Patent Application
20080077272
There are two options to allocate the sorted records to mailing containers to obtain postal presort discounts. In one option 130, an algorithm 131 slavishly runs down the sorted list 120, establishing container breaks whenever a maximum container capacity is reached. In this example, the breaks produce containers separated into groups 132, 134, and 136.
In the other option 140, an algorithm 141 still runs down the sorted list 120, but does a better job of allocating addresses to produce full containers with a given zip code. For example, the algorithm 141 leaves container 144 only partially filled so that it can fill container 146 entirely with addresses having a 20000 zip code. There is no impact on container 142, but some of the addresses that would have gone into container 148 are included in container 146, and the addresses from container 144 might eventually be combined with those in container 148.
This type of prior art sorting system works reasonably well for lists that are maintained in reasonably zip code sorted order, and where there are so many addresses per zip code that the allocation among containers is straightforward.
In this particular example, address list 210 is depicted as having an address column and a zip code column. For simplicity purposes, address list 210 is depicted as having only 11 entries. However, it is contemplated that address list 210 can have any number of entries with any number of different zip codes.
In
One significant factor is that the entire operation can be performed with no hard drive writes at all. This makes for much faster operation.
In a subsequent step, algorithm 250E uses data in the occurrence table 220 to create container list 230, which is prepared according to postal presort levels, the counts in the occurrence table, and a minimum and a maximum container capacity. The container capacity, of course, depends among other things upon the weight and thickness of the mail pieces. In
In order to create container list 230, algorithm 250E tries to create full containers with the highest presort level, which presently is a carrier route within a single five digit zip code. With remaining counts, the algorithm then tries to create full containers with the second highest presort level, which presently is a single five digit zip code. The system then tries to allocate counts to create full containers with third level presort, fourth level presort, and so forth.
Thus, if there are not enough mail pieces left over to fill another container with a single five digit zip code presort level having a minimum capacity, then an additional level of sorting must be done. This level of sorting involves grouping mail pieces from multiple surrounding areas. Hence, algorithm 250E creates all possible mailing containers having the same first three digit zip code. It is contemplated that algorithm 250E continues to create mailing containers until all counts in occurrence table 220 are used in the container list 230. In addition, Algorithm 250E maximizes the presort level discount per mail piece by optimizing the minimum number of mail containers that need to be created in container list 230 according to postal presort level discounts.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when optimizing a presort, the system may need to “borrow” from a higher presort level to promote a group of mail pieces in a lower presort level. For example, where a mail container holds between 375 (minimum) and 500 (maximum) pieces, it might be advantageous to move one member from a group of 500 mail pieces at a five digit zip code presort level, to a group of 374 mail pieces are at an ADC presort level, thus bumping that second group up to a three digit zip code presort level.
For simplicity purposes,
In a still later step, algorithm 250F re-scans address list 210 and creates a modified address list 240, as shown by
Of course, in all of these discussions, mailing containers can be any suitable continuers, including standard mailing trays, sacks, pallets, and so forth. Individual mailing containers can be used for any presort level, including carrier routes (zip+4), five digit zip codes, three digit zip codes, Area Distribution Centers (ADCs), and mixed ADCs.
In general then, it is possible to speed up the process of postal presorting by preparing zip code counts, using the counts to allocated addresses, and then to go back to the hard drive or other data source to allocate actual addresses to specific containers based upon the allocated counts. Much of this process can be performed in internal memory, but in any event without sorting in external storage. Current algorithms can only sort about 5000 mail pieces in the same amount of RAM due to hard drive write operations, but embodiments of the present invention have no practical limit on the number of address records.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
This application claims priority to Provisional App. No. 60/847,353 filed Sep. 26, 2006.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60847353 | Sep 2006 | US |
