DE19982796T5 - Systems, methods and computer program products for monitoring and controlling mail processing devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for managing a plurality of mail processing devices, comprising:
(a) a receiving device for receiving operation-related information from at least one of the mail processing devices;
(b) a monitoring device operatively connected to the receiving device for monitoring the operational information of at least one of the mail processing devices; and
(c) a transmitting device for transmitting data to at least one of the mail processing devices.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of pending application Serial No. 09 / 016,715 entitled "Systems, Methods and Computer Program Products for Monitoring and Controlling Mail Processing Devices " January 30, 1998 and claims priority this application according to 37 C.F.R. § 1.53 (b). The present application also claims priority according to 35 U. S. C. § 119 (e) of the provisional US patent application (to which no serial number has yet been assigned) entitled "Systems and Methodology for Monitoring and Controlling Mail Processing Devices, filed May 14, 1998. Both before mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference locked in.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates generally to a mail processing device and in particular to automated mail processing systems. The The present invention relates in particular to remote monitoring and control of mail processing systems and their features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

custom Become a mail processing system for large throughput at tax authorities, insurance companies, public Utilities and various other companies used to complete and send letters and parcels. Mail processing systems include mail-insertion systems, sorting systems and a range of modular Additional facilities to increase the productivity of poster-making operations increase in size. Mail insertion systems include a device acting as a mail insertion device is known, the physically individual envelopes with the fills in appropriate content. Many businesses, such as tax offices and public utilities often routinely produce large quantities of circulars. Circulars themselves are often at different Places carried out the load on a given Place to decrease, and to get closer to the destination of the circular to be located.

Unfortunately may be the monitoring and control remotely located extensive newsletter systems with existing control systems prove difficult. It can be applied to existing tax systems be that they are monitoring several remotely located Circular lettering systems from a central location not easy way. Furthermore, existing control systems may be monitoring various operational indicators of the individual post insertion devices in the several remotely located newsletter systems not on easy way allows.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A The object of the invention is thus to monitor remotely located extensive newsletter systems from a central Place to facilitate.

A Another object of the present invention is monitoring several operational displays of the individual postal insertion devices in the several remotely located newsletter systems.

Further Objects of the invention will be understood by those skilled in the art to the accompanying drawings and the description below clear.

According to the The present invention relates to systems, methods and computer program products for handling and controlling a variety of removes arranged mail processing devices from a central location provided. The information concerning the operation is in With respect to each of the plurality of remotely located devices Mail handling devices, such as a mailbox machine, displayed. Each mailbox machine will be on a computer screen shown as an interactive icon. Visible ads that associated with each icon for conveying the Operating state information related to the mailbox engine passing through the pictogram is heard in real time, are intended.

The Messages that belong to the Mailbox Machine picture change their appearance in response to a change in the operation belonging information from a respective mailbox machine Will be received. The ad can be considered a color that comes from a variety of colors is selected, each one being displayed Color represents a respective operating status or status of the post-insertion machine. Each location of an interactive mailbox machine is as a glyph representable in the way that the geographic location of each mail insertion device can be represented if he is in relation to a larger one Territory, such as the continental United States or South America, stands. Interactive icons can be added and deleted among others, and their appearance on the display can be modified.

A Embodiment of the present invention describes a A system for remotely controlling a plurality of remote mail handling devices. The system includes receiving devices for receiving operation-related information from each of the remote ones Mail processing devices. The system also includes monitoring devices for remote monitoring of operation Information from each of the remote mailing devices, which are connected in operation with the receiving devices.

According to one In another aspect of the present invention, each interactive responds Icon on actions of the user to select a selected, operation information about a respective mail insertion device display. Each interactive icon accepts a selection the user through an input device. When a user enters activated interactive character, so various operating information about the post insertion device shown by the icon illustrated. These Operating information can indicate the machine condition, an error information and various other types of information pertaining to the Operation and performance of the mail tray device. Information about the operator of the postal insertion device may also be available.

The The present invention is advantageous in that the user has the capability receives multiple mail insertion systems from a single Place to monitor, this being not necessarily close to the monitored machines. Farther can the different stages of the insertion process be monitored in real time. The present invention can facilitate the management of automated mail processing systems, to increase productivity and reduce costs, which are connected to the insertion in the envelopes, to lower. The present invention is also advantageous since a List of operators of the mailing device created, modified and sent from a central location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing advantages and features of the present invention from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings more clearly.

1 of the drawings is a schematic representation of a system for monitoring multiple mail processing systems in accordance with the present invention;

2 of the drawings schematically shows in block diagram form the activities for managing a plurality of mail insertion devices according to the present invention;

3 of the drawings schematically shows in block diagram form the activities for controlling a plurality of mail insertion devices according to the present invention;

4 of the drawings schematically shows a hierarchical arrangement of computer screens for managing a plurality of mail insertion devices according to the present invention;

5 of the drawings shows a startup screen presented to the user upon starting the present invention;

6 of the drawings shows an organization view screen according to the present invention;

7 of the drawings shows a location view screen according to the present invention;

8th of the drawings shows a machine vision screen according to the present invention;

9 of the drawings shows a target percentage screen (Percent to Goal screen) according to the present invention;

10 of the drawings shows a screen "order at a glance" according to the present invention;

11 of the drawings shows a user management screen according to the present invention;

12 of the drawings shows a system management screen according to the present invention;

13 of the drawings shows a pop-up screen for selecting a language for the text to be displayed;

14 of the drawings shows a threshold setting screen according to the present invention;

15 of the drawings shows a pop-up alarm condition screen;

16 of the drawings shows a run-mark editor screen according to the present invention;

17 of the drawings shows a security screen according to the present invention;

18 of the drawings shows a recovery screen according to the present invention; and

19 of the drawings shows an operator definition screen according to the present invention.

BEST STYLE FOR THAT EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention will now be more fully understood with reference to FIG to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described. The invention can however, in many different forms and it should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein be limited; these embodiments are intended rather, be presented so that the revelation is thorough and is complete and skilled in the scope of the invention makes understandable.

As Those skilled in the art will recognize, the present invention as a Method, a data processing system or a computer program product be formed. Thus, the present invention may be in the form a completely hardware-embodied embodiment, in the form of an entirely software embodiment or as an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, be educated. Furthermore, the present invention, the shape a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium, which has a computer readable program code in the medium is formed, accept. Any suitable computer readable Medium can be used, including hard drives, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices or magnetic storage devices.

The present invention will now be described with reference to flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded on a general computer, a special purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device include means for implementing the functions in the flowchart block or flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer readable memory which may direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a specific manner such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture an instruction device that includes the function shown in the flowchart block or flowchart blocks is implemented. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented method such that the instructions, the instructions, on the computer or other programmable device, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or flowchart blocks.

Consequently support blocks of flowchart representations Combinations of devices for performing the specified functions and program instructions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and combinations of the blocks in the flowchart illustrations be implemented by special computer systems on a hardware basis can, these being the specified functions or Steps or combinations of special hardware and computer commands carry out.

As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, mail processing systems may include several types of remote and / or local processing machines, including, but not limited to, mail insertion machines and mail sorting machines. In a conventional mail handling system, mail insertion machines (also referred to herein as plug-in machines or plug-in devices) are used to insert items to be inserted into waiting envelopes. After that, the filled envelopes are sealed and various other operations associated with mail processing are performed. The plug-in machines typically operate at high speeds and can often fill ten thousand (10,000) envelopes or more per hour. An exemplary plug-in machine is in U.S. Patent No. 4,798,040 by Haas et al. of the applicant, the contents of which patent are hereby incorporated by reference.

Now consider 1 in which a schematic representation of a plurality of mail insertion machines monitored and controlled by computer systems, methods and computer program products according to the present invention is shown. Places A and B each have one or more post insertion machines 10 and are about the present invention on a computer system 12 works, monitors and controls. The computer system 12 includes an ad 14 for visually displaying information to a computer user, a central processing unit (CPU) and an internal memory. The keyboard 16 and the mouse 18 allow the user to make an input to the central processing unit. With the mouse 18 the user can place a pointer on the ad 14 move to an area that represents an object. By pressing and releasing a button on the mouse 18 while the pointer is in the area representing the object or icon, the user "activates" the icon, which will also be referred to as a "click on" icon. The computer system 12 serves as a data processing device for sending and receiving information from or to each mailbox machine 10 and displaying this information using the display 14 , Other computer systems, including large computers, can be used to facilitate communication with the various mail processing devices being monitored and controlled.

The present invention may be used in a computer system 12 stored in either an internal memory or an internal disk storage. The present invention may also be stored on a computer-readable medium and may be from the computer system 12 be used. As will be described in detail below, the present invention changes the operation of the computer system 12 and allows it to monitor and control a variety of mail insertion devices in real time.

Now consider the block diagram of 2 in which functions for managing a plurality of mail insertion devices according to one aspect of the present invention are illustrated. The operations include receive operation regarding information of mail insertion devices (block 20 ); displaying each of the postal insertion devices as an interactive icon having an indication of display of operational information for a respective postal insertion device (block 22 ); accepting the selection of an interactive icon (Block 24 ); and displaying the operating status of the selected mail insertion device (block 26 ).

The operation related information includes, but is not limited to, organization information, location information, machine information, general purpose information and system management information. Organizational information includes location information, deletion and modification capability as well as the ak actual production and target data. The location information includes the current production and destination data, order data, error data, and alarm data related to a particular location. The machine information includes current production and target data, order data, error data and alarm data related to a particular machine. The general purpose information includes alarm data, user management data, shift data, voice data, threshold setting data, and runtime management data. The system management information includes report data, remote machine data, backup and restore data, and run identifier editor data.

It should be understood that users do not necessarily have to select an icon to view information about a particular mailbox device. Various information relating to a mail insertion device can be automatically updated and displayed. The operations in 2 can be seen in detail in the various "views" below using the 4 - 18 described are performed.

Now consider 3 US-A-4 413, showing operations for controlling a plurality of mail insertion devices in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The operations include receiving information related to the operation from the mail processing devices (Block 30 ), and monitoring the received operational-related information regarding the performance of the mail processing device (Block 32 ).

Now consider 4 in which a hierarchical arrangement 40 of computer screens for facilitating the management of a plurality of mail insertion devices according to the present invention. From a main menu 40a presented to the user on a computer display, the user can create an "organizational view" 41 several places that have post insertion machines, a "place view" 42 single places that have mail-in machines, a "multi-purpose selection" 44 , which includes several options, and a "System Management Selection" 45 , which includes several options.

Various screens containing operational information are from each of the views, such as the organization view 41 , the town view 42 and the machine view 43 accessible. For example, the user can gain access to the "percent to target" screen 41a and the "addition" 41b , "Modification" 41c or "delete" 41d Setting screens from the Organizational View screen 41 , The user can gain access to the screen "Percent to destination" 42a , to the screen "orders at a glance" 42b , the screen "mistakes at a glance" 42c and the "alarm screen" 42d from the locality screen 42 , The user can gain access to the screen "Percent to destination" 43a , to the screen "orders at a glance" 43b , the screen "mistakes at a glance" 43c and the "alarm screen" 43d from the machine vision screen 42 , Each of these screens and the information represented by them are described in detail below.

The user can use various utilities via the screens, which can be accessed via the "Utilities screen" 44 accessible, such as the "alarm screen" 44a , the "user management screen" 44b , the "shift adjustment screen" 44c , the "language setting screen" 44d , the "threshold setting screen" 44e and the "runtime management screen" 44f select (that is, let it expire). In addition, the user can perform various management tasks via the "system management screen" 45 perform like the "report screen" 45a "Setting Slots Operator Screen" 45b "Backup / Restore Screen" 45c and the "run flag editor screen" 45d , Each of these screens and the information represented by them will be described in detail below.

LOGO SCREEN AND LOG IN

The initial screen on the user's display, when the present invention is initiated on a computer, is preferably a logo or splash screen 50 like the umbrella that is in 5 is shown. Clicking on any point on the home screen 50 preferably activates a login procedure via a pop-up screen. For security reasons, the user is required to enter a username and password in order to continue. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that choices available to the user after logging in will depend on allowed options assigned to the particular user.

After an appropriate login, in the present invention, the user may see various operational and performance information regarding multiple remotely located mail insertion machines. The user is presented with a hierarchy of views representing the organization, location and maschi represent specific perspectives of the mail insertion machines. The user may display text in the various screens in a variety of languages, including but not limited to English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Dutch. Preferably, a language may have a pop-up screen as shown in 13 is shown selected. Each hierarchical view is shown in detail below.

Each view screen, both the organization screen, the location screen, and the machine screen also presents the user with various toolbars having icons for performing various functions. In the embodiment of the organization view screen shown in FIG 6 is presented to the user two toolbars 62 and 64 shown. Each toolbar contains icons to perform special functions. Preferably, the toolbars 62 and 64 presented to the user in the same configuration in all views to provide a consistent and easy-to-use interface. However, it should be understood that certain functions are not executable on certain screens. In this case, the icons that represent such functions are shaded or grayed out to indicate that they are not a valid selection or operation from the current screen.

Table 1 below describes the function of each of these icons in the toolbar 62 are included. Table 1 Symbols number Name of the icon Function of the logo 62 ° Add (place / machine) Add a location or a machine 62b Edit (location / machine) Edit a selected location or machine 62c Delete (location / machine) Delete a selected location or machine 62d Percent to the finish Access to the "Percent to Goal" box 62e Order at a glance Access to the field "order at a glance" 62f Mistake at a glance Access to the field "Error at a glance" 62g alarms Access to the alarm field 62h text Switch between a graphical display and a text ad 62i user management Access to the "User Management" field 62j location settings Access to the "Location Settings" field 62k shift settings Access to the "Shift Settings" field 621 Threshold Access to the Threshold Settings box 62m RunManager Access to the field "Run Administration" 62n Shutdown application Turn off the current application

Table 2 below describes the function of each of the icons in the toolbar 64 are included. Table 2 Symbols number Name of the icon Function of the logo 64a organizational view Show all locations that are currently configured 64b Ortsansicht Show the location settings for a selected location 64c machine view Show all machines defined in a specific location 64d aid Show the alarm field. Access to other tools 64e system management Access to various systems administration tasks 64f Back Return to the previous field 64g log out Log out and back to the main field 64h Help Access to help fields

It should be understood that additional graphical Designs can be used for each icon, without departing from the spirit and content of the present invention.

ORGANIZATION VIEW

The organization view screen 41 who in 6 1, preferably includes a geographic background upon which the user may place up to twelve (12) locations having mailbox engines in a geographically-oriented arrangement. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts North America as background, it should be understood that any geographic representation using the present invention is possible. Furthermore, it is also possible not to present a geographical background if the user so desires. In the case where the user does not have multiple locations, the organizational view can be disabled and removed from the system hierarchy.

The organization view screen 41 allows the user to use city icons 60 for each location having post office drawers. The user can use city icons 60 and will advance to the "Location View" for that location, as described in detail below.

The user may add, delete and modify information associated with the location by clicking on the respective location icon 60 "Clicks" or otherwise activates it and then to the respective addition, edit or delete character 62a . 62b . 62c Click or otherwise activate it. When the user modifies a location, a pop-up window with the information of the selected location appears on the screen for editing when the icon 62b is activated. If the user deletes a location, the location icon will simply disappear from the screen when the icon 62c is activated. To add a location, the user activates the icon 62a and a pop-up window designed to receive input from the user appears on the screen.

LOCAL VIEW

It is, preferably when the user clicks or otherwise activates a location icon, displaying a place view screen to the user for the location represented by the activated icon. A place view screen displays the location of mail insertion machines at a selected location via machine icons. An exemplary place view screen 42 is in 7 shown, wherein two insertion machines by machine symbols 70a and 70b being represented. Preferably, a maximum of twelve (12) post office machines per location view screen 42 shown to not exceed a total of one hundred (100) machines.

For each mailbox machine in one location, the following information is preferably available via a corresponding machine icon: machine status, actual throughput and target throughput, actual turnover number and target envelope number, percentage indication of the progress of the current one Laufs, the identification of the current operator and the identification of the current order. Preferably, all information about the slide-in machine is available and displayed in real time. It should be understood that the term "real time" is intended to mean a minimum update rate of each screen of 30 seconds or less.

The operating status of a specific mail insertion machine is distinguishable at all times by the color of the display surrounding each machine icon. Thus, the user does not need to activate the machine icon to determine the operating status of the particular mailbox machine. As in 7 is shown has each machine icon 70a . 70b a field of advertisements 71a . 71b that the graphic part 72a . 72b directly surrounding each machine graphic character, and which changes the colors depending on the operating conditions of the particular slot machine. Exemplary operating conditions and their respective colors are given in the following Table 3. Table 3 Operating state of the plug-in machine Color surrounding machine logo Out Background color stopped Gray Running / Running Pending green Jumping / jumping pending yellow Incorrect / communication error of the slide-in machine red Holding / keeping track orange Interruption by the operator pink service White

The current invention is not a color as a visual display the operating state of a plug-in machine limited. The operating status can be determined by other visual schemes that the Display of an icon in response to the changes change the actual operating state of the machine, displayed become. The machine state information coming from the town view is available in non-limiting Way the actual and the intended throughput, the actual and intended number of envelopes, the percentage indication of how far the current run has progressed is, the identification of the current operator and the current Order identification number. The information that is displayed is the current information for the slot machine and shows the progress of the job execution, currently running on the machine.

user in the city view can also be a number of machine graphics arrange them so that they have the physical layout of the mailing machines represent. Icons can be the type of inserter represent and they can the type of communication protocols used represent. The user can slide-in machine signs anywhere add, modify and delete. When adding a plug-in machine, the user is prompted to do the following To enter information: type of slide-in machine, machine identification, Machine name and various network parameters.

MACHINE VIEW

When the user double-clicks on an interactive machine icon in the place view screen 7 or otherwise activates the icon, the machine screen becomes 43 of the 8th for the mail insertion machine represented by the machine icon. Using the machine view screen 43 the user can provide various operating information 74 These include, but are not limited to, machine status, actual and intended throughput, actual and anticipated number of envelopes, estimated time to completion, identification of the job currently being executed, the current error count, the average error length, a bar graph temporal usage, device information, software package information and operator information. In addition, the user can see the current T1, T2 or T3 formula results for each machine. As known to those skilled in the art, Advanced User Interface (AUI) plug-in machines (manufactured by Bell & Howell mailing systems in Allentown, PA and Durham, NC) T1 is defined as the throughput calculation of "envelopes per hour" and will be explained by the following calculated the equation: (Traversed Envelopes / (Runtime + Downtime) · 3600

T2 is defined as the calculation of "percentage use" and is calculated using the following equation: (Total number of envelopes · 100) / (theoretical throughput)

For both T1 and T2, the following definitions apply: Total number of envelopes = run-through envelopes + skipped envelopes (jog envelopes) Theoretical throughput = (average running speed · (running time + jump time + downtime)) / 3600 Average running speed = completed machine cycles / (runtime / 3600)

For Inserting System Machine Connection (ISMC) slide-in machines (manufactured by Bell & Howell Mail Processing Systems) T1 is defined as follows: T1 = (total number of envelopes - handled turnover) · 3600 / (duration + downtime)

As Known to those skilled in the art, T2 is for ISMC plug-in machines not calculated, since the ISMC interface in general no Machine cycle information provides.

For both types of slide-in machines, T3 is a user-defined formula and can be configured at the location settings for each location. The counter can be the sum of user-selected time measurements, and the user can select any or all of the following time measurements for inclusion in the denominator: run time, jump time, downtime, extended downtime, break time, maintenance time , free time or suspend time An example calculation of T3 looks like this: (Traversed Envelopes / (Runtime + Skip Time + Interrupt Time)) · 3600.

CONNECTIVITY OF THE REMOTE PLACE

The user can view other location information by going to the organizational view of the 6 go and another town sign 64b chooses. The other location icon must be configured in advance to be present on the screen. If the user has a town icon 64b If you have selected a remote location, you will now see the Location view, the Machine view, the "Percent to Goal" pop-up, the "Job at a Glance" pop-up and the "Error" pop-up Viewing information from a remote location Prevents the user from changing setting information from a remote location For example, the user can not change thresholds or run destination destinations for the remote location.

OTHER UMBRELLAS AND WINDOWS

The following screens and pop-up windows are presented to the user, if the user activates certain icons and / or automatically, when certain events occur.

POP-UP DISPLAY "Error on one Blick "

Icons for providing error and order information are preferably provided both in the machine view and in the town view. The user can open this pop-up window (not shown) by clicking on the button 62f "Error at a glance" on the left side of the village view screen 7 or the machine vision screen 8th choose.

POP-UP DISPLAY "Percent up to Aim"

A pop-up window 90 "Percent to the finish", which is in 9 is shown, when the user to the "%" icon 62d either in the machine view of 8th or the view of the city 7 clicks. The percent-to-target pop-up ad allows the user to view current statistics, the top part 92 shows all information related to an entire location. Orders that are currently running or that have been completed during the current shift on the in-place machines can be viewed in the upper part 92 be included. A list 94 All orders allow the user to select an order and a summary of the selected order in the lower part 96 of the window 90 consider.

POP-UP DISPLAY "Orders at a glance"

A pop-up window 100 "Orders at a glance", which in 10 is displayed when the user clicks on the button 62e "Orders at a glance" on the side of the various screens clicks .The upper section 102 shows a summary of all elements of a job. The list 104 in the central part of the window 100 Contains all plug-in machines that process the special order. If the user selects one of these plug-in machines, details about the selected plug-in machine will be in the lower section 106 Pop up. Preferred information, in the lower section 106 This includes, but is not limited to: a machine identification, the operator's running machines, the current throughput, the targeted throughput, the currently completed accounts, and the total accounts in the order.

USER MANAGEMENT

The user management screen 110 who in 11 allows the user to add, edit and delete users, including changing the security group to which the user belongs. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper left part becomes 112 of the screen 110 used to configure an account of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper right part 114 of the screen 110 used to configure the user's security groups. Each security group preferably has a name and a set of assigned privileges. The types of privileges include: status view, operator view, reports, alarm view, file transfer, editing configuration, job programming, maintenance system and user editing.

SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND UTILITIES

12 shows the "system management screen" in which the user is provided with various system management tools, this being a report generation 120 , a data backup 121 , a scheduled backup 122 , an operator startup 123 , Extinguishing positions 124 , a data recovery 125 and a run flag editor 126 lock in. Various utilities may also be provided to perform a variety of functions, including configuring the user accounts, changing the display language, and configuring the shift setups. The user can view the occurrence of individual alarms from the post office machines as well as set alarm thresholds for the specific jobs. The alarm messages may preferably be filtered by either the job identification, the slot machine identification, or both.

Thresholds are an essential feature of the present invention. Threshold values allow the user to monitor in advance the progress of the plug-in machines and to take corrective action, if necessary. There are two different types of thresholds. The first type is an alarm threshold. Alarm thresholds ( 14 ) are based on the occurrence of errors within a particular plug-in machine. The second type are production thresholds. Production thresholds are based on the progress of finished envelopes compared to the expected finish of finished envelopes for a particular job.

ALARM THRESHOLDS

The user may choose either shift thresholds or run tag thresholds (FIG. 15 ) of three different types: the number of alarms that have occurred, the total duration of the alarms or the average duration of the alarms. The user can apply the threshold to a group of alarms for a shift or for a particular run flag.

If a slide-in machine exceeds the threshold is the user with a pop-up ad showing the injured threshold indicates, alerted.

Example:

For the shift 1 becomes a threshold for the five times Occurrence of "AIM reader" errors set This machine will display five of these alarms Alarmed user via an alarm pop-up presentation. When the alarm pop-up is cleared, the count becomes initialized to zero and threshold monitoring will be resumed.

In addition, the user is presented with a pop-up window for viewing the occurrence of thresholds on groups of errors. Table 4 below shows some of the errors that can be monitored and recorded. Table 4 General error type Special error type Goal (Aim) system Goal (Aim) equipment Goal (Aim) reader Goal (Aim) cutter Goal (Aim) ripper Goal (Aim) sheet feeder Goal (Aim) Turner / sequencer Goal (Aim) holding module Goal (Aim) Right angle tilt Goal (Aim) accumulator Goal (Aim) distribution device Goal (Aim) folding device Goal (Aim) collection device Goal (Aim) interface Goal (Aim) slitter Goal (Aim) Other Goal (Aim) All insert feeder system insert feeder reading device slot feed Miss insert feeder doubles insert feeder Other insert feeder All envelope feeder system envelope feeder reading device envelope feeder Miss envelope feeder doubles envelope feeder Other envelope feeder All basic machine - break up turn break up sealer break up bridge break up Other break up All delivery Modular delivery delivery cost counter delivery printer delivery output device delivery Other delivery All

Preferably, a pop-up window automatically appears on the user's display when on Threshold is exceeded to alert the user of the special condition. The information that is preferably displayed in such a window includes: the identification of the plug-in engine that has an error, the type of error, the number of occurrences of the error, the total number of errors, the total lost time, and the average reset time. Preferably, the value that caused the threshold to trigger the pop-up window is highlighted. For example, if a threshold was set for a medium reset time of two (2) minutes, and the average calculated reset time is three (3) minutes, the Threshold Violation pop-up would appear on the user's display with the If the user wishes to see the occurrence of special errors, he or she may go to an alarm browser and filter the errors by a machine identification or job identification.

It is understandable that in addition alarm thresholds can be used without being dependent on the nature and purpose of the deviate from the present invention.

PRODUKTIONSSCHWELLWERTE

Of the User can either use local thresholds or run flag thresholds for production level. The user chooses a "percentage to completion" and a time of day, to which he wants to check the threshold. When the time of day is reached, the system checks the threshold percentage the actual percentage to see if the production threshold is complied with. If the actual production percentage greater than or equal to the threshold percentage is, then the threshold is met. Otherwise, the production threshold will be violated and an alarm pop-up display is displayed.

Example:

For a running mark of the "order 17A" should be the machines achieved a completion of 50% at 11.30. At 11.30 O'clock the system will perform an audit to see if the machines have reached 50% of the target. If the actual Percentage less than 50%, so will an alarm pop-up display shown.

additionally the user is presented with a pop-up window to the Occurrence of injury to the production threshold. Preferably, a pop-up window automatically appears on the display the user when a threshold is crossed to the user over to alarm the special condition. The information, preferably displayed in such a window includes: the identification the plug-in machine that has an error, the error type, the number of occurrences of the error, the total number of errors, the total lost time and a medium reset time. Preferably, the article that has caused the threshold the pop-up window is raised, highlighted. If, for example a threshold of 50% for the completion of an order was set for 12 o'clock, and only 45% actually reached at that time, then a production threshold violation pop-up window appear on the user's display to the currently handled Percentage so as to give the operator an indication of to give the order performance.

It is understandable that additional production thresholds can be used without the essence and purpose of the deviate from the present invention.

RUNNING MARKING EDITOR

The "Run Tag Editor Screen" of the 16 is via the "system management screen" of 12 reached. The run designation editor is a utility that allows the user to correct any run designation errors made by the operator of the slide-in machine. Since the data in the present invention is identified by a run designation, it is important that the run designation is correct. Thus, it is desirable to allow the user to make corrections to the run designation.

In the running ID editor screen 126 The user can search for all run indicators 162 search in the database. The list includes runnames in the database that have completed at least one run. The user is prevented from changing runmarks for slide runs that are currently running. When the user has received the results of the run flag search, he may select one, many, or all run tags to edit. After the selection he will create a new run mark for the selected points, either by giving a new mark 164 in the box provided on the screen, or by typing a previously used runmark from the list 166 over the box selects. He can then modify the flags by selecting the mode button 168 , which is located near the bottom of the screen, clicks. A pop-up ad is presented to the user to show that the database is being changed and the user must confirm this. Then, after the database has been changed, the search list is updated. Any errors that occur during this procedure are displayed on the screen.

BACKUP / RESTORE

The backup and data recovery function is divided into three (3) separate screens and each is accessed via the "System Management" screen 12 accessed. Such screens include the security screen ( 17 ), the recovery screen 180 ( 18 ) and the time-scheduled backup screen (not shown).

The user can save for a backup ( 17 ) select one, many, or all of the following data types: run flag information 171 , Operator startup information ( 172 ) or system configuration information 173 , The user selects the data to be backed up, chooses the medium (hard disk 174 , Tape 175 or floppy disk 176 ) and then performs the backup. All errors that occur are displayed on the screen.

The user can choose to restore ( 18 ) select each data type from a backup file. First, the user selects the media for recovery (hard disk 174 , Tape 175 or floppy disk 176 ). The selected medium is accessed to provide the user with an archive list 181 or a source list 182 to give the recoverable data. The user can then choose to restore a record, many records or all data in the save file. All errors that occur are displayed on the screen to the user.

Of the User can choose a backup for the future or make a repeated backup. The user becomes the Select data types and the medium, just like it make it a regular backup. The user would then choose the time and interval to which the backup is performed. After performing This selection allows the user to schedule the backup. The backup would then be done at the appropriate time become. The user can also use his screen to get one Remove command for a scheduled backup. The The list at the top of the screen shows all currently scheduled backup parameters Show, and the user would do any for one Select View or Delete. All mistakes, that occur while setting the backup parameters, are displayed at the user. All the mistakes during A scheduled backup occurs in a log file written.

A user may also define the valid list of operators for a given mailing machine. The 19 shows the "operator definition screen" 123 The system management screen of the 12 is selectable from. The operator definition screen 123 allows a system-level user to identify operators of particular mailing machines and to define the level of access and / or control that the operator will have with respect to the mailing machine. The user gives a unique operator ID 190 , a password 192 and an optional description 194 in the dialog box 196 on the upper part of the screen. Next, the user becomes the authority levels for that operator using the dialog box 198 Select and assign in the lower central part of the screen. This information is then transmitted from the central location via a computer network to the particular mailing machine in question. This information can be stored so that it can not be edited by the remote mailing machine.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

The present invention may be implemented in a variety of communications environments, including a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The present invention can be implemented in communications environments using the TCT / IP communication protocol, such as the Internet, and environments using the SNA protocol. The hardware for implementing the present invention is generally consistent with typical personal computer equipment and generally does not require more specific environmental conditions than already present in a typical office environment. Preferably, the present invention will be described on an IBM Com computer or computer compatible with an IBM computer and software supporting a thin-wire Ethernet TCP / IP environment (IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines). It is even better to use a server based on an ^Intel® 486 or a ^Pentium® processor and ^having at least sixteen (16) megabytes of memory to perform all functions effectively, and having a data storage capacity of at least four (4 ) Has gigabytes. It is also preferably used a printer that can print text and color graphics; an automatic backup device for data and configuration files; and a trackball or a mouse. The present invention may be implemented through other computing devices, including, but not limited to, large computer systems and minicomputers. Preferably, a high-resolution color display is used, but a standard personal computer monitor may also be used.

The The present invention may be written in various computer languages these being non-limiting C ++, Smalltalk, Java and other conventional programming languages, such as BASIC, FORTRAN and COBOL.

The present invention runs on desktop computing platforms current standards, which include but not limited to Windows ^®, Windows 95 ^®, Windows NT ^®, UNIX ^®, and OS / 2 ^®. The present invention partially utilizes many standard features of current desktop designs, such as the ability to store data locally, connect to the Internet, and display visual information.

One computer readable program code is for receiving of information, referring to the operation of the processing system refers to, from a variety of mail insertion devices, and for representing each of these postal insertion devices in the form of a interactive pictogram on a display connected to a data processing system is connected, provided. Each interactive icon has one with it Connected display showing the information related to the operation for a respective Posteinschubvorrichtung displays and their appearance in response to a change in their appearance changes the operation related information. One from the computer readable program code is selected for displaying operational information relating to a respective one Post insertion device in response to actions of the user, and for displaying information related to the operation Information for each postal insertion device in real time intended. A computer-readable program code is for selecting an interactive icon above an input device operative with the data processing system connected and for displaying the operating state the mailbox device that passes through the selected Pictograph is shown provided.

One computer-readable program code is for display The ads, which surround a pictogram, as a color that out a variety of colors is selected, provided, wherein each of the colors is an operating state of a mail insertion device represents. A computer readable program code is for the display of interactive icons provided in a way the geographical locations of the respective mail insertion devices represents. A computer readable program code is also for adding, deleting and modifying the location and the appearance of the interactive icon.

The The present invention is not in scope to systems, methods and computer program products for monitoring and controlling mailing machines. The present Invention can be used for monitoring and controlling various mail processing systems, the mail sorter, printer and include other related equipment become. The foregoing is only illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation. Although some exemplary embodiments of the invention described Professionals will easily see that many modifications in the exemplary embodiments are possible without being fundamentally affected by the novel teachings and advantages of this invention departing. Thus, all such modifications within the Scope of this invention as defined in the claims is included.

In The claims are intended to include device-plus-function terms cover the structures described here as they do perform cited function, and not just as structural equivalents but as equivalent structures. Thus should be understandable be that the preceding as an explanation of the present This invention is not intended as a limitation to the specifically described embodiments are understood is intended, and the modifications of the described embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of be included in the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, wherein equivalents the claims are included therein.

SUMMARY

It is a system, a method, a device and / or a computer program product for managing, monitoring and controlling one Variety of remote mail processing devices from a distance described. The system includes a remote monitoring device for receiving operations related to Information from the mail processing device via a Communications network. The remote monitoring device allows the user, a) to monitor the condition of the mailing system, b) define the postal orders and c) the thresholds / setpoints to define for a mailing system. This information, which defines the mail processing orders then becomes the Mail processing system sent over the network.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4798040 [0037]

Claims (31)

System for managing a variety of mail processing devices comprising: (a) a receiving device for receiving operations related to Information of at least one of the mail processing devices; (B) a monitoring device that is operational connected to the receiving device for monitoring the information relating to the operation of at least one of the mail processing devices; and (c) a transmitting device for sending data to at least one of the mail processing devices. The system of claim 1, wherein the operation Related Information Organizational Information, Location Information, Machine information, auxiliary information and system management information the mail processing device comprises. The system of claim 2, wherein the organizational information the mail processing device has mail processing device location information, a mailing device location deletion information and a mailing machine location editing information and a Mailing device location job destination information includes. The system of claim 2, wherein the mailing device location information Production information, destination information, order information, error information and alarm information related to a specified mailing device location includes. The system of claim 2, wherein the mailing machine information Production information, destination information, order information, error information and alarm information regarding a specified mail processing device includes. The system of claim 2, wherein the mailing device help information Alarm information, user management information, displacement information, Speech information, threshold setting information, and runtime management information with respect to the plurality of mail processing devices. The system of claim 2, wherein the mail processing system management information Report information, machine startup information, backup and Recovery information and run flag edit information with respect to the plurality of mail processing devices. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving device and the monitoring device centrally and not necessarily close to a device of the plurality of mail processing devices is arranged. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving and monitoring devices connected to a network communication system to communicate with to exchange the mail processing devices. A system according to claim 1, wherein as a computer software program, which is loaded on a general purpose computer. A system according to claim 1, wherein as a computer software program, which is loaded on a special computer is implemented. Method for managing a plurality of mail processing devices, including the following steps: (a) receiving from information relating to the operation of at least one the mail processing devices; (b) Monitor the information relating to the operation of at least one of the mail processing devices; and (c) sending from Data to at least one of the mail processing devices. A method as claimed in claim 12, which relates to Operation related information organization information, location information, Machine information, auxiliary information and system management information includes. The method of claim 13, wherein the organizational information the mail processing device has mail processing device location information, a mailing device location deletion information and a mailing machine location editing information and a Mailing device location job destination information includes. The method of claim 13, wherein the mailing device location information Production information, destination information, order information, error information and alarm information related to a specified mailing device location includes. The method of claim 13, wherein the mailing machine information Production information, destination information, order information, error information and alarm information regarding a specified mail processing device includes. The method of claim 13, wherein the mailing device help information Alarm information, user management information, displacement information, Speech information, threshold setting information, and runtime management information with respect to the plurality of mail processing devices. The method of claim 13, wherein the mail processing system management information includes report information, Machine startup information, backup and restore information and run flag edit information regarding the plurality the mail processing devices comprises. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving device and the monitoring device centrally and not necessarily placed close to a device of the plurality of mail processing devices is. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving and monitoring devices with a network communication system connected to exchange data with the mail processing devices. Remote device for managing at least one mail processing device, wherein the device comprising: (a) an operating parameter monitoring device for remote monitoring of operating parameters the at least one selected mail processing device; and (b) a computer network communication device using The monitoring device is connected to data between the remote device and the at least one mail processing device transferred to. The device of claim 19, further comprising Alarm threshold adjustment device for adjustment of alarm threshold levels of tolerable error quantities for specified types of errors for a specified one Order on a specified mail processing device includes. Apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a Production threshold adjuster for adjustment of production threshold levels of output targets that are within or at a specified time for a specified time Order completed on a specified mail processing device to be included. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the operating parameter monitoring device the production threshold level and alarm threshold level of a monitored in real time and outputs a message if the threshold levels have been violated. The device of claim 20, wherein the specified Types of errors aim errors, insertion feed errors, Envelope feed error, completion error and delivery error include. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the output destinations the number of envelopes in a specified time be processed. The device of claim 19, further comprising Operator start-up device for creating, entertaining and transmitting a list of valid mail processing device operators for a specified mail processing device the distance includes. An apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a running characterization editing apparatus for grasp, edit and re-store stored run tag data for a specified job on a specified mail handler remotely. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the run identifier editing device single and multiple run marks from a saved Search and select the run flag database. Apparatus according to claim 22, being a computer software program, which is loaded on a general purpose computer. Apparatus according to claim 22, being a computer software program, which is loaded on a special computer is implemented.