U.S. patent application number 12/492401 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for system and method for selecting postal indicia size.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pitney Bowes Inc.. Invention is credited to Christian A. Beck, David W. Beckstrom, Yakup J. Igval.
Application Number | 20090259602 12/492401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36565502 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090259602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beckstrom; David W. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING POSTAL INDICIA SIZE
Abstract
According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal
indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a
first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing,
in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second
dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user
of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia
image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one
of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a
mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected
indicia image format.
Inventors: |
Beckstrom; David W.;
(Milford, CT) ; Igval; Yakup J.; (Newton, PA)
; Beck; Christian A.; (Ridgefield, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PITNEY BOWES INC.
35 WATERVIEW DRIVE, MSC 26-22
SHELTON
CT
06484-3000
US
|
Assignee: |
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
36565502 |
Appl. No.: |
12/492401 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11000117 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
7571144 |
|
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12492401 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/408 ;
700/227; 705/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B 17/00508 20130101;
G07B 2017/0058 20130101; G07B 2017/00685 20130101; G07B 17/00661
20130101; G07B 2017/00725 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/408 ;
705/410; 700/227 |
International
Class: |
G07B 17/02 20060101
G07B017/02; G06F 7/00 20060101 G06F007/00 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus,
comprising: storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format
comprising a first dimension; storing, in the apparatus, a second
indicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds
to and differs from the first dimension; determining a size of a
mail piece; selecting one of the indicia image formats based at
least in part on the determined size of the mail piece; and
printing, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with
the selected indicia image format.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting comprises:
comparing the first and second dimensions to the size of the mail
piece; determining that at least one of the first and second
dimensions are smaller than the size of the mail piece; and
selecting at least one of the first and second indicia image
formats based on the determination that at least one of the first
and second dimensions are smaller than the size of the mail
piece.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicia image format
associated with the smaller of the first and second dimensions is
selected such that the indicia image printed in accordance with the
indicia image format will not overrun an edge of the mail
piece.
4. A method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus,
comprising: storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format
comprising a first dimension; storing, in the apparatus, a second
indicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds
to and differs from the first dimension; identifying a location of
an object printed on a mail piece; selecting one of the indicia
image formats based at least in part on the identified location of
the object printed on the mail piece; and printing, on the mail
piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia
image format.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the object printed on the mail
piece comprises at least one of a facing indication mark, a postage
guide, a return address, or a barcode.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the object printed on the mail
piece comprises multiple objects.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the identifying of the location
of the object comprises: sensing, by the apparatus, the location of
the object printed on the mail piece.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensing is conducted by
directing a signal toward the mail piece.
9. The method of claim 4, further comprising: altering the selected
indicia image format based at least in part on the identified
location of the object printed on the mail piece.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the altering comprises:
rearranging at least one portion of the indicia image format such
that the indicia image printed in accordance with the indicia image
format will not overlap the object printed on the mail piece.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the altering comprises: reducing
a font size used within the indicia image format.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the altering comprises: deleting
human-readable information from the indicia image format.
13. A system, comprising: a postal indicia printing apparatus,
comprising: a sensor to identify a mail piece; a memory device to
store a plurality of postal indicia image formats; a processor to
automatically select one of the plurality of postal indicia image
formats, wherein the selection is based at least in part on the
identified mail piece; and a printing device to print, on the
identified mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the
selected postal indicia image format.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor is further to locate
one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the indicia image, when printed
in accordance with the indicia image format, does not overlap the
one or more objects printed on the identified mail piece.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the indicia image, when printed
in accordance with the indicia image format, does not overlap an
edge of the identified mail piece.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the plurality of postal
indicia image formats comprises a dimension that differs from a
corresponding dimension of a second one of the plurality of postal
indicia image formats.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of printing
postal indicia, and more particularly to selecting postal indicia
image formats.
[0002] Postal indicia may be printed on a variety of envelopes,
postcards, indicia strip tapes and other mail pieces. However, it
may be important to select postal indicia formats based on the mail
piece to be printed upon. More generally, it may be desirable to
avoid printing postal indicia images that overlap mail piece edges
and/or that overlap pre-printed objects on the mail piece.
SUMMARY
[0003] Accordingly, systems and methods of operating a postal
indicia printing apparatus to select postal indicia image formats
are provided.
[0004] In one aspect, a method comprises storing, in the apparatus,
a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension. The
method may further comprise storing, in the apparatus, a second
indicia image format comprising a second dimension that corresponds
to and differs from the first dimension. In some embodiments, the
method may continue by prompting a user of the apparatus to select
one of the first and second indicia image formats. The method may
further comprise receiving a signal indicative of a selection of
one of the first and second indicia image formats. According to
some embodiments, the method may comprise printing, on a mail
piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia
image format.
[0005] The method may further comprise recommending one of the
first and second indicia image formats to the user. In some
embodiments, the prompting of the user may comprise determining a
type of the mail piece, determining that the first and second
indicia image formats are associated with the type of the mail
piece, and prompting the user to select one of the first and second
indicia image formats.
[0006] In some aspects, the signal indicative of a selection of one
of the first and second indicia image formats may comprise an
indication that printing resources are desired to be conserved. The
printing resources may comprise, for example, at least one of ink,
toner, power, or memory.
[0007] According to some embodiments, the signal indicative of a
selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats may
comprise an indication defining at least one dimension associated
with the mail piece that corresponds to the first and second
dimensions. The method may further comprise comparing the at least
one dimension associated with the mail piece with at least one of
the corresponding first or second dimensions, and determining that
at least one of the corresponding first or second dimensions are
smaller than or equal to the at least one dimension associated with
the mail piece. The method may continue by notifying the user of
the at least one of the corresponding first or second dimensions
determined to be smaller than the at least one dimension associated
with the mail piece.
[0008] In another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the
apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first
dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format
comprising a second dimension that correspond to and differs from
the first dimension, determining a size of a mail piece, selecting
one of the indicia image formats based at least in part on the
determined size of the mail piece, and printing, on the mail piece,
an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image
format. The selecting may comprise, for example, comparing the
first and second dimensions to the size of the mail piece,
determining that at least one of the first and second dimensions
are smaller than the size of the mail piece, and selecting at least
one of the first and second indicia image formats based on the
determination that at least one of the first and second dimensions
are smaller than the size of the mail piece.
[0009] In some embodiments, the indicia image format associated
with the smaller of the first and second dimensions may be selected
such that the indicia image printed in accordance with the indicia
image format will not overrun an edge of the mail piece.
[0010] In yet another aspect, a method comprises storing, in the
apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first
dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format
comprising a second dimension that corresponds to and differs from
the first dimension, identifying a location of an object printed on
a mail piece, selecting one of the indicia image formats based at
least in part on the identified location of the object printed on
the mail piece, and printing, on the mail piece, an indicia image
in accordance with the selected indicia image format.
[0011] In some embodiments, the object printed on the mail piece
comprises at least one of a facing indication mark, a postage
guide, a return address, or a barcode. In some aspects, the object
printed on the mail piece comprises multiple objects. According to
some embodiments, the identifying of the location of the object may
comprise sensing, by the apparatus, the location of the object
printed on the mail piece. The sensing may, for example, be
conducted by directing a signal toward the mail piece.
[0012] The method may continue by altering the selected indicia
image format based at least in part on the identified location of
the object printed on the mail piece. The altering may comprise,
for example, rearranging at least one portion of the indicia image
format such that the indicia image format, when printed on the mail
piece, does not overlap the object printed on the mail piece. In
some aspects, the altering may comprise reducing a font size used
within the indicia image format or deleting human-readable
information from the indicia image format.
[0013] In still another aspect, a system comprises a postal indicia
printing apparatus, comprising, a sensor to identify a mail piece,
a memory device to store a plurality of postal indicia image
formats, a processor to automatically select one of the plurality
of postal indicia image formats, wherein the selection is based at
least in part on the identified mail piece, and a printing device
to print, on the identified mail piece, an indicia image in
accordance with the selected postal indicia image format. In some
embodiments, the sensor may be further to locate one or more
objects printed on the identified mail piece. In some aspects, the
indicia image, when printed in accordance with the indicia image
format, may not overlap the one or more objects printed on the
identified mail piece. According to some embodiments, the indicia
image, when printed in accordance with the indicia image format,
may not overlap an edge of the mail piece. Further, one of the
plurality of postal indicia image formats may comprise a dimension
that differs from a corresponding dimension of a second one of the
plurality of postal indicia image formats.
[0014] Therefore, it should now be apparent that the claimed
embodiments substantially achieve all the above aspects and
advantages. Additional aspects and advantages of the claimed
embodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, and
in part will be discernable from the description, and/or may be
learned by practice of the embodiments. Various features and
embodiments are further described in the following drawings,
description, and claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of some
embodiments, and together with the general description given above
and the detailed description given below, serve to explain various
principles of some embodiments. Where it has been practicable
and/or convenient, like reference numerals have been used to
designate like and/or corresponding parts or procedures.
[0016] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece
according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary mail piece
according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method according to some
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] According to some embodiments, systems and methods may allow
a user of a postal indicia printing apparatus to select an indicia
image format to print an indicia image on a mail piece. Typical
postal indicia image printing apparatus do not allow such a
selection, and instead print indicia images using a single postal
indicia image format on all mail pieces. Other features such as
advertising slogans, graphics, postal endorsements or inscriptions,
and/or tracking barcodes may be added to the standard postal
indicia image format, but no alternate postal indicia image format
may be selected by the user. In another embodiment, portions or
fields of the postal indicia may be printed using a postal indicia
field priority process. The field priority may be preset or
variable and an illustrative priority is shown herein.
[0024] In some circumstances, such as in the case that the mail
piece is a small postcard and/or includes a pre-printed object
(e.g., a return address field, an address field, a barcode, a
Facing Indication Mark (FIM), and/or a postage guide), the standard
postal indicia image format, when used to print an indicia image on
the mail piece, may overlap the pre-printed objects and/or may
overrun the mail piece itself. According to some embodiments, a
user operating a postal indicia printing apparatus may select from
a plurality of available postal indicia image formats. The user
may, for example, select a "shorter" postal indicia image format
for use on small postcards and/or may select a "modified" version
of a postal indicia image format to print an indicia image without
overlapping pre-printed objects. According to some embodiments, the
postal indicia printing apparatus may automatically determine
and/or select a postal indicia image format to utilize to print an
indicia image on the mail piece.
[0025] As used herein, the terms "printed" and/or "pre-printed" may
refer to any form of printing, recording, embossing, etching,
and/or any other method for affixing, temporarily or permanently,
an object to a medium. In some embodiments for example, an object
(e.g., a return address label and/or a barcode) may be printed on a
sticker which is adhered to a mail piece. It is to be understood
that, as used herein, the adhering of the sticker to the mail piece
may be considered "printing" the object on the mail piece.
[0026] Some embodiments herein are associated with a "postal
indicia image format". As used herein, the term "postal indicia
image format" may refer to any information, data, signal,
configuration, layout, and/or any other object associated with a
postal indicia and/or a postal indicia image. According to some
embodiments, a postal indicia image format may be or include a
format and/or layout defining one or more printing attributes
associated with a postal indicia and/or postal indicia image. The
postal indicia image format may, for example, define how various
portions of a postal indicia image (e.g., machine-readable and/or
human-readable data) are to be printed.
[0027] According to some embodiments, postal indicia image formats
may define different and/or various dimensions and/or may otherwise
define various layouts of postal indicia portions. In some
embodiments, one or more postal indicia formats may result in
and/or produce shorter, longer, narrower, and/or wider indicia
images than other postal indicia image formats. Some postal indicia
image formats may be configured and/or customized for printing on
certain mail piece types and/or may otherwise define various
layouts and/or printing attributes or parameters. In some
embodiments, postal indicia image formats may be stored in any form
and/or medium that is or becomes known or practicable. Postal
indicia image formats may be stored, for example, as images, data
files, database files, and/or templates. In some embodiments, a
postal indicia image format may be prescribed and/or approved by a
postal authority such as the U.S. Postal Service.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "information" and "data" may be
used interchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video,
image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other
type or configuration of signal and/or information. Information may
be or include, for example, a data field in the form of a
two-dimensional barcode such as a barcode printed in accordance
with the "Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) Indicium
Specification", published by the U.S. Postal Service, Jun. 13,
1996. Information may, according to some embodiments, be
compressed, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in
accordance with any method that is or becomes known or
practicable.
[0029] In addition, some embodiments described herein are
associated with an "indication". As used herein, the term
"indication" may be used to refer to any information indicative of
or associated with a subject, item, entity, and/or other object
and/or idea. As used herein, the phrase "information indicative of"
may be used to refer to any information that represents, describes,
and/or is otherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or
object. An indication of information may include, for example, a
code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any
combination thereof and/or any other informative representation
associated with the information. In some embodiments, an indication
of information may be or include the information itself and/or any
portion or component of the information. In some embodiments, an
indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast,
and/or any other form of information gathering and/or
dissemination.
[0030] Referring first to FIG. 1A, a block diagram of an exemplary
mail piece 102 is shown. The various diagrams provided and
described herein are depicted for use in explanation, but not
limitation, of described embodiments. Different types, layouts,
quantities, and configurations of any of the diagrams described
herein may be used without deviating from the scope of some
embodiments. Fewer or more components than are shown in relation to
the diagrams described herein may be utilized without deviating
from some embodiments.
[0031] The exemplary mail piece 102 may, according to some
configurations, comprise a small mail piece such as a postcard. The
exemplary mail piece 102 may comprise, for example, an address
component 104 and/or a return address component 106. In some
configurations, the mail piece 102 may also or alternatively
comprise a postal indicia image 120. The postal indicia image 120
may, for example, be printed on the mail piece 102 (e.g., by a
personal postage meter such as a Pitney Bowes.RTM. Personal
Post.TM. Postage Meter). In some configurations, the mail piece 102
may comprise fewer or more components than are shown in FIG.
1A.
[0032] According to some configurations, the mail piece 102 may
define one or more dimensions such as the mail piece 102 length
dimension 150. The mail piece 102 may, for example, be a postcard
having a mail piece 102 length dimension 150 of substantially five
inches. In some configurations, the mail piece 102 may also or
alternatively define different dimensions (not labeled and/or shown
in FIG. 1A). The components 104, 106 of the mail piece 102 may also
or alternatively define one or more dimensions. The return address
component 106 may, for example, define the return address length
dimension 152.
[0033] In some configurations, the postal indicia image 120 may
define one or more dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1A, for example,
the postal indicia image 120 may define the postal indicia length
dimension 154. In some configurations, the various dimensions 150,
152, 154 may be corresponding dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1A, for
example, all of the dimensions 150, 152, 154 are horizontal length
dimensions. Other corresponding dimensions may also or
alternatively be utilized according to some configurations. In some
configurations, the postal indicia image 120 may be printed in the
upper-right corner of the mail piece 102 (e.g., as is standard
practice in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations). In
the case that the postal indicia image 120 is printed in the
upper-right corner of the mail piece 102, the postal indicia image
120 may overlap one or more components 104, 106 of the mail piece
102.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the return address length
dimension 152 (e.g., justified to the upper-left of the mail piece
102) and the postal indicia length dimension 154 may overlap to
define the overlap dimension 156. In other words, the mail piece
102 length dimension 150 may be smaller than the combination of the
return address length dimension 152 and the postal indicia length
dimension 154. In the case that the return address 106 is
left-justified on the mail piece 102 and the postal indicia image
120 is right-justified on the mail piece 102, the postal indicia
image 120 may overlap (e.g., defining the overlap dimension 156)
the return address 106.
[0035] According to some configurations, the postal indicia length
dimension 154 may be greater than the mail piece 102 length
dimension 150 (not shown). The postal indicia image 120 may, for
example, comprise more information than is shown in FIG. 1A,
causing the postal indicia image 120 to overrun an edge (e.g., the
left edge) of the mail piece 102. The postal indicia image 120 may,
for example, comprise any number and/or combination of advertising
slogans, postal endorsements and/or inscriptions, tracking
barcodes, and/or other information and/or images. In some
configurations for example, the postal indicia length dimension 154
may be greater than five inches (e.g., the minimum length of a
postcard or envelope in accordance with U.S. Postal Service
regulations).
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of an exemplary mail
piece 102 is shown. The exemplary mail piece 102 may be similar to
the mail piece 102 described in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The mail
piece 102 may, according to some configurations, comprise a
pre-printed business-size return envelope. The mail piece 102 may,
for example, comprise an address component 104, a return address
template component 106, a Facing Indication Mark (FIM) component
108, and/or a postage guide component 110. In some configurations,
a postal indicia image 120 may be printed on the mail piece 102.
The components 104, 106, 120 of the mail piece 102 may be similar
in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named
(and/or numbered) components described in conjunction with FIG. 1A.
In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in
FIG. 1B may be included in the mail piece 102.
[0037] In some configurations, the postal indicia image 120 may be
the same postal indicia image 120 described in conjunction with
FIG. 1A. The postal indicia image 120 may, for example, be or
include a standard and/or default image printed on all mail pieces.
Even though the information contained within the postal indicia
image 120 may be customized for a particular entity, date, and/or
mailing, the format of the postal indicia image 120 may remain the
same. In some configurations, utilizing the same postal indicia
image 120 (and/or same image format) for different mail pieces 102
(and/or mail types) may be problematic. For example, while the
postal indicia image 120 printed on the pre-printed return envelope
102 does not overlap the return address template component 106 in
FIG. 1B, the same postal indicia image 120 printed on the smaller
postcard 102 in FIG. 1A does overlap the return address component
106.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1B, the postal indicia image 120 may also
or alternatively be problematic when printed on the pre-printed
return envelope 102. The postal indicia image 120 may, for example,
overlap the pre-printed FIM component 108 and/or the pre-printed
postage guide component 110 on the mail piece 102. At least for
these reasons, systems and methods of operating a postal indicia
printing apparatus to select postal indicia image formats are
desirable.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, for example, a method 200 according to
some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 200 may
be conducted by and/or by utilizing the mail pieces 102 and/or may
be otherwise associated with the mail pieces 102 and/or any of the
associated components described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A
and/or FIG. 1B. The method 200 may, for example, be performed by
and/or otherwise associated with a mail piece such as the mail
piece 102 described herein.
[0040] The flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply
a fixed order to the actions, and embodiments may be performed in
any order that is practicable. Note that any of the methods
described herein may be performed by hardware, software (including
microcode), firmware, manual means, or any combination thereof. For
example, a storage medium may store thereon instructions that when
executed by a machine result in performance according to any of the
embodiments described herein.
[0041] In some embodiments, the method 200 may begin at 202 to
store a first indicia format. A postal indicia printing apparatus
may, for example, store a first postal indicia image format. The
indicia image format may be stored in any manner and/or in any
medium that is or becomes known or practicable. In some
embodiments, the indicia image format may be stored in a database
and/or in a memory device associated with the postal indicia
printing apparatus.
[0042] According to some embodiments, the postal indicia format may
comprise a template, an image, code, and/or other instructions
defining one or more printing characteristics and/or parameters
associated with a postal indicia image. Various portions of a
postal indicia image may, for example, be located in different
areas and/or positioned differently in accordance with different
indicia image formats. According to some embodiments, some indicia
image formats may be customized and/or otherwise configured for
printing indicia images on certain mail piece types. In some
embodiments, the postal indicia image format may be or include a
standard and/or default format.
[0043] The method 200 may continue, according to some embodiments,
to store a second indicia image format at 204. The second indicia
image format may, in some embodiments, be stored by a postal
indicia printing apparatus (e.g., such as the apparatus that stores
the first indicia image format). The second indicia image format
may, for example, be an indicia image format that is different than
a standard and/or default indicia image format (e.g., the first
indicia image format). In some embodiments, the indicia image
format may be customized for specific mail piece types and/or to
overcome certain difficulties and/or problems. The second indicia
image format may, for example, be a shortened version of the first
indicia image format, configured for printing indicia images on
small mail pieces such as postcards. In other words, the second
indicia image format may comprise a length dimension that differs
from a corresponding (i.e., length) dimension of the first indicia
image format.
[0044] According to some embodiments, the method 200 may continue
to prompt a user to select one of the indicia image formats, at
206. The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, cause
a menu item to be displayed (e.g., on a display screen and/or
Graphical User Interface (GUI)) that allows a user operating the
apparatus to choose which indicia image format to utilize to print
an indicia image on the mail piece. The user may, according to some
embodiments, realize that the first indicia image format (e.g., a
standard and/or default format) may cause an indicia image to
overlap pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or an edge of the
mail piece.
[0045] In some embodiments, the apparatus may sense pre-printed
objects on the mail piece and/or may determine (e.g., from the
postal rate class) that the size of the mail piece may not be
appropriate and/or desirable for use with the first indicia image
format (e.g., a standard indicia image format). According to some
embodiments, the apparatus may also or alternatively recommend one
of the indicia image formats to the user. In the case that the
apparatus determines that the mail piece is a small postcard (e.g.,
utilizing a scanner and/or other device), for example, the
apparatus may prompt the user by recommending and/or suggesting
that the second indicia image format (e.g., a shortened indicia
image format configured for printing indicia images on postcards)
be chosen for printing an indicia image on the postcard mail piece.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may determine that a potential
conflict between one of the postal indicia image formats and the
mail piece (e.g., pre-printed objects on the mail piece and/or the
size of the mail piece) exists, and may notify the user of such
conflict and/or potential conflict.
[0046] In some embodiments, the method 200 may continue at 208 to
receive a signal indicative of a selection of one of the indicia
image formats. The user of the apparatus may, for example, select
one of the stored indicia image formats from a menu, GUI, and/or
other input device associated with the postal indicia printing
apparatus. In some embodiments, the signal may be received as a
response from the prompting at 206. The user may, for example, view
and/or otherwise receive the prompt from the apparatus and may then
select one of the indicia image formats for use in printing an
indicia image on the mail piece.
[0047] According to some embodiments, the user may select one of
the indicia image formats and/or the apparatus may receive the
signal indicative of the selection without the user having been
prompted at 206. In other words, the user may be aware that
multiple indicia image formats are available and may select one of
the indicia image formats without requiring a prompt (and/or before
receiving a prompt) from the apparatus. One or more keys, buttons,
soft keys, and/or other input devices may, for example, be
pre-designated for selection of postal indicia image format
selection. In the case that the first indicia image format is a
standard format and the second indicia image format is a shortened
version (e.g., for use on small mail pieces), for example, the
first indicia format may automatically be used by the apparatus
(e.g., a default indicia image format) unless the user activates a
certain key and/or key combination.
[0048] In some embodiments, a keyboard of the apparatus may, for
example, comprise a key and/or toggle labeled "Shortened Indicia".
The keyboard may also or alternatively comprise a template that
shows the user which keystroke combination may be used to select
the second indicia image format. According to some embodiments,
such as in the case that more than two indicia image formats are
available and/or stored by the apparatus, the user may be able to
scroll through and/or otherwise select any one of the indicia image
formats for use in printing an indicia image on the mail piece.
[0049] The user may select one of the indicia image formats for a
variety of reasons. The user may, for example, choose a shortened
and/or modified indicia image format to prevent the indicia image
from overlapping one or more pre-printed objects on the mail piece.
Similarly, the user may choose a shortened version of an indicia
image to prevent the indicia image from overrunning an edge of the
mail piece. In some embodiments, the user may also or alternatively
select an indicia image format to conserve printing resources. The
user may, for example, select a smaller, shorter, and/or less
complex indicia image format to reduce the amount of ink, toner,
memory, and/or power required to print the indicia image on the
mail piece.
[0050] While a standard indicia image format may require a certain
amount of ink, toner, memory, and/or power, for example, other
indicia image formats may require and/or may be configured to
require lesser amounts of any such printing resources. In some
embodiments, the prompting at 206 may be based at least in part on
conservation of printing recourses. In the case that the apparatus
determines that a printing resource is running low, for example,
the apparatus may prompt the user to notify the user of the problem
and/or may recommend that a particular indicia image format be
selected in response to the problem.
[0051] The method 200 may continue at 210, for example, to print an
indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format
on the mail piece. Any method of printing the postal indicia image
on the mail piece that is or becomes known or practicable may be
used. In some embodiments, the selected indicia image format may
comprise data fields that may be populated with information prior
to being utilized to print an indicia image on the mail piece. The
indicia image format may, for example, define where and/or how
various portions of information and/or data (e.g., postal rate,
postal rate class, meter number, zip code and/or other information)
are to be printed. The required information may, according to some
embodiments, be retrieved (e.g., from a database and/or file) and
utilized to populate the fields defined by the indicia image
format. In such a manner, for example, any required and/or desired
postal information may be printed on a mail piece utilizing an
indicia image format selected by a user.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram of an exemplary
mail piece 302 according to some embodiments is shown. The
exemplary mail piece 302 may be similar to the mail pieces 102
described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. The
mail piece 302 may, according to some embodiments, comprise a small
mail piece such as a postcard. The mail piece 302 may, for example,
comprise an address component 304 and/or a return address component
306. In some embodiments, a postal indicia image 320 may be printed
on the mail piece 302. The components 304, 306, 320 of the mail
piece 302 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to
the similarly-named (and/or numbered) components described in
conjunction with any of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. In some
configurations, fewer or more components than are shown in FIG. 3A
may be included in the mail piece 302.
[0053] In some embodiments, the postal indicia image 320 may be
printed in accordance with and/or by the method 200 described in
conjunction with FIG. 2. The postal indicia image 320 may, for
example, comprise a shortened and/or modified indicia image format
selected to prevent and/or otherwise avoid overlap printing on the
mail piece 302. As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, the postal
indicia image 320 may be a condensed and/or shorter version of the
postal indicia image 120 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The mail
piece 302 length dimension 350 may, for example, be greater than
the combination of the return address length dimension 352 and the
postal indicia length dimension 354. In other words, the postal
indicia length dimension 354 may be substantially small enough to
not overlap the return address component 306.
[0054] Similarly, the postal indicia length dimension 354 may be
substantially small enough to not overrun an edge of the mail piece
302. The postal indicia image 320 may be formatted and/or
configured, for example, so that printing of the postal indicia
image 320 on the mail piece 302 does not obscure and/or otherwise
compromise any required and/or desired postal (and/or other)
information. In the exemplary mail piece 302, for example, the
postal indicia image 320 may be a modified version of a standard
postal indicia image such as the indicia image 120 described in
conjunction with FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.
[0055] For example, the "shortened" postal indicia image 320 lacks
the eagle image included within the indicia image 120, and other
data and/or information within the indicia image 320 is rearranged
to shorten the postal indicia length dimension 354. In some
embodiments, the font used in the indicia image 320 may also or
alternatively be reduced (e.g., to a minimum allowable and/or
readable font) and/or other human-readable information and/or all
human-readable information may be omitted. Only those portions of
the indicia image 320 required by applicable postal regulations
(e.g., the two-dimensional barcode and/or another machine-readable
indicia) may, for example, be printed on the mail piece 302.
[0056] In some embodiments, a user may be presented with multiple
possible indicia formats to choose from. There may, for example, be
many formatting alternatives that accomplish the desired shortening
of the indicia image 320. According to some embodiments, the user
may select an indicia image 320 that is preferred, desired, and/or
otherwise intended for use. In some embodiments, the user (and/or
the postal indicia printing apparatus) may customize, modify,
and/or alter an indicia image 320 and/or an associated indicia
image format. The user may, for example, manually modify a standard
indicia image format to create the shortened indicia image 320. In
such a manner, for example, the user may select an indicia image
format appropriate for the mail piece 302 while retaining control
over which portions (if any) of the indicia image 320 are altered
and/or omitted (e.g., to prevent overlap and/or overrun printing
and/or conserve printing resources).
[0057] Turning to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of an exemplary mail
piece 302 according to some embodiments is shown. The mail piece
302 may be similar to the mail pieces 102, 303 described in
conjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG. 3A. The mail
piece 302 may, according to some embodiments, comprise a
pre-printed business-size return envelope. The mail piece 302 may,
for example, comprise an address component 304, a return address
template component 306, an FIM component 308, and/or a postage
guide 310. In some embodiments, a postal indicia image 320 may be
printed on the mail piece 302. The components 304, 306, 308, 310,
320 of the mail piece 302 may be similar in configuration and/or
functionality to the similarly-named (and/or numbered) components
described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and/or FIG.
3A. In some configurations, fewer or more components than are shown
in FIG. 3B may be included in the mail piece 302.
[0058] In some embodiments, the postal indicia image 320 may be
substantially the same length (e.g., have substantially the same
the postal indicia length dimension 354) as the postal indicia
image 120, 320 described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG.
1B, and/or FIG. 3A. The postal indicia image 320 may, according to
some embodiments, be modified (e.g., from the standard, default,
and/or other indicia image format) to not overlap either or both of
the FIM component 308 and the postage guide 310. For example,
portions of the indicia image 320 may be omitted, reduced in size
and/or font, and/or otherwise shortened and/or moved to prevent
conflict with any or all objects pre-printed on the mail piece
302.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the postal indicia image
320 may be altered to fit between, below, and/or around either or
both of the FIM component 308 and the postage guide 310. In some
embodiments, the eagle image may, for example, be shortened and/or
otherwise altered to allow it to fit between the FIM component 308
and the postage guide 310. Similarly, the data fields may be
arranged to fit between and/or under the components 308, 310, while
the two-dimensional barcode and/or the "non profit organization"
slogan may be printed to the left of the FIM component 308.
[0060] In some embodiments, the altered indicia image 320 may be
longer than the standard and/or default indicia image (e.g., the
indicia image 120). At least because overlapping the return address
template 306 may not be of great concern on longer mail pieces 302
like business-size envelopes, for example, the length of the
indicia image 320 may be extended to facilitate avoidance of the
pre-printed components 308, 310. According to some embodiments,
such as in the case where pre-printed objects are to be avoided on
a small mail piece such as a postcard, the indicia image 320 may
need to be shortened as well as restructured to prevent pre-printed
object overlapping and/or mail piece 302 overrunning.
[0061] According to some embodiments, a postal indicia image format
may be selected automatically by the postal indicia image printing
apparatus. Referring to FIG. 4, for example, a flow diagram of a
method 400 according to some embodiments is shown. In some
embodiments, the method 400 may be similar to the method 200
described herein. The method 400 may, for example, be utilized
and/or carried out to select and/or print postal indicia images of
various formats on mail pieces (e.g., mail pieces 102, 302).
According to some embodiments, the postal indicia image formats may
be selected to prevent object overlap on the mail piece, prevent
overrun of the mail piece itself, and/or to conserve printing
resources.
[0062] The method 400 may begin at 402, according to some
embodiments, to store a plurality of indicia image formats. A
postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example, store and/or
otherwise have access to various images, templates, and/or other
information associated with multiple indicia image formats. The
formats may, in some embodiments, comprise different layouts and/or
dimensions. Some of the indicia image formats may be configured for
small mail pieces and/or some of the indicia image formats may be
configured to print indicia images on pre-printed return envelopes
(such as the envelopes 102, 302 of FIG. 1B and FIG. 3B). Some
indicia image formats may comprise fields for printing various
postal and/or user information, and other indicia image formats may
comprise different fields and/or different information.
[0063] At 404, the method 400 may continue to determine a type of a
mail piece. The postal indicia printing apparatus may, for example,
scan an inserted mail piece to determine mail piece dimensions. In
some embodiments, a user may provide an indication of the mail
piece type by, for example, entering a code associated with a
particular mail piece type and/or postal rate class. According to
some embodiments, such as in the case that the postal indicia
printing apparatus stores various mail piece stock and/or is
otherwise capable of selecting various mail piece types for
printing, the apparatus may automatically determine and/or select
the mail piece type.
[0064] The method 400 may continue at 406, for example, to select
an indicia image format. In some embodiments, such as described in
conjunction with the method 200, a user may select the indicia
image format. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may
automatically select the indicia image format (e.g., without
requiring substantial input from the user). The apparatus may, for
example, provisionally select an indicia image format such as a
standard and/or default indicia image format. In some embodiments,
the user may pre-specify and/or select an indicia image format for
the apparatus to utilize as a standard and/or default indicia image
format.
[0065] According to some embodiments, the method 400 may continue
at 408 by determining whether the selected indicia image format
will fit on the mail piece. The determination at 408 may, for
example, be a preliminary determination to check whether the
selected indicia image format is appropriate for the mail piece
and/or mail piece type. A standard indicia image format may, for
example, not be appropriate for printing on a postcard because the
standard indicia image may overrun an edge of the postcard.
According to some embodiments, the determination at 408 may be made
after all postal indicia image components, such as advertising
slogans, postal endorsements or inscriptions, and/or tracking
barcodes, have been selected (e.g., by a user) and/or determined.
In some embodiments, the determination may be made by comparing one
or more dimensions of the mail piece with one or more dimensions of
the selected indicia image format. In the case that the indicia
image format dimension is larger than the dimension of the mail
piece, the indicia image format may be determined not to fit on the
mail piece.
[0066] If it is determined that the indicia image format may not
fit on the mail piece, the method 400 may continue at 410 to
determine whether the indicia image may be adjusted to fit on the
mail piece. The indicia image format may, for example, be adjusted
by reducing font and/or image sizes, omitting human-readable
information, and/or rearranging the placement and/or organization
of indicia information. According to some embodiments, various
criteria (e.g., defined by a user) may govern the determination as
to whether the indicia image format may be modified to fit the mail
piece.
[0067] In the case that a user indicates that certain information
and/or indicia objects are necessary and/or not to be modified, for
example, the indicia image format may not be capable of avoiding
overrunning an edge of the mail piece. In some embodiments, if the
indicia image format does not fit the mail piece and/or may not be
modified (and/or easily modified) to fit the mail piece, the method
400 may revert to 406 to select a different indicia image format.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may iterate through indicia
image format selections until an indicia image format is selected
that does fit on the mail piece and/or may be adjusted to fit on
the mail piece.
[0068] According to some embodiments, if the indicia image format
can be adjusted to fit the mail piece, the method 400 may proceed
to 412 to adjust the indicia image format. The indicia image format
may be adjusted, for example, to fit within the boundaries of the
mail piece and/or to fit within a designated print area of the mail
piece. A user may, for example, define various margins, setbacks,
and/or other constraints or criteria defining the designated print
area for the mail piece. In some embodiments, the user may be
prompted to enter and/or define the designated print area. The
designated print area may be defined for each and/or every
individual mail piece and/or may be defined for one or more classes
or types of mail pieces.
[0069] In some embodiments, such as in the case that the apparatus
stores one or more indicia image formats for various mail piece
types, the determinations at 408 and/or 410 may be unnecessary. For
example, in the case that the apparatus determines the mail type at
404, the selection of the indicia at 406 may be based upon the
determined mail type. In some embodiments for example, such as in
the case that the mail piece is determined to be a postcard and/or
other small mail piece, the apparatus may select a standard and/or
default indicia image associated with the postcard and/or small
mail type. The indicia image format may, for example, be selected
from a group of indicia image formats pre-determined to fit on mail
pieces of the associated mail type (e.g., postcards). According to
some embodiments, the method 400 may proceed directly from the
indicia image format selection at 406 to the process at 414.
[0070] The method 400, whether continuing from the indicia image
format selection at 406 or the indicia image format adjustment at
412, may, according to some embodiments, continue at 414 to
identify any objects printed on the mail piece. The postal indicia
printing apparatus may, for example, direct a signal toward the
mail piece (e.g., in the case that the mail piece is inserted into
and/or passed through the apparatus). In some embodiments, the
signal (and/or a portion thereof) may be bounced back to a receiver
of the apparatus. The receipt of the signal by the apparatus, the
form, content, and/or other information associated with the signal
may, for example, indicate the presence and/or location of any or
all objects printed on the mail piece. According to some
embodiments, the mail piece may be scanned by the apparatus
utilizing any method and/or procedure for scanning documents that
is or becomes known or practicable.
[0071] In some embodiments, a user may indicate to the apparatus
that one or more objects are printed on the mail piece. The user
may, for example, designate one or more areas of the mail piece
(e.g., by entering margins and/or otherwise defining locations
and/or sizes of pre-printed objects) that may be occupied by one or
more pre-printed objects. In some embodiments, the user may also or
alternatively designate and/or define one or more areas of the mail
piece that are free of pre-printed objects (i.e., clear print
areas). Pre-printed objects may include, for example, but are not
limited to, return addresses and/or return address templates or
guides, addresses and/or address templates or guides, barcodes
(such as tracking barcodes), FIM objects, logos, postage guides,
and/or any combinations thereof.
[0072] In some embodiments, an object "printed" on the mail piece
may comprise an object adhered to the mail piece and/or an object
that creates a discontinuity in the mail piece surface. Such
objects may include, for example, but are not limited to, stickers,
address and/or return address labels, address and/or return address
windows (including cellophane and/or laminated windows), and/or any
combinations thereof.
[0073] The method 400 may continue at 416, according to some
embodiments, by determining whether the indicia image format may
overlap an identified object. The size and/or position of the
indicia image format may, for example, be compared to the size
and/or position of any pre-printed objects determined to be on the
mail piece. In the case that the selected indicia image format is
determined not to overlap any objects on the mail piece, the method
400 may continue at 418 to print, on the mail piece, an indicia
image in accordance with the indicia image format. Any data fields
defined by the indicia image format may, for example, be populated
and the resulting indicia image may be printed on the mail
piece.
[0074] In the case that the indicia image format is determined to
overlap one or more objects on the mail piece, the method 400 may
continue at 420 to determine whether the indicia image format can
be adjusted not to overlap the one or more objects. The apparatus
may, for example, alter, rearrange, and/or reposition the indicia
image format to avoid overlapping any objects on the mail piece. In
some embodiments, a user may provide input to determine how the
indicia image format may be adjusted. The user may, for example,
determine and/or direct how the indicia image format is to be
rearranged and/or repositioned for printing an indicia image on the
mail piece without overlapping other objects. In some embodiments,
the apparatus may automatically determine how the indicia image
format is to be adjusted and/or repositioned. According to some
embodiments, the apparatus may iterate through a variety of
strategies in an attempt to properly adjust, rearrange, and/or
reposition the indicia image format.
[0075] In some embodiments, the indicia image format may not be
capable of being adjusted to prevent overlap of an object on the
mail piece. According to some embodiments, the method 400 may
revert to 406 to select a different indicia image format. In some
embodiments, the apparatus may prompt the user to make a
determination. The apparatus may, for example, notify the user of
the inability to prevent overlap and/or may request that the user
determine a course of action. The user may, for example, determine
that the method 400 is to revert to 406 and that a different
indicia image format be selected. In some embodiments, the user may
command the apparatus to print the indicia image utilizing the
selected indicia image format despite the overlap. In the case that
the overlap has been minimized by indicia image selections and/or
adjustments made by the apparatus, for example, and/or the overlap
is substantially unavoidable, the user may desire that the indicia
image format be used to print an indicia image on the mail piece
nonetheless.
[0076] In the case that the indicia image format may be adjusted to
avoid overlapping objects printed on the mail piece, the method 400
may continue at 422 to adjust the indicia image format. According
to some embodiments, once the indicia image format is adjusted to
avoid overlap printing, the method 400 may continue at 418 to
print, on the mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the
indicia image format. In such a manner, for example, an indicia
image format may be selected that results in printing an indicia
image on the mail piece that does not overrun the mail piece and/or
overlap objects on the mail piece.
[0077] According to some embodiments, the apparatus may also or
alternatively select and/or prioritize indicia image format
selection to conserve printing resources. The apparatus may, for
example, determine that a printing resource is to be conserved
(e.g., ink and/or toner is determined to be low and/or memory
and/or battery power is determined to be low) and automatically
select an indicia image format configured to reduce the consumption
of the printing resource. In some embodiments, a user may utilize a
setup program to configure the apparatus. The user may, for
example, prioritize the prevention of overlap and/or overrun
printing over the conservation of printing resources. According to
some embodiments, the user may specify if and/or when printing
resources are to be conserved.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a system 500
according to some embodiments is shown. The system 500 may, for
example, be utilized to implement and/or perform the methods 200,
400 described herein and/or may be associated with the mail pieces
102, 302 described in conjunction with any of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B,
FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and/or FIG. 4. In some embodiments, fewer
or more components than are shown in FIG. 5 may be included in the
system 500. According to some embodiments, different types,
layouts, quantities, and configurations of systems may be used.
[0079] In some embodiments, the system 500 may be or include postal
indicia printing apparatus such as a personal postage meter. The
system 500 may also or alternatively comprise a computer such as a
Personal Computer (PC) or computer server. The system 500 may
include, for example, one or more processors 502, which may be any
type or configuration of processor, microprocessor, and/or
micro-engine that is or becomes known or available. In some
embodiments, the system 500 may also or alternatively include one
or more communication interfaces 504, one or more input devices
506, one or more output devices 508, and/or a memory device 510,
all and/or any of which may be in communication with the processor
502. The memory device 510 may store, for example, indicia image
formats 512 and/or an indicia image format selection module
514.
[0080] The communication interface 504 may be or include any type
and/or configuration of communication device that is or becomes
known or available. In some embodiments, the communication device
504 may allow the system 500 (and/or the processor 502) to
communicate with, for example, one or more other systems and/or
devices such as other postal-related devices. According to some
embodiments, the communication interface 504 may be or include a
Network Interface Card (NIC) such as an Intel.RTM. PRO/1000 MT
Desktop Adaptor that operates in accordance with the Fast Ethernet
LAN transmission standard 802.3-2002.RTM. published by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or an
Intel.RTM. PRO/Wireless 2225BG Network Connection that operates in
accordance with the Wireless LAN transmission standard
802.11B/G-1999/2003.RTM. published by the IEEE.
[0081] The input device 506 may be or include one or more
conventional devices such as a keypad or discrete buttons, a
keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, etc. The input device 506 may be
utilized, for example, by a user to interface with the system 500
to select postal indicia image formats and/or print postal indicia
images in accordance with embodiments described herein. The output
device 508 may be or include any type of output device that is or
becomes known or practicable, including, but not limited to, a
printer, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display device, a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) device, and/or a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display
device. In some embodiments, the output device 508 may be or
include a printer to print postal indicia images in accordance with
one or more of the indicia image formats 512.
[0082] The memory device 510 may be or include, according to some
embodiments, one or more magnetic storage devices, such as hard
disks, one or more optical storage devices, and/or solid state
storage. The memory device 510 may store, for example, the indicia
image formats 512 and/or the indicia image format selection module
514. In some embodiments, the indicia image format selection module
514 may store instructions that cause the processor 502 to operate
in accordance with embodiments described herein. The indicia image
format selection module 514 may, for example, automatically select
one of the indicia image formats 512 for use in printing an indicia
image on a mail piece.
[0083] In some embodiments, the system 500 and/or the processor 502
may, for example, operate in accordance with any of the methods
200, 400 described herein. According to some embodiments, the
system 500 may utilize the indicia image format selection module
514 to automatically select an indicia image format 512 to utilize
in printing an indicia image on a mail piece. The indicia image
format 512 may be selected, for example, to print an indicia image
on the mail piece without overlapping objects on the mail piece
and/or without overrunning an edge of the mail piece itself.
[0084] According to some embodiments, the indicia image format
selection module 514 may also or alternatively select an indicia
image format 512 to conserve a printing resource. A user may direct
the system 500, for example, to automatically utilize the smallest
indicia image format 512 that is practicable for use in printing an
indicia image on a given mail piece and/or mail type. In some
embodiments, the system 500 and/or the processor 502 may
automatically determine that a printing resource is to be conserved
and may automatically select an indicia image format 512 configured
to conserve the printing resource.
[0085] In some embodiments, the system 500 may also or
alternatively comprise a scanner 516. The scanner 516 may, for
example, be any type and/or configuration of device capable of
detecting, identifying, and/or otherwise determining the presence
and/or characteristics of a mail piece. According to some
embodiments, the scanner 516 may be utilized to determine a type of
mail piece. The scanner 516 may, for example, determine one or more
dimensions associated with a mail piece (e.g., a mail piece
inserted into the scanner 516 and/or otherwise associated with the
system 500). In some embodiments, the scanner 516 may provide
scanning information to the processor 502 (e.g., to determine the
mail piece type and/or other characteristics).
[0086] Any or all components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 516 of the
system 500 may, according to some embodiments, be contained in
and/or supported by a housing 518. The housing 518 may, for
example, be a compact housing such as a compact housing of
conventional postage meters. In the case that the system 500 is a
personal postage meter, for example, the housing 518 may be or
include a compact plastic housing that contains one or more of the
components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 516. In some embodiments, such
as in the case that the housing 518 houses the scanner 516, the
housing 518 may define an opening (not shown) that permits a mail
piece to be inserted into the system 500 to be scanned and/or
printed upon (e.g., a postal indicia image may be printed by the
output device 508).
[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the use of postal indicia
strip tapes is facilitated. Certain mailing machines and postage
meters may print postage indicia on strip tapes that may be later
affixed to a mail piece. In this embodiment, precut strip tapes of
a certain length are utilized. When the mailing machine is placed
in the strip tape-printing mode, the system prompts the user to
enter or select the size of the strip tapes that are being used.
The system either prompts the user for a selection among commonly
used strip tape sizes or requests entry of the length using the
numeric keypad.
[0088] In another alternative embodiment, the mailing machine
postage meter includes the capability to print portions of the
postal indicia based upon a postal indicia field priority list. For
example, a representative postal indicia includes several field
such as a 2D barcode including postage indicia data (priority level
1), a human readable indicia portion that includes a postage
amount, zip code, and meter number among other human readable sub
fields (priority level 2) and an inscription (priority level 3).
Additionally, the postal indicia includes an ad slogan (priority
level 4). Depending on the size of the mail piece available for
printing, the system drops fields that will not fit in priority
order. If the mailing machine is also printing additional fields
such as a return address (priority level 5), tracking barcode
(priority level 6) or other fields, those fields may also be
assigned a priority for printing on a mail piece. In that way, the
system may determine not to print the mail piece return address and
instead print a full postal indicia. In an alternative setting, the
system may print the return address, but instead select to print a
short postal indicia due to the presence and/or size of the return
address field.
[0089] The words "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "include,"
"including," and "includes" when used in this specification and in
the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated
features, elements, integers, components, or procedures, but they
do not preclude the presence and/or addition of one or more other
features, elements, integers, components, procedures, and/or
combinations thereof.
[0090] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of some embodiments.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
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