EP1406219B1 - Mail measuring system - Google Patents

Mail measuring system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1406219B1
EP1406219B1 EP20030020833 EP03020833A EP1406219B1 EP 1406219 B1 EP1406219 B1 EP 1406219B1 EP 20030020833 EP20030020833 EP 20030020833 EP 03020833 A EP03020833 A EP 03020833A EP 1406219 B1 EP1406219 B1 EP 1406219B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mail
pan
bearing surface
line scanner
postage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
EP20030020833
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1406219A1 (en
Inventor
Bernhard Lutz
Holger Kremer
Uwe Urban
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Original Assignee
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
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Publication of EP1406219A1 publication Critical patent/EP1406219A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1406219B1 publication Critical patent/EP1406219B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
    • G07B2017/0037—Calculation of postage value
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00685—Measuring the dimensions of mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00701—Measuring the weight of mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00709—Scanning mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00717—Reading barcodes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for automatically measuring and weighing mail items such as letters and parcels for determining the postage.
  • the amount of postage depends on the weight, thickness and format of the letter or parcel. To mail items such. To be able to process letters or parcels automatically in a self-service system, it is therefore necessary to measure the mail, weigh, read the addresses and any printed barcodes. If, in addition, a registered letter is to be given up, an automated recording and storage of the data of the mail item is additionally necessary in order to be able to retrace the mailpiece if necessary.
  • a mail handling device in which the mail is deposited by the customer on a Dispositions Design and then created from above with an electronic camera images of the mail piece. Since the mail can have different heights, the camera must be adjustable to different focal planes. This is achieved by a Fresnel lens positioned between the camera and the mail piece. In addition, the disposition area is connected to a scale, so that the mail can be weighed.
  • the device is complicated by the required optical lenses and also susceptible to interference, since the optical components are relatively sensitive.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a structurally uncomplicated device that allows a postal customer in a simple way to send a mail in self-service.
  • a Postgutmessvoroplasty 1 is shown according to the invention.
  • the device has a mail piece 2 for receiving the mail.
  • the Postgutschale 2 is preferably U-shaped with a flat support surface 20 and two side legs 21 and consists of a transparent material, expediently plastic.
  • the shell 2 is advantageously provided with a cover 3, which prevents the mail from interfering protects from the outside.
  • the mail piece shell 2 may preferably be provided at the two end sides with an input door 4 and an exit door 5.
  • the exit door 5 closes the mail piece 2 at the back, so that the mail can not fall out when pushed in.
  • the Postgutschale 2 is provided at the output with a toothed end edge 6, in the form-fitting engages the lower edge 7 of the exit door 5. Due to the toothing of the postal goods shell 2 with the exit door 5, a form fit is made possible without contact, so that distortions of the measurement result are excluded by friction.
  • the Postgutschale 2 is connected to an electronic balance 8 and pivotally attached to a tilting device 9.
  • a rail system 10 is arranged, on which a U-shaped measuring bracket 11 is slidably mounted.
  • the measuring bracket 11 consists of two legs and a central web. On the two legs of the measuring bracket 11 is equipped with sensors 12, so that when sliding along the rails 10, the entire side portion of the mail piece shell 2 is swept by the sensors 12. Depending on the height of the item of mail, a portion of the sensors 12 is obscured. This number is a measure of the height of the item of mail, the position of the sensors 12 advantageously being based on the classification of postage.
  • the sensors 12 are preferably designed as light barriers, so that the mail piece darkens a part of the light barriers. In addition, however, it is also possible to form the sensors 12 as ultrasonic sensors, in which case the measuring bracket 11 is preferably also closed above the mail piece shell 2.
  • the measuring bracket 11 At the web of the measuring bracket 11 is provided with a line scanner 13, which scans the support surface 20 line by line and covers the entire support surface 20 of the postal shell 2. Furthermore, parallel to the line scanner 13 of the measuring bracket 11 is provided with a lighting element 14 for illuminating the support surface 20 of the mail piece shell 2.
  • a cold cathode tube is used for this purpose.
  • the measuring bracket 11 can be moved along the rails 10 by means of a stepping motor, so that the entire support surface 20 of the mail piece tray 2 can be scanned. In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that the postal item 2 is moved relative to the line scanner 13.
  • the line scanner 13 takes on the entire image of the support surface 20 of the mail piece 2.
  • line scanner 13 An additional optics between line scanner 13 and the support surface 20 is not required, as a matched to the height of the postal matter depth of field is not required.
  • the mail is flat on the support surface of the mail piece and can therefore be scanned with the line scanner 13 with high resolution.
  • the length and the width of the mail are determined.
  • an address or a barcode can be detected. If the mail is a registered mail, the collected data is stored to ensure tracking of the mail.
  • a customer wants to send a letter or a parcel, he opens the input door 4 and places his letter or parcel in the mail piece tray 2.
  • the rear exit door 5 prevents the mail from slipping out of the tray 2 when pushed in.
  • the customer closes the input door 4 or the input door 4 closes automatically, since, for example, was detected by means of the balance 8, whether mail has been placed in the mail piece 2.
  • the measuring and weighing process can begin.
  • the measuring bracket 11 moves from its parking position at the end of the rails 10 remote from the input door 4 to the mail piece tray 2 and begins to scan the entire surface. After the area of the postal item 2 has been detected, the measuring bracket 11 moves back to its parking position.
  • the height of the mail was determined by the number of sensors 12 covered during the scan. For example, if the mail is uneven, the largest measured thickness is chosen as the yardstick for determining the height.
  • the weight of the mail is determined by the electronic balance 8.
  • the determined data are transmitted to a control and evaluation unit, not shown here, which allows the electronic control of all components and calculates the postage to be paid from the data obtained.
  • the determined postage can be displayed for example on a terminal, not shown here on a display. The customer can now pay the postage at the terminal by coin insertion or by credit card, cash card or other means of payment.
  • the rear exit door 5 is opened and the tilting device 9 pivots the mail piece 2 down, so that the mail from the mail piece 2 can fall into a container, not shown here. It is also possible to arrange a conveyor belt under the mail piece 2.
  • the mail is still provided with an identifier or mark, indicating that the postage has been paid. If the customer does not pay the postage, the input door 4 opens again and the customer is conveniently called acoustically or via an ad on the display to remove the mail again from the mail piece 2.
  • the tilting device 9 moves the Postgutschale 2 back to the horizontal starting position, the exit door 5 closes again and the device is available for a new measuring operation again.
  • a second embodiment according to the invention is shown.
  • the postal item 2 is advantageously arranged tilted relative to the horizontal. It is also conceivable that the boundary legs 21 of the postal matter shell 2 are arranged at right angles to each other and the postal goods shell 2 is arranged standing on the tip.
  • the rail system 10 is arranged, on which the sliding measuring bracket 11 is attached.
  • the measuring bracket 11 is provided with the lateral sensors 12 for determining the height of the mail item as well as with the lower-side line scanner 13.
  • the mail piece 2 is connected to the scale 8 to detect the weight of the mail.
  • the required postage is displayed on a terminal and the customer can conveniently pull the required postage stamp after entering the postage and then stick it to the mail piece. If it is a letter, it can then be thrown into a mailbox.
  • the invention provides a structurally simple and robust device for automatic determination of the parameters height, format and weight of a mail piece for Determination of the required postage fee has been created.
  • the format and the address can be easily determined by means of a line scanner, without the installation of additional optical components would be required.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum automatischen Vermessen und Wiegen von Postgütern wie Briefe und Päckchen zur Ermittlung der Postgebühr.The invention relates to a device for automatically measuring and weighing mail items such as letters and parcels for determining the postage.

Die Höhe der Portogebühr hängt ab von dem Gewicht, der Dicke und dem Format des Briefes oder Paketes. Um Postgüter wie z.B. Briefe oder Pakete in einem Selbstbedienungssystem automatisiert verarbeiten zu können, ist es daher notwendig, das Postgut zu messen, zu wiegen, die Adressen sowie eventuell aufgedruckte Barcodes zu lesen. Soll darüber hinaus ein Einschreiben aufgegeben werden, so ist eine automatisierte Erfassung und Speicherung der Daten des Postgutes zusätzlich notwendig, um das Poststück gegebenenfalls zurückverfolgen zu können.The amount of postage depends on the weight, thickness and format of the letter or parcel. To mail items such. To be able to process letters or parcels automatically in a self-service system, it is therefore necessary to measure the mail, weigh, read the addresses and any printed barcodes. If, in addition, a registered letter is to be given up, an automated recording and storage of the data of the mail item is additionally necessary in order to be able to retrace the mailpiece if necessary.

Aus der DE 195 45 158 ist eine Postgut-Behandlungsvorrichtung bekannt, bei der das Postgut vom Kunden auf eine Dispositionsfläche abgelegt wird und dann von oben mit einer elektronischen Kamera Bilder des Poststücks erstellt werden. Da die Postgüter unterschiedliche Höhen aufweisen können, muss die Kamera auf unterschiedliche Brennebenen einstellbar sein. Dies wird durch eine Fresnel-Linse, die zwischen der Kamera und dem Postgut positioniert wird, erreicht. Außerdem ist die Dispositionsfläche mit einer Waage verbunden, so dass das Postgut gewogen werden kann. Die Vorrichtung ist jedoch durch die benötigten optischen Linsen kompliziert aufgebaut und zudem störanfällig, da die optischen Komponenten relativ empfindlich sind.From DE 195 45 158 a mail handling device is known in which the mail is deposited by the customer on a Dispositionsfläche and then created from above with an electronic camera images of the mail piece. Since the mail can have different heights, the camera must be adjustable to different focal planes. This is achieved by a Fresnel lens positioned between the camera and the mail piece. In addition, the disposition area is connected to a scale, so that the mail can be weighed. However, the device is complicated by the required optical lenses and also susceptible to interference, since the optical components are relatively sensitive.

Weitere Vorrichtungen sind in den Patenten GB-A-2 236 859 und EP-A-0 926 642 beschrieben.Other devices are described in patents GB-A-2 236 859 and EP-A-0 926 642.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, eine baulich unkomplizierte Vorrichtung zu schaffen, die es einem Postkunden in einfacher Weise ermöglicht, ein Postgut in Selbstbedienung zu versenden.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a structurally uncomplicated device that allows a postal customer in a simple way to send a mail in self-service.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Durch den Einsatz eines Zeilenscanners unterhalb der Postgutschale kann in einfacher Weise unabhängig von der Höhe des Postgutes sowohl dessen Format vermessen sowie die Adresse und ein eventuell vorhandener Barcode gelesen werden. Die Höhe des Postgutes wird durch Sensoren bestimmt, die im Bereich der Seitenflächen der Postgutschale angebracht sind. Die Auswahl der Messmittel und deren geometrische Anordnung zueinander ermöglicht eine kompakte und kostengünstige Bauweise.This object is solved by the features of claim 1. By using a line scanner underneath the mail piece tray, its format can be measured in a simple manner, regardless of the height of the mail piece, and the address and possibly existing bar code can be read. The height of the mail is determined by sensors mounted in the area of the side surfaces of the mail piece. The selection of the measuring means and their geometric arrangement to each other allows a compact and inexpensive construction.

Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung und der Zeichnung.Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings.

In der Zeichnung zeigen:

Fig. 1:
eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß der Erfindung;
Fig. 2:
eine perspektivische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels gemäss der Erfindung.
In the drawing show:
Fig. 1:
a perspective view of a first embodiment according to the invention;
Fig. 2:
a perspective view of a second embodiment according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 ist eine Postgutmessvorrichtung 1 gemäss der Erfindung dargestellt. Die Vorrichtung weist eine Postgutschale 2 zur Aufnahme des Postgutes auf. Die Postgutschale 2 ist vorzugsweise U-förmig mit einer planen Auflagefläche 20 und zwei Seitenschenkeln 21 ausgebildet und besteht aus einem transparenten Material, zweckmäßigerweise Kunststoff. Die Schale 2 ist vorteilhafterweise mit einer Abdeckung 3 versehen, die das Postgut vor Eingriffen von außen schützt. Die Postgutschale 2 kann vorzugsweise an den beiden Endseiten mit einer Eingabetür 4 und einer Ausgangstür 5 versehen sein. Die Ausgangstür 5 schließt die Postgutschale 2 an der Rückseite ab, so dass das Postgut beim Hineinschieben nicht herausfallen kann. Vorteilhafterweise ist die Postgutschale 2 am Ausgang mit einer gezahnten Abschlusskante 6 versehen, in die formschlüssig die untere Kante 7 der Ausgangstür 5 eingreift. Durch die Verzahnung der Postgutschale 2 mit der Ausgangstür 5 ist ein Formschluss ohne Berührung ermöglicht, so dass Verfälschungen des Messergebnisses durch Reibung ausgeschlossen sind. Die Postgutschale 2 ist mit einer elektronischen Waage 8 verbunden und an einer Kippvorrichtung 9 schwenkbar befestigt.In Fig. 1, a Postgutmessvorrichtung 1 is shown according to the invention. The device has a mail piece 2 for receiving the mail. The Postgutschale 2 is preferably U-shaped with a flat support surface 20 and two side legs 21 and consists of a transparent material, expediently plastic. The shell 2 is advantageously provided with a cover 3, which prevents the mail from interfering protects from the outside. The mail piece shell 2 may preferably be provided at the two end sides with an input door 4 and an exit door 5. The exit door 5 closes the mail piece 2 at the back, so that the mail can not fall out when pushed in. Advantageously, the Postgutschale 2 is provided at the output with a toothed end edge 6, in the form-fitting engages the lower edge 7 of the exit door 5. Due to the toothing of the postal goods shell 2 with the exit door 5, a form fit is made possible without contact, so that distortions of the measurement result are excluded by friction. The Postgutschale 2 is connected to an electronic balance 8 and pivotally attached to a tilting device 9.

Unterhalb der Postgutschale 2 ist ein Schienensystem 10 angeordnet, auf dem ein U-förmiger Messbügel 11 gleitend gelagert ist. Es ist jedoch auch denkbar, die Schienen 10 oberhalb der Postgutschale 2 anzubringen. Der Messbügel 11 besteht aus zwei Schenkeln und einem mittleren Steg. An den beiden Schenkeln ist der Messbügel 11 mit Sensoren 12 bestückt, so dass beim Entlanggleiten entlang der Schienen 10 der gesamte Seitenbereich der Postgutschale 2 von der Sensoren 12 überstrichen wird. Abhängig von der Höhe des Poststücks wird ein Teil der Sensoren 12 verdeckt. Diese Zahl ist ein Maß für die Höhe des Poststücks, wobei die Position der Sensoren 12 sich vorteilhafterweise an der Klassifizierung der Portogebühren orientiert.Below the mail piece 2, a rail system 10 is arranged, on which a U-shaped measuring bracket 11 is slidably mounted. However, it is also conceivable to attach the rails 10 above the mail piece shell 2. The measuring bracket 11 consists of two legs and a central web. On the two legs of the measuring bracket 11 is equipped with sensors 12, so that when sliding along the rails 10, the entire side portion of the mail piece shell 2 is swept by the sensors 12. Depending on the height of the item of mail, a portion of the sensors 12 is obscured. This number is a measure of the height of the item of mail, the position of the sensors 12 advantageously being based on the classification of postage.

Die Sensoren 12 sind vorzugsweise als Lichtschranken ausgebildet, so dass das Postgut einen Teil der Lichtschranken abdunkelt. Darüber hinaus ist es jedoch auch möglich, die Sensoren 12 als Ultraschallsensoren auszubilden, wobei dann der Messbügel 11 vorzugsweise auch über der Postgutschale 2 geschlossen ist.The sensors 12 are preferably designed as light barriers, so that the mail piece darkens a part of the light barriers. In addition, however, it is also possible to form the sensors 12 as ultrasonic sensors, in which case the measuring bracket 11 is preferably also closed above the mail piece shell 2.

An dem Steg ist der Messbügel 11 mit einem Zeilenscanner 13 versehen, der die Auflagefläche 20 zeilenweise abtastet und die gesamte Auflagefläche 20 der Postschale 2 überstreicht. Des weiteren ist parallel zum Zeilenscanner 13 der Messbügel 11 mit einem Beleuchtungselement 14 zum Ausleuchten der Auflagefläche 20 der Postgutschale 2 versehen. Vorteilhafterweise wird hierzu eine Kaltkathodenröhre eingesetzt. Der Messbügel 11 ist entlang der Schienen 10 mittels eines Schrittmotors verfahrbar, so dass die gesamte Auflagefläche 20 der Postgutschale 2 abgescannt werden kann. Im Rahmen der Erfindung ist es auch denkbar, dass die Postgutschale 2 gegenüber dem Zeilenscanner 13 verschoben wird. Der Zeilenscanner 13 nimmt das gesamte Bild der Auflagefläche 20 der Postgutschale 2 auf. Eine zusätzliche Optik zwischen Zeilenscanner 13 und der Auflagefläche 20 ist nicht erforderlich, da eine an die Höhe des Postguts angepasste Tiefenschärfe nicht erforderlich ist. Das Postgut liegt plan auf der Auflagefläche der Postgutschale auf und kann daher mit dem Zeilenscanner 13 mit hoher Auflösung abgescannt werden. Mittels einer nachgeschalteten softwaregestützten Bildverarbeitung werden die Länge und die Breite des Postgutes ermittelt. Des weiteren kann eine Adresse oder ein Barcode erfasst werden. Handelt es sich bei dem Postgut um ein Einschreiben, werden die erfassten Daten gespeichert, damit eine Nachverfolgung des Postgutes gewährleistet ist.At the web of the measuring bracket 11 is provided with a line scanner 13, which scans the support surface 20 line by line and covers the entire support surface 20 of the postal shell 2. Furthermore, parallel to the line scanner 13 of the measuring bracket 11 is provided with a lighting element 14 for illuminating the support surface 20 of the mail piece shell 2. Advantageously, a cold cathode tube is used for this purpose. The measuring bracket 11 can be moved along the rails 10 by means of a stepping motor, so that the entire support surface 20 of the mail piece tray 2 can be scanned. In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that the postal item 2 is moved relative to the line scanner 13. The line scanner 13 takes on the entire image of the support surface 20 of the mail piece 2. An additional optics between line scanner 13 and the support surface 20 is not required, as a matched to the height of the postal matter depth of field is not required. The mail is flat on the support surface of the mail piece and can therefore be scanned with the line scanner 13 with high resolution. By means of a downstream software-supported image processing, the length and the width of the mail are determined. Furthermore, an address or a barcode can be detected. If the mail is a registered mail, the collected data is stored to ensure tracking of the mail.

Will ein Kunde einen Brief oder ein Päckchen versenden, so öffnet er die Eingabetür 4 und legt seinen Brief oder sein Päckchen in die Postgutschale 2. Die hintere Ausgangstür 5 verhindert, dass das Postgut beim Hineinschieben aus der Schale 2 rutschen kann. Nachdem das Postgut eingelegt worden ist, schließt der Kunde die Eingabetür 4 oder die Eingabetür 4 schließt selbsttätig, da beispielsweise mittels der Waage 8 erfasst wurde, ob Postgut in die Postgutschale 2 gelegt worden ist. Nachdem die Eingangstür 4 geschlossen ist, kann der Mess- und Wiegevorgang beginnen. Der Messbügel 11 fährt aus seiner Parkposition am von der Eingabetür 4 entfernten Ende der Schienen 10 zur Postgutschale 2 und beginnt die gesamte Fläche abzuscannen. Nachdem die Fläche der Postgutschale 2 erfasst worden ist, fährt der Messbügel 11 wieder in seine Parkposition zurück. Die Höhe des Postgutes wurde durch die Anzahl der abgedeckten Sensoren 12 während des Scanvorgangs ermittelt. Ist das Postgut beispielsweise uneben, so wird die größte gemessene Dicke als Maßstab für die Ermittlung der Höhe gewählt. Das Gewicht des Postgutes wird von der elektronischen Waage 8 bestimmt. Die ermittelten Daten werden an eine hier nicht dargestellte Steuer- und Auswerteeinheit übertragen, die die elektronische Ansteuerung aller Bauelemente erlaubt sowie aus den ermittelten Daten das zu bezahlende Porto berechnet. Das ermittelte Porto kann beispielsweise an einem hier nicht dargestellten Terminal auf einem Display dargestellt werden. Der Kunde kann das Porto nun an dem Terminal per Münzeinwurf oder per Kreditkarte, Geldkarte oder andere Zahlungsmittel bezahlen. Ist der Bezahlvorgang abgeschlossen, wird die hintere Ausgangstür 5 geöffnet und die Kippvorrichtung 9 verschwenkt die Postgutschale 2 nach unten, so dass das Postgut aus der Postgutschale 2 in einen hier nicht dargestellten Behälter fallen kann. Es ist auch möglich, unter der Postgutschale 2 ein Transportband anzuordnen. Vorteilhafterweise wird das Postgut noch mit einer Kennung oder Markierung versehen, aus der hervorgeht, dass das Porto entrichtet worden ist. Falls der Kunde das Porto nicht bezahlt, öffnet sich die Eingabetür 4 wieder und der Kunde wird zweckmäßigerweise akustisch oder über eine Anzeige auf dem Display aufgefordert, das Postgut wieder aus der Postgutschale 2 zu entfernen.If a customer wants to send a letter or a parcel, he opens the input door 4 and places his letter or parcel in the mail piece tray 2. The rear exit door 5 prevents the mail from slipping out of the tray 2 when pushed in. After the mail has been inserted, the customer closes the input door 4 or the input door 4 closes automatically, since, for example, was detected by means of the balance 8, whether mail has been placed in the mail piece 2. After the front door 4 is closed, the measuring and weighing process can begin. The measuring bracket 11 moves from its parking position at the end of the rails 10 remote from the input door 4 to the mail piece tray 2 and begins to scan the entire surface. After the area of the postal item 2 has been detected, the measuring bracket 11 moves back to its parking position. The height of the mail was determined by the number of sensors 12 covered during the scan. For example, if the mail is uneven, the largest measured thickness is chosen as the yardstick for determining the height. The weight of the mail is determined by the electronic balance 8. The determined data are transmitted to a control and evaluation unit, not shown here, which allows the electronic control of all components and calculates the postage to be paid from the data obtained. The determined postage can be displayed for example on a terminal, not shown here on a display. The customer can now pay the postage at the terminal by coin insertion or by credit card, cash card or other means of payment. If the payment process is completed, the rear exit door 5 is opened and the tilting device 9 pivots the mail piece 2 down, so that the mail from the mail piece 2 can fall into a container, not shown here. It is also possible to arrange a conveyor belt under the mail piece 2. Advantageously, the mail is still provided with an identifier or mark, indicating that the postage has been paid. If the customer does not pay the postage, the input door 4 opens again and the customer is conveniently called acoustically or via an ad on the display to remove the mail again from the mail piece 2.

Nachdem das Postgut aus der Postgutschale 2 in den Behälter oder auf das Transportband gefallen ist, fährt die Kippvorrichtung 9 die Postgutschale 2 wieder in die horizontale Ausgangslage zurück, die Ausgangstür 5 schließt sich wieder und die Vorrichtung steht für einen erneuten Messvorgang wieder zur Verfügung.After the mail has fallen from the mail piece 2 in the container or on the conveyor belt, the tilting device 9 moves the Postgutschale 2 back to the horizontal starting position, the exit door 5 closes again and the device is available for a new measuring operation again.

In Fig. 2 ist ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss der Erfindung dargestellt. Hierbei wird nur die Portogebühr für das Postgut ermittelt und ein automatischer Weitertransport des Postgutes ist nicht vorgesehen. Der Kunde legt hierbei das Postgut in die transparente Postgutschale 2 ein, die an einer Halterung 15 befestigt ist. Um eine Zentrierung des Postgutes sicherzustellen, ist die Postgutschale 2 vorteilhafterweise gegenüber der Horizontalen gekippt angeordnet. Es ist auch denkbar, dass die Begrenzungsschenkel 21 der Postgutschale 2 im rechten Winkel zueinander angeordnet sind und die Postgutschale 2 auf der Spitze stehend angeordnet ist. Unterhalb der Postgutschale 2 ist das Schienensystem 10 angeordnet, auf das der verschiebbare Messbügel 11 befestigt ist. Der Messbügel 11 ist mit den seitlichen Sensoren 12 zur Bestimmung der Höhe des Poststücks sowie mit dem unterseitigen Zeilenscanner 13 versehen. Weiterhin ist die Postgutschale 2 mit der Waage 8 verbunden, um das Gewicht des Postgutes zu erfassen. Nachdem der Wiege- und Messvorgang abgeschlossen worden ist, wird beispielsweise auf einem Terminal das erforderliche Porto angezeigt und der Kunde kann zweckmäßigerweise die erforderliche Briefmarke nach Eingabe der Portogebühr ziehen und dann auf das Poststück kleben. Handelt es sich um einen Brief, kann dieser dann in einen Briefkasten geworfen werden.2, a second embodiment according to the invention is shown. Here, only the postage for the mail is determined and an automatic onward transport of the mail is not provided. The customer places the mail in the transparent mail piece tray 2, which is attached to a holder 15. In order to ensure centering of the mail, the postal item 2 is advantageously arranged tilted relative to the horizontal. It is also conceivable that the boundary legs 21 of the postal matter shell 2 are arranged at right angles to each other and the postal goods shell 2 is arranged standing on the tip. Below the Postgutschale 2, the rail system 10 is arranged, on which the sliding measuring bracket 11 is attached. The measuring bracket 11 is provided with the lateral sensors 12 for determining the height of the mail item as well as with the lower-side line scanner 13. Furthermore, the mail piece 2 is connected to the scale 8 to detect the weight of the mail. After the weighing and measuring process has been completed, for example, the required postage is displayed on a terminal and the customer can conveniently pull the required postage stamp after entering the postage and then stick it to the mail piece. If it is a letter, it can then be thrown into a mailbox.

Insgesamt ist durch die Erfindung eine baulich einfache und robuste Vorrichtung zur automatischen Bestimmung der Kenngrößen Höhe, Format und Gewicht eines Poststückes zur Ermittlung der erforderlichen Portogebühr geschaffen worden. Das Format und die Adresse kann einfach mittels eines Zeilenscanners bestimmt werden, ohne dass der Einbau von zusätzlichen optischen Komponenten erforderlich wäre.Overall, the invention provides a structurally simple and robust device for automatic determination of the parameters height, format and weight of a mail piece for Determination of the required postage fee has been created. The format and the address can be easily determined by means of a line scanner, without the installation of additional optical components would be required.

Claims (12)

  1. Apparatus for automatically determining the postage for an item of mail such as a letter, a package or parcel, having a mail pan (2) and electronic weighing scales (8), the mail pan (2) being connected to the weighing scales (8), characterized in that the mail pan (2) has a transparent and planar bearing surface (20) on which the mail can be deposited, in that at least one line scanner (13) for scanning the bearing surface (20) is arranged beneath the bearing surface (20), it being possible for the line scanner (13) and the mail pan (2) to be displaced in relation to one another, in that at least one sensor (12) for determining the height of the mail is provided in the side region of the mail pan (2), it also being possible for the sensor (12) and the mail pan (2) to be displaced in relation to one another, and in that the line scanner (13), the sensor (12) and the weighing scales (8) are connected to a control and evaluation unit for determining the postage.
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that an illuminating element (14) is provided for illuminating the bearing surface (20) from beneath.
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the illuminating element (14) is arranged alongside the line scanner (13) and is designed as a cold cathode tube.
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that at least two boundary legs (21) articulated on the bearing surface (20) are provided in order to provide boundaries for the mail.
  5. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the sensors (12) and the line scanner (13) are arranged on a U-shaped measuring bracket (11).
  6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterized in that the measuring bracket (11) is arranged such that it can be displaced on a rail system (10).
  7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the rail system (11) is arranged beneath the mail pan (2).
  8. Apparatus according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensors (12) are designed as light barriers and are arranged on both sides of the bearing surface (20).
  9. Apparatus according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensors (12) are designed as ultrasonic sensors.
  10. Apparatus according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mail pan (2) is connected to a tilting device (9).
  11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that the mail pan (2) has an entry door (4) and an exit door (5) which can be activated by stepping motors.
  12. Method of automatically determining the postage for an item of mail such as a letter, a package or parcel, having a mail pan (2) and electronic weighing scales (8), the mail pan (2) being connected to the weighing scales (8), characterized in that the mail is positioned on a transparent and planar bearing surface (20) of the mail pan (2), in that at least one line scanner (13) scans the bearing surface (20) from beneath, the line scanner (13) passing over the bearing surface (20), in that at least one sensor (12) for determining the height of the mail is arranged in the side region of the mail pan (2), the sensor (12) passing over the side region of the mail pan (2), and in that the line scanner (13), the sensor (12) and the weighing scales (8) are connected to a control and evaluation unit for determining the postage.
EP20030020833 2002-10-01 2003-09-13 Mail measuring system Expired - Fee Related EP1406219B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2002146127 DE10246127A1 (en) 2002-10-01 2002-10-01 Postgutmessvorrichtung
DE10246127 2002-10-01

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EP1406219A1 EP1406219A1 (en) 2004-04-07
EP1406219B1 true EP1406219B1 (en) 2006-06-07

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20030020833 Expired - Fee Related EP1406219B1 (en) 2002-10-01 2003-09-13 Mail measuring system

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EP (1) EP1406219B1 (en)
DE (2) DE10246127A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2264747T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1677258A3 (en) * 2004-12-15 2007-12-19 Die Schweizerische Post Device for creating franking for postage
US8892402B2 (en) 2007-12-28 2014-11-18 Intercontinental Great Brands Llc Method and apparatus to provide a data interface between equipment to be temporarily monitored and diagnostic data gathering apparatus
FR2930636A1 (en) * 2008-04-25 2009-10-30 Neopost Technologies Sa Mail processing machine, has optical reading assembly acquiring image of mail item during displacement of mail item through machine, and processing unit or local processing unit determining width and length of mail item from image

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236859B (en) * 1989-09-08 1994-06-01 Alcatel Business Systems Determination of dimensions of mail items
US5233532A (en) * 1991-04-10 1993-08-03 U-Ship Usa, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
IT1261584B (en) * 1993-09-09 1996-05-23 Olivetti & Co Spa ELECTRONIC POSTAGE ITEMS OF POSTAGE
DE19545158A1 (en) * 1995-12-04 1997-06-05 Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst Contour measuring arrangement for automated mailing system
DE19628896C2 (en) * 1996-07-17 1999-03-25 Nagler Metall Technik Inh Geor Device for weighing and determining the size of an object
DE19644847A1 (en) * 1996-10-29 1998-04-30 Mettler Toledo Gmbh Self-service handling device for a piece of mail
US5793652A (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-08-11 Pitney Bowes Inc. Dimensional weighing apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2264747T3 (en) 2007-01-16
EP1406219A1 (en) 2004-04-07
DE10246127A1 (en) 2004-04-15
DE50303658D1 (en) 2006-07-20

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