Method and apparatus for inserting and printing barcoded zip codes

摘要

A system is disclosed for inserting barcode graphics information representing a complete zip code. The system receives a document containing a street address from a wordprocessor via a data transfer in accordance with printer interface protocols. The system locates the address within the document and thereafter consults an index of ZIP CODES corresponding to street addresses. If the system is able to identify a correct, complete ZIP CODE in the index for the address contained within the document, then a barcode representation of that ZIP CODE is thereafter calculated according to postal service regulations. The system then generates graphics data for the barcode representation of the ZIP CODE and inserts the graphics data into the electronic representation of the document. The document, including the barcode graphics, is thereafter transferred to a suitable printer.