US 6,477,514 B1 · Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems

Abstract

An automated self-service mail processing and storing system is disclosed which is capable of receiving input from and providing instructions to a user via a touch-sensitive screen or a digitized voice system. The system is capable of weighing the mail item, receiving user identification information from a credit/debit card, for example, for payment, calculating the charge for shipment and deducting that amount from the user's charge account, and securely storing the item for subsequent pickup. The system contains a novel weighing means capable of detecting minute vibrations for purposes of obtaining an accurate weight amount. The system may also contain a tracking bar code generation means and a tracking bar code verification system. Optionally, a dual floppy disk system allows the user to send electronic mail, and a built-in facsimile apparatus allows the user to send “FAX” information through the telephone line. Also disclosed is a two-way communication means coupled between the mail processing and storing system computer and a remote computer station for providing such functions as credit authorization and charge reporting, transaction and tracking information transfers, error reporting, etc.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An automated mailing system for processing and storing letters for subsequent shipment by a carrier comprising:

(a) an outer housing having a back side and a front side;
(b) a computer contained within said outer housing;
(c) an instruction conveyance device coupled to said computer for communicating instructions to said user on how to operate said system to process a letter for mailing;
(d) a voice recognition user input device on said outer housing and coupled to said computer and said instruction conveyance device for receiving input from said user to operate said system to process said letter for mailing;
(e) a postage stamp meter contained within said outer housing and coupled to said computer for printing an indication of postage;
(f) a scale coupled to said computer for weighing said letter prior to printing the indication of postage;
(g) a computer program run on said computer that determines required postage responsive to the scale and controls the postage stamp meter to print postage responsive to the required postage;
and
(h) a storage area contained within said outer housing for storing said letters.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems

Life of this patent

Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12