U.S. patent application number 10/600760 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for systems and methods for providing an express mail label.
Invention is credited to Gullo, John F..
Application Number | 20040039715 10/600760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30003179 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040039715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gullo, John F. |
February 26, 2004 |
Systems and methods for providing an express mail label
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for generating a mailing label.
In one embodiment, a method includes requesting, through a
communication channel, a tracking number for the mailing label,
wherein the tracking number identifies that the mailing label is
printable by a user on a single-sheet medium; receiving, through
the communication channel, a response to said request, such that
the response includes the tracking number provided by a source of
one or more tracking numbers; and enabling the user to print the
mailing label with the received tracking number.
Inventors: |
Gullo, John F.; (Alexandria,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Family ID: |
30003179 |
Appl. No.: |
10/600760 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60390991 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/408 ;
705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/0833 20130101;
G07B 17/00508 20130101; G07B 2017/00572 20130101; G07B 17/0008
20130101; G07B 2017/00161 20130101; G07B 2017/0062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/408 ;
705/1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60; G06F
017/00; G07B 017/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for generating a mailing label, the method comprising:
requesting, through a communication channel, a tracking number for
the mailing label, wherein the tracking number identifies that the
mailing label is printable by a user on a single-sheet medium;
receiving, through the communication channel, a response to the
request, the response including the tracking number provided by a
tracking number source; and enabling the user to print the mailing
label with the received tracking number on a single-sheet
medium.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein requesting further comprises:
requesting the tracking number through an interface which solicits
a request for the tracking number from the tracking number
source.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein requesting further comprises:
requesting the tracking number through an interface, the interface
adapted to identify that the tracking number is for the mailing
label that is printable by the user.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: printing the mailing
label on the single-sheet medium, wherein the single-sheet medium
is useable as an Express Mail label.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein printing the mailing label
further comprises: printing the mailing label with an indication
that postage is required.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling comprises: enabling the
user to print through an interface at a processor.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises: receiving
the tracking number with an indication that a credit card was
charged.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said enabling further comprises:
enabling the user to print when an image file is received.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said enabling further comprises:
enabling the user to print the mailing label when the tracking
number is received.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing payment
information, such that the payment information includes a credit
card number.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: requesting an
acknowledgement of delivery based on the tracking number.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving the
requested acknowledgement.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving a date
with the delivery acknowledgement, such that the date corresponds
to when the letter was delivered.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: mailing a label as
the single-sheet medium.
15. A method for enabling a computer generated mailing label to be
printed on a single-sheet medium, the method comprising: receiving,
through a communication channel, a request for a tracking number;
determining whether the request is for a mailing label that is
printable on the single-sheet medium; determining the tracking
number, such that the tracking number includes a unique prefix when
the request is for a mailing label that is printable on the
single-sheet medium; storing the determined tracking number; and
providing, through the communication channel, the determined
tracking number.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving further comprises:
receiving the request through an interface, the interface adapted
to receive the request from a user.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving the request through
the interface further comprises: receiving payment information
corresponding to the user.
18. The method of 17, wherein receiving payment information further
comprises: receiving a credit card number for the user.
19. The method of 16, wherein receiving the request through the
interface further comprises: receiving a ZIP code for a destination
of a letter associated with the request.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein determining whether the request
is for the mailing label further comprises: determining whether the
request originated from an interface, the interface adapted to
enable a user to print the mailing label on the single-sheet
medium.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the tracking number
further comprises: providing a source database of at least one
tracking number, with information identifying a user.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: receiving a
response from the source database, such that the response includes
the tracking number corresponding to the user.
23. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the tracking number
further comprises: determining the unique prefix as a two-character
prefix.
24. The method of claim 15, wherein providing further comprises:
providing through an interface, the determined tracking number,
wherein the interface is adapted to print the mailing label on the
single-sheet medium.
25. The method of claim 15, further comprising: printing the
determined tracking number on the single-sheet medium.
26. The method of claim 15, further comprising: printing an Express
Mail label on a single-sheet medium, the Express Mail label
including the determined tracking number.
27. The method of claim 15, further comprising: storing information
in a financial database; and generating a bill to the user, the
bill derived from the stored information.
28. The method of claim 15, further comprising: generating a
mailing receipt.
29. A method of distributing a letter, comprising: delivering a
letter with a mailing label; determining that the mailing label
includes a tracking number with a two-character prefix, such that
the two-character prefix identifies the mailing label as being
printed by a user; and sending a delivery indication including the
determined tracking number to the user.
30. A system for generating a mailing label, comprising: at least
one memory comprising: first code generates a request, through a
communication channel, for a tracking number for the mailing label,
wherein the tracking number identifies the mailing label as
printable by a user on a single-sheet medium; second code that
receives, through the communication channel, a response to said
request, the response including the tracking number provided by a
tracking number source; and third code that enables the user to
print the mailing label with the received tracking number; and at
least one data processor that executes the first, second, and third
codes.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the first code further
comprises: code that generates a request for a tracking number
through an interface which solicits a request from the tracking
number source.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the first code further
comprises: code that requests the tracking number through an
interface, the interface adapted to identify that the tracking
number is for the mailing label that is printable by the user.
33. The system of claim 30, further comprising: code that prints
the mailing label on the single-sheet medium, wherein the
single-sheet medium is useable as an Express Mail label.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the code that prints further
comprises: code that prints the mailing label with an indication
that postage is required.
35. The system of claim 30, wherein the third code further
comprises: code that enables the user to print through an interface
at the at least one data processor.
36. The system of claim 30, wherein the second code further
comprises: code that receives the tracking number with an
indication that a credit card was charged.
37. The system of claim 30, wherein the third code further
comprises: codes that enables the user to print when an image file
is received.
38. The system of claim 30, wherein the third code further
comprises: code that enables the user to print the mailing label
when the tracking number is received.
39. The system of claim 30, further comprising: code that provides
payment information, such that the payment information includes a
credit card number.
40. The system of claim 30, further comprising: code that requests
an acknowledgement of delivery based on the tracking number.
41. The system of claim 40, further comprising: code that receives
the requested acknowledgement.
42. The system of claim 41, further comprising: code that receives
a date with the delivery acknowledgement, such that the date
corresponds to when the letter was delivered.
43. The system of claim 30, further comprising: code that enables
the user to print the mailing label for use with Express Mail.
44. A system for enabling a computer generated mailing label, the
system comprising: at least one memory comprising: first code that
receives, through a communication channel, a request for a tracking
number; second code that determines whether the request is for a
mailing label that is printable on a single-sheet medium; third
code that determines the tracking number, such that the tracking
number includes a unique prefix when the request is for a mailing
label that is printable on the single-sheet medium; fourth code
that stores the determined tracking number; and fifth code that
provides, through the communication channel, the determined
tracking number; and at least one data processor that executes the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth codes.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the first code further
comprises: code that receives the request through an interface, the
interface adapted to receive the request from a user.
46. The system of claim 45, further comprising: code that receives
payment information corresponding to the user.
47. The system of 46, further comprising: code that receives a
credit card number from the user.
48. The system of 45, further comprising: code that receives a ZIP
code for a destination of a letter associated with the request.
49. The system of claim 44, wherein the second code further
comprises: code that determines whether the request originated from
an interface, the interface adapted to enable a user to print the
mailing label on the single-sheet medium.
50. The system of claim 44, wherein the third code further
comprises: code that provides a source database of one or more
tracking numbers with information identifying a user.
51. The system of claim 50, further comprising: code that receives
a response from the source database, such that the response
includes the tracking number corresponding to the user.
52. The system of claim 44, wherein the third code further
comprises: code that determines the unique prefix as a
two-character prefix.
53. The system of claim 44, wherein the fifth code further
comprises: code that provides the determined tracking number,
wherein the interface is adapted to print the mailing label on the
single-sheet medium.
54. The system of claim 44, further comprising: code that prints
the determined tracking number on the single-sheet medium.
55. The system of claim 44, further comprising: code that prints an
Express Mail label on a single-sheet medium, the Express Mail label
including the determined tracking number.
56. The system of claim 44, further comprising: code that stores
information in a financial database; and code that generates a bill
to the user, the bill derived from the stored information.
57. The system of claim 44, further comprising: code that generates
a mailing receipt.
58. A system of distributing a letter, the system comprising: at
least one memory comprising: first code that determines that the
mailing label includes a tracking number with a two-character
prefix, such that the two-character prefix identifies the mailing
label as being printed by a user; and second code that sends a
delivery indication including the determined tracking number to the
user; and at least one data processor that executes the first and
second codes.
59. A computer program product for generating a mailing label, the
computer program product comprising code, the code comprising first
code that requests, through a communication channel, a tracking
number for the mailing label, wherein the tracking number
identifies that the mailing label is printable by a user on a
single-sheet medium; second code that receives, through the
communication channel, a response to the request, the response
including the tracking number provided by a tracking number source;
and third code that enables the user to print the mailing label
with the received tracking number.
60. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the first
code further comprises: code that requests the tracking number
through an interface which solicits a request for the tracking
number from the tracking number source.
61. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the first
code further comprises: code that requests the tracking number
through an interface, the interface adapted to identify that the
tracking number is for the mailing label that is printable by the
user.
62. The computer program product of claim 59, further comprising:
code that prints the mailing label on the single-sheet medium,
wherein the single-sheet medium is useable as an Express Mail
label.
63. The computer program product of claim 62, further comprising:
code that prints the mailing label with an indication that postage
is required.
64. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the third
code further comprises: code that enables the user to print through
an interface at a processor.
65. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the second
code further comprises: code that receives the tracking number with
an indication that a credit card was charged.
66. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the third
code further comprises: code that enable the user to print when an
image file is received.
67. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the third
code further comprises: code that enables the user to print the
mailing label when the tracking number is received.
68. The computer program product of claim 59, further comprising:
code that provides payment information, such that the payment
information includes a credit card number.
69. The computer program product of claim 59, further comprising:
code that requests an acknowledgement of delivery based on the
tracking number.
70. The computer program product of claim 69, further comprising:
code that receives the requested acknowledgement.
71. The computer program product of claim 70, further comprising:
code that receives a date with the delivery acknowledgement, such
that the date corresponds to when the letter was delivered.
72. The computer program product of claim 59, further comprising:
code that enables the user to print the mailing label for use with
Express Mail.
73. A computer program product for enabling a computer generated
mailing label to be printed on a single-sheet medium, the computer
program product comprising code, the code comprising: first code
that receives, through a communication channel, a request for a
tracking number; second code that determines whether the request is
for a mailing label that is printable on the single-sheet medium;
third code that determines the tracking number, such that the
tracking number includes a unique prefix when the request is for a
mailing label that is printable on the single-sheet medium; fourth
code that stores the determined tracking number; and fifth code
that provides, through the communication channel, the determined
tracking number.
74. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein said the
first further comprises: code that receives the request through an
interface, the interface adapted to receive the request from a
user.
75. The computer program product of claim 74, further comprising:
code that receives payment information corresponding to the
user.
76. The computer program product of 75, further comprising: code
that receives a credit card number from the user.
77. The computer program product of 74, further comprising: code
that receives a ZIP code for a destination of a letter associated
with the request.
78. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein the second
code further comprises: code that determines whether the request
originated from an interface, the interface adapted to enable a
user to print the mailing label on the single-sheet medium.
79. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein third code
further comprises: code that provides a source database of one or
more tracking numbers with information identifying a user.
80. The computer program product of claim 79, further comprising:
code that receives a response from the source database, such that
the response includes the tracking number corresponding to the
user.
81. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein code that
determines the tracking number further comprises: code that
determines the unique prefix as a two-character prefix.
82. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein fifth code
further comprises: code that provides the determined tracking
number through an interface, wherein the interface is adapted to
print the mailing label on the single-sheet medium.
83. The computer program product of claim 73, further comprising:
code that prints the determined on the single-sheet medium.
84. The computer program product of claim 73, wherein said code
that prints further comprises: code that prints an Express Mail
label on a single-sheet medium, the Express Mail label including
the determined tracking number.
85. The computer program product of claim 73, further comprising:
code that stores information to a financial database; and code that
generates a bill to the user, the bill derived from the stored
information.
86. The computer program product of claim 73, further comprising:
code that generates a mailing receipt.
87. A computer program product for mail distribution, the computer
program product comprising code, the code comprising: first code
that determines that a mailing label includes a tracking number
with a two-character prefix, such that the two-character prefix
identifies the mailing label as being printed by a user; and second
code that sends a delivery indication including the determined
tracking number to the user.
88. A system for generating a mailing label, the system comprising
means for requesting, through a communication channel, a tracking
number for the mailing label, wherein the tracking number
identifies that the mailing label is printable by a user on a
single-sheet medium; means for receiving, through the communication
channel, a response to the request, the response including the
tracking number provided by a tracking number source; and means for
enabling the user to print the mailing label with the received
tracking number on a single-sheet medium.
89. A system for enabling a computer generated mailing label to be
printed on a single-sheet medium, the system comprising: means for
receiving, through a communication channel, a request for a
tracking number; means for determining whether the request is for a
mailing label that is printable on the single-sheet medium; means
for determining the tracking number, such that the tracking number
includes a unique prefix when the request is for a mailing label
that is printable on the single-sheet medium; means for storing the
determined tracking number; and means for providing, through the
communication channel, the determined tracking number.
90. A mail distribution network, the network comprising: means for
determining that a mailing label includes a tracking number with a
two-character prefix, such that the two-character prefix identifies
the mailing label as being printed by a user; and means for sending
a delivery indication including the determined tracking number to
the user.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/390,991, entitled "EXPRESS MAIL LABEL
DESIGN," filed on Jun. 24, 2002, the disclosure of which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] I. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention generally relates to mailing labels.
More particularly, systems and methods are provided for enabling a
user to produce an Express Mail label, such that the Express Mail
label is printable by the user on a single-sheet label.
[0004] II. Background Information
[0005] Express Mail is the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) premier
service and offers guaranteed next-day and second-day delivery
service 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. Letters,
documents, merchandise, and packages may be sent using Express
Mail, with a refund provided to the sender if the shipment is
delivered later than the guaranteed delivery date.
[0006] Currently, a user mailing a letter or package is required to
use a USPS multiple sheet Express Mail label, such as USPS Label
11-B. These labels include four sheets and are thus difficult to
automate, since they must be hand-printed or generated on a
dot-matrix printer. Because most users prefer laser or thermal
printers, these multiple sheet labels cannot be used.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need to allow users to print black
and white, single-sheet labels online for all USPS product lines
(i.e., overnight, second-day, and ground service). Moreover, there
is also a need to allow users to automate their mailing operations
and print shipping labels directly from local or network
printers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to systems
and methods for enabling a user to produce an Express Mail label
which is printable by a user on a single-sheet medium.
[0009] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
may generate a mailing label, such that the mailing label may be
used with a letter or package sent in an express manner. In an
embodiment, systems and methods consistent with the present
invention may request, through a communication channel, a tracking
number for the letter or package, wherein the tracking number
identifies that the mailing label is printable by a user on a
single-sheet medium, such as a label. Furthermore, systems and
methods consistent with the present invention may receive, through
the communication channel, a response to the request, such that the
response includes the tracking number provided by a source of one
or more tracking numbers. In addition, systems and methods
consistent with the present invention may enable the user to print,
on a single-sheet medium, the mailing label with the received
tracking number.
[0010] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
may also enable a user to print a computer generated mailing label.
In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, through a
communication channel, a request for a tracking number; and
determining whether the request is for a mailing label that is
printable by a user on a single-sheet medium. When the request is
for a mailing label that is printable by the user on the
single-sheet medium, the method may include determining the
tracking number, such that the tracking number includes a unique
prefix; storing the determined tracking number; and providing,
through the communication channel, the determined tracking
number.
[0011] Moreover, systems and methods consistent with the present
invention may distribute one or more letters or packages. In one
embodiment, the method may include delivering a letter with a
mailing label; determining that the mailing label includes a
tracking number with a two-character prefix, such that the
two-character prefix identifies the mailing label as being printed
by a user; and sending a delivery indication including the
determined tracking number.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
described. Further features and/or variations may be provided in
addition to those set forth herein. For example, the present
invention may be directed to various combinations and
subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and
subcombinations of several further features disclosed below in the
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
embodiments and aspects consistent with the present invention and,
together with the description, explain the principles of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system environment
consistent with the systems and methods of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary processor capable of
printing a label for a user of the exemplary system of FIG. 1
consistent with the systems and methods of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart for requesting a tracking
number consistent with the systems and methods of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary customer receipt consistent with
the systems and methods of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary single-sheet mailing label
printed by a user consistent with the systems and methods of the
present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart for receiving a request for
a tracking number and providing a tracking number that enables a
user to print a mailing label consistent with the systems and
methods of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the invention,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0021] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
enable a user to print Express Mail labels online using a
single-sheet medium, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive form
removably affixed to a carrier substrate (e.g., a label). The
mailing label includes, inter alia, a tracking number with a unique
prefix. The prefix identifies that the label was printed by an
online user rather than printed by some other means, such as
manually or by a postal facility using multiple sheet labels.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system 1000 that enables a user
to print an Express Mail label online (e.g., through a
communication channel) using a single-sheet label. Referring to
FIG. 1, system 1000 includes a user 1100, one or more communication
channels 1400-1404, and an issuer 1500. Issuer 1500 includes a
financial database 1570, a computing platform 1300, and an Express
Mail database 1560.
[0023] User 1100 includes any entity seeking to print an Express
Mail label online using a single-sheet medium (or label). User 1100
may include, for example, a consumer home computer, a retail mail
kiosk, a retail mail outlet, a mail facility, such as a post office
or distribution center, and/or a corporate mail center. Moreover,
user 1100 may include one or more processors, as described in
detail below. Although only a single user 1100 is depicted in FIG.
1, a plurality users may seek to print mailing labels.
[0024] Communication channels 1400-1404 (also referred to herein as
"communication channel") may include, alone or in any suitable
combination a telephony-based network, a local area network (LAN),
a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated intranet, the Internet, a
wireless network, a bus, or a backplane. Further, any suitable
combination of wired and/or wireless components and systems may be
incorporated into the communication channels. Although the
communication channels are depicted in FIG. 1 as bi-directional, a
skilled artisan would recognize that unidirectional communication
links may be used instead.
[0025] Issuer 1500 includes any entity that enables a user to
generate (or print) single-sheet labels by issuing tracking numbers
with a unique prefix to distinguish the user-printed Express Mail
labels from any other mailing labels, such as Express Mail labels
printed on multiple sheet labels. Issuer 1500 may also include
financial database 1570 to record financial transactions. For
example, when user 1100 requests a tracking number so that a
single-sheet Express Mail label may be printed, user 1100 may
provide payment information, such as credit card information, to
issuer 1500. Issuer 1500 may then record a credit in financial
database 1570 and later record against that credit any payments
received from a bank or credit card.
[0026] Furthermore, issuer 1500 may include computing platform
1300. FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary computer 2000
that may be used as the computing platform 1300. As noted above,
exemplary computer 2000 may also be used by (or included in) user
1100. Computer 2000 includes an input module 2050, a processor
2200, a storage module 2500, and an output module 2300.
[0027] Output module 2300 further includes a display 2350, a
printer 2360, and a network interface 2380. Network interface 2380
enables computer 2000 to communicate through communication channels
1400-1404.
[0028] Input module 2050 of FIG. 2 may be implemented with a
variety of devices to receive user input and/or provide input to
processor 2200. Some of these devices (not shown) may include, for
example, a network interface card, a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a
bar code reader, and an input storage device.
[0029] Although FIG. 2 illustrates only a single processor 2200,
computer 2000 may alternatively include a plurality of processors.
Processor 2200 may also include, for example, one or more of the
following: central processing unit, co-processor, memory,
registers, and other data processing devices and systems as
appropriate. Moreover, computer 2000 (or processor 2200 therein)
may be embodied as a wireless or portable device, such as a mobile
phone, text messaging device, or personal digital assistant
(PDA).
[0030] Storage module 2500 may be embodied with a variety of
components or subsystems capable of providing storage including,
for example, a hard drive, an optical drive, a general-purpose
storage device, a removable storage device, and/or memory.
Moreover, storage module 2500 may be capable of including
databases, such as financial database 1570 or Express Mail database
1560. Further, although storage module 2500 is illustrated in FIG.
2 as being separate or independent from processor 2200, storage
module 2500 and processor 2200 may be implemented as part of a
single platform or system.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, issuer 1500 may include Express
Mail database 1560, such that it is available to user 1100 while
connected online through the communication channel (or network).
Express Mail database 1560 may include tracking numbers for letters
and packages, with corresponding additional information. This
additional information may include one or more of the following:
payment or fee information, a destination address, a user (or
sender) address, delivery information (e.g., whether the package
has been delivered), originating post office ZIP code, day of
delivery (e.g., next day or second day), time of delivery (e.g., by
12 noon or by 3 PM), date and time package or letter provided to
post office for mailing, return receipt request, weight of letter
or package, weekend or holiday delivery requests, amount of
postage, insurance information, and cash on delivery (COD)
requests. Moreover, Express Mail database 1560 may provide user
1100 with a tracking number. The tracking number may include a
unique prefix, identifying the tracking number as issued to user
1100. In one aspect consistent with the invention, the unique
prefix identifies that the tracking number is associated with a
mailing label that is printable by a user on a single-sheet mailing
label rather than a multiple sheet label. In one embodiment,
Express Mail database 1560 is stored on storage module 2500 and is
accessible online through communication channels 1400-1403.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary method where user 1100 makes a
request for a tracking number and then prints a single-sheet
mailing label for Express Mail delivery. Referring to FIG. 3, user
1100 may request a tracking number for an Express Mail label that
is printable by the user (step 3100). User 1100 may then receive a
tracking number with a unique two-character prefix, identifying the
tracking number as a user generated Express Mail label (step 3200).
With the tracking number, user 1100 may be enabled to print on
printer 2360 a mailing label using a single-sheet medium, such as
an adhesive or self-stick label (step 3300). After printing, the
single-sheet mailing label may then be affixed to a letter or
package and then mailed, such as via the USPS Express Mail service
(steps 3350-3400). If postage is sufficient to mail the letter or
package to its destination, the letter or package will be delivered
to the address indicated on the mailing label (step 3500).
Otherwise, user 1100 may be required to pay additional fees (or
postage) (steps 3600). When the package is delivered, user 1100 may
receive an indication that the package has been delivered (step
3700). The following provides a more detailed description of steps
3100-3700.
[0033] To request a tracking number (step 3100), user 1100 may use
an interface, such as an application programming interface, on
computer 2000 to request (or solicit) a tracking number from issuer
1500 via communication channels 1400-1403. In one embodiment, the
interface is embedded in an Internet browser, permitting the user
to make the request using the browser. The request may include an
indication that the tracking number is for a user which seeks to
print an Express Mail label while connected online through
communication channels 1400-1404. The indication may be in any form
including, for example, a flag, a bit, a byte, a message, or a
signal. The request may also include additional information, such
as payment or fee information, a destination address, a user (or
sender) address, delivery information (e.g., whether the package
has been delivered), originating post office ZIP code, day of
delivery (e.g., next day or second day), time of delivery (e.g., by
12 noon or by 3 PM), date and time package or letter was provided
to a post office for mailing, return receipt request, weight of
letter or package, weekend or holiday delivery requests, amount of
postage, insurance information, and COD requests. Issuer 1500 may
process the request, which is described in greater detail below
with respect to FIG. 6, and provide a tracking number to user
1100.
[0034] User 1100 (or computer 2000 therein) may receive the
tracking number from issuer 1500 via communications channels
1400-1403 (step 3200). In one aspect consistent with the invention,
the tracking number may include a two-character prefix. The
two-character prefix may identify that the tracking number
corresponds to a user-generated mailing label requested online
and/or printable by the user on a single-sheet label. The received
tracking number may be received with additional information, such
as information that enables user 1100 to print the Express Mail
label. For example, the tracking number may be received with an
indication that postage was paid. When that is the case, the
express mailing label may be printed with such postage information.
Otherwise, the postage information on the mailing label may be left
blank when printed by printer 2360. In addition to the tracking
number, user 1100 may receive a receipt from issuer 1500 through
communication channels 1400-1404. FIG. 4 depicts an example of the
receipt received from issuer 1500. Moreover, user 1100 may receive
an image file, such as a ".pdf" file, with the tracking number and
any additional information formatted for printing on printer 2360.
In one aspect of the invention, the image file and/or the tracking
number are not sent to user 1100 until user 1100 pays any fees
associated with mailing the letter or package.
[0035] In one embodiment, the received tracking number may be
received using an interface on computer 2000, such as an
application programming interface or an interface (or plug-in)
embedded in an Internet browser. For example, the plug-in may be
software (or code) for viewing text or image files.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 3, with the received tracing number,
issuer 1500 may enable user 1100 to print the Express Mail label
using a single-sheet label (step 3300). In one embodiment, user
1100 may be enabled to print the express mailing label when user
1100 receives an image file from issuer 1500. The image file may
contain the tracking number that uniquely identifies the mailing
label as printable by user 1100. With the image file, user 1100 may
print the Express Mail label (step 3350).
[0037] An exemplary Express Mail label 5000 is depicted in FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 5, the mailing label is printed on a single-sheet
label, not a multi-sheet label. Express Mail label 5000 may include
a return address 5200, a destination address 5300, and a tracking
number 5400 with a corresponding bar code 5410. Tracking number
5400 includes a unique prefix "EO" to identify label 5000 as an
Express Mail label printable by user 1100 on a single-sheet label.
The unique prefix may further indicate that the tracking number is
received while connected online to issuer 1500. Express Mail label
5000 further includes an indication of whether postage has been
"PAID" or is "REQUIRED" 5100. In the case of FIG. 5, postage must
be paid in a separate transaction, since postage is still
"REQUIRED" 5100. Lastly, label 5000 includes information 5500 for
use by issuer 1500 (in this case, the USPS).
[0038] In one aspect consistent with the invention, the Express
Mail label may be printed using an interface on computer 2000, such
as an application programming interface or a plug-in embedded in an
Internet browser.
[0039] When the Express Mail label is printed, it may then be
affixed to a letter or package and mailed, such as via the USPS
Express Mail service (step 3400, FIG. 3). In one embodiment, user
1100 may receive a customer receipt 4000, depicted in FIG. 4, from
issuer 1500 and provide that receipt 4000 to the USPS (or carrier)
for a postmark. The postmarked customer receipt may serve as proof
of mailing the letter or package.
[0040] If postage is sufficient to mail the letter or package to
its destination, the letter or package will be delivered to the
address indicated on the Express Mail label (step 3500). In one
embodiment, the USPS verifies the weight of the package or letter,
and then determines whether sufficient postage has been paid
against the tracking number for that package or letter. If postage
is insufficient, user 1100 may be required to pay additional fees
(step 3600) or, alternatively, the addressee may be required to pay
any additional fees on delivery of the package or letter. The user
may pay postage online to issuer 1500 or directly to a USPS postal
facility.
[0041] When the package is delivered, user 1100 may receive an
indication that the package or letter has been delivered (step
3700). In one embodiment, the indication is in the form of a
message that includes at least one of the following: the tracking
number, delivery address, date and time of delivery, and name (or
signature) of the person accepting delivery of the package or
letter. For example, user 1100 may receive a message or electronic
mail (email) from issuer 1500. Alternatively, user 1100 may call
(or request) with delivery information from issuer 1500.
[0042] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart depicting the steps
associated with issuer 1500 receiving a request (e.g. from user
1100) for a tracking number. Referring to FIG. 6, issuer 1500 may
receive a request for a tracking number for an Express Mail label
(step 6100). Issuer 1500 may then determine whether the request is
for a single-sheet mailing label that is printable by user 1100
while connected online to issuer 1500 (step 6200). If so, issuer
1500 may determine a two-character prefix that identifies the
tracking number as being associated with an Express Mail letter (or
package) that is printable by user 1100 on a single-sheet label
(step 6300). Issuer 1500 may also store the tracking number and any
corresponding additional information, such as user identity (step
6400). Issuer 1500 may then provide to user 1100, the tracking
number with the two-character prefix (step 6500). The tracking
number and corresponding additional information may also be
provided to a financial entity, such as a corporate accounting
department or database therein, to record a financial transaction
associated with the tracking number (step 6600). Steps 6100-6600
are described in additional detail below.
[0043] Issuer 1500 (or computing platform 1300 therein) may receive
a request for a tracking number from user 1100 through
communication channels 1400-1402 (step 6100). For example,
computing platform 1300 may include an interface, such as an
application programming interface or a plug-in embedded in an
Internet browser, that receives the request from user 1100.
[0044] Computing platform 1300 may then determine whether the
tracking number request is for a single-sheet mailing label that is
printable by user 1100 (step 6200). In one embodiment, the request
for the tracking number is received from user 1100 and includes, as
part of the request, an indication that the request is for a
single-sheet mailing label which is printable by user 1100. For
example, the request may be made by an interface adapted to make
such requests using a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (http)
connection to a website that receives tracking numbers.
Alternatively, the request may include information, such as a flag,
signal, or text field, indicating that the request is for a
single-sheet mailing label which is printable by user 1100. In one
embodiment, the tracking number request may be in the form of a
TCP/IP (Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) exchange,
such as a Simple Object Oriented Protocol (SOAP) or HTTP.
[0045] Issuer 1500 (or computer platform 1300 therein) may also
determine a two-character prefix that identifies the tracking
number as being associated with an Express Mail letter (or package)
that is printable by user 1100 on a single-sheet label (step 6300).
In one embodiment, computing platform 1300 may request a tracking
number with a unique two-character prefix from Express Mail
database 1560. Express Mail database 1560 then provides to
computing platform 1300, the tracking number with the two-character
prefix. Express Mail database 1560 may store additional information
associated with the tracking number including at least one of the
following: payment or fee information, a destination address, a
user (or sender) address, delivery information, originating post
office ZIP Code, day of delivery, time of delivery, date and time
package or letter was provided to a post office for mailing, return
receipt request, weight of letter or package, weekend or holiday
delivery requests, amount of postage, insurance information, and
COD requests (step 6400).
[0046] Computing platform 1500 may then provide to user 1100 the
tracking number with the two-character prefix (step 6500). In one
embodiment, the request for the tracking number may be provided to
user 1100 through an interface adapted to provide (or solicit)
tracking numbers. The interface may be in the form of an
application programming interface or an interface (or plug-in)
embedded in an Internet browser. Moreover, computing platform 1500
may provide the tracking number as part of a TCP/IP-based message
exchange. Computing platform 1500 may also provide a printable
image file with the tracking number. The image file may be printed
by user 1100 on printer 2360, outputting a mailing label, such as
depicted in FIG. 5.
[0047] Computing platform 1300 may also provide to a financial
entity, such as a corporate accounting department or database
therein, a record of the financial transaction associated with the
tracking number (step 6600). For example, computing platform 1300
may provide a user's payment information, such as credit card
information, to financial database 1570. Financial database 1570
may also credit any amounts received from a bank or credit card to
the tracking number. Furthermore, computing platform 1300 may
provide a copy of customer on-line receipt 4000 depicted in FIG. 4
to financial database 1570, where receipt 4000 may be stored.
[0048] In one embodiment, issuer 1500 is also a distributor of
letters and packages. In that embodiment, when issuer 1500 delivers
the letter or package with a tracking number that includes a unique
two-character prefix, as described above, issuer 1500 may send an
acknowledgment (or indication) to user 1100 through communication
channel 1400. For example, the indication may be in the form of an
electronic mail message with at least one of the following: the
tracking number, date and time of delivery, person accepting the
letter (or package), and destination address.
[0049] Although the description above refers to a single-sheet
label for Express Mail, a skilled artisan would recognize upon
reading the disclosure herein that delivery mechanisms other than
Express Mail may be implemented instead.
[0050] The systems and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in
various forms including, for example, a processor, such as computer
2000. Moreover, the above-noted features and other aspects and
principles of the present invention may be implemented in various
environments. Such environments and related applications may be
specially constructed for performing the various processes and
operations of the invention or they may include a general-purpose
computer or computing platform selectively activated or
reconfigured to provide the necessary functionality. The processes
disclosed herein are not inherently related to any particular
computer or other apparatus, and may be implemented by a suitable
combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example,
various general-purpose machines may be used with programs written
in accordance with teachings of the invention, or it may be more
convenient to construct a specialized apparatus or system to
perform the required methods and techniques.
[0051] Systems and methods consistent with the present invention
also include computer readable media that include program
instruction or code for performing various computer-implemented
operations based on the methods and processes of the invention. The
media and program instructions may be those specially designed and
constructed for the purposes of the invention, or they may be well
known and available to those of ordinary skill in the computer
software arts. Examples of program instructions include machine
code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing a high
level code that can be executed by the computer using an
interpreter.
[0052] For purposes of the above discussion, a process is generally
conceived to be a sequence of computer-executed steps leading to a
desired result. These steps generally require physical
manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical,
magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred,
combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is conventional
for those skilled in the art to refer to these signals as bits,
values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, objects, numbers,
records, files, etc. However, these and similar terms should be
associated with appropriate physical quantities for computer
operations. These terms are merely conventional labels applied to
physical quantities that exist within and during computer
operation.
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