JPH1176949A - Postal item processing system apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a postal item processing system apparatus capable of exactly and rapidly reading address information without the degradation in the appearance of postal items as in the case bar codes are used and without the occurrence of a delay processing as in the case figure codes are used. SOLUTION: The address information X is converted to a chain-like code pattern Y and the postal item P is previously printed therewith as a part of an enclosing frame A of the address information which is a fixed type image on the postal items. At the time of the sorting processing of the postal items P, the image on the postal item P is read and the detecting and reading of the chain-like code pattern Y are executed with the enclosing frame A of the address region in particular among the read image as the object to be detected. The sorting processing of the postal items is executed according to the results of the reading.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mail processing apparatus having a printing apparatus for encoding address information and printing the same on a mail, and a reading apparatus for reading a code on the mail and performing a mail sorting process. Related to system devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of postal matter processing, it is necessary to process a large amount of mails sent every day within a limited time. Therefore, mechanization of postal services has been promoted, and the burden on post office staff has been reduced. One example is a distributing sorter that uses an optical character reader to read a postal code on a postal matter and classifies the postal matter into a plurality of delivery post offices based on the read result, or an address on the postal matter. This is a delivery sorter that reads information and sorts mail items into a plurality of delivery areas based on the read result.

At present, of postal items processed by a post office,
Direct mail from companies accounts for a significant proportion. In general, direct mail is printed with advertisement pictures and characters in addition to the address information, so it is often difficult to determine the address information from the read image on the mail. Mail that could not be processed by such a delivery sorter must be re-sorted by a staff member, which is one of the causes of reducing the efficiency of sorting.

[0004] In the future, the volume of direct mail is expected to increase more and more, and there is a need for the development of a technique for reliably reading the address information of direct mail. As a means of improving the reading rate of direct mail address information, a method of encoding address information, printing it on direct mail, and detecting and reading the printed code in a delivery sorting machine to obtain destination information There is. Examples of this are shown in FIGS.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the address information is converted into a several-digit numeric code, which is printed in a box A of the address area of the mail P. In the example of FIG. 17, the address information is converted into a barcode, and the barcode is printed in the box A of the address area of the postal matter P.

[0006]

In the example of FIG. 16 using a numeric code, it is difficult to distinguish the numeric code line from other character lines (address line, name line, advertisement line, etc.) on the mail.
Eventually, unless several character lines are read in order by the conventional OCR method, a numerical code line cannot be found, resulting in a delay in processing. This has no meaning in coding.

[0007] In the example shown in Fig. 17 using a bar code, the delivery sorting machine has the advantage that it is possible to sort mail if it has the function of a bar code reader without mounting an expensive OCR. An error correction bit can be added to the inside, so there is an advantage that the possibility of erroneous reading can be extremely reduced, but on the other hand, there is a problem that the appearance of a well-designed postal matter is deteriorated by the presence of a barcode .

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
The goal is to avoid processing delays,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mail processing system apparatus that can accurately and quickly read mail address information without deteriorating the appearance of the mail.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems First Invention (Claim 1)
A mail processing system device converts a destination information into a predetermined code pattern and prints it as a part of a fixed image on a mail, and reads an image on a mail to read the code pattern from the read image. And a reading device for performing a mail sorting process in accordance with the read result.

In a second aspect of the present invention (claim 2), in the first aspect, the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and converts the address information into an address area on the mail. Print as part of the box.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention (claim 3), in the mail processing system device according to the first aspect, the printing device may be configured such that the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and the converting device obtains the conversion information. Printing means for printing a code pattern to be printed as a part of a frame around an address area on a postal matter. Further, a reading device reads an image on a postal matter, a detecting device detecting the chain-like code pattern from an image read by the reading device, and a reading device reading a code pattern detected by the detecting device. And sorting processing means for sorting mail according to the reading result of the reading means.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention (claim 4), in the first aspect of the invention, the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and converts the address information into a sender area on the mail. Print as part of the box.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing system apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and the conversion device. Printing means for printing the code pattern to be obtained as a part of the frame around the sender area on the mail. Further, a reading device reads an image on a postal matter, a detecting device detecting the chain-like code pattern from an image read by the reading device, and a reading device reading a code pattern detected by the detecting device. And sorting processing means for sorting mail according to the reading result of the reading means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention (claim 6), in the first aspect, the printing apparatus converts the address information into a chain code pattern and converts the converted address information into a charge meter on the mail. Print as part.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing system apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain-like code pattern, and the conversion device obtains the conversion information. Printing means for printing the code pattern obtained as a part of the charge meter on the mail. Further, the reading device, reading means for reading the image on the mail,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means Classification processing means.

In a mail processing system apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the printing apparatus converts the address information into a chain code pattern and converts it into a postal code frame on the mail. Print as part of

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing system apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing apparatus converts the address information into a chain code pattern and the conversion means. Printing means for printing the code pattern to be obtained as a part of the postal code frame on the postal matter. Further, the reading device, reading means for reading the image on the mail,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means Classification processing means.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention (claim 10), in the first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus converts the address information into a chain code pattern and describes the address information on the mail. Print as underline along.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing system apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing device is configured such that the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and the conversion device obtains the conversion information. Printing means for printing the code pattern to be printed as an underline along the address information description on the mail. Further, a reading device reads an image on a postal matter, a detecting device detecting the chain-like code pattern from an image read by the reading device, and a reading device reading a code pattern detected by the detecting device. And sorting processing means for sorting mail according to the reading result of the reading means.

A mail processing system apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus for converting address information into a chain code pattern and printing the same in accordance with the address information on the mail. A reading device that reads an image on a postal matter, detects and reads the code pattern from the read out image, and performs a mail sorting process according to the read result.

A mail processing system according to a thirteenth invention (claim 13) is the mail processing system according to the twelfth invention, wherein
There is provided conversion means for converting the address information into a chain code pattern, and printing means for printing the code pattern obtained by the conversion means in accordance with the description of the address information on the mail and as an underline for the address information. Further, a reading device reads an image on a postal matter, a detecting device detecting the chain-like code pattern from an image read by the reading device, and a reading device reading a code pattern detected by the detecting device. And sorting processing means for sorting mail according to the reading result of the reading means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mail processing system apparatus which converts address information into a predetermined code pattern, and prints the code pattern on a mail with a digital watermark.
A reading device that reads an image on a mail, detects and reads the code pattern of the electronic watermark printing from the read image, and performs a mail sorting process in accordance with the read result.

A mail processing system according to a fifteenth invention (claim 15) is the mail processing system according to the fourteenth invention, wherein
A conversion unit for converting the address information into a predetermined code pattern, and a printing unit for digitally printing the code pattern obtained by the conversion unit on a picture area on a postal matter are provided. A reading device for reading an image on the mail, a detecting device for detecting the code pattern of the electronic watermark printing from the read image of the reading device, and a reading device for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting device; Means for sorting mails according to the reading result of the reading means.

A mail processing system apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a mail processing system apparatus for processing a mail in which address information is printed in advance as a code pattern by reading an image on the mail. A reading device for detecting and reading the code pattern from a fixed image on a postal matter among the readout images, and performing a sorting process of the postal matter according to the read result.

A mail processing system apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a mail processing system apparatus for processing a mail in which address information is printed in advance as a chain code pattern. A reading device that reads an image, detects and reads the code pattern from the vicinity of the address information on the mail in the read image, and performs a mail sorting process in accordance with the read result.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides a mail processing system apparatus for processing mail having address information printed in advance as a code pattern by electronic watermarking. And a reading device for detecting and reading the code pattern of the electronic watermark printing from the read image, and performing a mail sorting process according to the read result.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The mail processing system apparatus of the present invention includes:
A printing device and a reading device are provided. First, the printing device
As shown in FIG. 2, a mail taking-in unit 1, an address information reading unit 2, an address information encoding processing unit 3, a print pattern generation processing unit 4, a print pattern position setting processing unit 5, an address print position setting processing unit 6. , An address print processing unit 7, a pattern print processing unit 8, and a mail discharge unit 9.

Mail P sent as direct mail
, Except for the address information (address and name) X and the standard image pattern (address box, sender box, confidential box, charge meter, postal code box, etc.) Information, confidential characters, and the like have already been printed, and a large number of mails P are set in the mail take-in section 1. These mails P are fetched one by one and sequentially sent to a destination print processing unit 7, a pattern print processing unit 8, and a mail discharge unit 9.

A large number of pieces of address information X of the destination of the direct mail are described in the mail destination list L, and the address information X is read by the address information reading unit 2 one by one. The read address information X is stored in the address information coding processing unit 3.
And the address printing position setting processing unit 6.

The address information coding processing section 3 stores the address information X
Are encoded according to a predefined scheme. The code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 is supplied to the print pattern generation processing unit 4.

The print pattern generation processing unit 4 converts the code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 into a dashed line code pattern Y. This chain-like code pattern Y is
Points and lines (a plurality of types of lines having different lengths) are linearly arranged.

The print pattern generation processing section 4 prints a print pattern of the box A of the address area, a print pattern of the box B of the sender area, and a box C of the confidential character to be printed on the mail P. A pattern and a print pattern of the charge meter D are respectively generated, and when the print pattern of the enclosing frame A of the address area is generated, the above-mentioned chain code pattern Y is incorporated in a part (lower side) of the print pattern. Each of the generated print patterns is stored in a print pattern position setting processing unit 5.
Supplied to

The address printing position setting processing section 6 stores the address information X
Is set in which position of the mail P to be printed (position setting of the address area) according to the operation of the attendant. This setting information is supplied to the print pattern position setting processing section 5 and also to the address print processing section 7 together with the address information X.

The print pattern position setting processing section 5 prints each print pattern generated by the print pattern generation processing section 4 at any position on the mail P while considering the setting information of the address print position setting processing section 6. Make settings for what should be done. This setting information is supplied to the pattern print processing unit 8 together with each print pattern.

The address print processing section 7 prints the address information X at a predetermined position on the mail P in accordance with the setting information of the address print position setting processing section 6. After the print processing of the address print processing section 7 is completed, the pattern print processing section 8 prints each print pattern at a predetermined position on the mail P according to the setting information of the print position setting processing section 5.

The postal matter P that has been printed by the pattern print processing unit 8 is discharged from the mail discharge unit 9 to the outside of the apparatus. The operation of the printing apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a mail P.

First, the location of the destination information X to be printed on the mail P is set (position setting of the destination area) by the operation of the clerk on the destination printing position setting processing section 6 (step 101). In general, in the case of direct mail, a large number of letters of the same format are printed, so the print position of the address information X does not need to be specified for each copy, but only needs to be set first.

It is checked whether or not the unprinted address information X exists in the mail address list L (step 102). If it does not exist (N in step 102)
O), the printing process ends. If it exists (step 102
YES), one piece of the address information X is read from the mail destination list L (step 103), and converted into a chain code pattern Y (step 104).

The printing pattern of the box A of the address area, the printing pattern of the box B of the sender area, the printing pattern of the box C of the confidential character, and a charge meter (for example, post-pay stamp) to be printed on the mail P D print patterns are generated. When the print pattern of the enclosing frame A of the address area is generated, the chain-shaped code pattern Y is incorporated in a part (lower side) of the print pattern (step 10).
Five ).

One postal matter P is sequentially set in the address print processing section 7 and the pattern print processing section 8 (step S1).
106). The address print processing unit 7 prints the characters of the address information X in the set address area on the mail P. The pattern print processing unit 8 includes a print pattern of a box A (including a chain code pattern Y) of an address area and a box B of a sender area.
Print pattern, confidential character box C print pattern,
The print pattern of the charge meter D is printed at each set position on the mail P (step 108). The printing order of the address information X and each printing pattern may be reversed.

In the postal matter P, the chain-line-shaped code pattern Y forms a part of the frame A of the address area, which is a standard image, so that it is inconspicuous and has a beautifully designed design as in the case of using a conventional bar code. It does not detract from the appearance of the postal mail.

The postal matter P on which printing has been completed is discharged out of the apparatus (step 109). Thereafter, the process returns to the check in step 102, and the same processing is repeated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the reading device includes an image input unit 11, a code pattern detection processing unit 12, a code reading processing unit 13, a code decoding processing unit 14, and a mail sorting processing unit 15.

The image input unit 11 reads an image on the mail P to be processed by photoelectric conversion processing. The code pattern detection processing unit 12 stores in advance position information for designating that the chain line code pattern Y exists in the box A of the address area on the mail P, and reads the image input unit 11. A chain-line code pattern Y is detected from a read image of an area (enclosing frame A of the destination area) specified by the same position information in the image.

The code reading processing section 13 performs the chain-shaped code pattern Y detected by the code pattern detection processing section 12.
Is read. The code decryption processing unit 14 decrypts the read result of the code read processing unit 13 when the result is encrypted.

The mail sorting section 15 sorts mail P according to the result of reading by the code reading section 13 or the result of decoding by the code decoding section 14. The operation of the reading device having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The image on the postal matter P is optically read (step 201), and the portion corresponding to the enclosing frame A of the destination area of the read image is detected as a chain-like code pattern Y (step 202). ).

When a portion which seems to be a chain linear code pattern Y is not detected at all (detection number n = 0, YE of step 203)
S), the address reading process using the code is terminated, and the conventional process of reading the characters of the address information written on the mail P by the OCR method is executed (step 204).

When a portion that seems to be a chain-line code pattern Y is detected (NO in step 203), the value i is added to the counter.
The initial value "1" is set (step 205), and the detected value n is compared with the detected number n of the portion that seems to be a chain code pattern Y (step 206).

If the detected number n is equal to or greater than the numerical value i (NO in step 206), it is determined whether or not the i-th detected code pattern Y is a code readable code. (Step 207).

If the i-th code pattern Y cannot be read (NO in step 207), i is increased by "1" (step 208), and steps 206 and 207 are executed.
Is repeated.

If all of the detected code patterns Y are unreadable (step 20).
6) YES), the address reading process using the code is terminated, and the characters of the address information written on the mail P are changed to O as described above.
Conventional processing for reading by the CR method is executed (step 204).

If any of the detected code patterns Y seems to be code readable (step
207, YES), the code pattern Y is actually read (step 209). If an error correction code has been added to this read result or encryption processing has been performed, the read result is decrypted (step 210).

This read result or decryption result is collated with a national address database prepared in advance to obtain address information X corresponding to the read result or decryption result (step).
211). In accordance with the address information X obtained in this way, mail sorting processing is executed (step 212).

When detecting the chain-shaped code pattern Y, it is sufficient to detect the surrounding frame A of the address area, and therefore, as in the case of using a numerical code of several digits as in the prior art, the numerical code line and the mail There is no problem that it is difficult to distinguish from other character lines (address line, name line, advertisement line, etc.) on the object, and quick detection is possible.

As described above, the address information X is converted into a chain code pattern Y, which is printed as a part of the box A of the address area which is a fixed image on the mail P, and In the sorting process of P, an image on the postal matter P is read, and a chain line code pattern Y is detected and read from the read image, particularly with respect to the surrounding frame A of the address area, and according to the read result. The mail is sorted, so that the appearance of the mail does not deteriorate as in the case of using the conventional barcode, and the processing delay occurs as in the case of using the conventional numeric code of several digits. Therefore, the address information X can be read accurately and quickly.

Further, since an error correction bit can be added to the chain-like code pattern Y, the possibility of a reading error is extremely reduced, and a higher read rate than when the address information X is read by OCR is obtained. can get.

[2] The second embodiment will be described. First, the function of the print pattern generation processing unit 4 of the printing apparatus is the first.
The difference from the embodiment is as follows.

That is, the print pattern generation processing unit 4
The code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 is converted into a chain code pattern Y, and further, a print pattern of an address area box A to be printed on the mail P, and a sender area box B of the sender area , A confidential character box C, and a charge meter D print pattern, and a part of the print pattern (upper side) is generated when the sender box B is printed. The chain-line code pattern Y is incorporated.

FIG. 6 shows the appearance of the mail P obtained by this printing apparatus. A chain line-shaped code pattern Y is included in a part of the frame B of the sender area. Further, the function of the code pattern detection processing unit 12 of the reading device is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

That is, the code pattern detection processing section 12
Stores, in advance, position information for designating that the chain-line code pattern Y exists in the box B of the sender area on the mail P, and stores the same position information among the read images of the image input unit 11. From the read image of the area specified by the above (that is, the box B of the sender area)
Is detected.

The operation of the reader is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the process of step 202, the detection target is changed from the box A of the destination area to the box B of the sender area.

The other structure and operation are the same as in the first embodiment. In this way, the address information X is converted into a chain code pattern Y, which is printed as a part of the box B of the sender area, which is a fixed image on the mail P, and
In the sorting process, the image on the mail P is read and
By detecting and reading the dashed line code pattern Y with the surrounding frame B of the sender area as a detection target in the read image, and performing postal mail sorting processing according to the read result, the conventional bar code can be converted. The appearance of the postal matter does not deteriorate as in the case of using it, and the processing delay does not occur as in the case of using a conventional numeric code of several digits,
The address information X can be read accurately and quickly.

Further, since an error correction bit can be added to the chain code pattern Y, the possibility of a read error is extremely reduced, and a higher read rate than in the case where the address information X is read by OCR is obtained. can get.

[3] A third embodiment will be described. First, the function of the print pattern generation processing unit 4 of the printing apparatus is the first.
The difference from the embodiment is as follows.

That is, the print pattern generation processing unit 4
The code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 is converted into a chain code pattern Y, and further, a print pattern of an address area box A to be printed on the mail P, and a sender area box B of the sender area , A print pattern of the confidential character box C, and a print pattern of the charge meter D, and a part of the print pattern (the straight line ) Is incorporated with the chain-shaped code pattern Y.

FIG. 8 shows the appearance of the mail P obtained by this printing apparatus. A chain line-shaped code pattern Y is included in a part of the charge meter D. Further, the function of the code pattern detection processing unit 12 of the reading device is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

That is, the code pattern detection processing section 12
Stores in advance the position information for designating that the chain-line code pattern Y exists in the charge meter D on the mail P, and is designated by the position information in the read image of the image input unit 11. A chain line code pattern Y is detected from the read image of the area (that is, the charge meter D).

The operation of the reader is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the process of step 202, the detection target is changed from the box A of the destination area to the charge meter D. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, the address information X is converted into a chain code pattern Y, which is printed as a part of the charge meter D which is a fixed image on the mail P, and the mail P is sorted. In this case, the image on the mail P is read, and the chain line code pattern Y is detected and read from the read image, particularly the toll meter D, and the mail is sorted according to the read result. By doing so, the appearance of the postal matter does not deteriorate as in the case of using the conventional barcode, and the address information X can be accurately detected without causing the processing delay as in the case of using the conventional numeric code of several digits. Can be read quickly.

Further, since an error correction bit can be added to the chain-like code pattern Y, the possibility of erroneous reading becomes very small, and a higher read rate than when the address information X is read by OCR is obtained. can get.

[4] A fourth embodiment will be described. First, the function of the print pattern generation processing unit 4 of the printing apparatus is the first.
The difference from the embodiment is as follows.

That is, the print pattern generation processing unit 4
The code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 is converted into a plurality of chain-shaped (one set of four) code patterns Y. Further, a box A of the address area to be printed on the mail P is printed. The print pattern, the print pattern of the box B of the sender area, the print pattern of the box C of the confidential character, the print pattern of the charge meter D, and the postal code frame (for 5 digits) E are respectively generated. When the print pattern is generated, a plurality of chain-shaped code patterns Y are incorporated in a part (a plurality of places) of the print pattern.

FIG. 10 shows the appearance of the mail P obtained by this printing apparatus. A part of the postal code frame E includes a plurality of chain-shaped code patterns Y. Further, the function of the code pattern detection processing unit 12 of the reading device is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

That is, the code pattern detection processing section 12
Stores in advance the position information for designating that the chain-line code pattern Y exists in the postal code frame E on the postal matter P, and designates the position information among the read images of the image input unit 11 using the same position information. From the read image of the region (ie, the postal code frame E), a plurality of (a set of four) chain-shaped code patterns Y are detected.

The operation of the reader is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the process of step 202, the detection target is changed from the box A of the destination area to the postal code box E. Further, in the processing of steps 203 and 207, the number of detections is changed to the number of detection pairs.

The other structure and operation are the same as in the first embodiment. In this manner, the address information X is converted into a plurality of chain-shaped code patterns Y, which is printed as a part of the postal code frame E which is a fixed image on the postal matter P, and
In the sorting process, the image on the mail P is read and
By detecting and reading a plurality of chain-line code patterns Y with the postal code frame E as a detection target in the read image, and performing postal mail sorting processing according to the read result, a conventional bar code is obtained. As in the case of using, the appearance of the postal matter does not deteriorate, and furthermore, there is no processing delay as in the case of using a conventional numeric code of several digits,
The address information X can be read accurately and quickly.

Further, a plurality of chain-shaped code patterns Y
Since an error correction bit can be added to, the possibility of a read error is extremely reduced, and a higher read rate can be obtained than when the address information X is read by OCR.

[5] A fifth embodiment will be described. First, the functions of the print pattern generation processing unit 4 and the print pattern position setting processing unit 5 of the printing apparatus are different from those of the first embodiment as follows.

The print pattern generation processing unit 4 converts the code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 into a dashed line code pattern Y, and furthermore, a box around the address area to be printed on the mail P. A print pattern of the A, the print pattern of the box B of the sender area, the print pattern of the box C of the confidential character, and the print pattern of the charge meter D are generated.

The print pattern position setting processing section 5 prints each print pattern generated by the print pattern generation processing section 4 at any position on the mail P while considering the setting information of the address print position setting processing section 6. The setting of whether or not to perform the setting is performed. In particular, the chain code pattern Y is printed along the description (printing) of the address line of the address information X on the mail P and as an underline for the address information X. Perform position setting.

FIG. 12 shows the appearance of the mail P obtained by this printing apparatus. A chain line code pattern Y is printed along the description of the address line of the address information X and as an underline for the address information X.

The function of the code pattern detection processing section 12 of the reader differs from that of the first embodiment as follows.
That is, the code pattern detection processing unit 12 previously stores the position information for designating that the chain-line code pattern Y exists along the description of the address information X on the mail P, and the image input unit A chain-line code pattern Y is detected from the read images in the area specified by the same position information (that is, near the address information X) among the 11 read images.

The operation of the reader is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the process of step 202, the detection target is changed from the surrounding frame A of the destination area to an underline along the destination information X.

Other structures and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this way, the address information X is converted into a chain-shaped code pattern Y, which is printed along the description of the address information X on the mail P and as an underline for the address information X, and In the sorting process, an image on the postal matter P is read, and a chain line code pattern Y is detected and read out of the read out image particularly in the vicinity of the address information X as a detection target. By performing the classification processing of the address information, the appearance of the mail does not deteriorate as in the case of using the conventional barcode, and the address information can be processed without delay as in the case of using the conventional numeric code of several digits. X can be read accurately and quickly.

Further, since an error correction bit can be added to the chain-like code pattern Y, the possibility of a reading error is extremely reduced, and a higher reading rate than when the address information X is read by OCR is obtained. can get.

[6] A sixth embodiment will be described. First, the functions of the print pattern generation processing unit 4, print pattern position setting processing unit 5, and pattern print processing unit 8 of the printing apparatus are different from those of the first embodiment as follows.

The print pattern generation processing unit 4 converts the code obtained by the address information coding processing unit 3 into a bar code Z, and further prints a box A of the address area to be printed on the mail P. Pattern, print pattern of box B of sender area, print pattern of box C of confidential characters, charge meter D
Are generated.

The print pattern position setting processing section 5 prints each print pattern generated by the print pattern generation processing section 4 at any position on the mail P while considering the setting information of the address print position setting processing section 6. The setting of whether or not to perform the setting is performed. In particular, the position of the barcode Z is set so as to be printed in the picture area on the mail P.

The pattern print processing section 8 prints each print pattern except the bar code Z at a predetermined position on the mail P according to the setting information of the print position setting processing section 5 so as to be visible. With regard to, digital watermark printing is performed at a predetermined position (picture area) on the postal matter P according to the setting information of the print position setting processing unit 5.

FIG. 14 shows the appearance of the mail P obtained by this printing apparatus. A barcode Z is electronically watermark-printed on a picture area F on which a picture such as a plant or landscape is described. Digital watermarking is a known technique that utilizes the sensory characteristics of human vision. For example, when viewing an image, the finer the contour, the lower the visual sensitivity, and the lower the brightness of the pixels near the higher brightness pixels is less visible. Utilizing these characteristics,
A technique of superimposing another image in an inconspicuous manner on an original image is a technique of digital watermarking. Naturally, if an appropriate process is performed, the hidden image of the digital watermark print can be restored.

The functions of the code pattern detection processing section 12 and the code reading processing section 13 of the reading apparatus are different from those of the first embodiment as follows. The code pattern detection processing unit 12 determines that the barcode Z printed with the electronic watermark is
Position information for designating existence in the upper picture area F is stored in advance, and an area specified by the same position information in the read image of the image input unit 11 (that is, the picture area F)
, The digital watermark printing barcode Z is detected from the read image.

The code reading processing section 13 reads the digital watermark printing barcode Z detected by the code pattern detection processing section 12 by a predetermined digital watermark reading process. The operation of this reader is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the process of step 202, the detection target is changed from the box A of the destination area to the digital watermark printing of the picture area F.

The other structure and operation are the same as in the first embodiment. In this way, the address information X is converted into the barcode Z, and it is electronically watermarked and printed so as not to be seen in the picture area F on the postal matter P. By reading the digital watermark printing barcode Z from the image of the picture area F, in particular, from the read image, and performing mail sorting according to the read result. This makes it possible to read the address information X accurately and quickly without causing the appearance of the postal matter to deteriorate as in the case of using a simple barcode, and without causing the processing delay as in the case of using a conventional numeric code of several digits. it can.

Further, since an error correction bit can be added to the barcode Z, the possibility of a reading error becomes extremely small, and a higher reading rate can be obtained than when the address information X is read by OCR.

[7] In each of the above embodiments, the mail P of direct mail has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various mails P. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, a printing apparatus that converts address information into a predetermined code pattern and prints it as a part of a fixed image on a postal matter, A reading device for detecting and reading the code pattern from the read image and performing a sorting process of the mail according to the read result is provided, so that the appearance of the mail is deteriorated without causing a processing delay. Thus, it is possible to provide a mail processing system device capable of reading mail address information of mail accurately and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, a printing device for converting address information into a chain code pattern and printing it in accordance with the description of the address information on the postal matter, and reading an image on the postal matter, A reading device that detects and reads the code pattern from the read image and performs a mail sorting process in accordance with the read result, so that there is no delay in processing and the appearance of the mail is not deteriorated. In addition, it is possible to provide a mail processing system device capable of accurately and quickly reading mail address information.

Further, according to the present invention, a printing apparatus for converting address information into a predetermined code pattern and printing it on a postal matter, reading an image on the postal matter, and reading the digital watermark from the read image. A reading device that detects and reads a print code pattern and performs sorting processing of mail according to the read result is provided, so that there is no delay in processing, the appearance of the mail is not deteriorated, It is possible to provide a mail processing system device capable of accurately and quickly reading address information of an article.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a mail P of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to each embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus of each embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reading apparatus according to each embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mail P according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mail P according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mail P according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mail P according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reading apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the appearance of a mail P of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a view showing an appearance of a conventional mail P on which a numeric code is printed.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an appearance of a conventional mail P on which a barcode is printed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 P: Mail A: Box for address area B: Box for sender area C: Box for confidential characters D: Charge meter E: Postal code box X: Address information Y: Chain-line code pattern 1: Mail box Addressing unit 2 Address information reading unit 3 Address information coding processing unit 4 Print pattern generation processing unit 5 Print pattern position setting processing unit 6 Address printing position setting processing unit 7 Address printing processing unit 8 Pattern printing processing Unit 11 Image input unit 12 Code pattern detection processing unit 13 Code reading processing unit 14 Code decoding processing unit 15 Mail sorting processing unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshikatsu Nakamura 70, Yanagicho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus for converting address information into a predetermined code pattern and printing it as a part of a standard image on a mail, reading an image on a mail, and detecting the code pattern from the read image And a reading device for performing mail sorting according to the read result. 2. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and prints it as a part of a box around an address area on the mail. A mail processing system apparatus characterized in that: 3. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. A printing unit that prints as a part of an enclosing frame of the address area, wherein the reading device reads an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 4. The mail processing system apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus converts the address information into a chain code pattern and prints the same as a part of a box around a sender area on the mail. A mail processing system apparatus characterized in that: 5. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. A printing unit that prints as a part of an enclosing frame of the sender area, wherein the reading device reads an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 6. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and prints it as a part of a charge meter on the mail. Characteristic mail processing system device. 7. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. Printing means for printing as a part of the toll meter, the reading device, reading means for reading the image on the mail,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 8. The mail processing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and prints it as a part of a postal code frame on the mail. A mail processing system device characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. The mail processing system device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. Printing means for printing as a part of the postal code frame, the reading device, reading means for reading an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 10. The mail processing system apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern and prints it as an underline along the address information description on the mail. A mail processing system device characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. The mail processing system apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. A printing unit that prints as an underline along the address information description, wherein the reading device reads an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 12. A printing apparatus which converts address information into a chain code pattern and prints the code pattern according to the description of the address information on the mail, and reads an image on the mail, and reads the code pattern from the read image. And a reading device for detecting and reading the mail, and performing a sorting process of the mail according to the read result. 13. The mail processing system device according to claim 12, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a chain code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. Printing means for printing along with the description of the address information and as an underline for the address information, wherein the reading device reads an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the chain-like code pattern from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting the mail according to the result of reading by the reading means A mail processing system comprising: a sorting unit. 14. A printing device for converting address information into a predetermined code pattern and printing it on a postal matter, reading an image on the postal matter, and detecting the code pattern of the digital watermark printing from the read image. And a reading device for performing a mail sorting process in accordance with the read result. 15. The mail processing system according to claim 14, wherein the printing device converts the address information into a predetermined code pattern, and converts the code pattern obtained by the conversion device into a mail pattern. A printing unit for performing digital watermark printing on a picture area, wherein the reading device reads an image on a postal matter,
Detecting means for detecting the code pattern of the electronic watermark printing from the image read by the reading means; reading means for reading the code pattern detected by the detecting means; and sorting processing of the mail according to the reading result of the reading means A mail processing system device, comprising: 16. A mail processing system apparatus for processing a mail in which address information is pre-printed as a code pattern, wherein an image on the mail is read, and the code is converted from a fixed image on the mail among the read images. Detect and read patterns,
And a reading device for performing a sorting process of the mail according to the reading result. 17. A mail processing system apparatus for processing a postal matter in which address information is printed in advance as a chain code pattern, wherein an image on the postal matter is read, and the address information on the postal matter among the read images is read. And a reading device for detecting and reading the code pattern from the vicinity of the device, and performing a mail sorting process according to the read result. 18. A mail processing system apparatus for processing a mail in which address information is printed in advance as a code pattern by a digital watermark. An image on the mail is read, and the code pattern of the digital watermark printing is read out of the read image. And a reading device for detecting and reading the mail, and performing a sorting process of the mail according to the read result.