DE102012206784A1 - Method for checking flat postal mail processed by processing system, involves making decision whether item at processing system is transported to direction reversal devices, and making decision whether item is removed - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transporting an item e.g. flat postal mail, to upper and lower receivers along transport direction. A decision is made whether the item is transported to a processing system without previous processing. A decision is made whether the item is transported to the processing system according to rotation at a rotational axis vertical to an item plane. A decision is made whether the item at the processing system is transported to direction reversal devices (RE-1, RE-2). A decision is made whether the item is removed. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for checking an item processed by a processing system (2) a method for processing an item.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the prior checking of an object which is to be processed by a processing plant, in particular for checking a flat mail item which is to be sorted by a sorting plant.

Often, a processing device for flat objects, such. As for flat mail, only machine-capable items to process regularly, these items must be oriented in a certain way. Other items must be otherwise oriented or specially treated or excluded from machine processing. Otherwise, a malfunction could occur in the processing plant.

In US 4,691,100 For example, an apparatus and method are described for detecting the orientation of a mailpiece. On the mailpiece ("envelope 1") several parallel light beams are sent. It is determined from the reflection behavior whether the side of the mail item facing the light source has a flap or not. If the flap faces the light source, it is further checked whether the postal item is upright or upside down and whether a stamp is arranged in front or in the rear in the transport direction. Due to the reflection behavior, a kink ("wrinkle") can also be detected in the mailpiece, cf. 2 , Four possible orientations of a mail item are thus distinguished. A sorting system divides mailpieces accordingly into four different compartments.

In EP 0 775 657 A2 a device is described which aligns flat postal items. These mail items are conveyed upright by means of a belt system. This belt system comprises an underfloor conveyor belt 1 and a lateral endless conveyor belt 2 , A mail piece is placed between the lateral conveyor belt 3 and two rolls arranged one above the other 5 . 6 transported through. The two roles 5 . 6 sit on a common vertical axis of rotation 7 , In one embodiment, the two roles can be 5 . 6 rotate at different speeds. In another embodiment, the axis of rotation can be 7 additionally turn around a horizontal direction of rotation. In both embodiments, a tilted mail piece is rotated so that its lower edge after turning parallel to the underfloor conveyor belt 1 is arranged.

In US 6,179,284 B1 For example, a method and apparatus for generating a stream of partially overlapping mailpieces is described. This stream is z. B. transported in a stacking tray and stacked there. A subsequent mail item obliquely arrives at a mail item that is in advance, and these two mailpieces are transported further together.

In US 6,737,633 B2 For example, a method and apparatus for detecting overlapping mailpieces is described. Seen in the transport direction, in which the mail items are transported, the mail items are first through a first light barrier 5 and then through a second photocell 6 transported through. The length L of a transported object is determined by means of these two light barriers 5 . 6 measured, also the transport speed F is measured. Furthermore, the time span that a light barrier is obscured is measured. If the time T is smaller than the target time L / F is, then there is a double deduction.

In DE 10 2010 010 375 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for reversing the direction of transport of articles will be described. This device is also referred to as the terminus station. In 1 there are shown two parallel direction reversing devices RE-1, RE-2 and a bypass device UE-1. To this device belong four drums TR-1 to TR-4. Each terminal station is capable of orienting an object, e.g. B. a flat mailing to change. The mail item is transported in a transport direction TR-1 and transported into a reversal area Tpf between two endless conveyor belts Fb-1, Fb-2, thereby being deflected in the direction TR and then stopped, cf. 2 , Thereafter, the mail item is transported out of the area Tpf in the opposite direction of transport TR-e, deflected in the transport direction TR-3 and transported away. 4 shows a path-time diagram.

Various methods have been described for measuring a dimension of a twisted flat article.

In GB 2129126 A For example, a method and apparatus for measuring the actual height or length of an article as the article is transported in a transport direction is described becomes. The invention is z. B. used to classify banknotes based on their dimensions. The object can be twisted (have a "skew") cf. 1A , Four optical sensors S1, S2, S3, S4, z. As photocells are arranged in a rectangle, see. 1A to 1H , The object is in the example of 1A to 1H transported in the direction of the arrow from top to bottom. It is determined which sensor is currently covered by the object and which not. Since four sensors are used, the eight states are from 1A to 1H possible. In addition, it is determined how long the change from one state to another state lasts, and from this an average transport speed V1 to V4 is calculated per status transition. These transport speeds can differ because the banknote can rotate during transport. In addition, the current "skew width Ws1-Ws4" is calculated. From this, an "average skew Ws" as well as a "skew angle" are calculated, from which the actual length of the object is derived. In addition, the situation is recognized that a corner of the object has fallen over, cf. 2 , In this case, individual measured values are ignored, ie not taken into account.

In US 4,623,975 For example, a method and apparatus for measuring dimensions of a flat article while transporting this article in a transport direction is described. The object P is twisted, cf. 2 , It is also possible that a corner B is bent, cf. 3 , The object P, z. B. a banknote, is in a direction a between a rod-shaped light source 31 and a line sensor 35 transported through, cf. 6 , The longitudinal directions of the light source 31 and the line sensor 35 both are perpendicular to the transport direction a. The light source 31 covers the length A0, cf. 7 , An optical system 33 Shrinks an image so that the shorter line sensor 35 nevertheless covers the entire length A0. Upstream of the light source 31 and the sensor 35 is a light barrier 39 with a light source 39a and a receiver 39b arranged, cf. 6 , It is determined when the leading edge of the object this photocell 39 happens. The device described may include height, damage, skew, misalignment, puncture, and angled corner. dog ear "), cf. 12B what the signals from the line sensor 35 be evaluated. 14 and 15 illustrate how two types of skews ("skew I", "skew II") are detected.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and an apparatus in which a processing plant processed objects and in which a large proportion of objects is processed by the processing plant and only a small portion is discharged and still automatically prevents unsuitable items lead to a malfunction of the processing plant.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a method and an apparatus for testing an article are provided. This item is to be processed by a processing plant. It is possible, however, that the processing plant is unable to process this object due to an optically detectable property of the object, so that the object should not reach the processing plant. This situation should be detected automatically so that it can react accordingly.

The object to be processed extends in an object plane. The article has a leading edge and a trailing edge as viewed in a transport direction into which the article is transported.

To test the object, a photocell line is used. The photocell line used comprises a first receiver and at least one second receiver.

• – Der Gegenstand wird in die Transportrichtung an den beiden Empfängern der Lichtschranken-Zeile vorbei transportiert. Die Vorderkante des Gegenstands zeigt während des Transports an den Empfängern vorbei – gesehen in die Transportrichtung – nach vorne, die Hinterkante nach hinten.
• – Der Gegenstand wird dergestalt an den Empfängern vorbei transportiert, dass zunächst die Vorderkante die beiden Empfänger erreicht und danach die Hinterkante die beiden Empfänger erreicht. Eine gedachte Verbindungslinie zwischen diesen beiden Empfängern steht senkrecht auf der Transportrichtung, in welche der Gegenstand steht.
• – Gemessen wird, ob die Vorderkante des Gegenstands die beiden Empfänger gleichzeitig oder aber zeitversetzt erreicht.
• – Gemessen wird weiterhin, ob die Hinterkante des Gegenstands die beiden Empfänger gleichzeitig oder aber zeitversetzt erreicht.

The procedure includes the following steps, which are performed automatically:

• - The object is transported in the transport direction past the two receivers of the light barrier line. The leading edge of the article shows during transport past the receivers - seen in the transport direction - forward, the trailing edge to the rear.
• The article is transported past the receivers in such a way that first the leading edge reaches the two receivers and then the trailing edge reaches the two receivers. An imaginary connecting line between these two receivers is perpendicular to the transport direction in which the object stands.
• - It is measured whether the front edge of the object reaches the two receivers simultaneously or with a time delay.
• - It is also measured whether the trailing edge of the object reaches the two receivers simultaneously or with a time delay.

• – Sowohl die Vorderkante als auch die Hinterkante haben gleichzeitig die beiden Empfänger erreicht.
• – Die Vorderkante hat zeitversetzt die beiden Empfänger erreicht, die Hinterkante hat gleichzeitig die beiden Empfänger erreicht.
• – Die Hinterkante hat zeitversetzt die beiden Empfänger erreicht, die Vorderkante hat gleichzeitig die beiden Empfänger erreicht.
• – Sowohl die Vorderkante als auch die Hinterkante haben zeitversetzt die beiden Empfänger erreicht.

It is automatically decided which of the four cases occurred:

• - Both the front edge and the rear edge have reached the two receivers at the same time.
• - The front edge has reached the two receivers with a time delay, the trailing edge has reached the two receivers at the same time.
• - The trailing edge has reached the two receivers with a time delay, the front edge has reached the two receivers at the same time.
• - Both the leading edge and the trailing edge have reached the two receivers with a time delay.

These four cases are mutually exclusive and exactly one case occurs.

Then, when both the leading edge has reached the two receivers at the same time and the trailing edge has reached the two receivers at the same time, it is decided that the item is being transported to the processing equipment without prior processing.

• – Entschieden wird, dass der Gegenstand trotz des entdeckten Zeitversatzes bei der Vorderkante und/oder bei der Hinterkante ohne vorherige Bearbeitung zu der Verarbeitungsanlage transportiert wird.
• – Entschieden wird, dass der Gegenstand nach einer Drehung um eine Drehachse senkrecht zur Gegenstands-Ebene zur Verarbeitungsanlage transportiert wird.
• – Entschieden wird, dass der Gegenstand an der Verarbeitungsanlage vorbei zu einer weiteren Verarbeitungsanlage transportiert wird.
• – Entschieden wird, dass der Gegenstand ausgeschleust wird.

Otherwise, depending on which case has occurred, a decision is selected from the following predetermined set of possible decisions, thereby making a decision:

• - It is decided that the object is transported despite the detected time offset at the leading edge and / or at the trailing edge without prior processing to the processing plant.
• - It is decided that the object is transported after rotation about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the object plane to the processing plant.
• - It is decided that the article is transported past the processing plant to another processing plant.
• - It is decided that the object is ejected.

• – den Gegenstand ohne vorherige Bearbeitung zur Verarbeitungsanlage zu transportieren,
• – den Gegenstand um eine Drehachse, die senkrecht auf der Gegenstands-Ebene steht, oder auch um eine Drehachse, die in der Gegenstands-Ebene liegt, zu drehen,
• – ihn zu einer weiteren Verarbeitungsanlage zu transportieren,
• – ihn auszuschleusen.

The invention provides that a decision is selected from a set of four possible decisions as to how to proceed with the subject, namely

• - to transport the object to the processing plant without prior processing,
• To rotate the object about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the object plane, or also about an axis of rotation which lies in the plane of the object,
• - to transport him to another processing plant,
• - remove it.

Not every application of the invention necessarily requires all of these four alternatives to be available. The invention can be easily adapted to the respective existing components of the arrangement in which the invention is used without having to supplement or remove devices of the test device according to the invention. It is sufficient to adjust the selection unit, which automatically decides the next action with the item and uses the measurement of which of the four cases occurred. All you need to do is adapt software.

For example, the invention can be adapted so that the decision is made only between the two alternatives to transport the object without prior processing to the processing plant or eject it, because the available arrangement neither can turn the object nor another processing plant is present, which could correct the orientation or orientation of the object.

In practice, effects such as hysteresis between the two receivers, slight measurement errors and slight shape deviations of the article may result in the front edge and / or trailing edge not reaching the two receivers at exactly the same time even though the article is processed by the processing equipment without prior processing can. Therefore, "simultaneous achievement" means the following: The distance between the time at which the leading edge and the trailing edge reach the one receiver and the time at which it reaches the other receiver is within a predetermined time tolerance range. For the leading edge and the trailing edge different tolerance ranges can be specified.

The invention has two receivers and does not necessarily require more than two receivers. The two receivers are arranged one above the other and the object is transported past the two receivers. Because only two superimposed receivers are needed, the method requires little space seen in the transport direction. Allows the two receivers are located behind a slot, z. B. behind a slot between two endless conveyor belts, which successively transport the object.

• – Der Gegenstand ist um eine Drehachse senkrecht zur Gegenstands-Ebene verdreht.
• – Ein Bereich des Gegenstands ist umgeknickt.
• – Ein Bereich des Gegenstands, der an die Vorderkante oder die Hinterkante angrenzt, ist abgerissen.
• – Der Gegenstand hat – gesehen in eine Betrachtungsrichtung senkrecht auf der Gegenstands-Ebene – keine rechteckige Umrisskontur.

The invention makes it possible to automatically, contactlessly and with little effort to detect the following types of conditions that can lead to a disruption of the processing plant when the object is transported without correction to the processing device:

• - The object is rotated about a rotation axis perpendicular to the object plane.
• - One area of the item has fallen over.
• - An area of the object adjacent to the leading edge or the trailing edge has been torn off.
• The object does not have a rectangular outline contour when viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the object plane.

These types of conditions can be recognized thanks to the invention before the article reaches the processing plant. It is possible to remove the object, change the position or orientation of the object, or otherwise eliminate these disturbances before the object reaches the processing plant. This helps to avoid congestion and other disruptions in the processing plant.

The invention ensures that an article is transported to the processing plant and not transported past the processing plant even if the article is processable by the processing equipment but is misoriented and if this misorientation can be eliminated in advance or the processing is not impaired. This wrong orientation is z. B. thereby eliminates that the object is rotated about a rotation axis which is perpendicular to the object plane. This rotation causes the leading edge to be perpendicular to the transport direction.

This case is automatically distinguished from a case in which the object can not be placed at all, or at least not by an automatic correction of the orientation, in a state in which the processing equipment can process the object. As a result, the invention increases the throughput through the arrangement with the processing plant, because fewer items are uselessly ejected - useless, because the objects can be processed error-free after a correction and the correction before subsequent processing requires significantly less time than when the object is discharged and would be re-supplied.

According to the solution, the measurement results are evaluated by at least two receivers and in this case both the process that the leading edge reaches the two receivers and the process that the trailing edge reaches the two receivers are measured and evaluated. This distinguishes at least four cases. Because these are distinguished from at least four different cases, a more accurate assay result and thus processing with fewer errors and yet higher throughput is possible than if only a single recipient were used. On the other hand, the invention requires only two receivers.

The invention requires only a small amount of equipment. The required light barrier line is often present anyway, z. B. to approximately measure a dimension of the article in a direction parallel to the imaginary connecting line between the two receivers or an extent in the transport direction or to monitor the transport of the article. Furthermore, only one transport device and one arithmetic unit are needed as the evaluation unit. The arithmetic unit automatically evaluates the measured values from the two receivers and automatically makes the decisions.

Preferably, if both the leading edge and the trailing edge reach the two receivers with a time delay, it is additionally checked whether or not the time offset of the leading edge is equal to the time offset of the trailing edge. If the time offset of the leading edge is equal to the trailing edge time offset, then it is decided that the article is rotated about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the article plane. This erroneous orientation can often be eliminated quickly and automatically. Otherwise, it is decided that an area of the object adjacent the leading edge or the trailing edge is folded or missing. This refinement thus makes it possible to study the object more precisely and to correct it in a more targeted manner without additional expenditure on equipment.

In one embodiment, at least when the leading edge and the trailing edge pass the receivers with the same time offset, the article is transported along a freewheeling link ("leveler"). Gravity aligns the item with a base on which the item stands so that both the leading edge and the trailing edge are in a vertical position after being aligned.

In one embodiment, when the leading edge reaches the two receivers simultaneously, but the trailing edge reaches the two receivers with a time offset, it is decided that a portion of the trailing edge is folded over while the trailing edge is perpendicular to the transport direction. It is decided that the processing device can still process the article. Conversely, if the leading edge reaches the two receivers with skew but not the trailing edge, the object is rotated so that the leading edge with the folded portion becomes the new trailing edge after rotation and the trailing edge is the new trailing edge. In both embodiments, a step is saved, in which the folded portion is bent back. This embodiment can be used in particular when the processing device can process an object with a vertical leading edge, even if the trailing edge is not arranged vertically. This embodiment thus increases the throughput through the processing device.

In particular, the invention can be used to process an article that extends in an article plane and is transported so that that article plane is vertical as the article is transported past the two receivers. The object is z. As a flat mail, a bill, a plastic card or a flat workpiece.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

1 an arrangement with two direction reversing devices connected in parallel and with a bypass device,

2 in plan view, a mail item which is transported through the light barrier row,

3 in side view an embodiment with narrow conveyor belts,

4 Case 1, where both the leading and trailing edges reach the receivers at the same time,

5 Case 2, where both the leading edge and the trailing edge reach the receivers with a time lag, the skew coinciding,

6 Case 3, where the trailing edge reaches the receivers at the same time and the leading edge reaches the receivers with a time offset,

7 Case 4, where the leading edge reaches the receivers at the same time and the trailing edge reaches the receivers with a time offset,

8th Case 5 in which both the leading edge and the trailing edge reach the receivers each time offset, wherein the time offset of the trailing edge is greater than the time offset of the leading edge,

9 Case 6, in which both the leading and trailing edges reach the receivers with a time lag, the time offset of the leading edge being greater than the trailing edge time offset,

10 a flow chart illustrating the choices of the selection unit and the subsequent steps.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used in a sorting system for flat mail items. Each mail item extends at an item level. Each mail item is provided either with an identification of a destination address (recipient name and postal address) to which the mail item is to be transported. Or the mail item is assigned a delivery address during sorting or mailing during sorting, for which purpose a computer-evaluable list with recipient addresses for similar and as yet unaddressed mail items is used.

• – eine Zuführ-Einrichtung („feeder“) mit einem Vereinzeler („singulator“),
• – eine Ausricht-Einrichtung,
• – ein Format-Kontroll-Modul, in welchem die Erfindung eingesetzt wird,
• – optional eine Dreh-Einrichtung,
• – optional eine Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung,
• – optional eine Wendestrecke,
• – eine Druck-Einrichtung,
• – eine Transport-Einrichtung,
• – ein Lesegerät,
• – eine Auswahleinheit,
• – eine Ausschleus-Einrichtung,
• – eine Vielzahl von regulären Sortierendstellen und
• – mindestens eine Sonder-Sortierendstelle.

The sorting system comprises in the exemplary embodiment the following components:

• A feeder with a singulator,
• An alignment device,
• A format control module in which the invention is used,
• - optional turning device,
• Optionally a direction reversal device,
• - optional turning course,
• A printing device,
• A transport facility,
• - a reader,
• A selection unit,
• A discharge facility,
• - a variety of regular sorting stations and
• - at least one special sorting end point.

The mailpieces are fed to the feeder and reach the separator. The singler singulates the mail items in such a way that a stream of individual mailpieces separated from one another leaves the singler. Each mail item is transported in an upright position, i. H. the object plane is approximately vertical.

This stream of upright mail is transported through the registration device to the format control module. The alignment device is configured to align each mail item in such a way that the aligned mail piece has a horizontal lower edge and the longitudinal direction of the mail piece runs in the transport direction, that is, the mail piece is not upright and also not inclined. For this purpose, the alignment device comprises a freewheeling track and a tilting device for upright standing mail.

In one embodiment, the tilting device comprises a stationary rod, against which the upright standing transported transported mail item abuts and is thereby tilted. A postal item whose longitudinal axis already runs horizontally, however, is transported under the rod. In another embodiment, the tilting device comprises a sloping transport path and a subsequent rising transport path. An upright standing mail item is tilted by a torque during the transition from the sloping transport path to the rising transport path. In the following freewheeling route, gravity aligns the mail item at the lower edges.

The reading device comprises an image recording device and an image evaluation unit. This image acquisition device generates in each case a computer-evaluable image of each surface of the upright transported postal item, ie an image from the right and an image from the left. One of these images shows the delivery address of the mailpiece.

• – ob das von links oder das von rechts aufgenommene Abbild die Zustelladresse zeigt und
• – ob die Zustelladresse aufrecht oder auf dem Kopf steht.

The image evaluation unit decides

• - whether the image taken from the left or from the right shows the delivery address and
• - whether the delivery address is upright or upside down.

The image evaluation unit decides which of these four possible orientations the item of mail has.

The invention is used in the format control module. Due to the decision of the solution according to test device and in one embodiment by means of further sensor values z. B. from the image evaluation unit recognizes the format control module a non-machine-capable mail and triggers the step to eject this non-machine mail.

Each flat mail item extends in an object plane. This item level is perpendicular to the horizontal during transport through the sorting system. In this item level, the mail item has an outline contour. This outline contour is usually a rectangle.

• – Die Postsendung hat eine gerade Unterkante und eine gerade Vorderkante, welche senkrecht auf der Unterkante steht, aber eine andersartige Hinterkante.
• – Die Postsendung hat eine gerade Unterkante und eine gerade Hinterkante, die senkrecht auf der Unterkante steht, aber eine andersartige Vorderkante.
• – Die Postsendung hat ein sonstiges Sonderformat.

It is also possible that the mail item from the outset has no rectangular outline contour, which can occur in particular for an advertising mail item, but z. The outline of a toy or household item. A postal item with a non-rectangular outline contour is referred to as a special-format mail item. There are three types of special-format postal items:

• - The mail item has a straight bottom edge and a straight front edge, which is perpendicular to the bottom edge, but a different type of trailing edge.
• - The mail item has a straight bottom edge and a straight trailing edge, which is perpendicular to the bottom edge, but a different front edge.
• - The mailing has another special format.

The printing device has at least one print head and a Druckkulisse. A mail piece is transported between the print head and the print run. The printing device invalidates a franking mark on the mailpiece and, in one embodiment, also adds an advertising imprint to the mailpiece. For this to be possible, the franking mark must point towards the print head and not to the pressure gate. Seen in the transport direction in which a mail item is transported through the printing device, the franking mark to be canceled must therefore always be arranged left or always to the right.

In one embodiment, the mailpiece must also be oriented such that the indicium is located near the leading edge and not near the trailing edge of the mailpiece. In one embodiment, the indicium must be located at the top rather than at the bottom; H. The mail must be upright and not upside down. In another embodiment, the indicium must be located below because the printhead is positioned near the bottom edge of each mailpiece and is intended to print on mailpieces of different heights. This works best when the mailpiece is upside down.

In order to produce a required orientation, the turning section is able to turn an aligned mail item about a horizontal longitudinal axis. The direction reversal device is able to rotate a mail item such that the vertical edge of the mail item that was previously the leading edge becomes the trailing edge after the direction reversal, and vice versa. Depending on the configuration of the direction reversal device, a reliable reversal of direction requires that the front edge or the rear edge or both edges are straight and perpendicular to the lower edge before the direction reversal. Certain special formats can not reliably process the reversal device.

1 shows an example of an arrangement with two parallel reversing devices and a bypass device. Arrows indicate the transport direction in which a mail item is being transported.

A feed conveyor transports each mail item on a feed transport path Zf-Tp past a sequence of switches W-1, W-2, W-3. In each switch W-1, W-2, W3 branches off a connection path leading to a respective direction reversal device RE-1, RE-2 or the bypass device UE-1. For each bypass device UE-1 and each direction reversal device RE-1, RE-2, there are exactly one switch each in the feed transport path Zf-Tp. Subsequently, each mail item passes through a further connection path which leads to a routing transport path Wf-Tp. The desired sequence of oriented mail items is then generated in the routing transport path Wf-Tp. If neither W-1 nor W-2 nor W-3 eject the mail item from the feed transport path Zf-Tp, then the mail item on the feed transport path Zf-Tp is ejected into a special reject output.

The arrangement of 1 comprises a first direction reversal device RE-1, a second direction reversal device RE-2 and a bypass device UE-1. In a feed-transport path Zf-Tp three switches W-1, W-2, W-3 are successively arranged. In the switch W-1, a transport path to the first reversal device RE-1 is shown, in the switch W-2 a transport path to the bypass device UE-1 and in the switch W-3 a transport path to the second reversal device RE- 1 second These three connection paths lead to the three devices RE-1, UE-1, RE-2. Three further connection paths lead from these three devices to the routing transport path Wf-Tp.

A carry-away conveyor transports the sequence of oriented mailpieces on the routing transport path Wf-Tp to the reader, which deciphers the respective address on each mailpiece, and to a validator which checks the indicium.

The turning device is capable of rotating an upright postal item about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the object plane and is arranged horizontally. In one embodiment, the rotary device has a freewheeling route. In another embodiment, the rotating device rotates a mailing active, z. B. with rollers, z. B. by means of the device as shown in EP 0 775 657 A2 is described.

The reader deciphers the destination address tag on a mailpiece. The selection unit selects a regular sorting endpoint for this mailing, provided that the mailpiece can be processed by machine and is already correctly oriented or can be automatically oriented correctly. For this purpose, the selection unit uses the decoded destination address identification as well as a predefined computer-evaluable sorting plan, which assigns a regular sorting endpoint to each delivery address. As a rule, multiple delivery addresses are assigned the same regular sorting endpoint because there are many more destination addresses than sorting endpoints.

The format control module is described in more detail below. The format control module has a light barrier row in the embodiment. This photocell line has a transmitter line and a receiver line.

The transmitter line has at least two, preferably more than two transmitters. These transmitters are arranged one above the other such that an imaginary connecting line through the transmitters of the transmitter line is perpendicular to the horizontal and also perpendicular to the transport direction of the mailpiece.

The receiver line has one photoelectric receiver per transmitter of the transmitter line. These receivers are also arranged vertically above one another.

Each transmitter is able to emit a light beam so that the emitted light beam strikes the associated receiver - unless the light beam is interrupted by a mailpiece. The receiver generates a signal depending on the incident light. This signal contains at least the information as to whether a light beam impinges on the receiver or not, that is, whether the light beam is interrupted or not. The signals from the receivers are transmitted to the evaluation unit.

A mailpiece is transported upright between the sender line and the recipient line. The transport speed with which the mail item is transported is predetermined or is measured and is approximately constant during the transport of a mail item through the light barrier row.

2 shows the transport of a mail item Ps through the photocell line LZ therethrough. In 2 the uppermost transmitter SE.1 and the uppermost receiver EM.1 of the light barrier line LZ are shown. The receiver EM.1 transmits its measurement results to the evaluation unit AE. In the situation, the 2 shows, emitted by the transmitter Se.1 light beam is interrupted by the mail item Ps and does not reach the receiver Em.1. The upright postal item Ps is temporarily clamped by two endless conveyor belts Fb.1 and Fb.2 during transport through the light barrier line LZ. These two endless conveyor belts Fb.1, Fb.2 are guided around vertical axes or shafts and rotate at the same speed. As a result, the two endless conveyor belts Fb.1, Fb.2 transport the mail item to the light barrier line LZ and through the light barrier line LZ. After the leading edge Vk of the mail item Ps has passed the light barrier line LZ, two further endless conveyor belts Fb.3, Fb.4 grip the mail item and transport the mail item Ps further. The transport direction of the mail item Ps is in 2 the direction from top to bottom. With v, the transport speed of the mail item Ps is called.

In the embodiment of 2 measures the light barrier line through a gap Sp between each two endless conveyor belts. In another embodiment, which 3 shows, the endless conveyor belts are narrower than any mail item is high. The lower receiver Em.2 measures to a lower slot below the respective endless conveyor belt, the upper receiver Em.1 in an upper slot above the respective endless conveyor belt. In 3 a narrow endless conveyor belt Fb is shown, which is guided around the two vertical rollers Ro.1, Ro.2. The transmitter Se.1 sends light beams across the conveyor belt Fb. The transmitter Se.2 sends light rays under the conveyor belt Fb.

The evaluation unit AE firstly measures the length and the height of the mail item, for which the evaluation unit AE uses the measured values of the light barrier row LZ or another light barrier row. In one embodiment, the height of the mail item is approximately measured as the vertical extent of that portion of the receiver row which is obscured by the mail item. The length of the Mailing is the product of the length of the period of time in which the mail item is dimmed, and the transport speed v.

In addition, the evaluation unit AE determines in the exemplary embodiment whether the front edge of the mail item reaches all the receivers simultaneously or with a time delay and therefore darkens and if the trailing edge of the mail item reaches all receivers simultaneously or with a time delay and therefore darkens.

Let ΔV be the time offset between the times when the leading edge reaches a receiver. Let ΔH be the time offset between the times when the trailing edge reaches a receiver. ΔH> 0 and ΔV> 0. ΔV = 0 means that the leading edge reaches all receivers at the same time. ΔV> 0 means a time offset. Correspondingly, ΔH = 0 means that the trailing edge reaches all receivers at the same time. ΔH> 0 means a time offset.

In one embodiment, more than two receivers and more than two transmitters are used in order to be able to measure mailpieces with different heights in order to produce redundancy even in the event of failure of a transmitter or a receiver and to reliably recognize special-format mailpieces.

The evaluation unit AE differentiates the following cases:
Case 1: ΔV = ΔH = 0.
Case 2: ΔV> 0 and ΔH> 0 and ΔV = ΔH.
Case 3: ΔH = 0 and ΔV> 0.
Case 4: ΔV = 0 and ΔH> 0.
Case 5: ΔH>ΔV> 0.
Case 6: ΔV>ΔH> 0.

The evaluation unit decides, depending on which case has been determined for a mailpiece, how the mail piece is transported further.

In the exemplary embodiment, each switch is controlled depending on a signal of a light barrier. Each turnout has its own light barrier. This switch is located downstream of the light barrier and is controlled so that the switch moves only when the switch position must be changed, and only if the trailing edge of the leading mail piece has left the switch, and so that the switch the desired position has reached at the latest when the leading edge of the current mail item has reached the switch. For this to be achieved reliably and thus to achieve the required throughput, the front edge of the mail item must form a vertical line, because otherwise the light barrier can not correctly measure the position of the leading edge. It would be too expensive to install several superimposed light barriers in front of each switch.

4 to 9 illustrate the six cases that distinguishes the evaluation unit. In 4 to 9 a mail item Ps is transported in a transport direction from left to right, with a transport speed v. This mail item Ps extends in an object plane which is in the drawing plane of 4 to 9 lies. The mail item Ps has a leading edge Vk, a trailing edge Hk and a bottom edge Uk. In the example of 4 to 9 the mail item Ps always has a rectangular outline contour, however, in some cases a corner is folded over.

The mail item Ps is transported past a light barrier line LZ with a transmitter Se.1 and a further transmitter Se.2. These two transmitters Se.1, Se.2 are arranged one above the other and emit light rays in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 4 to 9 stands. These rays of light impinge on receivers, not shown.

Case 1 means that both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk of the mail item Ps are arranged vertically, and therefore ΔV = ΔH = 0. This mail item is therefore transported past the rotary device and, if necessary, transported through the turning section and / or the direction reversal device and turned or reversed in their direction. The turning section and the direction reversal device and the other components of the sorting system are able to process the mail item reliably without further ado. In particular, each light barrier in front of a switch can correctly detect the leading edge Vk.

4 illustrates Case 1 that both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk of the mail item Ps reach the photocell line LZ simultaneously. The time offset ΔV is 0, and the time offset ΔH is also 0.

4a illustrates the situation in which the leading edge Vk reaches the photocell line LZ. 4b illustrates the situation in which the trailing edge Hk reaches the photocell line LZ.

Case 2 means that both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk of the mail item Ps are perpendicular to the lower edge Uk. The mail item has a rectangular outline contour - at least the light barrier row LZ has not discovered anything to the contrary. However, the mail item Ps is rotated about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the object plane and perpendicular to the transport direction.

The mail item is transported in one embodiment to the rotating device and rotated by the rotating device about this axis of rotation, that after rotation both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk are perpendicular to the horizontal. This rotary device can be designed as a freewheeling or active alignment with rollers. In another embodiment, the mailpiece is ejected.

5 Fig. 2 illustrates case 2 in which both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk reach the photocell line LZ with a time offset, wherein the time offset ΔV of the leading edge Vk is equal to the trailing edge Hk, ie ΔV = Δ H> 0. This means that both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk are perpendicular to the bottom edge Uk. However, the mail item Ps is rotated about an axis of rotation. This axis of rotation is perpendicular to the plane of 5 , As a result, the lower edge Uk is inclined at an acute angle α to the horizontal.

5a shows the situation in which the leading edge Vk reaches the photocell line LZ. 5b shows the situation in which the trailing edge Hk reaches the photocell line LZ. Because the mail item Ps is transported through the transmitters between the transmitters Se.1, Se.2 and the receivers of the light barrier row LZ, the angle α remains unchanged.

Case 3 means that the trailing edge Hk is straight and perpendicular to the transport direction - at least the photocell line LZ has not discovered anything to the contrary. The leading edge Vk of the mail item Ps, however, is oblique or does not describe a straight line. Therefore, the mail item Ps - seen in the object plane - no rectangular outline contour. The trailing edge Hk is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk.

6 Figure 3 illustrates case 3 where the leading edge Vk of the mail item Ps reaches the photocell line LZ with a time lag ΔV> 0 and the trailing edge Hk reaches the photocell line without a time offset, ie ΔH = 0. This means that the Trailing edge Hk is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk. In contrast, the front edge Vk of the mail item Ps does not describe a straight line which is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk. In example of 6 this is because a corner Ek of the mail item Ps is bent over. This may also be due to the fact that the mail item Ps does not have a rectangular outline contour.

6a shows the situation in which the leading edge Vk reaches the photocell line LZ. 6b shows the situation in which the trailing edge Hk reaches the photocell line LZ.

Case 4 means that the front edge Vk is straight and perpendicular to the direction of transport - at least the light barrier line LZ has not discovered anything to the contrary. The trailing edge Hk, however, is oblique or does not describe a straight line. Therefore, the mail item Ps - seen in the object plane - no rectangular outline contour. The leading edge Vk is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk.

7 Figure 4 illustrates the case 4 where the leading edge Vk reaches the photocell line LZ without a time offset, ie ΔV = 0, and the trailing edge Hk the photocell line LZ with a time offset, ie ΔH> 0. This means that the Front edge Vk is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk and forms a straight line. The trailing edge Hk, however, does not form a straight line which is perpendicular to the lower edge Uk of the mail item Ps. In the example of 7 this is because a corner Ek is bent, with this corner Ek adjacent to the trailing edge Hk.

The case 5 means that neither the leading edge Vk nor the trailing edge Hk are perpendicular to the transporting direction, and that the trailing edge Hk is inclined at an angle more than 90 ° on the transporting direction Transport direction is the leading edge Vk. The mail item thus has no rectangular outline contour. Possibly the mailing is additionally twisted.

8th Figure 5 illustrates that both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk reach the light barrier LZ with a time lag each. The time offset .DELTA.V of the leading edge Vk is smaller than the time lag .DELTA.H of the trailing edge Hk, that is, ΔH>.DELTA.V> 0. The case 5 means that the mail item Ps has no rectangular outline contour. In the example of 8th this is because the mail item Ps is folded over into a corner Ek adjacent to the trailing edge Hk. In addition, the mail item Ps is rotated about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plane of 8th stands. Therefore, the lower edge Uk is rotated at an acute angle α to the vertical.

The case 6 means that neither the leading edge Vk nor the trailing edge Hk are perpendicular to the transporting direction, and that the leading edge Vk is at an angle more than 90 ° in the conveying direction than the trailing edge Hk. The mail item Ps thus has no rectangular outline contour. Possibly, the mailing Ps is additionally twisted.

9 Figure 6 illustrates case 6 in which both the leading edge Vk and the trailing edge Hk of the mail item Ps reach the light barrier row LZ, each time offset. The time offset ΔV of the leading edge Vk is greater than the time lag ΔH of the trailing edge Hk, ie ΔV>ΔH> 0. In the example of FIG 9 this is because a corner Ek adjacent to the leading edge Vk has folded over. In addition, the mail item Ps is about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plane of 9 stands, turned. As a result, the lower edge Uk describes an acute angle α to the horizontal.

• – S1 der Schritt, die Postsendung Ps der Sortieranlage zuzuführen, in eine vertikale Position zu verbringen und durch die Lichtschranken-Zeile LZ hindurch zu transportieren,
• – S2 den nachfolgenden Schritt, dass die Auswerteeinheit AE die Messergebnisse der Lichtschranken-Lichtzeile LZ auswertet.
• – Ent.1 die Entscheidung, ob die Postsendung Ps um eine vertikale Achse gedreht werden muss,
• – Ent.2 die Entscheidung, ob die Sortieranlage eine Postsendung mit einer nicht rechteckiger Umrisskontur korrekt zu verarbeiten vermag oder nicht,
• – Erg.1 das Ergebnis, dass der Fall 1 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆V = ∆H = 0,
• – Erg.2 das Ergebnis, dass der Fall 2 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆V = ∆H > 0, und die Postsendung gedreht ist und eine rechteckige Umrisskontur hat,
• – Erg.3 das Ergebnis, dass der der Fall 3 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆V > 0 und ∆H = 0, oder dass der Fall 5 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆H > ∆V > 0, oder dass der Fall 6 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆V > ∆H > 0,
• – Erg.4 das Ergebnis, dass der Fall 4 eingetreten ist, d. h. ∆H > 0 und ∆V = 0,
• – S3 den Schritt, die Postsendung – je nach Ausgestaltung der Sortieranlage – automatisch zu orientieren, z. B. mittels einer Freilaufstrecke, oder die Postsendung auszuschleusen und erneut der Sortieranlage zuzuführen,
• – S4 den Schritt, die Postsendung normal weiter zu verarbeiten,
• – S5 den Schritt, die Postsendung auszuschleusen,
• – S6 den Schritt, die Postsendung zum Kopfbahnhof zu transportieren und bei Bedarf die Postsendung zu glätten,
• – S7 den Schritt, die Postsendung auszuschleusen, weil die Postsendung um eine vertikale Drehachse gedreht werden muss und die Weichen der Sortieranlage eine Postsendung nur dann zuverlässig weiterleiten zu vermögen, wenn die Postsendung eine rechteckigen Umrisskontur aufweist.

10 illustrated using a flowchart, as the evaluation evaluates the measurement results of the photocell line LZ and how the mail item Ps is further processed depending on the result of this evaluation. In 10 mean:

• S1 the step of feeding the item of mail Ps to the sorting unit, of transferring it into a vertical position and of transporting it through the photocell line LZ,
• S2 the subsequent step that the evaluation unit AE evaluates the measurement results of the light barrier light line LZ.
• The decision as to whether the postal item Ps has to be rotated about a vertical axis,
• The decision as to whether or not the sorting system is able to correctly process a mail item having a non-rectangular outline contour
• The result is that case 1 has occurred, ie ΔV = ΔH = 0,
• The result is that case 2 has occurred, ie ΔV = ΔH> 0, and the item of mail is rotated and has a rectangular outline contour,
• - the result is that case 3 has occurred, ie ΔV> 0 and ΔH = 0, or that case 5 has occurred, ie ΔH>ΔV> 0, or that case 6 has occurred , ie ΔV>ΔH> 0,
• The result is that case 4 has occurred, ie ΔH> 0 and ΔV = 0,
• S3 the step of automatically orienting the mail item, depending on the design of the sorting system, e.g. B. auszuschleusen by means of a freewheeling route, or the mail and re-supply the sorting system,
• S4 the step of processing the mail piece normally,
• S5 the step to remove the mail,
• S6 the step of transporting the mail to the terminus station and, if necessary, smoothing the mail,
• S7 the step of ejecting the mail item because the mail item has to be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation and the switches of the sorting system are only then able to reliably forward a mail item if the item of mail has a rectangular outline contour.

The numbers in the circles describe which cases are still possible.

If it is determined that case 1 has occurred, then the mail item Ps becomes the apparatus of FIG 1 transported without first correct the position of the mailing automatically. If the mail item Ps has to be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation, the item of mail is transported on the feed transport path Zf-Tp to one of the two parallel direction reversal devices RE-1 or RE-2 and rotated there. Otherwise, the mail item Ps is transported to the bypass device UE-1. After that, the mail item is transported away on the removal transport path Wf-Tp.

If, as a result, case 4 has occurred (erg.4), the further processing depends on whether the sorting system is also able to process a mail item having a non-rectangular outline contour or not. In the exemplary embodiment, the switches are then able to correctly forward a mail item if the front edge Vk of the mail item is vertical and straight, otherwise not. Therefore, a mail item having a straight front edge and a non-straight trailing edge is then further processed if this mail item does not have to be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation. This means that even in the further processing as a leading edge of the mail always a vertical and straight edge occurs. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4691100 [0003]
• EP 0775657 A2 [0004, 0065]
• US 6179284 B1 [0005]
• US 6737633 B2 [0006]
• DE 102010010375 A1 [0007]
• GB 2129126 A [0009]
• US 4623975 [0010]

Claims (9)

Method for testing an item to be processed by a processing plant (Ps), the object to be processed (Ps) - extends in an object plane and A leading edge (Vk) and a trailing edge (Hk), wherein a light barrier line (LZ) is used for checking, the photocell line used (LZ) A first receiver (Em.1) and At least one second receiver (Em.2) includes, the method comprising automatically performed steps the article (Ps) is transported in such a way in a transport direction past the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) that - First, the leading edge (Vk) and then the trailing edge (Hk) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) and An imaginary connecting line between the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) is perpendicular to the transport direction, it is measured whether the front edge (Vk) of the object (Ps) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) simultaneously or with a time delay, it is measured whether the trailing edge (Hk) of the object (Ps) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) simultaneously or with a time delay, It is decided which of the four cases occurred: Both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) have simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), - The front edge (Vk) has reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay, the trailing edge (Hk) has simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), - The trailing edge (Hk) has reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay, the leading edge (Vk) has simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), Both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) have reached the two receivers with a time delay, when both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) both simultaneously reach the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), it is decided that the article (Ps) is transported to the processing plant without prior processing, and otherwise, depending on which case has occurred, one of the following decisions is made: It is decided that the article (Ps) is transported to the processing plant without prior processing, It is decided that the object (Ps) is transported to the processing plant perpendicular to the object plane after rotation about a rotation axis, It is decided that the article (Ps) is transported past the processing plant to another processing plant (RE-1, RE-2), - It is decided that the object (Ps) is ejected. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that then, when both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) reach the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay, it is decided that the object (Ps) - is rotated about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the object plane, or Viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the object plane has an outline contour that deviates from a rectangle, then, when the leading edge (Vk) reaches the two receivers with a time delay and the trailing edge (Hk) simultaneously reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), it is decided that A region (Ek) of the object (Ps) adjoining the front edge (Vk) is folded or missing or The outline contour of the object (Ps) is designed so that the front edge (Vk) is obliquely positioned on an adjacent edge (Uk) of the object (Ps), and then, when the trailing edge (Hk) reaches the two receivers with a time delay and the leading edge (Vk) simultaneously reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), it is decided that A region (Ek) of the article adjacent to the trailing edge (Hk) is folded or missing or - The outline contour of the object (Ps) is such that the trailing edge (Hk) is obliquely on an adjacent edge (Uk) of the object. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that - when both the front edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) of the object (Ps) reach the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay, in addition it is checked whether the time offset (ΔV) when reaching the leading edge (Vk) is equal to the time offset (ΔH) when reaching the trailing edge (Hk), and - if the leading edge time offset (ΔV) is greater than the trailing edge skew ( ΔH), in addition, it is decided that a portion (Ek) of the object (Ps) adjacent to the leading edge (Vk) is bent over or missing, and - if the trailing edge skew (ΔH) is greater than the leading edge skew (ΔH) ΔV), in addition, it is decided that an area (Ek) of the object (Ps) adjacent to the trailing edge (Hk) is folded over or missing. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transport direction lies in the object plane or includes an acute angle with the object plane. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the object (Ps) is thus transported past the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) to the processing plant, that the object plane is perpendicular to the horizontal. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is decided Whether the processing of the object (Ps) requires that the object (Ps) be previously rotated about an axis of rotation lying in the object plane and perpendicular to the direction of transport, or not, and Whether the trailing edge (Hk) has reached the two receivers (EM.1, EM.2) simultaneously or with a time delay, when the rotation is required and the trailing edge (Hk) has reached the two receivers (EM.1, EM.2) simultaneously, - the article (Ps) is transported to a direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) as the processing device, and The reversing device (RE-1, RE-2) changes the direction of transport of the object (Ps) such that after the change the leading edge (Vk) of the object (Ps) to the trailing edge and the trailing edge (Hk) of the object to the leading edge will, and when the trailing edge (Hk) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay and the processing requires rotation, the object (Ps) is ejected. Method of processing an article (Ps) by means of a processing plant, wherein first a test method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is performed and depending on which case has occurred and which decision has been made, one of the following steps is performed: The article (Ps) is transported to the processing plant without prior processing, The object (Ps) is rotated about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the object plane and then transported to the processing plant, The article (Ps) is transported past the processing plant to another processing plant (RE-1, RE-2), - The item (Ps) is ejected. Apparatus for inspecting an object (Ps) to be processed by a processing plant, the object (Ps) to be processed - extending in an object plane and - having a leading edge (Vk) and a trailing edge (Hk), the device - a Light barrier line (LZ), - an evaluation and decision unit (AE) - and - a transport device (Fb.1, Fb.2, Fb.3, Fb.4), the photocell line (LZ) - a first receiver (Em.1) and - at least one second receiver (Em.2), the transport device (Fb.1, Fb.2, Fb.3, Fb.4) is configured to be processed Object (Ps) in such a way to transport over the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) that - first the leading edge (Vk) and then the trailing edge (Hk) the two receivers (Em.1, Em. 2) and - an imaginary connecting line between the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) is perpendicular to the transport direction, the evaluation and decision unit (AE) is designed to measure whether the leading edge (VK) of the object ( Ps) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) simultaneously or with a time delay, the evaluation and decision unit (AE) is further configured to measure whether the trailing edge (Hk) of the object (Ps) the two receivers (Em .1, Em.2) reached simultaneously or with a time delay, the evaluation and decision unit (AE) is further configured to automatically decide which of the four cases has occurred: both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) have simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), - the front edge (Vk) has reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time delay, and the trailing edge (Hk) has simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), - the trailing edge (Hk) has reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) in a time-delayed manner, and the front edge (Vk) has simultaneously reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2), - both the front edge (Vk) and the trailing edge ( Hk) have reached the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) with a time offset, the evaluation and decision unit (AE) continues to be designed for this purpose, when both the leading edge (Vk) and the trailing edge (Hk) simultaneously simultaneously reach both recipients (Em.1, Em.2) to decide that the item (Ps) without prior processing z u of the processing plant is transported, and the evaluation and decision unit (AE) is configured to otherwise make a decision for one of the following actions, depending on which case has occurred: - the object (Ps) is without previous processing to the Processing plant transported, - the object (Ps) is transported after rotation about a rotation axis perpendicular to the object plane to the processing plant, - the object (Ps) is transported past the processing plant to another processing plant (RE-1, RE-2) , - the object (Ps) is ejected. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation and decision unit (AE) is further configured to measure whether the time offset (ΔV) with which the leading edge (Vk) the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2) is reached, greater than or less than or equal to the time offset (ΔH) at which the trailing edge (Hk) reaches the two receivers (Em.1, Em.2).

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