carrier or carrier (in figures No. 10 ) to be allowed to call.

The characteristics of the card payable for fees in this section are:

It consists of two parts, as in figure numbers 42, 43 and 44, namely the mini chip card carrier No. 10 and the mini chip card or mini chip cards No. 1. After a sender has used the value of a stamp, only the used mini chip card 1 in figure - number 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 exchanged. The user keeps the carrier No. 10 or keep the users. That if a mini chip card (No. 1) is no longer solvent, the user takes out the used mini chip card (in figure number 1), inserts or inserts (as for example in the figure number: insert) a new solvent mini chip card 1 on or in the carrier 10.

The carrier can simply be as number 10 in figure numbers 42, 43, 44 or contain data about one or more users, voting devices as in figure numbers 45, ..., 52. However, it does not have to have all the details as in the figures.

The number n of window no. 9 in the figure number is equal to the number of mini chip cards no. 1 used in the figures. In figure number 42, for example, n = 1, in figure number 43 n = 2, in figure number 44 n = 3.

The remote windows 9 are constructed in such a way that machine access is possible during use on part 2 of the mini chip card (s) 1. The numbers 3, 4 on the carrier can on the Mini chip card 1 can be moved, and with a transparent part of carrier 10 they can be seen.

As in Section 7. A, the selection devices (No. 5, 6 or No. 7, 8) can be implemented electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, optically. In figure numbers 45, 48, 49 they are mechanical, for example. With number 6 in figure - number 45, 48, 49, the personal data of the sender are selected from list number 5, if data on several possible senders are available on the carrier. No. 7 identifies the type of shipment from list No. 8. The data can be saved as machine-readable characters, code, on one or more magnetic strips as in 46, 47, 50 No. 1A.

Since the carrier, unlike today's one-piece card or as in section 7.A has to be completely replaced after use, can be used for a long time (until lost, defective, broken), it is worthwhile for every sender to use such a mini chip card. Owns carrier. The user or sender selection device can then be dispensed with without having to forego the complete, personal data about the user on the carrier.

In section 7.A - it is required for the benefit No. 8 to work closely together between a consignment company (e.g. Deutsche Post AG. And a communication company (e.g. Telekom AG), which can cause circumstances. Such a close cooperation between the We do not need companies with the carrier here. Every company in the company group in which the fee card holder can be used does not need to have a close financial connection, ie the mini chip card is specific to every company in the group of companies the figure - number 43, 44, 51, 52. The performance of a company is accounted for by the company-specific brand (No. 1) that the company sold to the user. Telephone card, uses the mini postage card with the carrier for mailings. To prevent the exchange of several mini chip cards, we see as an example d he figure - number 43, 44, 52.

We want to achieve the following advantages:

- A mini chip card 1 can be much smaller than the existing chip card format (like a telephone card). We want to reduce the manufacturing costs, the manufacturing expenditure, and the amount of plastic required for the mini chip card production. This enables us to save pollutants, energy and time.

- Together with the carrier we have a "handy" environmentally friendly payable card with an almost normal format. Although the actual brand, mini chip card is much smaller and not too handy (because it is small) than today's.

- More leeway when several companies cooperate. Every company has its own specific chip card, mini chip card, which it sells to its customers. The companies do not need a common chip card or mini chip card, which could require close financial cooperation and more costs.

- If the carrier has multiple windows, then instead of having several cards from different companies in their wallets, the owner only has one mini chip card carrier that contains several mini chip cards.

- If some components are added to the carrier as in the figures - numbers 48, 50, 51, 52, we can create new functions and methods for the areas of application. - The data, data storage, voting devices on the charge card carrier, which normally do not have to be changed in a long time, only have to be written, stored, created once.

8- ID string address

description

With the invention we want to achieve new addressing of a mail item. We wanted to call this new addressing ID string address with the abbreviation IDZA for further statements.

Today we are aware that a shipment must normally be addressed with the name of the recipient, the street with the house number, with the postcode and with the name of the place. How :

Dr. Model man

CP Operations Research Co.

Forststrasse 27

76131 Karlsruhe

(Germany)

The addresses are shorter for large companies, offices, etc. Even so, the company name, postcode and place name must still be used today. How :

(Ms. or Mr. X) German Patent Office 80297 Munich (Germany)

The problems with today's addresses are:

1- Sender usually has to write long,

2- The longer the address of a mail item, the more difficult (time, money, acquisition costs) more complex, slower is the machine recognition and recording of the recipient's address.

3- Automatic recording of an entire (meaning: address with street name, with house number, with postal code, with the city and possibly with recipient's name) previous address (apart from the addresses of the large recipient) is not possible because of disadvantage 2.

4- Apart from the addresses of the large recipient or recipient with a mailbox, the recipient's address is on the program as a visiting address, which is not wanted as protected data. 5- Because of the disadvantages 2 and 3, address changes over time (recipients absent in a period of time: e.g. on vacation, travel) have so far very often been carried out incorrectly and extensively.

With this invention, we want to solve the above problems.

Each previous address is generally replaced by a single ID string address. With this ID string address alone, the destination, the recipient of a mail item, can be clearly defined. It is superfluous to write out from the sender's side about the destination name, possibly the street name and the recipient's house number on a shipment like today. In certain cases, the sender can forego the tendering process via the recipient name, as in Examples 8-1.

Features of the ID string address are:

- An ID string address typically does not contain a complete (in words or words) destination names such as Karlsruhe, Munich, Constance etc., without the street name, without the house number and in some cases also without the recipient name (Examples 8-1) .

- Without aids, the IDZA cannot normally be used to identify the exact destination of the shipment.

- A shipment is addressed by the sender with an ID string address before sending (No. 2 in the figure - number 57). Before a shipment carrier distributes the shipment, the normal address of the ID string address of this shipment is printed directly on the shipment (No. 3 in the figure - number 58) or indirectly on a piece of paper.

Current data

ID string address printed normal address abbreviation IDZA.

Translation Dr. Mustermann s Research Co e.g. : 721615548 and Drucks¬ CP operation

Forststraße 27 establishment 76131 Karlsruhe addressed by the sender

Depending on the information, instructions from the current data, a desired, further referenced address (new or previous) can be printed out.

This ID string address can be assigned to a previous address according to a rule. The assignment to each previous address must be clear.

Existing strings such as telephone, fax, ID number etc. can be used in part or in whole when forming or assigning the ID string address to a previous address.

Allocation rule matching today's zip code

In this section we want to invent an assignment rule like the one

ID string address is associated with a normal address that is the address of a

Recipient, sender can replace.

Let us consider a following assignment rule that relates to a local part of e.g. City, which is represented by today's postal code, which requires a street and house number to uniquely identify an address.

For example:

Henri Mustermann

Muster-H-strasse 34

76131 Karlsruhe.

Pattern A -str.- - 1 Pattern B -str._ - »2

Pattern H -str.- -> i

Pattern YZ-str. - 999

In 76131 Karlsruhe district ⁱⁿ house number N

Regulation A (bijective mapping with reference to a local postcode) assigns a number to each H-street pattern.

Afterwards instead:

Mr. Mustermann is the new Mr. Mustermann Muster i Straße 34 consignment address according to 76131 Karlsruhe, assignment rule A 76131 i 34

where i is a natural number. In the regulation we see: an ID string address consists of three parts: the postcode, the number of the assigned street, the house number and, if there are several apartments in house 34, the name of the recipient. We can deepen the assignment rule with bijective mapping B. Every apartment or mailbox is assigned a number under a house number N. It is therefore sufficient to determine the destination of a shipment with a single ID string address.

Street number (05)

Postcode of a district

76 131 05 34 10

Number of the assigned

Number of the _ apartment under the assigned - number 34 street in the district

It probably only contains four to five numbers that are new.

Achieved advantages:

We want to achieve the following advantages:

1- The visiting address is protected for all recipients. Under an IDZA, a sender can send mail items to the recipient. The sender's visit address remains unknown to the sender. This is not the same with the mailbox (pick up yourself, extra fee, not for everyone and the visit address remains unknown until the end).

2- The previous address is usually shorter due to the ID string address. Sender has to write less. Automatic address recognition is becoming faster, cheaper.

3- The character set of the JJD character string can be considerably small, e.g. consist of only 10 character elements (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). This enables us to significantly increase the percentage, the speed of address detection of the destination of a shipment with OCR, and the costs, the effort of address detection.

4- Advantages 2 and 3 make it possible to record the entire address automatically.

5- The normal address is easily updated by machine. Examples 8-1:

Example 10-2

Let us assume that the recipient X is not in the address Forststraße 27, 76131 Karlsruhe in the period from 30.05.94 to 05.06.06. He requests that all mail be sent to his relative at Heilbronnerstrasse 35, 34560 Hanover

Claims

Protection claims

1- Use the marking principle to show the type of a shipment, and or the postcode, and or the mailbox, and or the zone, and or the post ID string directly on envelopes, on pieces of mail.

Characterized in that the type, the destination of a mail item is indicated by marking on the envelope, slip.

2- envelopes, notes that are used for marking according to claim 1.

Characterized in that for the use of the marking principle according to claim 1 new envelopes, notes are required on which the markings are possible.

3- Use of the marking principle to indicate a limited but arbitrary amount of money on a check, transfer or payment form.

Characterized in that an amount of money, which is limited but arbitrary, can be determined with the marking on a corresponding form.

4- forms, forms that are required for the application according to claim 3.

Characterized in that new forms are made to enable the application according to claim.

5- Reduction of the number of boxes of an elementary group EG by combination with other number systems.

Characterized in that the number of boxes of an elementary group EG can be reduced by combination with other number systems.

6- symbols interpret the type of a program.

Characterized in that the type of a program can be indicated by symbols, figures.

7- Machine-readable code about the data of a postal item is written together with the address on an envelope, on the letterhead, on a piece of paper.

Characterized in that, in addition to the recipient's address, there are also data about the shipment in the form of a code on the envelope, on the letterhead on the letter or on a piece of paper.

8- The code according to claim 7 arises when the recipient's address is entered, possibly the type of shipment, using a software word processing program or the new typewriter

Characterized in that new word processing programs or new typewriter, with which a sender can generate the code, as a new production, by one-time entries via the recipient's address, as was previously the case for a program, type of program come. 9- Identification code is to be put on an envelope, a box that contains information about the envelope, the box.

Characterized in that the identification code on an envelope, a packaging for further machine processing gives the required information about the envelope, the packaging, so that the further processing can proceed optimally.

10- Automatic machines at an extension, which generally do not require any direct input from the machine about the destination of a shipment, automatically accept mail items (parcels, parcels, letters, postcards ...).

Characterized in that parcels, parcels, letters, postcards ... are picked up by a machine according to claim 1. The machine recording does not require information about the destination of the shipment directly on the machine.

11- At main locations, automatic recording machines can be expanded or combined with a sorting system according to claim 1 so that a shipment can be sorted immediately after the recording and can already be transported.

Characterized in that a recording system according to claim 1 is expanded at main locations with additional facilities, that a shipment is sorted immediately after the recording and is already being transported.

12- The machine according to claims 2 and 3 automatically registers data about all recorded programs and communicates this data to a central.

Characterized in that the machine according to claim 1 and 2, in addition to the functions of automatically recording mail items, also registers data about all recorded mail items. He sends the data that he has collected to a central office.

13- Automat on an extension according to claim 1 can signal to a responsible point, notify whether a malfunction, required shipment pick-up and schedule are available.

Characterized in that the machine according to claim 1 tell a competent body what should be done urgently at this point.

14- recording system at a main location according to claim 11 may additionally have a mechanical buffer, on which mail items can be stored for a short time.

Characterized in that a recording system according to claim 11 may additionally have a mechanical consignment buffer, with which operations on the system run optimally.

15- Use of a card specific to the consignment company to settle the charge for a consignment. Characterized in that the fee for a shipment required by a shipment promotion company can be paid with the card that the sender bought directly or indirectly from the company.

16- Data from one or more senders can be on the card according to claim 15.

Characterized in that in addition to the value of the card according to claim 15, which decreases after each fee payment, data about the sender (s) may also be available.

17- The data on the card according to claim 16 over several senders are selectable.

Characterized in that there is the possibility on the card to choose which sender data on the card is considered for the shipment.

18- The data about the sender (s) of the old (paid out) card according to claim 15 and 16 or 17 can be transferred to the new card when buying a new card.

Characterized in that the data about the sender on the old, paid-out card can be machine-read when a new card is bought and written or transferred to the new card.

19- The data about the sender on the card according to claim 16, 17 can be printed on the shipment or on a receipt.

Characterized in that the data about the sender can be read from the card according to claim 16, 17 and printed on the shipment on a receipt.

20- On the card according to claim 15 and / or 16 and / or 17 there may still be indications of what a sender can pay with the card.

Characterized in that notes z. B. in words, symbols, in which areas a sender can use the card as a means of payment.

21- On the card according to claim 15 and / or 16 and / or 17 there may still be the possibility of determining the type of shipment.

Characterized in that a sender can determine, display, communicate the type of shipment with the card.

22- A mini chip card carrier contains a small chip card or mini chip card specific to a company when used, which can be separated from the carrier and can be exchanged by the user.

Characterized in that a carrier in use carries a small chip card, mini chip card in or on itself. When the value of a mini chip card ends, the user buys a new one, takes out the old one and inserts the new one in or on the carrier. 23- mini chip card, which is used with the carrier according to claim 22, are much smaller than those of today.

Characterized in that the format of a payable mini chip card, which is on or in the carrier according to claim 1 during use, is much smaller than the format of a current payable chip card.

24- On the mini chip card carrier according to claim 22 there is at least one window through which a machine with the corresponding mini chip card according to claim 23 can contact or access.

Characterized in that a mini chip card carrier has at least one window, through which contact between the corresponding mini chip card with a machine enables payment.

25- For each window according to claim 24, written, symbolic information is assigned which services or which company can use the mini chip card according to claim 23, which is in this window, as a means of payment.

Characterized in that the user recognizes with the written or symbolic information in which or which area (s) the mini chip card, which is located in this window, can be used as a means of payment.

26- The mini chip card carrier according to claim 22, 24, 25 can additionally contain data about one or more persons who can use the mini chip card carrier. If this is data about more than one user, there is still a user selector on the carrier.

Characterized in that the mini chip card carrier according to claim 22, 24, 25 additionally contains data about the authorized user or users. In the event that more than one user can use the carrier, the carrier has a selection device with which a user can mark, select, determine or display his personal data.

27- The data according to claim 26 are used in the field of postal automation, telephoning, trading (goods, services) in order to automatically record the data about the user that are required for further processing.

Characterized in that the data according to claim 5 is recorded mechanically and used in the areas of postal automation, telephoning, trading (exchange of goods and services).

28- Each entire previous address is replaced by an ID - string - address (ID = identification).

Characterized in that each previous address is replaced by a single ID string address, without the literal name of the destination, without having to write out the literal name of the street by the sender. In individual cases, the sender can, but does not have to, not write out the recipient. 29- Use of part or all of the existing character string, such as telephone, fax, ID number, car registration number, etc., as a whole or part of the ID - character string - address according to claim 28. This possibility is intended for ID string address according to claim 28, but does not have to be used.

Characterized in that the ID string address is completely or partially identical to an existing string. This is only the case if a whole new assignment of an ID string address to an address would like to be partially or completely avoided.

30- Devices (hardware and software) for processing the ID string address of a shipment.

Characterized in that systems, machines and the associated software can read, understand, translate or write and edit the ID string address in claims 28 and 29 respectively.

31- Back translation of the ID string address according to claim 28 or 29 into normal address.

Characterized in that an ID string address in claims 28 and 29 is translated into normal address before the shipment begins to be distributed by a mail carrier. The normal address is printed out for the distribution of the shipment from the shipment carrier. In some cases, the printing of the normal address can be omitted.

A user has a choice of how to work the individual suggestions of the above work individually or

Use combinations of the individual suggestions in practice. The number of combinations is finally a lot.

The goals of the work are security, speed and cost-effectiveness in automation in the postal sector. Unfortunately, jobs in the postal sector could be lost as a result.

However, a little more jobs could be created in other areas. However, we hope to be able to create more jobs with the other projects in other areas.

The application areas, as already written in the work, are also in banks,

Telecommunications as well as trading, exchange of services.