A computerized method for intelligently distributing computer processing of mail piece scan images across a plurality of mail piece scan image processors. The method can include receiving a mail piece scan image from a mail piece scan image job requestor and selecting one of a plurality of scan mail piece scan image processors to process said mail piece scan image. The mail piece scan image can be transmitted to said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors and a mail piece scan image processing result can be received from said one of a plurality of plurality of mail piece scan image processors. Post-processing operations can be performed based on said mail piece scan image processing result. The mail piece scan image processing result can be transmitted to said mail piece scan image processing requestor.

A mail piece processing apparatus and related method. A mail piece processing apparatus includes a base, a table connected to the base by a vertical member, a camera mounted above the table and positioned to take an image of a mail piece on the table, and a data processing system. The data processing system is configured to receive the image of the mail piece from the camera; determine address information and address information of the mail piece according to the image; determine a disposition result for the mail piece according to the image; and cause a label to be printed for the mail piece according to the disposition result.

A package measurement apparatus according to an embodiment includes a housing having a first surface that supports a package to be placed thereon and a second surface above the first surface. A touch panel display is mounted on the second surface and is positioned facing upward. A camera is positioned to capture an image of the package when the package is placed on the first surface and configured to generate image data corresponding to the captured image.

Aspects of the technology described herein provide an activatable postage. The activatable postage is printed on a media, such as an envelope or sticker. Initially, the activatable postage has no postage value and may not have any value until activated. Each instance of activatable postage can include a unique identifier encoded in a machine-readable format. Postage value is added to the activatable postage through an activation process. To activate an individual instance of activatable postage, the unique identifier encoded in the activatable postage needs to be provided to the activation application. At the end of the activation process, a central database is updated to associate the unique identifier with a postal value calculated during activation. When the Postal Service receives an item with activatable postage it validates the activatable postage and then deactivates the activatable postage by updating the central database.

Systems and methods for processing distribution items having unique identifiers affixed thereon. The unique identifiers can include computer readable codes and written alphanumeric strings generated by a user. A system receives the unique identifier and requests payment information from a user, and stores an association between the unique identifier and the payment information, and processes the item according to the payment information.

Systems and methods for processing distribution items having unique identifiers affixed thereon. The unique identifiers can include computer readable codes and written alphanumeric strings generated by a user. A system receives the unique identifier and requests payment information from a user, and stores an association between the unique identifier and the payment information, and processes the item according to the payment information.

Systems and methods for calibrating a volume dimensioner are provided. In one embodiment, a calibrating system comprises a dimensioner and a reference object. The dimensioner is configured to remotely sense characteristics of an object and calculate physical dimensions of the object from the sensed characteristics. The reference object has predefined physical dimensions and an outside surface that exhibits a pattern of reference markings. The dimensioner is configured to be calibrated using the reference object as a basis for comparison.

An apparatus for determining the thickness of passing mail items M conveyed on a conveying deck (12) of a mail processing machine (10) comprising a deflecting element (18) which is positioned to successively contact without active compression each conveyed mail item, measures a parameter that indicates a change in a resistivity of the deflecting element, and generates a signal indicative of the measured parameter; and a processing unit (24) which receives the signal from the deflecting element and determines a thickness value for each conveyed mail item based on the measured parameter.

Systems and methods for calibrating a volume dimensioner are provided. In one embodiment, a calibration system comprises a predefined reference pattern comprising a plurality of optically-perceptible elements. The optically-perceptible elements have predefined measurable parameters and are separated from each other by predefined distances. The calibration system also comprises a dimensioner configured to capture an image of an object and calculate physical dimensions of the object from at least the captured image. The dimensioner is further configured to capture one or more images of the predefined reference pattern and calculate a ratio between one of the predefined measurable parameters and one of the predefined distances. The dimensioner is further configured to be calibrated based on the calculated ratio.

A method is disclosed. The method includes causing the opening of a lockable measuring module. The method includes obtaining at least one measurement parameter of a shipment deposited in the measuring module. The method includes providing, at least partially based on the obtained at least one measurement parameter, measurement information. The measurement information represents at least one weight and/or size of the shipment deposited in the measuring module. The at least one shipping option for shipping the shipment is determined at least partially based on the provided measurement information.