EP2025416B1 - Method and device for transporting mass mailings - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transmitting a computer operated description (Be) of a quantity from a data processing system (1) of dispatcher to another data processing system (2) connected with the sorting system (10). The description comprises a reference image (S-Abb) of the objects from the line of vision. The reference image of the object is valid each object of the quantity. The reference image does not contain description in an aiming point. An independent claim is included for a device for transporting a mass of objects, particularly mails.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting similar objects, in particular mass mailings.

In EP 741374 B1 A method is described of how a shipper has a stack of mail sent by a transporter. The mailer provides each mailpiece of the stack with an encrypted indicia and delivers the batch along with a description ("mail documentation file") of the batch, preferably in electronic form. This description contains an indication of the total weight of the stack. The carrier checks this marking.

This procedure is in EP 741375 B1 modified. The submitted statement ("statement of mailing") will be provided with a digital signature. The arrival of the description in a "transaction processing center" triggers a money transfer, which pays the transport.

Out DE 102005040664 A1 are known a method with the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus with the preamble of claim 24. Several batches of commercials are delivered to a sorting facility. Each stack consists of similar advertising mailings. From each stack z. B. recorded ten exemplary images of advertising broadcasts. For each of these z. B. ten images, a pictorial representative is generated, for. By averaging. To process a commercial, its actual image is compared to the respective representative of each batch.

In EP 1622065 A1 and AU 2005203141 A1 It is proposed to automatically identify groups of similar mail items among all mailpieces processed in an attachment. For this purpose, the sorting system generates in each case an image of each piece of mail to be processed and compares these images with each other.

This in EP 1232024 B1 and US 6826446 B1 described method requires that each mail item with a machine-readable code, eg. B. is provided a bar pattern.

At the WO 2006100357 A1 known method undergoes each mail twice a sorting system. In both runs, an image of the surface of the mail piece is generated. On the second pass, each generated image of a mailpiece is compared individually with the images generated and cached on the first pass.

In DE 10021734 C1 For example, a method for determining areas of distribution information on shipments is described. Here, a digital image of the distribution information having surface of each shipment is obtained and stored and fed to an OCR unit for automatic evaluation. If the searched area is not clearly recognized, then the associated entire image of the surface having the distribution information is forwarded to a video coding device.

The invention has for its object to provide a method with the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus with the preamble of claim 24, is detected by the automatic, which belong to the articles, without information on the belonging to the similar objects Quantity needs to be printed and without it being necessary for items to pass through the sorting system to produce the desired image.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 24. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

A lot of items are transported to destination points. This amount can be from a single item or consist of several similar objects. It is possible that each item will be transported to another destination. It is also possible that several items of the quantity are transported to the same destination point.

Each item of the quantity goes through a sorting system at least once. It is possible that other items that do not belong to the quantity also go through this sorting system. For each item that passes through the sorting system, the target point is given, to which this item is to be transported. The destination point is predetermined by the fact that the object is provided with a determination of the destination point, and / or in that the destination point is stored in a data memory which the sorting system reads out.

The sorting system generates at least one actual image of each item that passes through the sorting system. This actual image shows the object from a specific viewing direction.

The sorting system determines the respective destination of each item that passes through the sorting system. For this purpose, it evaluates the actual image and / or the data record. Subsequently, the sorting system triggers a transport of each passing item to the determined destination point.

The sorting system is connected to a data processing system or includes a data processing system. According to the invention, a computer-accessible description of the quantity is transmitted from a data processing system of a sender to that data processing system which is connected to the sorting system. This transmitted description comprises a target image of the object valid for each object of the set from the given viewing direction. The target image does not contain any information about a target point.

The data processing system decides automatically for each item that passes through the sorting system, whether the item belongs to the amount or not. For this decision the data processing system compares the actual image of the object with the transmitted target image.

An advantage of the invention is the following: While the articles of the crowd are being transported, their transport can be monitored and tracked without having to provide each article with an individual identifier which distinguishes the article from all other objects being transported at the same time , Such an individual identifier often requires a lot of space on the item or defaces it.

Furthermore, information about the item need not be attached to any item. Rather, the sorting system automatically recognizes the affiliation with the quantity by comparing the predetermined target image with the determined actual image.

The invention also makes it superfluous for at least one article of the quantity to first pass through the sorting system before the desired image of the description can be generated. Rather, the target image is available as soon as the description has been transmitted to the data processing system that is connected to the sorting system and evaluated.

In one embodiment, the target image is generated from a print template. This artwork is useful to create a sheet that is provided with each article of the set and that is visible from the outside, such as a cover sheet of a catalog. This embodiment eliminates the need to provide a separate operation for the production of the cover sheet. Rather, an existing print template is reused.

In one embodiment, each item of the quantity is marked with a destination before it passes through a sorting system for the first time, e.g. For example, by being labeled with the label. The sorting system reads this identification and thus determines the destination point. To the data processing system is a computer-accessible Listing with those destinations to which the items are to be transported. The sorting system uses this listing to validate and review the read destination addresses. In particular, it uses the listing to resolve ambiguities in reading.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the listing contains much fewer destinations than an address database with all the addresses of a particular area.

In another embodiment, the sorting system itself provides the objects with an identification of the destination. This configuration saves a shipper from pre-placing the items with the destination points, and saves the need for the sorting system to read a destination. Rather, the objects are supplied without destination markings the sorting system. A computer-accessible listing with target destinations is transmitted to the data processing system. At least one object of the quantity is to be transported to each of these target target points. The sorting system evaluates the listing and repeatedly selects a target destination from the list. It provides an item of the quantity with an identification of the selected target target point. This tag is used to transport the item to the desired destination.

This embodiment of the invention saves the need for the items to be supplied to the sorting unit separately from other items. Rather, the sorting system automatically recognizes that a passing object belongs to the set and is to be provided automatically with an identification of a target destination of the listing. Therefore, a mixed feed is possible.

The invention can be applied to the transport of mail, z. For example, of letters or catalogs. Each mail item is to be transported to a respective predetermined delivery address. The postal items can also be domestic mail items that within a spatially distributed enterprise too to ship. The delivery addresses in this application include addresses of company locations.

The items to be transported may also be baggage of passengers or freight. Each piece of baggage is to be transported to an airport or to a train station or port or other destination. A baggage handling system determines which piece of luggage is to be transported to which destination. The luggage of the amount require z. B. a similar treatment and are visually similar.
The invention can also be used for the internal material flow in a production plant. The sorting system transports various built-in parts to a production line, on the z. B. cars are produced. Each fixture is to be transported to a specific location of the production line, there to z. B. to be installed in a body.
The invention is applied to a type of built-in parts, the z. B. are to be transported in a certain way. Or the built-in parts of this type are not yet provided with an identification of their respective delivery point before they pass through the sorting system, and are provided only in the sorting system with such a label. Thanks to the invention, these mounting parts are distinguished from other types of components.

Fig. 1

Anordnung, in der eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens realisiert wird.

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

Fig. 1

Arrangement in which an embodiment of the method according to the invention is realized.

In the exemplary embodiment, the items to be transported are mail items. The destinations of the objects are predetermined delivery addresses with which the mailpieces are provided before or during transport. A delivery address can z. For example, mark a natural person with a visit address, business, or mailbox.

The invention is used to provide a stack with many similar mailpieces, e.g. B. with many copies of a magazine or a catalog to send to different recipients. The individual items of mail differ by the different delivery addresses, but not by their weight or their dimensions. The delivery address of a mailing preferably includes the name of the recipient (natural or legal person), street and house number or PO Box, location and postal code or "ZIP code" and, if necessary, an identification of the country or delivery area.

A sender transports the similar mail to a transporter, z. To a postal company or other logistics service provider. This transporter delivers each of the mailpieces of the stack to their respective addressees. To distinguish it from other mailpieces, the similar mailpieces of the stack are referred to below as "bulk mailings".

The bulk mailings of the stack have similar cover sheets, which are visible during processing from the outside. For example, each bulk mail piece is sealed, and the cover or envelope of the mail piece acts as the cover sheet. In the case of a magazine, the externally visible first page acts as a cover sheet. It is also possible that specially for the transport of the magazine or the catalog is supplemented by an address cover sheet with a logo of the sender and / or a logo of the magazine that does not belong to the magazine / catalog and then acts as the cover sheet.

In one embodiment of the invention, the respective delivery address of each bulk mail item is printed or stamped in a specific area on each cover sheet. This area is referred to below as an address block field. In the address block fields you can find more information be registered, z. For example, the customer number of the addressee at the consignor, a customer number of the consignor at the transporter and / or an endorsement. The entry of additional information is not required for the mass mailings of the stack.

In a different embodiment, the cover sheet z. As an expensive catalog kept free of address imprints. The delivery address is printed on the back of the mailing. A preliminary order is also stamped on the back.

One effect of an advantageous embodiment of the invention is that it eliminates the need to print pre-orders and quality requirements on the bulk mailings of the stack. By means of an "endorsement", the sender specifies what the transporter should do with a mail item that can not be delivered to the specified delivery address. Possible advance orders, which the carrier offers and from which the shipper selects, are e.g. B. the return to the sender, forwarding to another delivery address, eg. As a mailbox or a compartment of a parcel compartment system, or destruction of the mailpiece. For the return is a return address, z. B. an address of the publisher to specify. Often, this return address is located inside a magazine. Therefore, a sorting system can not recognize it from the outside.

By means of a quality requirement ("quality of service"), the consignor determines which quality conditions the carrier must comply with when transporting the item of mail. Examples of quality requirements are the transport "by airmail", as "1st class mail", as "2nd class mail" as well as delivery to the recipient at the latest n days after the delivery.

It is possible that the sender prescribes advance orders and / or quality requirements that apply to all mail items in the batch. The return address for undeliverable copies z. As a journal is an example of a such standard advance order. In addition or instead, the sender can also specify individual advance orders and / or quality requirements for individual mailpieces, eg. B. for mailings to specific persons or certain delivery districts.

In the exemplary embodiment, the shipper additionally transmits a computer-accessible listing to the carrier. This listing contains individual definitions that apply only to one or a few bulk mailings, while the specifications in the description apply to all bulk mailings. The listing includes records each including a delivery address and at least one bulk mailing destination to that delivery address.

The consignor preferably transmits this list electronically to the transporter, e.g. B. by means of a data processing system via the Internet and preferably via a secure data line and in encrypted form, eg. B. provided with a digital signature. For example, the consignor sends a table or database to the transporter (i.e., to a data processor of the transporter), which contains a record for some or all of the delivery addresses of the stack.

The consignor preferably transmits individual advance orders and quality requirements to a data processing system of the carrier that the listing comprises these individual specifications. If an individual advance order or quality requirement has been specified for a mail item to a specific delivery address, the data record for this delivery address contains an identification of this advance condition or quality requirement. It is possible that both a pre-order and a quality requirement are specified for the same delivery address.

In this table or database additional information may be stored in addition, which are specific to a single delivery address, eg. B. address changes that only after the imprint of the delivery address the sender were known, and customer numbers.

It is also possible that the listing contains only one data record for each delivery address, eg. B. only for delivery addresses with individual advance orders and / or quality requirements. Preferably, the listing additionally contains information on the number of mass mailings of the stack.

Fig. 1 shows an arrangement in which an embodiment of the method according to the invention is realized. A data processing system 1 of the sender transmits the computer-accessible description Be and the computer-accessible listing Aufl to a data processing system 2 of the carrier, the z. B. is in the first sorting center. The data processing system 2 of the transporter is connected to a central database 3. The description Be contains a target image S-Abb of the mass mailings of the stack.

The shipper delivers a stack of addressed bulk mailings. A stream of mail passes through the first sorting system 10 in a transport direction T. In Fig. 1 are a first mailing Ps-1 in the form of a letter, a bulk mailing Ps-2 of the stack and another mass mailing Ps-3, but which does not belong to this stack shown. A camera 5 of the sorting system 10 generates at least one actual image of each mail item, including the actual image I-Abb of the bulk mail item Ps-2 of the stack. This actual image I-Abb contains an image Add-Abb of the delivery address Add of Ps-2. The target image S-Abb does not contain a delivery address.

The data processing system 2 of the transporter determined by read access to the central database 3, the target image S-Abb and decides that the mail item Ps-1 is a mass mailing of the stack. In a corresponding way, the data processing system 2 decides that the mail items Ps-1 and Ps-3 are not from the stack. By evaluating the actual image I-Abb, the data processing system 2 further determines the delivery address Add of Ps-2. In the Listing of the sender is for this delivery address Add a pre-decision deposited, namely a new delivery address. The data processing system 2 generates a print command Dru and transmits this print command to a printer 4 of the sorting system 10. This prints the new delivery address on the mail item Ps-2.

It is possible that the delivery address is not inserted in the cover page of the mailing, z. B. because the mailing is an expensive and elaborately designed catalog that should not be contaminated by imprint. In this case, two actual images of the mailing are generated - an actual image I-Abb-1 shows the cover sheet without delivery address and another actual image I-Fig-2 shows the back with the delivery address. Both actual images are evaluated to search for a delivery address and to obtain an image of a cover sheet that is compared to the target image S-Abb.

In another embodiment, the cover sheets are not provided with delivery addresses. For example, no address block field is provided. This other embodiment is z. B. used to spread advertising broadcasts, but still not send each household in a particular delivery area such a commercial. This other embodiment is also used when the consignor wants to send each a catalog or magazine to registered customers and wants to save the step itself to provide these catalogs / magazines with the delivery addresses. The consignor sends to the transporter the unprinted bulk mail as well as the list just described with those delivery addresses to be loaded with the bulk mailings.

In one embodiment, the listing is transmitted from a data processing facility of the consignor to the data processing facility of the transporter. The mass mailings themselves are transported from one printing house to the forwarding agent, regardless of the listing.

The invention enables the transporter to process the mass mailings of the stack, which are not yet provided with a delivery address, together with other mailpieces and to run them through a sorting system. Not required is a special treatment for the mass mailings of the stack. Due to the cover sheet, the bulk mail items are automatically recognized, so that the sorting system can provide them with delivery addresses.

According to the invention, the shipper additionally transmits to the transporter a computer-accessible description of the bulk mailpieces of the stack. This description includes information common to all bulk mailings of the stack. This includes in particular an electronic image of the cover sheet of each mass mail item, which is referred to below as the target image. For example, due to tolerances in the printing process, the actual image of a mass mailing of the stack of this target image may differ. It is possible that this description contains further information to be valid for all mass mailings of the batch, e.g. For example, standard pre-instructions, which apply when an individual advance has not been specified for a mailing.

This target image preferably comprises an identification of the position and the dimensions of the address block field. The address block fields themselves are preferably empty in the target image. Thus, the target image is valid for each of the many similar bulk mail items of the stack, so is a generic image. This target image may include a sender's logo and / or the logo of a journal or catalog.

In one embodiment, the shipper uses an electronic artwork on which the cover sheet is printed, in addition to generating the desired image. For example, it directly transmits the print template as part of the description to the data processing system of the carrier. Or a data processing system of the sender generated from the print template, the target image by generating a simplified copy with less storage space.

The image is preferably a file in a format for describing graphics, e.g. B. Bitmap, Portable Document Format (PDF), a vector graphic format, JPG or Tag Image File Format (TIF).

In the exemplary embodiment, the computer-accessible description additionally includes an identifier of the sender of the batch, as well as flat-rate advance orders ("endorsements") and quality requirements, ie, those stipulations of the sender which apply to each mail item of the stack. For example, the computer-accessible description includes the stipulation that each mail item should reach the recipient (i.e., the delivery address) at the latest after n days of transportation, and then, if undeliverable, be returned to the sender.

The identifier can be used for the fact that the sorting system automatically recognizes the sender of a passing mass mailing, without having to search the actual image of this mailing for a sender address or a logo of the sender.

Furthermore, the computer-accessible description additionally includes a standard replacement delivery address. A bulk mail item is to be transported to this standard substitute delivery address if it turns out that it can not be transported to the predetermined delivery address and if a pre-order does not specify a different handling of bulk mailing. The default substitute delivery address may be the address of the sender to which the bulk mail item is returned, or otherwise an address specified by the sender. The sender's identifier may be associated with a return address to which an undeliverable bulk mail of the stack is to be returned.

In an embodiment, each mass mail item of the stack passes through a sorting center at least twice Sorting. First, the mail item passes through that sorting center that processes all mail items from the delivery location that are machine-processable. The sorting system in this first sorting center determines the delivery address of each bulk mailing. For example, the first sorting system reads the delivery address, which is printed or stamped on the cover sheet. The determined delivery address is buffered.

Preferably, the first sorting system validates the read address. For this purpose, the first sorting system reads the just-mentioned computer-accessible listing with delivery addresses. This listing contains one delivery address for each mass mailing of the batch. The first sorting facility compares the read address of a mass mailing with the addresses in the listing. By comparing the first sorting z. B. Ambiguities that have remained after reading the delivery address.

Depending on the recognized delivery address, the mail item is discharged in an output device of the first sorting system and transported to that second sorting center, which is responsible for the delivery area of the delivery address. The second sorting center may be identical to the first sorting center. The second sorting system in the second sorting center determines the buffered address of a mailpiece and forwards the mailpiece to the respective delivery address. Preferably, the second sorting system discharges each item of mail into an output compartment which is reserved for mailings to one or more predetermined delivery addresses.

The bulk mailings of the stack are processed in both sorting centers along with other mailpieces. The sorting centers use the computer-accessible description with the image to distinguish the similar bulk mailings from other mailpieces to be processed.

In another embodiment, the mass mailings of the stack go through only once a sorting center with a sorting system. In this embodiment, the mailpieces are pre-sorted, and all mail items of the stack are to be transported to delivery addresses in that Zustellbezirk for which the sorting center is responsible. It is possible that the similar mass mailings are divided in advance during pre-sorting on several stacks, namely, in each case one stack per Zustellbezirk.

Preferably, all sorting of the transporter are connected to a central database. The target image is stored in this central database. As a result, each sorting system has read access to the description and in particular to the target image. Double data storage is avoided.

In another embodiment, the desired image of the cover sheet is transmitted to each sorting center. The computer-accessible listing with the delivery addresses is preferably also transmitted to the central database or to all sorting centers.

Preferably, it is automatically checked in advance whether the transmitted target image is sufficient to distinguish the mass mailings from other mail items that the transporter transports. For this purpose, the transmitted target image is compared with stored images of other mailpieces or cover sheets of other batches. A feature vector of the transmitted image is compared with one feature vector of each other stored image. The distance between these two feature vectors is calculated. If the distance is large enough, the mass mailings of the stack can be distinguished from other mailpieces.

In the first sorting center, it is automatically checked for each mail item to be processed whether this mail item is one of the mass mailpieces of the stack or another mail item. The computer-accessible description is used for this, which the consignor has sent to the transporter.

In one embodiment, the length and the thickness of the mail item to be processed are at least roughly measured. The measured length and thickness is compared with the transmitted dimensions. If the measured length or thickness differs more than a predetermined barrier from the transmitted dimensions, then the mail item to be processed does not belong to the bulk mailpieces of the stack. It is possible to additionally measure the weight of the item of mail at least roughly and to compare it with details in the description. This refinement makes it possible to restrict the time-consuming comparison of the actual image with the target image to some of the mailpieces passing through.

The weight and in particular the dimensions of the mailpieces are often determined anyway so that the first sorting system can process the mailpieces, especially if the first sorting system processes differently sized or heavy mailpieces in an unpredictable order.

In the first sorting system, an electronic actual image of that surface of the mail item to be processed is generated which carries the delivery address. For example, the surface is photographed by one or more cameras.

It is possible that the item of mail is first photographed or scanned from several sides, that is to say from a plurality of viewing directions. As a result, multiple actual images are generated. It is automatically determined which actual image carries the delivery address or at least one delivery address field for the delivery address. This is especially necessary when transporting a package. Even letters and postcards have two surfaces on which a delivery address can be.

This actual image is compared with the target image that the sender has transmitted to the transporter. If several target images for different stack to the feed dog were transmitted, the actual image is compared with each of these target images.

As a rule, the actual image of the mail item to be processed has a delivery address. At the latest when a deliverer is to deliver a mail item, this mail item must carry a human-readable delivery address. By contrast, the desired image transmitted by the sender has no delivery address because the bulk mailpieces of the stack are generally to be transported to different delivery addresses. Before comparing an actual image with the target image, the delivery address must therefore be eliminated.

In one embodiment, the transmitted description includes an identification of the position and the dimensions of the delivery address field. This marking uses the first sorting system to determine where in the actual image the delivery address is located in order to exclude this delivery address from the actual image before comparing the target image with the actual image.

In another embodiment, the first sorting system automatically determines by evaluation of the actual image, where the delivery address is located (determination of the "region of interest"), without the transmitted description necessarily includes an identification of the position or dimensions of the delivery address field.

In both embodiments, the first sorting system calculates the address block field with the delivery address from the acquired actual image. The computer-available actual image - with the delivery address field removed - is compared with the transmitted computer-available target image.

The following section describes how the actual image is compared with the specified target image.

Preferably, a feature vector is calculated by each of the two images. Each feature vector comprises feature values of characteristic features of the respective image,

z. For example, the frequency and spatial distribution of shades of gray and shades as well as the distribution of luminance intensities, location and size of the delivery address field. Preferably, a grid is placed over the respective image. For each grid field it is counted how many pixels in the grid field have certain properties. The field with the delivery address is not taken into account here, z. For example, the grid does not cover the delivery address field.

Using the acquired actual image - after taking out the delivery address - the first sorting system generates an actual feature vector which describes the actual image of the surface without a delivery address. This feature vector is referred to below as the "reduced actual feature vector". Furthermore, a desired feature vector is calculated which describes the desired image with values of the same features.

The two feature vectors are automatically compared with each other. Preferably, a distance between the two feature vectors is calculated in a suitable feature space. If the distance exceeds a predetermined barrier, then the two images come from different mailpieces, and the mail item to be processed does not belong to the bulk mailpieces of the stack. At a distance less than or equal to the barrier, the first sorting system automatically decides that the mail item to be processed belongs to the bulk mail items of the stack.

Preferably, the desired feature vector of the transmitted desired image is calculated once in advance and z. B. stored in the central database or in each sorting system. Because this desired feature vector is used again for each comparison. By contrast, the actual feature vector and the reduced actual feature vector for a mail item to be processed are then calculated when this mail item passes through a sorting system. It depends on the actual image of this postal item.

In an alternative embodiment, the decision as to whether the mail item to be processed is one of the bulk mailpieces of the stack, exclusively by comparing the actual image performed with the target image, so without comparing the dimensions or weight.

The following describes the steps which are carried out when the mail item to be processed belongs to the stack with the bulk mail items.

As already mentioned, the first sorting system determines the delivery address of each mail item to be processed. In one embodiment, the shipper transmits a computer-available listing with the delivery addresses for the mass mailing to the carrier. The first sorting system has read access to this list, for example because the list is also stored in the central database. The first sorting system evaluates the listing to determine the delivery address or to check a determination result.

In particular, the first sorting system eliminates ambiguities that have remained in reading the delivery address. If a mail item to be processed comes from the stack, then the first sorting system checks whether the determined delivery address is included in the listing with the delivery addresses. If this is not the case, a read error has occurred, or the submitted listing is incomplete or otherwise faulty.

The first sorting system determines quality requirements that are specified for individual or all mail items of the stack. As soon as it has been recognized that a mail item belongs to the stack, the first sorting system preferably first evaluates the transmitted description of the stack and checks whether quality requirements are specified which apply to all mail items of the stack. If the first sorting system has discovered such a quality requirement in the description, it implements this quality requirement. By way of example, if the quality requirement stipulates that the item is to be delivered the day after its delivery ("E + 1", "1st class mail"), it will arrange for immediate onward transport. On the other hand, may the transport be z. For up to five days The first sorting system preferably triggers an intermediate storage of the mail item in order to transport the mail item in a cost-effective manner together with many other mailpieces, including mailpieces which do not reach the first sorting system until the next day.

After the first sorting system has additionally read the delivery address of a mail item of the stack, it searches the list for individual quality requirements. To do this, it searches the list for a record that includes the read delivery address. If such a data record is found, the first sorting system checks whether this data record contains an individual quality requirement and triggers a transport of the mailpiece according to the individual quality requirement. It is not necessary for the sender to print a quality requirement on the mailpiece and for the second sorting system to read this quality requirement.

If a record with the delivery address is found in the list, the first sorting system continues to check whether the data record contains an update or correction of the delivery address. For example, the recipient has moved and has submitted a re-submit request. Or he is away traveling and has ordered that all mail for a certain period of time should be stored in a mailbox. Or the recipient has ordered that all mail marked with his address should be sent to a mailbox. The first sorting system determines the correct delivery address in the data record and triggers a transport to the corrected delivery address. Preferably, the first sorting system prints the corrected delivery address on the mailpiece, e.g. For example, by printing a label with the corrected delivery address and sticking the label over the old delivery address.

The possibility is taken into consideration that the item of mail passes through a sorting system for the third time, namely because it could not be delivered to the delivery address after the first two passes and therefore because of a Advance order is forwarded. Such a pre-authorization is therefore effective when the mail item has been transported to the predetermined delivery address and it has been determined there that the mail item could not be delivered to this delivery address. As a rule, this is determined by a supplier. For example, the recipient has moved and has not submitted a reroute request. Or the request for resubmission is no longer effective. The mail piece is marked with a note that it can not be delivered to the delivery address, and is again transported to a sorting system. This sorting system triggers a transport according to the advance directive. It is therefore possible that a mail item that passes through the first sorting system is not to be transported to the printed delivery address, but according to a prior decision z. To the sender or to a third party.

The return address to which the item of mail is to be returned need not be printed on the item of mail thanks to the invention. Rather, the sorter determines the return address by evaluating the computer-accessible description. This can contain the return address in addition to the target image.

The first sorting system therefore first checks whether a note about non-deliverability is printed on the mailpiece. If this is the case, the sorting system searches in the description for a blanket advance order for all mail items of the stack. Furthermore, after the delivery address has been read, it will look in the listing for an individual advance notice for that delivery address.

If neither an individual nor a blanket advance order is found, the first sorting system preferably applies a stored rule that is valid for all mail items that are transported by this carrier. This rule determines what the sorting system has to do with a non-deliverable item of mail. The treatment of the mail item may depend on the predetermined individual or flat-rate quality requirement. For example "1st class mail items" returned to the specified return address, all other mail items are destroyed.

Thanks to the invention, it is not necessary that the first sorting system in the actual image of this mail item searches for advance orders. This reduces the risk of errors when evaluating the actual image. In particular, if the actual image is searched for information about advance orders, the first sorting system would not be able to automatically decide with sufficiently high certainty that the actual image does not contain an advance directive and therefore a rule of the carrier has to be applied. The invention provides a method that reduces the risk of errors and provides this certainty: If neither the description contains a lump sum nor the list contains an individual advance directive, then the transporter's rule must be applied.

As already stated, in one embodiment the consignor transmits the bulk mailings without printed delivery address to the carrier. The carrier determines the delivery addresses solely on the basis of the transmitted list.

In this embodiment, only the listing determines to which delivery addresses the mass mailings are to be transported. The bulk mail items are fed to the first sorting machine without being provided with delivery addresses, e.g. B. together with other mail. The data processing system of the sorting center has read access to this list with the delivery addresses. As soon as the data processing system has detected that a bulk mail item of the stack is passing through the sorting system, the data processing system selects a data record with a delivery address in the listing. It transmits this selected delivery address to the first sorting system. The first sorting system provides the mass mailing of the stack with an identification of the selected delivery address. Only then is this mass mail item distinguishable from the other bulk mail items of the stack.

The first sorting system preferably prints the respective delivery address in the address block field of the mail item to be processed, which is only then distinguishable from other bulk mailpieces of the stack. In one embodiment, the transmitted description contains a definition of the address block field in addition to the target image. This determination is valid for all mass mailings of the batch. Therefore, the first sorting system "knows" where the delivery address is to be printed and how much space is available.

It is also possible that the first sorting system prints the delivery address and any advance orders as well as the transmitted target image on a separate sheet and merges the mail item without delivery address with this sheet to a new mail item with delivery address. This sheet acts as the cover sheet, and with this cover sheet, the mail piece can be identified as part of the stack.

In one embodiment of the embodiment, exactly one bulk mail item of the batch is to be sent to each delivery address of the listing. The listing may contain multiple matching delivery addresses. After the data processing system has selected a delivery address from the list and transmitted it to the sorting system, the data processing system blocks this delivery address against a new selection. This prevents that two bulk mail items of the stack are transported to the same delivery address.

In another embodiment, each record - or at least some records - the listing next to each delivery address additionally contains the target number of mass mailings that are to be transported to this delivery address. For example, according to the listing, a library receives five copies of a magazine or a furniture store three copies of a catalog. The data processing system registers for each record in the listing how many bulk mailpieces have been provided with an identification of the delivery address of this record. If the counted number has reached the predetermined target number, the record is locked against another selection.

This embodiment of the invention saves the need to pre-count whether enough mass mailings have been transported to the first sorting facility to provide all of the delivery addresses of the listing with a bulk mailpiece or the respective required number of bulk mailings. Rather, the first sorting system automatically determines whether it has been fed sufficient bulk mail.

After a predetermined period of time, it is clear that all delivered mass mailings have passed through the first sorting system. If, after delivery of the mass mailings without delivery address, this predetermined period of time has elapsed and not all of the data records of the listing have been blocked against being selected, mass mailings are missing. The number of not locked records and possibly the sum of the target numbers of unlocked records provides the number of mass mailings still needed. Preferably, the data processing system generates a corresponding message, which is transmitted to the data processing system of the sender. The sender can then deliver more bulk mailings.

Conversely, it may happen that a mass mailing without delivery address passes through the first sorting system and the data processing system determines that each record of the listing is locked against a selection. In this case, it is discovered that more bulk mail has been transported than needed to the first sorting facility. Preferably, the first sorting system discharges this surplus mass mailings and causes a return transport z. To the return address included in the description. It is also possible that the data processing system requests further delivery addresses from the sender or triggers an operation by which the surplus bulk mail items are transported to a standard substitute delivery address. This standard substitute delivery address is preferably included in the description.

Depending on the respective delivery address, each mass mail item, together with other mail items, is transported to a second sorting center, which is responsible for the delivery address. The sorting system in the second sorting center determines the delivery address of each mail item to be processed. Various mass mailings of the stack are i. a. transported to different second sorting plants.

It would be very time-consuming if not only the first, but also the second sorting system reads the delivery address on the mailpiece. Because this might require that the delivery address be re-read and entered manually. In one embodiment, the first sorting system prints a bar pattern which encodes the delivery address. The second sorting system reads the bar pattern and thereby determines the cached delivery address.

However, the sender often does not want his postal items to be provided with such a line pattern because they would deface the mailpieces. In addition, an agreement between different postal service providers in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) provides that the first sorting center will not print a bar pattern on a mail piece when the mail piece is subsequently transported by a sorting center of another postal service provider. This agreement applies in particular to cross-border mail. Because this other postal service provider usually uses a different system of line patterns than the first postal service provider.

Therefore, a method called "fingerprinting" has been developed in which feature vectors are compared. Such a comparison of feature vectors is z. B. off

DE 4000603 C2 , out EP 1222037 B1 and from WO 2006100357 A1 known.

The method of the fingerprint includes the step that the first sorting system calculates an actual feature vector from the actual image of the mailpiece with the delivery address. This The actual feature vector is referred to below as the complete actual feature vector, since it is calculated from the actual image with delivery address, while the reduced actual feature vector is calculated from the actual image without delivery address (the actual image after the delivery address has been eliminated) ,

For each mail item, the first sorting system generates a data record which includes the complete actual feature vector and the recognized delivery address. This data record is stored in a central database. The second sorting system again generates in each case a complete actual feature vector of each mail item that passes through the second sorting system.

The second sorting system determines the delivery address as follows: The generated complete actual feature vector is compared with all complete actual feature vectors that are stored in the central database. The stored complete actual feature vector is determined which is most similar to the complete actual feature vector generated by the second sorting system. Each stored actual feature vector and thus also the most similar feature vector belongs to a data record, which additionally comprises a delivery address. The second sorting system uses the stored delivery address of the most similar feature vector as the delivery address for the mailpiece.

The reduced actual feature vector described above is used in the exemplary embodiment to generate the complete actual feature vector for the fingerprint method. As explained above, the reduced actual feature vector describes the actual image without the field with the delivery address, the complete actual feature vector the complete actual image with delivery address.

In order to calculate the reduced actual feature vector, a grid is preferably placed over the actual image, which eliminates the delivery address field. In order to calculate the complete actual feature vector, preferably a grid placed over the actual image, which completely covers the delivery address field. The complete actual feature vector is preferably calculated with the same features as the reduced actual feature vector and with the same method.

Calculation results can be reused here. For example, based on the calculation results for the reduced actual feature vector, a grid is placed over the delivery address field, and the evaluation of this field is combined with the calculation results obtained in the calculation of the reduced actual feature vector. This provides the complete actual feature vector for the complete actual image.

In a further development of this embodiment, the computer-accessible target image and the computer-accessible listing which the sender has transmitted to the transporter are additionally used. The second sorting system automatically decides whether or not the mail item to be processed belongs to the stack with bulk mailpieces. This decision is made by the second sorting plant as described above for the first sorting plant. If the mail item to be processed belongs to the stack, then the second sorting system determines whether the determined delivery address is listed on the list or not. If the determined delivery address is not recorded, it is preferable to search for further feature vectors in the data records of the central database. Among the data records thus determined, a search is made for a data record with a delivery address which is present in the listing.

The second sorting system forwards each mail item to the respectively determined delivery address. The printed delivery address and possibly the advance notice are used to correctly deliver the bulk mailing.

The invention makes it possible to automatically take into account quality requirements and advance instructions for the mailpieces of the stack, and nevertheless the mailpieces together with the other mailpieces according to an already customary Process to process. It is not necessary to process the mailpieces of the stack separately from other mail items and to transport, which would be considerably more expensive.

Furthermore, thanks to the invention, it is not necessary to print an indicia or an endorsement or a quality of service note on a bulk mailing of the stack. This information is contained in the description (if the information applies to all bulk mailings) or in the listing (information that applies only to some bulk mailings). Only the delivery address is to be printed on the mail item, if not already the sender provides the mailing with the delivery address.

Preferably, a period is specified within which all mail items of the stack are transported to their respective delivery addresses or returned according to a prior instruction or otherwise processed. This period begins with the delivery of the stack and ends z. B. eight days later. Only within this period are actual images of mail items compared with the target image. Thereafter, the description is deactivated with the target image in the central data storage, because after the end of the period no more mailings of the stack through a sorting system.

Preferably, the transporter transports bulk mailings from different stacks, which may come from different senders. The mail items of a stack are similar except for the delivery address, while the mailpieces of different batches differ. For example, the various stacks contain the copies of different magazines or catalogs.

The process is carried out for the mailpieces of the various stacks. For each batch, a description of the stack is generated with a target image and transmitted to the transporter. Each of these descriptions will activated for a given period of time. The period begins with the delivery of the respective batch. The length of the period may depend on a flat quality requirement for the stack, in particular on a given maximum transport time. The actual image of a shipment is compared with all target images of activated descriptions. The data processing system either decides that the mailpiece belongs to exactly one of these batches, and in addition to which it belongs. Or the data processing system decides that the mailpiece does not belong to any of the batches, of which there is a description.

Preferably, the data processing system, which is connected to the first or the second sorting system, or another data processing system of the transporter additionally generates an invoice or other payment information, which the transporter transmits to the consignor.

For this purpose, the data processing system of the transporter uses the computer-accessible description of the stack with mass mailings. In addition to the target image, the data processing system additionally takes the identifier of the user from this description, which determines who has ordered the transport of the batch with mass mailings.

As stated above, the first sorting system determines which of the delivered mailpieces to this stack belongs to mass mailings. For this purpose, as described above, it uses the target image, which the sender has sent to the transporter as part of the computer-accessible description. In addition, the first sorting system determines the number of mailpieces of the stack. Furthermore, it preferably determines the weight and the dimensions of each mass mail item of the stack.

In order to generate the bill, the data processing system of the transporter uses on the one hand the details of the consignor in the transmitted description. This description contains pre-instructions that apply to all bulk mailings of the stack. Preferably, the data processing system checks this information automatically by means of the respectively measured actual weight and / or the measured dimensions. In practice, deviations may occur and mailings of the stack may have different weights.

On the other hand, the data processing system evaluates the listing with the delivery addresses and the individual advance orders as well as the read-on delivery addresses.

• die Kennung und damit die Identität des Versenders,
• die Anzahl der Postsendungen des Stapels,
• deren jeweiliges Gewicht und Abmessungen,
• die Verteilung der Zustelladressen auf Zustellgebiete und
• die generischen und individuellen Vorausverfügungen, die der Transporteur zu berücksichtigen hatte.

This will provide all the information needed to calculate and charge the transport fee for transporting the stack, namely

• the identifier and thus the identity of the consignor,
• the number of mailpieces in the stack,
• their respective weight and dimensions,
• the distribution of delivery addresses to delivery areas and
• the generic and individual advance orders that the carrier had to take into account.

The data processing system of the transporter generates with this information an invoice for the transport of bulk mail items of the stack and uses for this purpose the information just listed. It triggers a transmission of this invoice to the carrier.

• der Zeitpunkt, an dem der Stapel eingeliefert wurde,
• für jede Massen-Postsendung des Stapels der Zeitpunkt, an dem diese Postsendung von der Datenverarbeitungsanlage der ersten Sortieranlage als Bestandteil des Stapels erkannt wurde, und
• für jede Massen-Postsendung des Stapels der Zeitpunkt, an dem diese Postsendung von der Datenverarbeitungsanlage der zweiten Sortieranlage als Bestandteil des Stapels erkannt wurde.

In a development, it is automatically determined how long each mass mail item of the stack has been transported. For this the following information is measured and stored:

• the time at which the batch was delivered,
• for each mass mail item of the stack, the time at which this mail item was recognized by the data processing system of the first sorting system as part of the stack, and
• for each mass mail item of the stack, the time at which this mail item was recognized by the data processing system of the second sorting system as part of the stack.

From the time intervals, the transport time of each mail item and also an average transport time and other statistical information can be calculated. In particular, it is possible to check whether the transporter has actually complied with a desired transport time specified by the consignor or not. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS reference numeral importance 1 Data processing system of the sender 2 Data processing system of the transporter 3 central database 4 Printer of the sorting plant 10 5 Camera of the sorting system 10; generates the actual image I-Fig 10 sorting Add Delivery address of bulk mailing Ps-2 Add-Figure Image of the delivery address Add in the actual image I-Fig ed computer-accessible listing Be Computer-available description; contains the target image S-fig Dru Print command from the printer 4 I-fig Actual image of the mailing Ps-2 Ps-1 another mailing in the form of a letter Ps-2 Bulk mailing of the pile in the form of a catalog Ps-3 another mailing in the form of a catalog S-fig Target image of a mass mailing of the stack T transport direction

Claims (26)

1. Method for transporting a set of objects (Ps-2), in particular postal items, wherein
   every object (Ps-2) of the set passes through a sorting installation (10) at least once,
   a destination point is predetermined in each instance for every object (Ps-2) of the set and every further object (Ps-1, Ps-3) passing through the sorting installation,
   for every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) passing through the sorting installation (10), the sorting installation (10)

   - produces at least one actual image (I-Abb) of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) from a predetermined viewing direction,

   - determines the respectively predetermined destination point (Add) of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) and

   - initiates transportation of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) to the respectively determined destination point,

   the data processing installation (2) decides automatically for every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) passing through the sorting installation (10) whether or not the object is associated with the set,
   with the data processing installation (2) comparing the actual image (I-Abb) of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) produced with a further image (S-Abb) for the decision,
   characterised in that
   a computer-available description (Be) of the set is transmitted from a data processing installation (1) of a sender to the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10),
   the description (Be) comprising a setpoint image (S-Abb) of the object from the viewing direction valid for every object of the set, the setpoint image (S-Abb) not containing any information relating to a destination point, and
   the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10) using
   the setpoint image (S-Abb) contained in the description as the further image (S-Abb) for the decision.
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   every object of the set comprises a sheet that is visible from the outside and
   the setpoint image (A-Abb) is produced from a print layout that is used or can be used to print said sheet.
3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised in that
   for at least one object passing through the sorting installation (10), the sorting installation (10) produces at least two actual images of the object from two different predetermined viewing directions,
   the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10) compares every actual image of the object produced with the transmitted setpoint image (S-Abb) for the decision whether or not said object is associated with the set.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the transmitted description (Be) additionally comprises a quality requirement,
   which specifies the transportation of the objects of the set to their respective destination points (Add), and
   as an object (Ps-2) passes through, when the data processing installation (2) has decided that the object is associated with the set, the sorting installation (10)
   initiates the transportation of the object (Ps-2) to its respective destination point (Add) according to the quality requirement.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   as an object passes through, the sorting installation (10) checks whether the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) is provided with a note that the object was not able to be transported to its destination point and
   if

   - the sorting installation (10) has discovered that an object passing through the sorting installation (10) is provided with such a note, and

   - the data processing installation (2) has decided that this object is associated with the set,

   the following steps are implemented:

   - the data processing installation (2) determines whether the transmitted description (Be) additionally comprises an anticipatory disposition,

   the anticipatory disposition specifying the handling of an object if the object is not able to be transported to its destination point,

   - if the data processing installation (2) has determined an anticipatory disposition as part of the description (Be), the sorting installation initiates transportation of the object that is not able to be transported to the destination point according to the determined anticipatory disposition.
6. Method according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the transmitted description (Be) additionally comprises a statement of a substitute destination point valid for all the objects of the set and
   for an object that was not able to be transported to the destination point,
   the step, wherein the sorting installation (10) initiates transportation of said object according to the determined anticipatory disposition
   comprises the sub-steps wherein

   - the sorting installation (10) determines the substitute destination point by evaluating the description and

   - initiates transportation of the object to the substitute destination point.
7. Method according to claim 5 or claim 6,
   characterised in that
   a standard anticipatory disposition is predetermined and
   if the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10) has determined that the transmitted description (Be) does not comprise an anticipatory disposition,
   the sorting installation (10) initiates transportation of the object that was not able to be transported to the destination point
   according to the predetermined standard anticipatory disposition.
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that
   at least one object of the set is provided with an identifier of the predetermined destination point (Add), before it passes through a sorting installation for the first time and
   determination of the destination point for this object comprises the step wherein
   the sorting installation (10) determines the destination point identifier by evaluating the actual image (I-Abb).
9. Method according to claim 8,
   characterised in that

   - a computer-available list (Aufl) is additionally transmitted to the data processing installation (2),

   - the transmitted list (Aufl) comprises the respective setpoint destination point for every object of the set and

   - determination of the destination point (Add) additionally comprises the step wherein the sorting installation compares the destination point identifier determined by evaluating the actual image (I-Abb) with the setpoint destination points in the list (Aufl).
10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that
    a computer-available list (Aufl) is additionally transmitted to the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation,
    the transmitted list (Aufl) comprising a set of setpoint destination points,
    as an object passes through, if the data processing installation (2) has decided that the object is associated with the set, the data processing installation (2) selects a setpoint destination point from the list (Aufl) and
    the sorting installation

    - provides the object with an identifier of the selected setpoint destination point and

    - initiates transportation of the object to said setpoint destination point.
11. Method according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    after it has selected a setpoint destination point from the list (Aufl) and provided an object of the set with a statement of the selected setpoint destination point, the data processing installation (2)
    blocks this setpoint destination point to prevent it being selected again.
12. Method according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    for at least one setpoint destination point the list (Aufl) comprises the setpoint number of objects of the set to be transported to said setpoint destination point and
    the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10)

    - counts how many objects of the set the sorting installation (10) has provided with an identifier of said setpoint destination point and

    - if the counted number is equal to the setpoint number in the list (Aufl), blocks this setpoint destination point to prevent it being selected again.
13. Method according to claim 11 or claim 12,
    characterised in that
    when all the setpoint destination points in the list (Aufl) have been blocked to prevent them being selected again and an object of the set passes through the sorting installation again, the sorting installation
    ejects said object into a marked output facility.
14. Method according to claim 11 or claim 12,
    characterised in that
    the data processing installation (2) checks at a predetermined time point whether all the setpoint destination points in the list (Aufl) have been blocked to prevent them being selected again and
    if at least one setpoint destination point has not been blocked, generates a message comprising a description of all the setpoint destination points that are not blocked.
15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14,
    characterised in that

    - a computer-available list is additionally transmitted to the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10),

    - for at least one object of the set the list (Aufl) comprises a data record containing an identifier of the destination point (Add) of the object and an anticipatory disposition for said object,

    - the anticipatory disposition specifying the handling of the object if the object is not able to be transported to its destination point,

    - as an object passes through the sorting installation (10), the sorting installation (10) checks whether the object is provided with a note that the object was not able to be transported to its destination point and if, as an object passes through the sorting installation

    - the sorting installation (10) has discovered that the object passing through is provided with a note that the object was not able to be transported to its destination point, and

    - the data processing installation (2) has decided that this object is associated with the set,

    the following steps are implemented:

    - the data processing installation (2) searches in the list (Aufl) for a data record containing the destination point predetermined for the object

    - if a data record containing this destination point has been determined and the determined data record comprises an anticipatory disposition, the sorting installation (10) initiates transportation of the object according to the determined anticipatory disposition.
16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that

    - the actual image (I-Abb) produced of at least one object (Ps-2) passing through the sorting installation (10) comprises an image (Add-Abb) of the destination point (Add) with which the object is provided,

    - the image (Add-Abb) of the destination point (Add) is removed from the actual image (I-Abb) produced and

    - for the decision whether or not the object (Ps-2) is associated with the set, the data processing installation (2) compares the actual image (I-Abb) from which the destination point image (Add-Abb) was removed with the transmitted setpoint image (S-Abb).
17. Method according to claim 16,
    characterised in that

    - every object of the set is provided with its respective destination point in such a manner that the actual image (I-Abb) of the object comprises the destination point image (Add-Abb) in the same position,

    - the transmitted description (Be) additionally comprises an identifier of the position of the destination point image (Add-Abb) in the respective actual image (I-Abb) and

    - the image (Add-Abb) of the destination point (Add) is removed from the actual image (I-Abb) produced using the position identifier.
18. Method according to claim 17,
    characterised in that

    - every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) of the set comprises an address block field, into which an identifier of the respective destination point (Add) is inserted,

    - the transmitted description (Be) comprises an identifier of the position and dimensions of the address block field and

    - the image (Add-Abb) of the destination point (Add) is removed from the actual image (I-Abb) produced,

    - with the position identifier and the dimensions identifier being used for this purpose.
19. Method according to one of claims 1 to 18,
    characterised in that
    the data processing installation (2) counts how many objects passing through the sorting installation
    are associated with the set according to the decision of the data processing installation (2).
20. Method according to claim 19,
    characterised in that
    for every object (Ps-2) associated with the set according to the decision of the data processing installation (2) the data processing installation (2)
    determines and stores the time point, at which said object passes through the sorting installation.
21. Method according to claim 19 or claim 20,
    characterised in that
    using the determined number and transmitted description the data processing installation (2) generates
    a computer-available protocol of the process by means of which the objects of the set were transported.
22. Method according to one of claims 1 to 21,
    characterised in that
    a number of features are predetermined, which identify an image of an object passing through the sorting installation,
    for every object passing through the sorting installation an actual feature vector is calculated in each instance with the values assumed by these features for the actual image (I-Abb) of the object produced and
    the data processing installation

    - calculates a setpoint feature vector with the values assumed by these features for the transmitted setpoint image (S-Abb),

    - calculates a distance between the setpoint feature vector and the actual feature vector and

    - if this distance is greater than a predetermined threshold, it decides that the object is not associated with the set.
23. Method according to one of claims 1 to 22,
    characterised in that
    every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) to be transported is a postal item,
    which has a surface that is provided or can be provided with a destination point identifier (Add) in each instance,
    and the viewing direction is predetermined in such a manner that the surface with the destination point identifier (Add) is visible from the viewing direction.
24. Device for transporting a set of objects (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3), in particular of postal items, wherein
    a destination point (Add) is predetermined in each instance for every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) of the set,
    the device comprises a sorting installation (10) and a data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10),
    the sorting installation (10) is embodied

    - to transport every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) of the set through the sorting installation (10),

    - to produce an actual image (I-Abb) of an object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) transported through the sorting installation from a predetermined viewing direction,

    - to determine the predetermined destination point (Add) of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) and

    - to initiate transportation of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) to the determined destination point (Add),

    the data processing installation (2) comprises as data storage unit (3), in which a further image is stored or can be stored,
    the data processing installation (2) is embodied

    - to decide automatically for an object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) passing through the sorting installation whether or not the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) is associated with the set and

    - for the decision to compare the actual image (I-Abb) of the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) produced with a further image,

    characterised in that
    the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10)

    - is connected or can be connected to a data processing installation (1) of a sender and

    - is embodied to receive a computer-available description (Be) of the set transmitted from the data processing installation (1) of the sender,

    - the description (Be) comprising a setpoint image (S-Abb) of the object from the viewing direction valid for every object of the set, the setpoint image (S-Abb) not containing any information relating to a destination point, and

    the data processing installation (2) connected to the sorting installation (10) is embodied
    to use the setpoint image (S-Abb) contained in the transmitted description (Be) as the further image (S-Abb) for the decision.
25. Device according to claim 24,
    characterised in that
    the data processing installation (2) comprises a counter, which is embodied to count
    how many objects passing through the sorting installation (10) are associated with the set according to the decision of the data processing installation (2).
26. Device according to claim 24 or claim 25,
    characterised in that
    a computer-available list (Aufl) is additionally stored in the data storage unit (3),
    the transmitted list (Aufl) comprising the respectively predetermined destination point for every object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) of the set,
    the sorting installation (10) comprises a labelling facility (4),
    the data processing installation (2) is embodied, when the data processing installation (2) has decided that the object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) is associated with the set,
    to select a destination point (Add) from the list (Aufl) and transmit it to the labelling facility (4) and
    the labelling facility (4) is embodied
    to label said object (Ps-1, Ps-2, Ps-3) with an identifier of the transmitted destination point (Add).

Images