WO2014072497A1

WO2014072497A1 - Franking for items of mail

Info

Publication number: WO2014072497A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/073459
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Meyer; Andreas Schiffner
Original assignee: Deutsche Post Ag
Priority date: 2012-11-12
Filing date: 2013-11-11
Publication date: 2014-05-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for paying fees for an item of mail. The invention also relates to a payment system having the components of franking and checking for an item of mail provided with an address, and to a program product for a smartphone for the franking component, for use in the payment system. According to the invention, the user creates an image of at least part of the surface of the item of mail using a smartphone, and said image is sent to a computer system of a logistics company if the image quality is sufficient. At the logistics company, a virtual postal account of the user is debited and a first ID code is generated, which is forwarded to the local sorting centres of the logistics company. If the item of mail is delivered to a sorting centre, a further image of the part of the surface of the item of mail is recorded and a second ID code is generated there. The two ID codes are compared and the item of mail is transported further if the two ID codes correspond within previously defined limits.

Description

Sendungsfreimachung

Description:

The invention relates to a method for the fee payment of a mailpiece. Furthermore, the invention relates to a payment system with the components franking and verification for a mailpiece provided with an address as well as a program product for a smartphone for the component franking for use in the payment system.

A mailing is made by a service provider, the transport or

Logistics company, transported from a sender to a consignee. The sender represents thereby the user of the procedure and the system

Carrier charges a fee for its services, usually based on the size and / or weight of the mailing, as well

Speed of transport and the place of transport. While in earlier times the receiver had to pay the fee, today it is customary to clear the consignment for the consignee by paying the sender.

For example, it is common for letters to display the franking by sticking a postage stamp. A franked consignment is provided with a recipient address by the sender and handed over to the logistics company, for example, by dropping it in a mailbox or in a branch of the company

Logistics company. From there, the consignment is transported by the logistics company to a decentralized sorting plant, where the

Consignment is checked by machine for the presence of a franking and sorted according to the recipient address. Subsequently, the mailpiece is transported by the logistics company to look for any further

Sorting processes to be delivered to the recipient. If the presence of a franking is not detected by machine in the sorting system, the

Dispatch rejected and another, such as manual

Subjected to test procedures. By signing up an internet brand is offered. The sender must register for a virtual petty cash and can after charging the virtual

Petty cash documents, envelopes and labels directly from one

To frank out the word processing application. For this purpose, a corresponding machine-readable code is printed on an envelope or a shipping bag. The disadvantage is that the sender can use the franking only on a computer with an appropriate software program installed on it. More recently, the computer no longer has to be a stationary computer, but can also be a mobile device, such as a so-called tablet, although a tablet is much more manageable than a computer, but still so large that it is not For example, fits in a shirt pocket and therefore still a certain circumstance means to carry such a device. In either case, however, the user must have access to a printer connected to the computer or tablet in addition to the computer or tablet. I want one

Senders spontaneously and on the way free and send a mailing, so the use of the Internet brand is not possible.

Also by the applicant is called a Handyporto

Consignment procedure offered. The sender sends with a

Mobile phone SMS to a server operated by the carrier and reachable at a specific number. In the SMS, the sender specifies the shipment type. The shipment type may be letter or postcard, for example. The server also sends back a 12-digit code via SMS. This code must be manually affixed to the franking zone by the consignor of the consignment. In the letter centers (BZ) of the transport company incoming shipments are sorted by machine in sorting machines. The programs marked with the 12-digit code will be removed from the automated process. By entering the 12-digit code by a processor, the code is verified manually via the central system. The billing of postage costs via the

Invoice of the mobile service provider where the sender's mobile phone is registered. At present, higher postage costs are calculated for the customer when using this mobile phone post, because among other things the expenditure of the processing by the Transport company against the stamp is increased. A consistent automatic processing and payment guarantee by means of mobile phone postage

Unpaid mail is currently not possible. Instead, these shipments are manually recorded and checked. In addition usually comes the costs for the SMS dispatch, which the customer usually has to carry in addition.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for fee payment and fee verification of a mail item, with a

Dispatch is possible without using a computer or tablet with connected printer and with little effort.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the method will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-6.

It is another object of the invention to provide a payment system for mail with the components franking and verification, with a

Dispatch is possible without the use of a computer or tablet connected printer with little effort.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a payment system with the features of claim 7.

A further object of the invention is to provide a software product which can run on a smartphone for the component franking for use in the payment system according to the invention. This object is achieved by a program product for a smartphone according to claim 8.

The inventive method for one provided with an address

Mailing uses a smartphone with a registered one

Mobile telephone number comprising a camera and a computer system of a logistics company with a virtual postage account created for a user, the logistics company operating decentralized sorting centers. A smartphone is understood here and below a mobile phone that more Provides computer functionality and connectivity as a conventional advanced mobile phone. Such smartphones can be upgraded by the user with new functions via additional programs, so-called apps, and have a camera with which images of objects can be created. Furthermore, such smartphones have means for storing data such as the images created. First, the

Mail item provided with a mark that the clearance is made via the method described. For example, the sender can mark the mailpiece accordingly by providing a handwritten note. For example, this remark may consist of the word "cell phone postage" or the like, and then the user uses the camera of the smartphone to take a picture of at least a part of the surface of the program to be made free, for example, the picture section only this note, but also a larger part of the program surface In particular, the image may also encompass the entire mailing surface, in which case the image may be aligned with the outer contours of the mailing surface The recorded image is displayed on the smartphone and the user checks the quality of the image and recognizability of at least the desired part of the surface If the quality of the image does not meet the requirements of the user, and / or the desired section of the broadcast surface is not recognizable, he or she may be unable to capture the image h Optimization of

Recording parameters, such as the lighting, and / or

Repeat completion and improvement of the address and / or marking of the franking procedure. It depends on the readability of

Recipient name, address, note of the franking procedure, or similar, not on. Subsequently, the user makes a product selection via the smartphone, whereupon the image as well as the mobile phone number of the smartphone and information on the product selection are sent to the computer system of the logistics company

be passed on. In the product selection can also more

Services are selected. In addition, a manual input of the postal code by the user can be done. About an entered

Postal code can be a better assignment or determination of the shipment address. In this case, other information, such as the The recording time of the image, the mobile number, network-based or accurate (GPS) location, device and / or model of the mobile phone used and the operating system used, possibly with the corresponding version number, will be forwarded to the logistics company's computer system.

Subsequently, a picture-technical analysis is carried out on the computer system of the logistics company, wherein the image quality is checked on the basis of a predefined criterion and a predefined quality threshold and if this quality threshold is not achieved or not, image optimization is carried out and if the image quality reaches the quality threshold immediately or after optimization first identity code, for example in the form of a fingerprint as location information of image pixels, is generated. In addition, an address check can additionally be carried out with regard to the delivery capability of the item, with it being checked, for example, whether the item is correctly addressed by street, zip code and / or location. An identity code makes it possible, via an analysis of the image information, to unambiguously recognize transmissions without the application of a physical identity code, in particular one

machine-readable identity codes. In this case, the image information used does not consist of the information read from the recipient, address, note about the franking process, or the like, but only from graphical

Image information in the form of a fingerprint, such as the arrangement of individual image pixels on the image. Subsequently, the first identity code and the mobile number are stored in the computer system of the logistics company.

Thereafter, the virtual postage of the user is called and deducted the product selection made corresponding fee, if appropriate coverage is available, with an error message is sent to the mobile number if no corresponding balance in the virtual postage is present. In this case, we offer the user the opportunity to recharge credits online, for example, or to end the procedure. After correct payment of the postage amount, a confirmation of the franking will be sent to the mobile phone number and the first identity code will be sent via the computer system of the

Logistic company to the decentralized sorting centers, where, for shipments marked to be cleared by the claimed method, an image of at least part of the surface of the consignment recorded and a second identity code is generated, wherein subsequently the second identity code is compared with the first identity code, wherein a

Further processing of the consignment takes place within previously defined limits and, in the other case, a discharge of the consignment takes place. The method is based on an image comparison, wherein each of the recorded images identcode is generated without information about the

Meaning of the recorded image must be read. Instead, only pure image information, such as the arrangement of pixels in the form of fingerprints of the two images are compared. In this case, the image sections taken for comparison must be essentially identical. This can be ensured for example by the fact that in each case the entire

Broadcasting surface is recorded, wherein the images are each limited by the outer contours of the broadcast surface. Another way to ensure the identity of the image is to use an anchor that defines the image details. For example, the outer

Contours of the transmission surface serve as anchors, wherein the image section for the generation of the identity code in relation to these contours can be defined. Alternatively, other anchors such as the address field on the

Broadcast surface possible, either the entire broadcast surface is recorded, but only one defined via the anchor image section for the generation of identity codes is used, or only to map the section defined by the anchor and use for the generation of Identcodes.

Usually, the resolution of the picture taken with the smartphone will be higher than that of the picture taken in a decentralized sorting center. For example, the resolution is in the decentralized sorting centers

120 dpi (dots per inch), while the images of today's smartphones have a much higher resolution. In such a case, the resolution of the first picture taken with the smartphone is reduced to the value of the picture taken in the sorting center. In this way, the images can be compared with each other and space and overhead for the data transfer is saved since the data amount of a low-resolution image is smaller than that of a higher-resolution image. There no Information of the image content, for example, by means of OCR (optical character recognition) must be detected, a low image resolution is sufficient.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the identification that the franking takes place via the method is taken into account in order to generate the identity codes. This indicator can be applied, for example, handwritten on the surface of the shipment, which makes it can be performed individually and is particularly good for customization and thus the recognition of the

Broadcast is suitable.

To confirm the proper franking, the mailing image can be sent from the computer system of the logistics company with a corresponding reference to the franking and any further information, such as a time stamp and / or identity code to the mobile phone number of the user.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the address for generating the identity codes is taken into account. It is also advantageous if, in addition, a first timestamp for generating the first identity code is taken into account. The first time stamp can be formed by the smartphone from the internally managed system time and gives, for example, an indication of the time at which the image of the program to be freed has been created by means of the smartphone. In addition, other information from the image for generating the first Identcodes can be considered. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the address is taken into account for generating the second identity code. To generate the second Identcodes can also additionally a second

Timestamps are considered. This second time stamp may contain, for example, information about the time of creation of the second identity code. By way of example, the comparison of the first time stamp with the second time stamp can be used to calculate a time difference of the two time stamps. For example, it can be provided that the franking only has validity if a maximum period of time is not exceeded between the franking and the further processing of the consignment. This results from the first timestamp one

Information about the time of the franking and the second timestamp an information about the time of delivery and thus the

Further processing of the shipment.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first

Identcode stored in the decentralized sorting centers for a previously defined period of time, whereby it is deleted after the expiration of the previously defined period. The decentralized sorting centers may include computer systems in which

For example, identity codes are stored.

Computer systems have a finite storage space. Therefore, it is advantageous if storage space is released in any case after expiry of a previously defined period. In addition, it is possible that a franking took place at a first time, on which a certain fee for a certain product was valid, while the delivery and thus the further processing should take place at a later second time, wherein between the first and the second time a Fee change was made. Therefore, between the franking and the further processing of the consignment no

over-dimensionally long period lie. About the measures described above, such programs can be detected, so that these programs can be treated differently than regular broadcasts. These shipments can

For example, be provided with a Nachporto, the recipient has to pay when presenting the shipment.

An inventive payment system for one provided with an address

Mailing uses a smartphone with a registered one

Mobile number that has a camera, and continues to use

Computer system of a logistics company with a virtual postage account of a user, whereby the logistics company operates decentralized sorting centers. The payment system has the components franking and checking, wherein the inventive method is used in the payment system.

A program product according to the invention for a smartphone for the component franking for use in the payment system according to the invention is characterized in that the program product can run on the smartphone is after it has been loaded into the memory of the smartphone. The program product controls the sequence in which an image of at least part of the surface of the program to be cleared is created by means of the camera of the smartphone, the quality of the image is checked, if recognizable the desired part of the surface, the image and the mobile number of the smartphone to the computer system of the logistics company, one

Error message from the computer system of the logistics company is receivable, a product selection is made by the sender, with an error message about insufficient coverage of the virtual petty cash from the smartphone

is receivable, and a confirmation of the franking of the smartphone is receivable.

Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a schematic representation of the inventive method and

payment system

In the schematic representation of the invention shown in FIG

Method and payment system is a mailing to see 1 in the form of a letter. The letter 1 has an address 2 and a label 3, from which it appears that the franking takes place via the method. Furthermore, a smartphone 10 can be seen, which has a camera, with which the user creates an image 1 1 of at least part of the surface of the program 1 to be cleared. A smartphone 10 is here and below understood to mean a mobile phone that has more computer functionality and connectivity than a mobile phone

provides conventional advanced mobile phone. Such

Smartphones 10 can be upgraded by the user with new functions via additional programs, so-called apps, and have a camera that can be used to create images of objects. Continue to point Smartphones 10 a display on which, for example, recorded images 10 can be displayed. Furthermore, such smart phones 10 have means for storing data such as the created images 1 1 on. Smartphones 10, like conventional mobile phones, require a so-called SIM card, which contains the access data for a mobile radio network of a mobile radio provider. This access data also includes a unique mobile number under which the mobile phone can be reached and which is registered to the user of the mobile phone.

The recorded image 1 1 is displayed on the display of the smartphone 10 and the user checks the quality of the image 10 and the visibility of the desired section of the broadcast surface. If the quality of the image 1 1 does not meet the requirements of the user, and / or the desired section of the broadcast surface is not recognizable, it may be able to capture the image 1 1 after optimization of recording parameters, such as lighting, and / or completion and improvement the address 2 and / or the

Repeat marking 3. Often already a different orientation of the letter 1 to the light or the smartphone 10 is sufficient to affect the quality of the image 1 1. If the camera of the smartphone 10 has a flash, then switching on the flash can cause a corresponding change in the quality of the image 1 1. It does not depend on the readability of the recipient's name, address, endorsement of the franking process, or the like.

Subsequently, the user makes a product selection by means of the smartphone, whereupon the image 11 and the mobile phone number of the smartphone 10 are forwarded to the computer system 20 of the logistics company. This transfer is usually done via the Internet using the

Mobile network or other access to the Internet, such as a wireless local area network (WiFi). In this case, further information, such as the recording time of the image 1 1, are passed on to the computer system 20 of the logistics company.

Product selection may also include the selection of particular services, such as express delivery, registered mail, or the like. On the computer system of the logistics company, a virtual postage due to the user. For example, an app can be used to load postage into a virtual, password-protected petty cash account on the Internet. This petty cash can be accessed by the app from any smartphone and postage be deducted. To use the virtual postage account, a user must register. The loading of the petty cash can then be done via known payment systems, such as by direct debit, giropay or PayPal. After the image 1 1, the mobile phone number and any other data has been passed to the computer system 20 of the logistics company, there is a picture-technical analysis, the image quality using a predefined criterion and a predefined quality threshold is checked and at

Failure to achieve or exceed this quality threshold image optimization is made. For this process, additional criteria, such as the device and / or software version of the smartphone can also be included. In firmware, software and hardware of smart phones 10 and in particular built-in smartphones 10 cameras there are qualitative differences in the manufacturer. In view of these differences or technical defects and / or inadequacies of hardware and / or software, such a defect can be found in the computer system 20 of the

Logistics company to ensure consistently high quality. If the quality threshold is not reached after the

Optimization and / or if the corresponding image section is not recognized, an error message is sent to the mobile phone number. Subsequently, a re-creation of the image 1 1 allows and repeats the process or the process can be terminated. In the case that the image quality is reached immediately after optimization or the quality threshold, as well as recognizing the desired image section, a first identity code is generated. The identity code makes it possible, via an analysis of the graphic image information in the form of a fingerprint, to unambiguously recognize broadcasts without the application of a physical identity code, in particular of a machine-readable identity code such as a bar code or data matrix code. Subsequently, the first identity code and the mobile number in the computer system 20 of the Logistics company saved. Thereafter, the virtual postage of the user is called and deducted the product selection made corresponding fee, if appropriate coverage is available, with an error message is sent to the mobile number if no corresponding balance in the virtual postage is present. In this case, it is provided that the user is offered the opportunity to charge the credit online, for example, or to end the procedure. After the correct payment of the postage amount, a confirmation of the franking is sent to the mobile number and the first identity code is forwarded via the computer system 20 of the logistics company to decentralized sorting centers 30 of the logistics company. In the sorting centers, the incoming items 1 are sorted by machine and checked whether a valid franking on the respective item 1 is appropriate. For shipments 1 with the designation 3 that the franking takes place via the method, an image of at least one section of the surface of the mailing address 2 and a second identity code is generated, wherein subsequently the second identity code is compared with the first identity code, and wherein a further processing of the Transmission 1 takes place within previously defined limits. In the other case, a discharge of the shipment 1 takes place. In this case, the image sections taken for comparison must be essentially identical. This can be ensured for example by the fact that in each case the entire

Broadcasting surface is recorded, wherein the images are each limited by the outer contours of the broadcast surface.

The resolution of the cameras used in the decentralized sorting centers 30 may be about 120 dpi. Since no meaningful content has to be extracted from the recorded image by recognizing and reading out characteristics such as the recipient's name, address or the identifier 3 that the franking is carried out via the method, such a low resolution suffices. From the image only graphic information in the form of arrangement of individual pixels (fingerprint) are read out. Therefore, the resolution of the recorded with the smartphone first image, which is sometimes much higher in today's smartphones, down to about the same resolution downscaled. This significantly reduces the data size of the individual image, which reduces storage space and data transfer costs. For comparing graphic image information or the generation of identity codes from such graphical ones

Image information is enough such a low resolution completely.

To generate the identification codes, the note 3 that the franking of the item is made via the method and / or the address 2 can be taken into account. In particular, these markers are particularly suitable for the individualization of a program, if they were applied by hand, since manuscripts have individual characteristics of the applicator. Furthermore, a first time stamp for generating the first identity code can additionally be taken into account.

In addition, further information from the picture can be taken into account. The first time stamp can be formed by the smartphone 10 from the internally guided system time and gives, for example, an indication of the time at which the image 1 1 of the free-to-air show 1 has been created by means of the smartphone 10. To generate the second identity code, the same features as for generating the first identity code are taken into account. Is becoming

Generation of the second identity code also takes into account a second time stamp which contains, for example, information about the time of creation of the second identity code, a time difference of the two time stamps can be calculated by comparing the first time stamp with the second time stamp.

For example, it can be provided that the franking only has validity if a maximum period of time is not exceeded between the franking and the further processing of the consignment 1. This results from the first timestamp information about the time of franking and from the second timestamp information about the time of posting and thus the further processing of the shipment. 1

The first identity code is stored in the decentralized sorting centers 30 for a pre-defined period of time, upon expiration of the previously defined one

Period is deleted. The decentralized sorting centers 30 have

Computer systems in which the Identcodes are stored.

Computer systems have a finite storage space. Therefore, it is advantageous if storage space is released in any case after expiry of a previously defined period. In addition, it is possible that a franking took place at a first time, on which a certain fee for a certain product was valid, while the admission and thus the further processing into a later second time, with a change in fees between the first and second Therefore, between the franking and the further processing of the program 1 may not be an oversized long period. By way of the measures described above, such programs 1 can be recognized so that these programs 1 can be handled differently than regular programs 1. These broadcasts 1 can be provided, for example, with a postage due, which the recipient has to pay upon presentation of the program 1.

A part of the method can be implemented on the smartphone 10 in the form of a so-called app. It is under App on the smartphone 10

executable program product understood after placing it in the memory of

Smartphones 10 was loaded. The app controls the process in which by means of the camera of the smartphone 10, an image 1 1 of the free-to-air show 1 is created, the quality of the image 1 1 is checked, in recognizability of the desired image detail the image 1 1, and the mobile number of the smartphone 10th is passed to the computer system 20 of the logistics company, a

Error message from the computer system 20 of the logistics company of the smartphone 10 is receivable, a product selection is made by the sender, with an error message about insufficient coverage of the virtual postage by the smartphone 10 is receivable, and a confirmation of the franking of the smartphone 10 is receivable , The adjustment of the resolution of the image recorded by means of the smartphone can already be done via the app on the

Smartphone happen or only on the computer system of the

Logistics company.

The embodiments shown herein are only examples of the present invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting. Alternative embodiments contemplated by one skilled in the art are

equally within the scope of the present invention. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 mailing 2 address

3 License plate 10 Smartphone 1 1 image

20 Connputersystenn 30 sorting center

Claims

A method for the fee payment and fee checking of an item of mail (1) provided with an address (2) using a smartphone (10) with a registered mobile number, comprising a camera, and using a computer system (20) of a logistics company with a virtual postage account User, whereby the logistics company operates decentralized sorting centers (30),

characterized,

that

first, the mail item (1) is provided with a license plate (3) that the franking takes place via the method, then

a user by means of the camera of the smartphone (10) creates an image (1 1) of at least part of the surface of the program to be cleared (1), then

the image (1 1) on the smartphone (1 1) is displayed and the user checks the quality of the image (1 1) and recognizability of the

desired part of the surface, a product selection by means of

Smartphones (10) meets, then at least the image (1 1) and the mobile number of the smartphone (10) and product selection information to the computer system (20) of the logistics company are passed, then

on the computer system (20) of the logistics company an image analysis is performed, the image quality is checked on the basis of a predefined criterion and a predefined quality threshold and if this quality threshold is exceeded, image optimization is carried out, and in case the image quality immediately or after optimization, the quality threshold achieved a first identity code is generated, then

the first identity code and the mobile number are stored in the computer system (20) of the logistics company, then

the virtual petty cash of the user is called and the the appropriate fee is deducted, provided that appropriate coverage is available, with an error message is sent to the mobile phone number, if no corresponding balance in the virtual postage account exists and the user the possibilities are offered to charge the credit or terminate the process, and wherein after the correct payment of the postage amount a confirmation of the franking is sent to the mobile number and the first identity code via the computer system (20) of the

(30) where, for consignments (1) marked (3), the logistics company is forwarded to the decentralized sorting centers (30)

Freizachung on the process takes place, an image of at least part of the surface of the program (l) recorded and a second identity code is generated, wherein subsequently

the second identity code is compared with the first identity code, further processing of the program (1) taking place within previously defined limits, and in the other case a

Outward transfer of the consignment (1) takes place.

Method according to claim 1,

characterized,

for generating the identity codes, the identifier (3) that the

Franking of the procedure is taken into account.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the address (2) is taken into account for generating the identity codes.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that a first time stamp is taken into account for generating the first identity code.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that for generating the second identity code, a second time stamp is taken into account.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the first identity code is stored in the decentralized sorting centers (30) for a predefined period of time, whereby it is deleted after the expiration of the previously defined period of time

Payment system for a mail item (1) provided with an address (2) using a smartphone (10) with a registered mobile phone number, comprising a camera, and using a computer system (20) of a logistics company with a virtual petty cash of a user, wherein the Logistics company operates decentralized sorting centers (30), comprising the components franking and inspection,

characterized,

in the payment system, the method according to one of the preceding claims is used. Program product for a smartphone (10) for the component franking for use in the payment system according to claim 6,

characterized,

that the program product is executable on the smartphone (10) after it has been loaded into the memory of the smartphone (10), and

Program product controls the process in which

by means of the camera of the smartphone (10) an image (11) of at least a part of the surface of the program to be cleared (1) is created,

the quality of the image (11) is checked,

if the desired part of the surface is recognizable, the image (11) and the mobile phone number of the smartphone (10) to the computer system

(20) of the logistics company,

an error message from the computer system (20) of the

Logistics company with the smartphone (10) is receivable,

a product selection is made by the sender, an error message about insufficient coverage of the virtual petty cash of the smartphone (10) is receivable, and

a confirmation of the franking of the smartphone (10) is receivable.