DE2148010A1 - Encoding device and application method therefor - Google Patents

Description

Professor Dr.-Ing-Robert Meldau

Dipl.-Ing.
(Jus tar Meldau
-Patentanwälte- B 1484

483 goods aloh
Vennstrasse 9

Mr

Edward Bernhard Bayer

27 Melroee Gardens, Worth Street

ILLOVO / Johannesburg

Transvaal, South African Republic

Encoding device and application method therefor

The priorities of South African patent applications. No. 70/3676 of September 29, 1970 and Kr. 71/3359 of May 25, 1971 are used

This invention relates to the coding of objects, in particular to the coding of objects that should be handled automatically after decoding, e.g. by sorting.

It is known, for example, to provide objects, such as letters or the like, with a coded feature in order for to take care of the subsequent sorting of the same automatically after the decoding of the identification features.

To recognize the coded Konnmerkmals by the sorting machine or the like used, which during such decoration

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dation is used, the characteristic must be on the letter a particular point are shown, and it is known in this regard to use coding machines that are in the Are able to perform this work with the necessary degree of accuracy.

Coding machines of this type are not only relatively expensive, but also require a certain skill for their operations, which means that they are only accessible to large business groups and institutions such as the post office are.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and to provide an apparatus for coding objects for the aforementioned purpose, which is relatively cheap and simple Way is operable and meets the requirements of the particular system that is used to automatically handle such Objects is used.

According to the invention, the method for coding includes Objects process steps to create a coding element

fen, which is able to apply a feature in coded form on the object, using an edge of the object to determine the position of the coding element relative to the object and the element in this Position to use to attach the mark to the object.

The characteristic on the object is therefore in a fixed position relative to an edge of the object, so that the subsequent automatic treatment

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of the object can be facilitated by removing the object with its said edge in one direction fixed relationship to a guide element of the device that is intended to "read". In this way the Helativstelluiig dps Kennnerkmals is fixed, regardless of the particular size and shape of the object.

In one embodiment of the invention, the coding element be suitable to be firmly attached to the object in the appropriate position to create a work surface, to which the coding mark can be attached.

The element can therefore be held in the form of a postage stamp, for example, which is suitable for being glued onto the object the postage stamp having a fold line intended to coincide with said edge of the item, when the stamp is stuck on.

The postage stamp can be provided with an identifier in coded form, but the postage stamp is preferably marked with ' a label in coded form, which is attached to the same, e.g. by labeling.

In another embodiment of the invention, the coding element consist of a rigid, substantially L-shaped member which is capable of interlocking with said To engage around the edge of the article while one of the beams of the limb is adapted to the attachment of coded identification on the object to facilitate.

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For example, one of the bars of the link can have a Number of holes to be provided in a specific arrangement, the marking that is affixed to the object should be, e.g. by labeling, in appropriate Permits positions through the holes.

Also, a beam of the link can contain a number of projections in a particular arrangement with the aid of which an identifier can be printed on the object in coded form.

^ With this arrangement it will be necessary to use different Coding elements for the various coded identifiers which are used and applied in a similar manner as in the usual Adressograph system, wherein the objects are encoded in a semi-automatic process can.

The coding system used with the coding element will can be of any kind.

However, it is preferable to use a system in which "a registration number system is applied.

Accordingly, if, for example, the coding is to be used for the purpose of facilitating the sorting of mail, then the international telephone number system can be used.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coding elements include a number of adjacent ones. Series of numbers, each of which bears the numbers 1, 2, 3 »^ ₁ 5, 6, 7» 8i 9t O in a regular arrangement so that the coding is carried out by using predetermined numbers in pre-

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in a certain, recognizable manner according to the requirements of a certain coding system used are marked.

The marking can be done, for example, by labeling with a coloring, Magnetic or luminous inks happen, depending on the particular machine that uses ζμΐη decoding of the objects will.

It will be appreciated that the marking of items made up of a postage stamp is performed by using the relevant numbers are crossed out; when the element consists of the aforementioned L-shaped member, the Holes of the mentioned bar numbered in a similar manner and the marking of the object by the relevant Openings carried out through it. It can be seen that doing this is a very fast coding method for the objects was created.

It is also clear that the coding of objects in the aforementioned manner can also be used for other areas can, not only for the aforementioned sorting of mail items. It can e.g. be used to code objects automatic inventory or e.g. for marking of prices on items can be used, for example in a supermarket or the like, to add up of a purchase amount by the customer automatically facilitate.

The subsequent treatment of the coded objects in order to E.g. reading coding for sorting can be done in any conventional way and obviously depends on the type

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in which the marking is applied to the item, including factors such as the type of marking used Ink etc.

Because of the fixed position of the label relative to the edge of the object, it is used when coding objects e.g. attached, an endless belt in the decoder or the like to use, the objects with their edges, which carry the mark, up to the ineingrifftreteri advance with a guide element or the like " ben and in this way fix the position of the license plate relative to the decoder.

If the coding code is on a box, for example or the like container with many sides is shown, the positioning of the marker can be achieved by using a be carried out substantially V-shaped guide element, which is able to all around with the relevant To engage the edge of the object.

It can be seen that the invention is also a coding ™ element as essentially described herein.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent:

Fig. 1 is an article bearing according to the invention a postage stamp,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coding element according to FIG Invention,

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1 Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the device, which is suitable for decoding a label according to the invention and

I'ig. k is a perspective view showing another type of device capable of decoding a tag in accordance with the invention; Object] to be encoded is provided with a letter tag 2 which is glued over an edge 3 of the same. The postage stamp 2 includes a fold line h applied thereon and is picked up by the object 1 in such a way that the fold line 'i must coincide with the edge of the same.

On one of the sides of the fold line k , the postage stamp 2 is provided with a plurality of rows of numbers 5, each of which bears the numbers 1, 2, 3, k, 5, 6, 7, 8, 0 and u. In order to apply a code to the postage stamp 2, special numbers are to be marked in a predetermined manner in each of the rows 5, for example by marking them out or by marking them with a luminous or magnetic ink according to the relevant decoding system used. Instructions for performing this coding can be provided, for example, on the postage stamp on the other side of the fold line k .

If, for example, a coding system is used which corresponds to the international telephone number system in order to facilitate the sorting of mail, the postage stamp 2 can be coded by marking the number corresponding to the first digit of the telephone number in row 5, which corresponds to the Fold line k is closest, and adding in each subsequent row

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the numbers are marked which represent the rest of the digits of the Match number.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the six rows of numbers 5 of the postage stamp 2 are from the next seven rows separated by a transverse line. This is to show that the rows are 5 above the line used to mark the special Area number of the telephone number concerned are provided. This particular example shows the number 93 ~ ^ 728o4.

ψ the one shown in FIG. 2 Kodierlement 6 has a substantially L-shape and is made of substantially rigid material such as a suitable plastic or light metal, and is adapted to contact an edge 3 of the article 1 around engaged. A bar 7 of the L-shaped member 6 is provided with a plurality of openings 8, the position of which corresponds to that of the numbers on the postage stamp 2 of FIG. By bringing the member 6 into such a position that it engages the edge 3 of an object 1, an identifier in coded form on the

Item 1 can be applied by marking the corresponding numbers through the openings 8 on the item 1 will.

In the device shown in FIG. 3, which has a coding is to recognize, which consists of a number of spots or lines marked in black, a reading head 9 is provided which has a Mask 10 contains, which is able to encode the code on an object 1, such as on a Postage stamp 2, to cover, which passed in front of the mask- -9-

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is moved. In the mask 10 a number of openings 11 are provided, which are made in the mask in a predetermined arrangement which corresponds to the code which is to be read. Head 9 also contains two photosensitive devices 12 and 13 which are able to detect light when it is reflected onto them through openings 11. The devices 12 and 13 are shielded from one another by a wall 14a of a housing Ik.

Mask 10 includes a strip of Plexiglas 15 which is attached over the front. The strip 15 is provided with a number of openings 16 which are located in positions which correspond to the openings 11 in the mask 10 and which are aligned with the same. The walls of the openings 16 slope in the direction of the openings 11, so that light which penetrates along the strip is scattered outward through the side walls of the openings 16 at such an angle that it is reflected through the same openings 16 by means of a reflective means which is arranged immediately in front of the strip 15. The outer wall of the housing 14 can help bring some reflected light onto the device 13. A light source 17 emits light along the strip 15.

The devices 12 and 13 are able to trigger a mechanism, not shown, when a coding by the Head 9 is recognized to provide the required treatment of the Object, such as sorting.

The objects 1 to be treated are longitudinal

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of the head 9 on an endless path between a pair of rotating Rolls 19 advanced. By providing a number of such reading heads 9, each of which has a specific one Can recognize code, the differently coded objects 1 can be decoded.

In the decoder shown in FIG. K , a reading head 19 is provided which consists of a body made of transparent material, such as, for example, plexiglass, in which a number of tubes 20 are provided, each containing a photodiode.

The tubes 20 are arranged in a plurality of closely spaced rows, the number and position of which are those of the Numbers on the postage stamp 2 or the openings 8 on the element 6 corresponds.

The wall of the bore of each tube 20 is made opaque, for example by a paint coating so that light which falls through the body 19 from a light source 22 is incident one side of the body is arranged, the diodes 21 can only reach when the light reflects from a surface that is attached to the other side of the body.

When an object 1 below the head 19 with his coded identifier 23 is aligned with the body, less light is reflected on the diodes 21 in such positions, which correspond to those of the darkened areas on the license plate 23; this can be used to generate an electrical Pulses from each individual diode 21 can be used.

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By coupling the diodes 21 in a comparative circuit, e.g. using diode transistor-equipped, logic combination circuits, can be an electric ps signal sent to a device that receives the decoded items then treated. These signals can also be fed into a computer storage system, which is able to recognize and identify this particular code.

It can be clearly seen that? in FIGS. 3 and ¹ I goz.eijrten devices are only embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention in such a De.kodierungssysteme.

It can also be seen that according to an inventive Method and device many individually different designs are possible without deviating from the claims must become.

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Claims (10)

Robert M e 1 last Jl%. Dipl.-Ing.
Gustv M e 1 last
- patent attorneys - Gütersloh B 1484 Vennstrasse 9 Prof. M./bu Claims /1.1) Method for coding objects by means of a Coding device which applies an identifier in coded form to an object, characterized in that by means of an edge of the object, the position of the coding member is determined relative to the object, and the "member in this position applies the mark to the object. 2.) The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a registration number system is used as the coding system. 3.) Process according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that that the registration number system is the international telephone number system. 4.) Method according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the coding member has a number of close together arranged series of numbers, each of which contains the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, O in regular Arrangement contributes to the coding of the object carried out by 209820/0555 2U8010 Mark "special numbers in predetermined, recognizable Manner according to the requirements of the particular coding system used. 5.) Device for performing the method according to claims 1-4, characterized in that its coding member in this Is effective to attach to the object to form a work surface on which the coded identifier is recognizable. 6.) Device according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the code member is a postage stamp on the object is glued on, and this contains a fold line that coincides with the effective edge of the object with the glued on it Postage stamp matching. 7.) Device according to claims 1-6, characterized in that the postage stamp has a coded identifier, 'e.g. a label contains. 8.) Device according to claims 1-7, characterized in that the coding member is a substantially rigid, L-shaped Part includes which comes into engagement with the active edge of the object all around, and a bar of the part at the Affixing the coded mark on the object contributes. 209820/0555 9.) Device according to claims 1-8, characterized in that that the beam of the part contains a plurality of holes in a "particular arrangement" to mark the object to be attached, e.g. by labeling. 10.) Device according to claims 1-9 »characterized in that the bar of the part contains a plurality of projections, with the help of which a label can be printed on an object. 209820/0555 JS Blank page