Mailpiece reject processing of first pass dps rejects

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, software and systems are disclosed for improved processing and especially sorting of mailpieces in order to reduce expensive manual steps. Mailpieces rejected during a first pass DPS sort, in one embodiment, are transferred to a special Reject Encoding Machine (REM) instead of a manual sort process. The REM preferably includes a labeling machine and on-board OCR engine, in order to read and barcode the reject mailpiece in a single processing step. This technique provides very fast turnaround so as to enable returning the mail to the DBCS in time to be included in the first pass run. In this way, the once rejected mailpieces are returned to resume automated processing.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A system for processing a mailpiece rejected from an automated sorting process because of an unresolved address, comprising:
 a capture device;   one or more inversion devices;   an agitation device;   a processor; and   a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium, wherein the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprises one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
 determine whether the mailpiece comprises a window envelope; 
 responsive the mailpiece comprising a window envelope:
 invert the mailpiece, using the one more inversion devices; 
 agitate the inverted mailpiece, using the agitation device, to align an insert address with the window of the mailpiece; 
 invert the mailpiece, using the one or more inversion devices, to return the mailpiece to an upright orientation; 
 capture an image of a front side of the mailpiece, using the capture device, including an address; and 
 resolve the address of the mailpiece. 
 
   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to automatically receive the mailpiece via track. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the track length is on the order of approximately 8 to 10 inches. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the track is configured to grip the mailpiece so as to inhibit the insert from shifting during travel. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the track further comprises an opposing set of rollers to opposite faces of the mailpiece. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the one more inversion devices is configured to apply a vacuum and mechanically invert the mailpiece during the application of the vacuum. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to print a barcode label with an indicia of a postal delivery zone, and affixing the printed label to the mailpiece. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to spray a barcode of a postal delivery zone corresponding to the resolved address onto the window envelope. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to apply a barcode corresponding to the resolved address in a POSTNET Clear Zone of the window envelope. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to return the labeled mailpiece for sorting in a Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) system. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the capture device comprises a digital camera. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the agitation device comprises a shaking table.