The technology described herein provides a handwritten postage that comprises handwriting on a postal item that forms a unique identifier for the postal item (e.g., envelope, postcard, sticker) when analyzed by a computer vision application. The unique identifier is computer derived from the handwritten postage and allows one instance of handwritten postage to be differentiated from all other instances of handwritten postage. The unique identifier may be derived from an image of an envelope that includes an instance of handwritten postage when the handwritten postage is activated. The unique identifier may be formed from a combination of handwriting content (e.g., to and from address), metadata (e.g., date activated), pre-printed content on the postal item (e.g., fiducial marks), post-printed content (e.g., to or from address) and the visual image created by all or a portion of the handwriting. Postage value is added to the handwritten postage through an activation process.

Systems and methods which provide postage indicia using mobile communication handsets are shown. According to embodiments, users are enabled to introduce mail pieces into a mail delivery stream which are accepted as having activated, value comprising postage indicia associated therewith without the use of traditional metering systems, processor-based postage generation and printing systems, or even printers. Instead, a token comprising substantially unique identification information identifying a mail piece is activated as an activated token having postage value associated therewith using mobile communication handsets, such as a smart phone, network enabled personal digital assistant, etc. according to embodiments of the invention.

A distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.

A distribution item is disclosed. The distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.

A system of producing files containing information about printed mailpieces comprising a plurality of folder inserters (22, 24, 26) each having a reading device for extracting at least a job ID and a mailpiece ID, the system comprising at least: a processing node (32, 34, 36) adapted to check the job ID and mailpiece ID from the printed mailpiece and to check out a relevant job against locally held rules; a storage node (38) connected to the processing node and adapted to store the job ID and mailpiece ID sent by the processing node; and an interface node (40) connected to the storage node and adapted to import and export the files.

Systems, methods, and media for the delivery of physical items using a digital stamp. Various implementations include operations such as receiving a request from a user to deliver an item to a destination using a digital stamp, wherein the item includes destination information and lacks any physical indicator that the delivery fee for the item has been paid or will be paid; receiving a destination address from the user; determining a delivery fee for the item; and generating a digital stamp using the destination address, the delivery fee, and user account information for the user. The operations may also include obtaining an image of the item including the destination information; determining, from the image, that the item lacks any physical indicator regarding the delivery fee; checking for a digital stamp corresponding to the item; and directing the item for delivery to the destination information, if the digital stamp is found.

A system and method for estimating dimensions of an approximately cuboidal object from a 3D image of the object acquired by an image sensor of the vision system processor is provided. An identification module, associated with the vision system processor, automatically identifies a 3D region in the 3D image that contains the cuboidal object. A selection module, associated with the vision system processor, automatically selects 3D image data from the 3D image that corresponds to approximate faces or boundaries of the cuboidal object. An analysis module statistically analyzes, and generates statistics for, the selected 3D image data that correspond to approximate cuboidal object faces or boundaries. A refinement module chooses statistics that correspond to improved cuboidal dimensions from among cuboidal object length, width and height. The improved cuboidal dimensions are provided as dimensions for the object. A user interface displays a plurality of interface screens for setup and runtime operation.

A method includes distributing a number of printer devices across a computer network with corresponding logistical nodes, and, through a server, dynamically extracting, from a number of digital pre-print files, metadata related to documents and pre-conditions based on scanning thereof, and classifying the number of digital pre-print files into groups based on an extent to which the dynamically extracted metadata is shared between constituents thereof. The method also includes, through the server, matching each classified group to a logistical node based on the dynamically extracted metadata shared between the constituents and dynamically tracked printer characteristics, commingling the extracted metadata within the each classified group into a master document in which the extracted metadata is laid out to enable printing through a printer device associated with the matched logistical node, and reclassifying a constituent of the classified group under another group based on a status of unsuitability of the printer device.

A distribution item is disclosed. The distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for the collection and delivery of physical items. Implementations consistent with the present disclosure provide a method including receiving, by a user interface device, a request from a user to deliver an item to a destination using a digital stamp, wherein the item includes destination information. The method also includes receiving, by the user interface device, a destination address from the user. The method also includes providing, by the user interface device, the delivery fee for the item. The method also includes generating the digital stamp using the destination address received from the user, the delivery fee for the item, and user account information. The method also includes collecting the item, wherein the item lacks any physical indicia that the delivery fee for the item has been paid or will be paid.