EP2197599B1 - Method and device for transporting and handling a plurality of articles - Google Patents

Method and device for transporting and handling a plurality of articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2197599B1
EP2197599B1 EP08832312A EP08832312A EP2197599B1 EP 2197599 B1 EP2197599 B1 EP 2197599B1 EP 08832312 A EP08832312 A EP 08832312A EP 08832312 A EP08832312 A EP 08832312A EP 2197599 B1 EP2197599 B1 EP 2197599B1
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Prior art keywords
objects
sequence
feature
anl
data record
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2197599A1 (en
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Gisbert Berger
Jörg-Andreas ILLMAIER
Wolf-Stephan Wilke
Katja Worm
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for transporting and processing a plurality of objects, in particular postal items.
  • a mail item typically passes at least twice through a sorting system and is then transported to the respective predetermined delivery address. During the first pass, the delivery address of the mailpiece is read. On the second pass, the read delivery address is determined again. The mailpiece is then transported to the determined delivery address.
  • a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 6 is made EP 1222037 B1 known.
  • the items are there also mail items that pass through at least once a sorting machine. It is determined in which means of transport (there: container) a mail item is transported to the processing system. saved which mail item is transported in which container. After transport, a machine-readable label of the container is read. The search for the record is restricted to the records of mail items from that container.
  • WO 2006/100357 A1 A method for sorting mailpieces. Each mail item goes through a sorting system twice. In each pass, an image is generated in each case, and by evaluating the image, a feature value vector is generated. The feature value vector from the first pass is stored in a central database. In addition, together with the feature value vector, a serial number for the mailpiece is stored, which indicates the location number in the order in which the mailpieces are ejected after the first pass. The feature value vector from the second pass is compared with the stored feature value vectors. In order to limit the search space, a sequence of feature value vectors of mail items that follow one another in the second sorting run is compared with stored feature value vectors.
  • the stored serial numbers of stored characteristic value vectors which match sufficiently, are determined. With a linear approximation, an expected serial number is calculated for each mail item, and the feature value vector of a mail item from the second sorting pass is compared only with stored feature value vectors in the series of the expected serial numbers.
  • Mail items are also sorted in several sorting runs.
  • a feature value vector is generated in each case.
  • an identifier of the sorting output is stored into which the mailpiece was ejected.
  • the address is decoded and stored in the first sorting pass by OCR. Divide the identifiers of the sorting outputs the amount of the stored feature value vectors in several memory areas.
  • the address of a mail item is deciphered again. With the aid of the thus deciphered address, the correct memory area is identified. In this memory area is searched for the stored feature value vector.
  • a method for checking a bar pattern on a mailpiece In a first sorting pass, a unique identifier in the form of a bar pattern ("bar code") is printed on the mailpiece. In addition, a feature vector for the mailpiece is generated, for which purpose an image of the mailpiece is evaluated. In a database, a data record with the feature vector and the label is stored. The mail item goes through a sorting system a second time. If it is not possible in this case to read the bar pattern, a feature vector is again generated, and the mailpiece is identified on the basis of the feature vector.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 6, which perform a search space restriction that does not require to provide a means of transport with a machine-readable label and to read this marking after the means of transport has been transported to the respective processing plant.
  • At least one measurable processing attribute and at least one measurable characteristic are predefined.
  • a sequence of feature values is determined. This sequence searches for the record.
  • the invention eliminates the need to read a machine readable identification of a means of transport. It is not necessary for the item order to match the order of measurement. Therefore, the possibility is considered that the order among the items is changed by a transportation operation.
  • the invention can be z. B. for the processing and sorting of mail, baggage of travelers or containers or other freight items.
  • the processing attribute is, for example, an identification of a destination address to which the object is to be transported.
  • the destination is z. B. a delivery address for a mail or a production line of a factory or a destination station or destination port or destination airport for a piece of luggage or freight.
  • the edit attribute may also be, for example, a label of an owner of the item or a dimension or weight of the item.
  • the edit attribute may also be the result of an evaluation of a fare with which the item is provided.
  • Fig. 1 shows a network with three processing plants Anl-1, Anl-2 and Anl-3. These three processing plants are designed in the embodiment as sorting.
  • Each sorting system has a feeder in the form of a feeder, a reader and a plurality of output trays. Mail items are fed to the material input of such a sorting system. The substance input separates the mailpieces. The separated mailings then pass through the sorting system. The reader generates an image of the mail piece. Using the image, the sorting system determines the delivery address with which the item of mail is provided. This delivery address acts as the edit attribute value of the mailpiece. The sorting system discharges the mail item into one of the output compartments depending on the recognized delivery address.
  • Each of the three sorting systems Anl-1, Anl-2, Anl-3 is connected to a central database DB and has read and write access to this database DB.
  • Fig. 1 first mail items of the input material ZE-1 the sorting system Anl-1 are supplied.
  • the sorting system Anl-1 generates a digital image of each mail item and determines the delivery address.
  • the sorting system Anl-1 the delivery address automatically by "Optical If this is not successful, the image is transmitted to a video coding station, and an editor manually enters the delivery address - or at least the postal code - depending on the delivery address determined in each case, the sorting system Anl-1 removes the mailpiece into one of the output trays.
  • FIG. 1 In the example of Fig. 1 three output bins Af-1.1, Af-1.2 and Af-1.3 of the sorting system Anl-1 are shown.
  • the mail items that the sorting system Anl-1 has discharged into the output tray Af-1.1 are in the example of Fig. 1 placed in a container Beh-1.
  • the container Beh-1 with these mail items is again transported to the material input ZE-1 of the sorting system Anl-1.
  • the mail items from the container Beh-1 are separated from the material input ZE-1 and go through again the sorting system Anl-1.
  • Each possible delivery address is assigned to a delivery area. All mail items to the same delivery area are ejected into the same output bin each time they pass. It is possible that mail items are sent to different delivery areas in the same output tray. It is possible that a mail item passes through the same sorting system several times, for example because the number of output pockets is less than the number of predetermined delivery areas. In this case, an "n-pass sequencing" is preferably carried out. Such a method is known from EP 948416 B1. After the first pass, the mail items that the sorting system has discharged into an output tray are placed in a container. The container is transported to the feeder of the second sorting plant, and the mailpieces are fed to the sorting plant for the second pass.
  • Fig. 1 the mail items are fed from the output tray Af-1.1 of the feeder ZE-1 and go through the system Anl-1 again.
  • One reason for this may be that n-pass sequencing is being performed, as just described, It is also possible that individual mail items repeatedly through the sorting system Anl-1, because an "off-line video coding" is performed.
  • a digital image of the mailpiece is generated. It is not possible to automatically detect the address in this image, so that the image is transmitted to a video coding station. There, the address is entered manually. After this has been done, the mail item again passes through the sorting system and is discharged into an output tray depending on the entered address.
  • mail items are sent within a location or delivery area and the first sorting system Anl-1 therefore carries out both the incoming sorting and the subsequent outgoing sorting for these mail items.
  • the mail items which the sorting system Anl-1 has discharged into the output tray Af-1.2 are used in the example of FIG Fig. 1 placed in a container Beh-2.
  • the container Beh-1 with these postal items is transported to the material input ZE-2 of the second sorting system An1-2.
  • the mail items from the container Beh-2 are separated from the material input ZE-2 and go through the sorting system Anl-2.
  • the first sorting installation Anl-1 determines, for each mail item that passes through the sorting installation Anl-1, which value each predefined feature assumes in this mail item. As a result, the first sorting system Anl-1 generates a feature vector (more precisely, a feature value vector) which consists of n feature values given n characteristics.
  • the data record for the mailing is supplemented by the first sorting system Anl-1 by the feature vector, d. H. an identification of the n characteristic values.
  • the second sorting system Anl-2 likewise measures, for each mail item that passes through the sorting system Anl-2, which value each predefined characteristic assumes for this mail item. As a result, the second sorting system Anl-2 likewise generates a feature vector with n feature values.
  • the second sorting system Anl-2 performs a read access to the central database DB. The feature vectors of stored data sets are compared with the currently measured feature vector. As a result, the data record which originates from the mail item currently to be examined is determined. This data record includes the delivery address of the mail item that the first sorting system Anl-1 has read.
  • Fig. 2 shows a sequence of 26 mail items, which has passed through the first sorting system Anl-1 and discharged in a discharge order in the output tray Af-1.2. After the removal is first the mailpiece 1 in the output tray Af-1.2, then the mailpiece 2, then the mailing 3 and so on. In Fig. 2 the sequence is split into two columns. The conveying direction when discharging is represented by an arrow F.
  • the first sorting system Anl-1 measures the values of a plurality of features for each mail item, including the value which a flagged feature Merk-1 can assume.
  • This feature Merk-1 assumes for each mail item exactly one of the following values: a, b, c, d, e, f, r, u, v, w, x, y, z, -.
  • a record is stored for each mail item.
  • This data record comprises an internal identification of the mail item as well as the value which the characteristic Merk-1 accepts for this mail item.
  • Fig. 2 is shown, which value has been measured by the first sorting system Anl-1 for each of the 26 mail items and stored as part of the transport information I. For example, the first sorting system Anl-1 has measured and stored that the feature Merk-1 for the mailpiece 13 assumes the value y.
  • Regularly mail items are removed from the output tray Af-1.2, spent in a container and transported in this container to the material input ZE-2 of the second sorting system Anl-2.
  • Exemplary is in Fig. 1 the container Beh-2 shown.
  • the 26 mail items are transported in a single transport operation by means of the container Beh-2 for material input ZE-2.
  • Fig. 2 Figure 12 shows the discard order functioning as the item order among the 26 items of mail and the corresponding record order among the 26 records for these 26 items.
  • the sequence that the first sorting system Anl-1 has produced during rejection is not completely adhered to during the transport process. Rather, the order is only in Maintained subsequences and thereby generates a feed order, which differs from the Ausschleusungs sequence.
  • this feed order the 26 mail items of the substance input ZE-2 of the second sorting system Anl-2 are supplied.
  • This feed order with the subsequences illustrates Fig. 3 , In Fig. 3 are indicated by dashed lines, the boundaries between the subsequences. These limits are not physically marked, z. B. by separation cards.
  • the second sorting system Anl-2 can not reconstruct the ejection order exclusively from the feed order.
  • n_max 5 postal items in Fig. 5 marked with x1 to x5.
  • Fig. 4 shows by way of example a data record sequence, namely those for the 26 mail items which were transported together in the container Beh-2.
  • n_max 5 data sets in which the feature value sequence y, -, u, v, - occurs, namely the subsequence with the data records for the mailpieces 13 to 17. Using For the remaining characteristic values, it is checked whether these five data records actually originate from the five postal items 13 to 17.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the method for the mail item 16.
  • the item sequence consists of the mail items 16, 17, 18, 1, 2.
  • n 3 feature values of the mail items x1, x2, and x3 are used.
  • This provides the feature value sequence v, -, w.
  • it is checked whether the data records from the mailpieces 16, 17, 18 actually originate from the mailpieces x1, x2 and x3.
  • the verification of whether the found data sequence actually originates from the selected object sequence is performed using the measured values of the remaining features - the measured feature values are compared with the feature values of the data sets. It is possible that in this case it is determined that the data set sequence found does not originate from the objects of the selected object sequence. Also in this case, n is decreased to find more records sequences, under which then is the correct record sequence.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the method for the case of the mail item 17.
  • the feature value sequence is -, w.
  • Two sets of data records are found, namely 17, 18 and 25, 26.
  • the values of the further features are used to check whether the mailpieces x1, x2 are identical to the mailpieces 17, 18 or identical to the mailpieces 25, 26 ,

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren und Bearbeiten von mehreren Gegenständen, insbesondere von Postsendungen.The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting and processing a plurality of objects, in particular postal items.

Eine Postsendung durchläuft typischerweise mindestens zweimal eine Sortieranlage und wird dann an die jeweils vorgegebene Zustelladresse transportiert. Beim ersten Durchlauf wird die Zustelladresse der Postsendung gelesen. Beim zweiten Durchlauf wird die gelesene Zustelladresse wieder ermittelt. Die Postsendung wird anschließend an die ermittelte Zustelladresse transportiert.A mail item typically passes at least twice through a sorting system and is then transported to the respective predetermined delivery address. During the first pass, the delivery address of the mailpiece is read. On the second pass, the read delivery address is determined again. The mailpiece is then transported to the determined delivery address.

Traditionellerweise wird beim ersten Durchlauf eine Codierung der Zieladresse auf die Postsendung gedruckt. Diese Codierung wird beim zweiten Durchlauf gelesen. Um das Bedrucken von Postsendungen zu vermeiden, wird in DE 4000603 C2 vorgeschlagen, beim ersten Durchlauf einen Merkmalsvektor von der Postsendung zu messen und diesen zusammen mit der gelesenen Zieladresse abzuspeichern. Beim zweiten Durchlauf wird die Postsendung erneut gemessen. Dadurch wird ein weiterer Merkmalsvektor erzeugt. Dieser weitere Merkmalsvektor wird mit den abgespeicherten Merkmalsvektoren verglichen, um den abgespeicherten Merkmalsvektor von demselben Gegenstand zu finden. Die Zieladresse, die zusammen mit dem gefundenen Merkmalsvektor abgespeichert ist, wird als diejenige Zieladresse verwendet, an den die Postsendung zu transportieren ist.Traditionally, during the first pass, an encoding of the destination address is printed on the mailpiece. This encoding is read on the second pass. To avoid the printing of mail, is in DE 4000603 C2 proposed to measure a feature vector of the mail item during the first pass and store it together with the read target address. On the second pass, the mail item is measured again. As a result, a further feature vector is generated. This further feature vector is compared with the stored feature vectors to find the stored feature vector of the same item. The destination address, which is stored together with the found feature vector, is used as the destination address to which the item of mail is to be transported.

Ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 und eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 6 ist aus EP 1222037 B1 bekannt. Die Gegenstände sind dort ebenfalls Postsendungen, die mindestens einmal eine Sortiermaschine durchlaufen. Ermittelt wird, in welchem Transportmittel (dort: Behälter) eine Postsendung zu der Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert wird. Abgespeichert wird, welche Postsendung in welchem Behälter transportiert wird. Nach dem Transport wird eine maschinenlesbare Kennzeichnung des Behälters gelesen. Die Suche nach dem Datensatz wird auf die Datensätze von Postsendungen aus diesem Behälter eingeschränkt.A method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 6 is made EP 1222037 B1 known. The items are there also mail items that pass through at least once a sorting machine. It is determined in which means of transport (there: container) a mail item is transported to the processing system. saved which mail item is transported in which container. After transport, a machine-readable label of the container is read. The search for the record is restricted to the records of mail items from that container.

In WO 2006/100357 A1 wird ein Verfahren beschrieben, um Postsendungen zu sortieren. Jede Postsendung durchläuft zwei mal eine Sortieranlage. In jedem Durchlauf wird jeweils ein Abbild erzeugt, und durch Auswertung des Abbilds wird ein Merkmalswertevektor erzeugt. Der Merkmalswertevektor aus dem ersten Durchlauf wird in einer zentralen Datenbank abgespeichert. Außerdem wird zusammen mit dem Merkmalswertevektor eine Seriennummer für die Postsendung abgespeichert, welche die Platzziffer in derjenigen Reihenfolge angibt, in der die Postsendungen nach dem ersten Durchlauf ausgeschleust werden. Der Merkmalswertevektor aus dem zweiten Durchlauf wird mit den abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektoren verglichen. Um den Suchraum einzuschränken, wird eine Sequenz von Merkmalswertevektoren von Postsendungen, die im zweiten Sortierlauf aufeinander folgen, mit abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektoren verglichen. Die abgespeicherten Seriennummern von abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektoren, die zureichend übereinstimmen, werden ermittelt. Mit einer linearen Approximation wird für jede Postsendung eine erwartete Seriennummer berechnet, und der Merkmalswertevektor einer Postsendung aus dem zweiten Sortierlauf wird nur mit abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektoren in der Reihe der erwarteten Seriennummern verglichen.In WO 2006/100357 A1 A method is described for sorting mailpieces. Each mail item goes through a sorting system twice. In each pass, an image is generated in each case, and by evaluating the image, a feature value vector is generated. The feature value vector from the first pass is stored in a central database. In addition, together with the feature value vector, a serial number for the mailpiece is stored, which indicates the location number in the order in which the mailpieces are ejected after the first pass. The feature value vector from the second pass is compared with the stored feature value vectors. In order to limit the search space, a sequence of feature value vectors of mail items that follow one another in the second sorting run is compared with stored feature value vectors. The stored serial numbers of stored characteristic value vectors, which match sufficiently, are determined. With a linear approximation, an expected serial number is calculated for each mail item, and the feature value vector of a mail item from the second sorting pass is compared only with stored feature value vectors in the series of the expected serial numbers.

In FR 2881663 A1 und US 2007/0215529 A1 werden ebenfalls Postsendungen in mehreren Sortierläufen sortiert. In jedem Sortierlauf wird jeweils ein Merkmalswertevektor erzeugt. Im ersten Sortierlauf wird zusätzlich zum Merkmalswertevektor einer Postsendung eine Kennung des Sortierausgangs abgespeichert, in den die Postsendung ausgeschleust wurde. Außerdem wird im ersten Sortierlauf die Adresse per OCR entziffert und abgespeichert. Die Kennungen der Sortierausgänge unterteilen die Menge der abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektoren in mehrere Speicherbereiche. Im zweiten Sortierlauf wird erneut die Adresse einer Postsendung entziffert. Mit Hilfe der dergestalt entzifferten Adresse wird der richtige Speicherbereich identifiziert. In diesem Speicherbereich wird nach dem abgespeicherten Merkmalswertevektor gesucht.In FR 2881663 A1 and US 2007/0215529 A1 Mail items are also sorted in several sorting runs. In each sorting run, a feature value vector is generated in each case. In the first sorting pass, in addition to the feature value vector of a mailpiece, an identifier of the sorting output is stored into which the mailpiece was ejected. In addition, the address is decoded and stored in the first sorting pass by OCR. Divide the identifiers of the sorting outputs the amount of the stored feature value vectors in several memory areas. In the second sorting run, the address of a mail item is deciphered again. With the aid of the thus deciphered address, the correct memory area is identified. In this memory area is searched for the stored feature value vector.

Aus US 20050269395 A1 ist ein Verfahren bekannt, um ein Strichmuster auf einer Postsendung zu überprüfen. In einem ersten Sortierlauf wird eine eindeutige Kennzeichnung in form eines Strichmusters ("bar code") auf die Postsendung gedruckt. Außerdem wird ein Merkmalsvektor für die Postsendung erzeugt, wofür ein Abbild der Postsendung ausgewertet wird. In einer Datenbank wird ein Datensatz mit dem Merkmalsvektor und der Kennzeichnung abgespeichert. Die Postsendung durchläuft ein zweites Mal eine Sortieranlage. Falls es nicht gelingt, hierbei das Strichmuster zu lesen, so wird erneut ein Merkmalsvektor erzeugt, und die Postsendung wird anhand des Merkmalsvektors identifiziert.Out US 20050269395 A1 For example, a method is known for checking a bar pattern on a mailpiece. In a first sorting pass, a unique identifier in the form of a bar pattern ("bar code") is printed on the mailpiece. In addition, a feature vector for the mailpiece is generated, for which purpose an image of the mailpiece is evaluated. In a database, a data record with the feature vector and the label is stored. The mail item goes through a sorting system a second time. If it is not possible in this case to read the bar pattern, a feature vector is again generated, and the mailpiece is identified on the basis of the feature vector.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 und eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 6 bereitzustellen, die eine Suchraum-Einschränkung durchführen, die es nicht erfordert, ein Transportmittel mit einer maschinenlesbaren Kennzeichnung zu versehen und diese Kennzeichnung zu lesen, nachdem das Transportmittel zur jeweiligen Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert wurde.The invention has for its object to provide a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 6, which perform a search space restriction that does not require to provide a means of transport with a machine-readable label and to read this marking after the means of transport has been transported to the respective processing plant.

Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 6 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Vorgegeben werden mindestens ein messbares Bearbeitungs-Attribut und mindestens ein messbares Merkmal.At least one measurable processing attribute and at least one measurable characteristic are predefined.

Verschiedene Gegenstände werden durch mehrere Transportvorgänge transportiert. In jedem dieser Transportvorgänge werden folgende Schritte durchgeführt:

  • Jeweils mehrere Gegenstände werden in einer Gegenstände-Reihenfolge in ein Transportmittel verbracht
  • Diese Gegenstände-Reihenfolge wird ermittelt und abgespeichert.
  • Das Transportmittel mitsamt den in das Transportmittel verbrachten Gegenständen wird zu einer Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert.
  • Die Bearbeitungsanlage bearbeitet die zu ihr transportierten Gegenstände.
Various objects are transported by several transport operations. In each of these transport operations, the following steps are performed:
  • In each case several objects are spent in an order of objects in a means of transport
  • This item order is determined and stored.
  • The means of transport together with the objects brought into the means of transport is transported to a processing plant.
  • The processing plant processes the objects transported to it.

Jeder Gegenstand wird zu jeweils einer Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert. Möglich ist, dass alle oder wenigstens einige Gegenstände zu derselben Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert werden. Für jeden Gegenstand werden folgende Schritte durchgeführt:

  • Gemessen wird, welchen Wert das Bearbeitungs-Attribut für den Gegenstand annimmt.
  • Gemessen wird, welchen Wert das Merkmal für den Gegenstand annimmt.
  • Ein Datensatz für den Gegenstand wird erzeugt und abgespeichert. Dieser Datensatz umfasst den mindestens einen gemessenen Merkmalswert und eine Codierung des Bearbeitungs-Attribut-Werts.
  • Anschließend wird der Gegenstand durch einen der Transportvorgänge zu der jeweiligen Bearbeitungsanlage transportiert.
  • Anschließend wird erneut ein Wert gemessen, den das Merkmal für den Gegenstand annimmt.
  • Unter Verwendung des beim erneuten Messen gemessenen Merkmalswerts wird derjenige abgespeicherte Datensatz ermittelt, der für den Gegenstand erzeugt wurde. Hierbei wird eine im Folgenden beschriebene Suchraumeinschränkung durchgeführt.
  • Die jeweilige Bearbeitungsanlage bearbeitet den Gegenstand abhängig von dem Bearbeitungs-Attribut-Wert, die vom ermittelten Datensatz umfasst wird.
Each item is transported to a single processing plant. It is possible that all or at least some items are transported to the same processing plant. For each item, the following steps are performed:
  • It is measured which value the processing attribute for the object assumes.
  • It measures what value the feature takes on the item.
  • A data record for the object is generated and stored. This data set includes the at least one measured feature value and an encoding of the edit attribute value.
  • Subsequently, the article is transported by one of the transport operations to the respective processing plant.
  • Subsequently, a value is again measured which the feature assumes for the article.
  • Using the measured value measured during the renewed measurement, the stored data record which was generated for the object is determined. Here, a search space restriction described below is performed.
  • The respective processing facility processes the object depending on the processing attribute value included in the determined data set.

Die Suchraumeinschränkung umfasst folgende Schritte:

  • Unter den abgespeicherten Datensätzen wird pro Transportvorgang jeweils eine Datensatz-Reihenfolge erzeugt. Hierbei wird für jeden Transportvorgang unter Verwendung der abgespeicherten Gegenstände-Reihenfolge dieses Transportvorgangs eine Datensatz-Reihenfolge unter den Datensätzen für diejenigen Gegenstände, die durch den Transportvorgang transportiert werden, erzeugt.
  • Das erneute Messen der Merkmalswerte wird in einer Mess-Reihenfolge unter den Gegenständen durchgeführt.
  • Mindestens einmal wird eine Sequenz von n Gegenständen, die in der Mess-Reihenfolge aufeinander folgen, ausgewählt.
  • Aus den n Werten, die das vorgegebene Merkmal für die ausgewählte Sequenz von n Gegenständen annimmt, wird eine Sequenz von n Merkmalswerten erzeugt, deren Reihenfolge mit der Mess-Reihenfolge übereinstimmt. Die Reihenfolge unter den n Merkmalswerten stimmt also mit der Reihenfolge überein, in der diese n Merkmalswerte gemessen wurden.
  • Ermittelt wird jede Sequenz von n Datensätzen, die in einer abgespeicherten Datensatz-Reihenfolge aufeinander folgen und bei denen die Abfolge der n Werte des Merkmals (Merk-1) mit der erzeugten Merkmalswerte-Sequenz (v,-,w,z,y) übereinstimmt.
  • Für jeden der n ausgewählten Gegenstände wird der für diesen Gegenstand abgespeicherte Datensatz unter den ermittelten Datensätze-Sequenzen gesucht.
The search space restriction includes the following steps:
  • Among the stored data records, a data record sequence is generated for each transport process. Here, for each transport operation using the stored item order of this transport operation, a record order is generated among the data records for those items transported by the transport operation.
  • The re-measurement of the feature values is performed in a measurement order among the objects.
  • At least once, a sequence of n objects following each other in the measurement order is selected.
  • From the n values which the given feature assumes for the selected sequence of n objects, a sequence of n feature values is generated whose order coincides with the measurement order. The order among the n feature values thus corresponds to the order in which these n feature values were measured.
  • Each sequence of n data records which follow one another in a stored data record sequence and in which the sequence of the n values of the feature (Merk-1) coincides with the generated feature value sequence (v, -, w, z, y) is determined ,
  • For each of the n selected items, the data set stored for this item is searched for among the determined record sequences.

Erfindungsgemäß wird eine Sequenz von Merkmalswerten ermittelt. Mit Hilfe dieser Sequenz wird nach dem Datensatz gesucht.According to the invention, a sequence of feature values is determined. This sequence searches for the record.

Die Erfindung erspart die Notwendigkeit, eine maschinenlesbare Kennzeichnung eines Transportmittels zu lesen. Nicht erforderlich ist es, dass die Gegenstände-Reihenfolge mit der Mess-Reihenfolge übereinstimmt. Daher wird die Möglichkeit berücksichtigt, dass die Reihenfolge unter den Gegenständen durch einen Transportvorgang verändert wird.The invention eliminates the need to read a machine readable identification of a means of transport. It is not necessary for the item order to match the order of measurement. Therefore, the possibility is considered that the order among the items is changed by a transportation operation.

Die Erfindung lässt sich z. B. für die Verarbeitung und Sortierung von Postsendungen, von Gepäckstücken von Reisenden oder auch von Containern oder anderen Frachtstücken anwenden.The invention can be z. B. for the processing and sorting of mail, baggage of travelers or containers or other freight items.

Das Bearbeitungs-Attribut ist beispielsweise eine Kennzeichnung einer Zieladresse, an die der Gegenstand zu transportieren ist. Der Zielpunkt ist z. B. eine Zustelladresse für eine Postsendung oder eine Fertigungsstraße einer Fabrik oder ein Zielbahnhof oder Zielhafen oder Zielflughafen für ein Gepäckstück oder Frachtstück.The processing attribute is, for example, an identification of a destination address to which the object is to be transported. The destination is z. B. a delivery address for a mail or a production line of a factory or a destination station or destination port or destination airport for a piece of luggage or freight.

Das Bearbeitungs-Attribut kann auch 7. B. eine Kennzeichnung eines Eigentümers des Gegenstands oder eine Abmessung oder das Gewicht des Gegenstands sein. Das Bearbeitungs-Attribut kann auch das Ergebnis einer Auswertung eines Beförderungsentgelts sein, mit dem der Gegenstand versehen ist.The edit attribute may also be, for example, a label of an owner of the item or a dimension or weight of the item. The edit attribute may also be the result of an evaluation of a fare with which the item is provided.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels gezeigt. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Netz mit drei Bearbeitungsanlagen;
Fig. 2
eine Sequenz von 26 Postsendungen, die die erste Sortieranlage durchlaufen und in einer Ausschleusungs-Reihenfolge ausgeschleust werden;
Fig. 3
die Zuführ-Reihenfolge, in der die 26 Postsendungen von Fig. 2 der Zuführeinrichtung der zweiten Sortieranlage zugeführt werden;
Fig. 4
die Suche nach einer Sequenz von n Datensätzen für die Postsendung 13;
Fig. 5
die Suche nach einer Sequenz von n Datensätzen für die Postsendung 16;
Fig. 6
die Suche nach einer Sequenz von n Datensätzen für die Postsendung 17.
In the following, the invention will be shown with reference to an embodiment. Showing:
Fig. 1
a network with three processing plants;
Fig. 2
a sequence of 26 mail items that pass through the first sorting system and are discharged in a rejection order;
Fig. 3
the feeding order in which the 26 postal items from Fig. 2 fed to the feeder of the second sorting system;
Fig. 4
the search for a sequence of n records for the mailpiece 13;
Fig. 5
the search for a sequence of n records for the mailpiece 16;
Fig. 6
the search for a sequence of n data records for the mailpiece 17.

In den Figuren sind Materialflüsse mit durchgezogenen Linien dargestellt, Datenflüsse mit gestrichelten Linien.In the figures, material flows are shown by solid lines, data flows by dashed lines.

Fig. 1 zeigt ein Netz mit drei Bearbeitungsanlagen Anl-1, Anl-2 und Anl-3. Diese drei Bearbeitungsanlagen sind im Ausführungsbeispiel als Sortieranlagen ausgelegt. Jede Sortieranlage weist eine Zuführeinrichtung in Form einer Stoffeingabe ("feeder"), ein Lesegerät sowie eine Vielzahl von Ausgabefächern auf. Postsendungen werden der Stoffeingabe einer solchen Sortieranlage zugeführt. Die Stoffeingabe vereinzelt die Postsendungen. Die vereinzelten Postsendungen durchlaufen anschließend die Sortieranlage. Das Lesegerät erzeugt ein Abbild der Postsendung. Die Sortieranlage ermittelt unter Verwendung des Abbilds die Zustelladresse, mit dem die Postsendung versehen ist. Diese Zustelladresse fungiert als der Bearbeitungs-Attribut-Wert der Postsendung. Die Sortieranlage schleust die Postsendung abhängig von der erkannten Zustelladresse in eines der Ausgabefächer aus. Jede der drei Sortieranlagen Anl-1, Anl-2, Anl-3 ist mit einer zentralen Datenbank DB verbunden und hat Lese- und Schreibzugriff auf diese Datenbank DB. Fig. 1 shows a network with three processing plants Anl-1, Anl-2 and Anl-3. These three processing plants are designed in the embodiment as sorting. Each sorting system has a feeder in the form of a feeder, a reader and a plurality of output trays. Mail items are fed to the material input of such a sorting system. The substance input separates the mailpieces. The separated mailings then pass through the sorting system. The reader generates an image of the mail piece. Using the image, the sorting system determines the delivery address with which the item of mail is provided. This delivery address acts as the edit attribute value of the mailpiece. The sorting system discharges the mail item into one of the output compartments depending on the recognized delivery address. Each of the three sorting systems Anl-1, Anl-2, Anl-3 is connected to a central database DB and has read and write access to this database DB.

Im Beispiel von Fig. 1 werden zunächst Postsendungen der Stoffeingabe ZE-1 der Sortieranlage Anl-1 zugeführt. Die Sortieranlage Anl-1 erzeugt ein digitales Abbild jeder Postsendung und ermittelt die Zustelladresse. Zunächst versucht die Sortieranlage Anl-1, die Zustelladresse automatisch per "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR) zu ermitteln. Gelingt dies nicht, wird das Abbild an eine Videocodierstation übermittelt, und ein Bearbeiter gibt manuell die Zustelladresse - oder wenigstens die Postleitzahl - ein. Abhängig von der jeweils ermittelten Zustelladresse schleust die Sortieranlage Anl-1 die Postsendung in eines der Ausgabefächer aus.In the example of Fig. 1 first mail items of the input material ZE-1 the sorting system Anl-1 are supplied. The sorting system Anl-1 generates a digital image of each mail item and determines the delivery address. First, the sorting system Anl-1, the delivery address automatically by "Optical If this is not successful, the image is transmitted to a video coding station, and an editor manually enters the delivery address - or at least the postal code - depending on the delivery address determined in each case, the sorting system Anl-1 removes the mailpiece into one of the output trays.

Im Beispiel von Fig. 1 sind drei Ausgabefächer Af-1.1, Af-1.2 und Af-1.3 der Sortieranlage Anl-1 dargestellt. Die Postsendungen, welche die Sortieranlage Anl-1 in das Ausgabefach Af-1.1 ausgeschleust hat, werden im Beispiel von Fig. 1 in einen Behälter Beh-1 verbracht. Der Behälter Beh-1 mit diesen Postsendungen wird wieder zur Stoffeingabe ZE-1 der Sortieranlage Anl-1 transportiert. Die Postsendungen aus dem Behälter Beh-1 werden von der Stoffeingabe ZE-1 vereinzelt und durchlaufen erneut die Sortieranlage Anl-1.In the example of Fig. 1 three output bins Af-1.1, Af-1.2 and Af-1.3 of the sorting system Anl-1 are shown. The mail items that the sorting system Anl-1 has discharged into the output tray Af-1.1 are in the example of Fig. 1 placed in a container Beh-1. The container Beh-1 with these mail items is again transported to the material input ZE-1 of the sorting system Anl-1. The mail items from the container Beh-1 are separated from the material input ZE-1 and go through again the sorting system Anl-1.

Jeder möglichen Zustelladresse ist ein Zustellgebiet zugeordnet. Alle Postsendungen an dasselbe Zustellgebiet werden bei jedem Durchlauf in dasselbe Ausgabefach ausgeschleust. Möglich ist, dass Postsendungen an verschiedene Zustellgebiete in dasselbe Ausgabefach ausgeschleust werden. Möglich ist, dass eine Postsendung mehrmals dieselbe Sortieranlage durchläuft, beispielsweise weil die Anzahl von Ausgabefächer geringer als die Anzahl der vorgegebenen Zustellgebiete ist. In diesem Fall wird vorzugsweise ein "n-pass sequencing" durchgeführt. Ein solches Verfahren ist aus EP 948416 B1 bekannt. Nach dem ersten Durchlauf werden die Postsendungen, die die Sortieranlage in ein Ausgabefach ausgeschleust hat, in einen Behälter verbracht. Der Behälter wird zu der Zuführeinrichtung der zweiten Sortieranlage transportiert, und die Postsendungen werden der Sortieranlage für den zweiten Durchlauf zugeführt.Each possible delivery address is assigned to a delivery area. All mail items to the same delivery area are ejected into the same output bin each time they pass. It is possible that mail items are sent to different delivery areas in the same output tray. It is possible that a mail item passes through the same sorting system several times, for example because the number of output pockets is less than the number of predetermined delivery areas. In this case, an "n-pass sequencing" is preferably carried out. Such a method is known from EP 948416 B1. After the first pass, the mail items that the sorting system has discharged into an output tray are placed in a container. The container is transported to the feeder of the second sorting plant, and the mailpieces are fed to the sorting plant for the second pass.

Im Beispiel von Fig. 1 werden die Postsendungen aus dem Ausgabefach Af-1.1 der Zuführeinrichtung ZE-1 zugeführt und durchlaufen erneut die Anlage Anl-1. Ein Grund hierfür kann sein, dass ein n-pass sequencing" durchgeführt wird, so wie gerade beschrieben. Möglich ist auch, dass einzelne Postsendungen mehrfach die Sortieranlage Anl-1 durchlaufen, weil ein "off-line video coding" durchgeführt wird. Beim ersten Durchlauf wird ein digitales Abbild der Postsendung erzeugt. Es gelingt nicht, automatisch die Adresse in diesem Abbild zu erkennen, so dass das Abbild an eine Videocodierstation übermittelt wird. Dort wird die Adresse manuell eingegeben. Nachdem dies geschehen ist, durchläuft die Postsendung erneut die Sortieranlage und wird abhängig von der eingegebenen Adresse in ein Ausgabefach ausgeschleust. Möglich ist auch, dass Postsendungen innerhalb eines Orts oder Zustellgebiet versandt werden und die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 für diese Postsendungen daher sowohl die Eingangssortierung als auch die nachfolgende Abgangssortierung durchführt.In the example of Fig. 1 the mail items are fed from the output tray Af-1.1 of the feeder ZE-1 and go through the system Anl-1 again. One reason for this may be that n-pass sequencing is being performed, as just described, It is also possible that individual mail items repeatedly through the sorting system Anl-1, because an "off-line video coding" is performed. During the first pass, a digital image of the mailpiece is generated. It is not possible to automatically detect the address in this image, so that the image is transmitted to a video coding station. There, the address is entered manually. After this has been done, the mail item again passes through the sorting system and is discharged into an output tray depending on the entered address. It is also possible that mail items are sent within a location or delivery area and the first sorting system Anl-1 therefore carries out both the incoming sorting and the subsequent outgoing sorting for these mail items.

Die Postsendungen, welche die Sortieranlage Anl-1 in das Ausgabefach Af-1.2 ausgeschleust hat, werden im Beispiel von Fig. 1 in einen Behälter Beh-2 verbracht. Der Behälter Beh-1 mit diesen Postsendungen wird zur Stoffeingabe ZE-2 der zweiten Sortieranlage An1-2 transportiert. Die Postsendungen aus dem Behälter Beh-2 werden von der Stoffeingabe ZE-2 vereinzelt und durchlaufen die Sortieranlage Anl-2. Das entsprechende geschieht mit den Postsendungen, die die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 in das Ausgabefach Af-1.3 ausgeschleust hat. Diese werden im Behälter Beh-3 zur Stoffeingabe ZE-3 der dritten Sortieranlage Anl-3 transportiert.The mail items which the sorting system Anl-1 has discharged into the output tray Af-1.2 are used in the example of FIG Fig. 1 placed in a container Beh-2. The container Beh-1 with these postal items is transported to the material input ZE-2 of the second sorting system An1-2. The mail items from the container Beh-2 are separated from the material input ZE-2 and go through the sorting system Anl-2. The corresponding happens with the mail items that the first sorting system Anl-1 has discharged into the output tray Af-1.3. These are transported in container Beh-3 for substance input ZE-3 of the third sorting plant Anl-3.

Die beiden übrigen Sortieranlagen Anl-2 und Anl-3 verwenden erneut das Leseergebnis, das die Sortieranlage Anl-1 erzielt hat. Damit dies ermöglicht wird, erzeugt die Sortieranlage Anl-1 für jede Postsendung, die die Sortieranlage Anl-1 durchläuft, einen Datensatz und speichert ihn in der zentralen Datenbank DB als Teil einer Transport-Information I ab. Dieser Datensatz umfasst

  • eine interne Kennung der Postsendung sowie
  • eine Kennzeichnung für die Zustelladresse, die die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 gelesen hat.
The other two sorting systems Anl-2 and Anl-3 again use the reading result that the sorting system Anl-1 has achieved. For this to be possible, the sorting installation Anl-1 generates a data record for each mail item which the sorting system Anl-1 passes through and stores it in the central database DB as part of a transport information item I. This record includes
  • an internal identifier of the mailing as well
  • an identifier for the delivery address that the first sorting system Anl-1 has read.

Jede weitere Sortieranlage, durch welche die Postsendung läuft, erkennt diese Postsendung wieder. Daher werden mehrere Merkmale vorgegeben, die optisch messbar sind. Beispiele für derartige Merkmale sind:

  • Abmessungen der Postsendung,
  • die Verteilung von Grauwerten und/oder Farbtönen auf einer Oberfläche der Postsendung,
  • die Lage und Abmessung des Freimachungsvermerks,
  • die Lage und Größe des Adressblocks und/oder der Angaben zum Absender sowie
  • Merkmale der Zustelladresse, z. B. die Postleitzahl.
Each additional sorting system, through which the mailpiece is running, recognizes this mail item again. Therefore, several features are given that are optically measurable. Examples of such features are:
  • Dimensions of the item of mail,
  • the distribution of gray values and / or hues on a surface of the mail piece,
  • the location and dimensions of the franking mark,
  • the location and size of the address block and / or details of the sender as well
  • Characteristics of the delivery address, z. For example, the postcode.

Die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 ermittelt für jede Postsendung, welche die Sortieranlage Anl-1 durchläuft, welchen Wert jedes vorgegebene Merkmal bei dieser Postsendung jeweils annimmt. Dadurch erzeugt die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 einen Merkmalsvektor (genauer: Merkmalswertevektor), der bei n vorgegebenen Merkmalen aus n Merkmalswerten besteht. Den Datensatz für die Postsendung ergänzt die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 um den Merkmalsvektor, d. h. um eine Kennzeichnung der n Merkmalswerte.The first sorting installation Anl-1 determines, for each mail item that passes through the sorting installation Anl-1, which value each predefined feature assumes in this mail item. As a result, the first sorting system Anl-1 generates a feature vector (more precisely, a feature value vector) which consists of n feature values given n characteristics. The data record for the mailing is supplemented by the first sorting system Anl-1 by the feature vector, d. H. an identification of the n characteristic values.

Die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 misst ebenfalls für jede Postsendung, die die Sortieranlage Anl-2 durchläuft, welchen Wert jedes vorgegebene Merkmal für diese Postsendung jeweils annimmt. Dadurch erzeugt die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 ebenfalls einen Merkmalsvektor mit n Merkmalswerten. Die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 führt einen Lesezugriff auf die zentrale Datenbank DB durch. Die Merkmalsvektoren von abgespeicherten Datensätzen werden mit dem aktuell gemessenen Merkmalsvektor verglichen. Dadurch wird derjenige Datensatz ermittelt, der von der aktuell zu untersuchenden Postsendung stammt. Dieser Datensatz umfasst die Zustelladresse der Postsendung, welche die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 gelesen hat.The second sorting system Anl-2 likewise measures, for each mail item that passes through the sorting system Anl-2, which value each predefined characteristic assumes for this mail item. As a result, the second sorting system Anl-2 likewise generates a feature vector with n feature values. The second sorting system Anl-2 performs a read access to the central database DB. The feature vectors of stored data sets are compared with the currently measured feature vector. As a result, the data record which originates from the mail item currently to be examined is determined. This data record includes the delivery address of the mail item that the first sorting system Anl-1 has read.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Sequenz von 26 Postsendungen, die die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 durchlaufen und in einer Ausschleusungs-Reihenfolge in das Ausgabefach Af-1.2 ausgeschleust hat. Nach dem Ausschleusen befindet sich als erstes die Postsendung 1 im Ausgabefach Af-1.2, dann folgt die Postsendung 2, dann die Postsendung 3 und so fort. In Fig. 2 ist die Sequenz auf zwei Spalten aufgeteilt. Die Förderrichtung beim Ausschleusen ist durch einen Pfeil F dargestellt. Fig. 2 shows a sequence of 26 mail items, which has passed through the first sorting system Anl-1 and discharged in a discharge order in the output tray Af-1.2. After the removal is first the mailpiece 1 in the output tray Af-1.2, then the mailpiece 2, then the mailing 3 and so on. In Fig. 2 the sequence is split into two columns. The conveying direction when discharging is represented by an arrow F.

Die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 misst für jede Postsendung die Werte mehrerer Merkmale, darunter den Wert, den ein gekennzeichnetes Merkmal Merk-1 annehmen kann. Dieses Merkmal Merk-1 nimmt für jede Postsendung genau einen der folgenden Werte an: a, b, c, d, e, f, r, u, v, w, x, y, z, -. In der Transport-Information I in der zentralen Datenbank DB wird für jede Postsendung ein Datensatz gespeichert. Dieser Datensatz umfasst eine interne Kennung der Postsendung sowie den Wert, den das Merkmal Merk-1 für diese Postsendung annimmt. In Fig. 2 ist dargestellt, welchen Wert die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 für jeden der 26 Postsendungen gemessen und als Teil der Transport-Informationen I abgespeichert hat. Beispielsweise hat die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 gemessen und abgespeichert, dass das Merkmal Merk-1 für die Postsendung 13 den Wert y annimmt.The first sorting system Anl-1 measures the values of a plurality of features for each mail item, including the value which a flagged feature Merk-1 can assume. This feature Merk-1 assumes for each mail item exactly one of the following values: a, b, c, d, e, f, r, u, v, w, x, y, z, -. In the transport information I in the central database DB, a record is stored for each mail item. This data record comprises an internal identification of the mail item as well as the value which the characteristic Merk-1 accepts for this mail item. In Fig. 2 is shown, which value has been measured by the first sorting system Anl-1 for each of the 26 mail items and stored as part of the transport information I. For example, the first sorting system Anl-1 has measured and stored that the feature Merk-1 for the mailpiece 13 assumes the value y.

Regelmäßig werden Postsendungen aus dem Ausgabefach Af-1.2 entnommen, in einen Behälter verbracht und in diesem Behälter zur Stoffeingabe ZE-2 der zweiten Sortieranlage Anl-2 transportiert. Beispielhaft ist in Fig. 1 der Behälter Beh-2 gezeigt. Die 26 Postsendungen werden in einem einzigen Transportvorgang mittels des Behälters Beh-2 zur Stoffeingabe ZE-2 transportiert. Fig. 2 zeigt die Ausschleusungs-Reihenfolge, die als die Gegenstände-Reihenfolge unter den 26 Postsendungen fungiert, sowie die entsprechende Datensatz-Reihenfolge unter den 26 Datensätzen für diese 26 Postsendungen.Regularly mail items are removed from the output tray Af-1.2, spent in a container and transported in this container to the material input ZE-2 of the second sorting system Anl-2. Exemplary is in Fig. 1 the container Beh-2 shown. The 26 mail items are transported in a single transport operation by means of the container Beh-2 for material input ZE-2. Fig. 2 Figure 12 shows the discard order functioning as the item order among the 26 items of mail and the corresponding record order among the 26 records for these 26 items.

Die Reihenfolge, die die erste Sortieranlage Anl-1 beim Ausschleusen hergestellt hat, wird beim Transportvorgang nicht vollständig eingehalten. Vielmehr wird die Reihenfolge nur in Teilsequenzen eingehalten und dadurch eine Zuführ-Reihenfolge erzeugt, die von der Ausschleusungs-Reihenfolge abweicht. In dieser Zuführ-Reihenfolge werden die 26 Postsendungen der Stoffeingabe ZE-2 der zweiten Sortieranlage Anl-2 zugeführt. Diese Zuführ-Reihenfolge mit den Teilsequenzen veranschaulicht Fig. 3. In Fig. 3 sind durch gestrichelte Linien die Grenzen zwischen den Teilsequenzen angedeutet. Diese Grenzen werden aber nicht physikalisch gekennzeichnet, z. B. durch Trennkarten. Die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 kann die Ausschleusungs-Reihenfolge nicht ausschließlich aus der Zuführ-Reihenfolge rekonstruieren.The sequence that the first sorting system Anl-1 has produced during rejection is not completely adhered to during the transport process. Rather, the order is only in Maintained subsequences and thereby generates a feed order, which differs from the Ausschleusungs sequence. In this feed order, the 26 mail items of the substance input ZE-2 of the second sorting system Anl-2 are supplied. This feed order with the subsequences illustrates Fig. 3 , In Fig. 3 are indicated by dashed lines, the boundaries between the subsequences. These limits are not physically marked, z. B. by separation cards. The second sorting system Anl-2 can not reconstruct the ejection order exclusively from the feed order.

Im Ausführungsbeispiel wird eine Maximal-Anzahl n_max von ausgewählten Gegenständen vorgegeben. Das Verfahren wird zunächst anhand von Fig. 4 für die Postsendung 13 erläutert, die als erstes die Stoffeingabe ZE-2 erreicht. Eine Sequenz von n_max = 5 aufeinander folgenden Postsendungen wird ausgewählt. Dies sind im Beispiel von Fig. 4 die Postsendungen 13 bis 17. Die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 "weiß" aber nicht, welche Postsendungen dies sind. Daher sind die n_max = 5 Postsendungen in Fig. 5 mit x1 bis x5 gekennzeichnet.In the exemplary embodiment, a maximum number n_max of selected objects is specified. The procedure is first based on Fig. 4 for the mail item 13, which first reaches the substance input ZE-2. A sequence of n_max = 5 consecutive mail items is selected. These are in the example of Fig. 4 the mail items 13 to 17. However, the second sorting system Anl-2 does not "know" which postal items are. Therefore, the n_max = 5 postal items in Fig. 5 marked with x1 to x5.

Die zweite Sortieranlage Anl-2 misst den Wert des gekennzeichneten Merkmals Merk-1 für die fünf Postsendungen x1 bis x5. Dadurch erzeugt sie eine Merkmalswerte-Sequenz mit n = n_max = 5 Merkmalswerten, nämlich die Sequenz y, -, u, v, -. Diese Sequenz wird mit den abgespeicherten Datensätze-Sequenzen in der Transport-Information I verglichen. Fig. 4 zeigt beispielhaft eine Datensätze-Sequenz, nämlich die für die 26 Postsendungen, die gemeinsam in dem Behälter Beh-2 transportiert wurden. In dieser Datensätze-Sequenz gibt es nur eine Teilsequenz von n = n_max = 5 Datensätzen, bei denen die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz y, -, u, v, - auftritt, nämlich die Teilsequenz mit den Datensätzen für die Postsendungen 13 bis 17. Unter Verwendung der übrigen Merkmalswerte wird geprüft, ob diese fünf Datensätze tatsächlich von den fünf Postsendungen 13 bis 17 stammen.The second sorting system Anl-2 measures the value of the marked feature Merk-1 for the five mailpieces x1 to x5. As a result, it generates a feature value sequence with n = n_max = 5 feature values, namely the sequence y, -, u, v, -. This sequence is compared with the stored records sequences in the transport information I. Fig. 4 shows by way of example a data record sequence, namely those for the 26 mail items which were transported together in the container Beh-2. In this data set sequence, there is only a subsequence of n = n_max = 5 data sets in which the feature value sequence y, -, u, v, - occurs, namely the subsequence with the data records for the mailpieces 13 to 17. Using For the remaining characteristic values, it is checked whether these five data records actually originate from the five postal items 13 to 17.

Fig. 5 veranschaulicht das Verfahren für die Postsendung 16. Die Gegenstände-Sequenz besteht aus den Postsendungen 16, 17, 18, 1, 2. Als Merkmalswerte-Sequenz werden diesmal die n= n_max = 5 Merkmalswerte v, -, w, z, y gemessen. Diese Sequenz wird mit der Datensatz-Reihenfolge verglichen. Hierbei wird keine Datensätze-Sequenz mit n = n_max = 5 gefunden, in der die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz v, -, w, z, y auftritt. Fig. 5 illustrates the method for the mail item 16. The item sequence consists of the mail items 16, 17, 18, 1, 2. The feature value sequence this time is the n = n_max = 5 feature values v, -, w, z, y measured. This sequence is compared with the record order. In this case, no data record sequence with n = n_max = 5 is found in which the feature value sequence v, -, w, z, y occurs.

Daher wird n um 1 verringert, also n = 4. Die Gegenstände-Sequenz Sequenz besteht aus den Postsendungen 16, 17, 18, 1. Nur die n = 4 Merkmalswerte von den Postsendungen x1, x2, x3 und x4 werden verwendet. Dies liefert die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz v, -, w, z. In der Transport-Information I wird aber auch keine Datensätze-Sequenz mit n = 4 Datensätzen gefunden, in der die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz v, -, w, z auftritt.Therefore, n is reduced by 1, ie n = 4. The item sequence sequence consists of the mail items 16, 17, 18, 1. Only the n = 4 feature values of the mail items x1, x2, x3 and x4 are used. This provides the feature value sequence v, -, w, z. In the transport information I, however, no data record sequence with n = 4 data sets is found in which the feature value sequence v, -, w, z occurs.

Erneut wird n um 1 verringert, also n = 3. Nur die n = 3 Merkmalswerte von den Postsendungen x1, x2 und x3 werden verwendet. Dies liefert die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz v, -, w. Eine einzige Datensätze-Sequenz mit n = 3 Datensätzen wird gefunden, in der die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz v, -, w auftritt, nämlich die Datensätze-Sequenz von den n = 3 Postsendungen 16, 17, 18. Dies wird in Fig. 5 durch zwei Rechtecke angedeutet. Unter Verwendung der Werte des weiteren Merkmals wird geprüft, ob die Datensätze von den Postsendungen 16, 17, 18 tatsächlich von den Postsendungen x1, x2 und x3 stammen.Again, n is decreased by 1, that is, n = 3. Only the n = 3 feature values of the mail items x1, x2, and x3 are used. This provides the feature value sequence v, -, w. A single data record sequence with n = 3 data sets is found, in which the feature value sequence v, -, w occurs, namely the data record sequence of the n = 3 mailpieces 16, 17, 18. This becomes Fig. 5 indicated by two rectangles. Using the values of the further feature, it is checked whether the data records from the mailpieces 16, 17, 18 actually originate from the mailpieces x1, x2 and x3.

Die Überprüfung, ob die gefundene Datensätze-Sequenz tatsächlich von der ausgewählten Gegenstände-Sequenz stammt, wird unter Verwendung der gemessenen Werte der übrigen Merkmale durchgeführt - die gemessenen Merkmalswerte werden mit den Merkmalswerten der Datensätze verglichen. Möglich ist, dass hierbei festgestellt wird, dass die gefundene Datensätze-Sequenz nicht von den Gegenständen der ausgewählten Gegenstände-Sequenz stammt. Auch in diesem Falle wird n verringert, um weitere Datensätze-Sequenzen zu finden, unter denen sich dann die richtige Datensätze-Sequenz befindet.The verification of whether the found data sequence actually originates from the selected object sequence is performed using the measured values of the remaining features - the measured feature values are compared with the feature values of the data sets. It is possible that in this case it is determined that the data set sequence found does not originate from the objects of the selected object sequence. Also in this case, n is decreased to find more records sequences, under which then is the correct record sequence.

Fig. 6 veranschaulicht das Verfahren für den Fall der Postsendung 17. In diesem Beispiel wird n solange verringert, bis n = 2 gilt. Die Merkmalswerte-Sequenz ist -, w. Zwei Datensätze-Sequenzen werden gefunden, nämlich 17, 18 sowie 25, 26. Die Werte der weiteren Merkmale werden verwendet, um zu prüfen, ob die Postsendungen x1, x2 identisch mit den Postsendungen 17, 18 oder identisch mit den Postsendungen 25, 26 sind. Fig. 6 illustrates the method for the case of the mail item 17. In this example, n is reduced until n = 2 holds. The feature value sequence is -, w. Two sets of data records are found, namely 17, 18 and 25, 26. The values of the further features are used to check whether the mailpieces x1, x2 are identical to the mailpieces 17, 18 or identical to the mailpieces 25, 26 ,

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Bezugszeichenreference numeral Bedeutungimportance 1, 2,. ...1, 2 ,. ... transportierte Postsendungentransported mail Anl-1Anl-1 erste Bearbeitungsanlagefirst processing plant Anl-2, Anl-3Anl-2, Anl-3 zweite Bearbeitungsanlagensecond processing plants Auf-1.1, Af-1.2, Af-1.3On-1.1, Af-1.2, Af-1.3 Ausgabefächer der Bearbeitungsanlage Anl-1Output trays of the processing plant Anl-1 Auf-2.1, Af-2.2, Af-2.3On-2.1, Af-2.2, Af-2.3 Ausgabefächer der Bearbeitungsanlage Anl-2Output trays of the processing plant Anl-2 Beh-1, Beh-2,Beh-1, Beh-2, Behälter zum Transport von PostsendungenContainer for transporting postal items DBDB zentrale Datenbankcentral database FF Förderrichtung, in der die Postsendungen Anl-1 durchlaufenConveying direction in which the mail items Anl-1 pass through II Transport-Information mit der Gegenstände-Reihenfolge und den zugehörigen Werten des Merkmals Merk-1Transport information with the item order and the associated values of feature Merk-1 Merk-1Merk-1 gekennzeichnetes Merkmalmarked feature

Claims (7)

  1. Method for transporting a plurality of objects (1,2,...), wherein
    at least one measurable processing attribute and at least one measurable feature are predetermined,
    a plurality of transport processes are carried out,
    in each transport process
    - bringing a plurality of objects (1,2,...) in each case in an object order into a transport device (Beh-2),
    - determining and storing said object order,
    - transporting the transport device (Beh-2) along with the objects (1,2,...) brought into the transport device to a processing system (Anl-2) and
    - processing the transported objects (1,2,...) with the processing system (Anl-2),
    wherein the steps are carried out for each object (1,2,...) to
    - measure the value assumed by the processing attribute for the object,
    - measure a value assumed by the predetermined feature (Merk-1) for the object (1,2,...), and create and store a data record for the object,
    - wherein the data record includes the measured feature value and the measured processing attribute value,
    - the object is subsequently transported by one of the transport processes to the respective processing system,
    - a value which the feature (Merk-1) assumes for the object is again measured,
    - the stored data record created for the object is determined, using the feature value measured in the renewed measurement, and
    - the processing system (Anl-2) processes the object as a function of the processing attribute value included in the determined data record,
    wherein a data record order among the data records for the objects transported by the transport process is created for each transport process, using the stored object order of said transport process and
    the renewed measurement of the feature values is carried out in a measurement order among the objects (1,2,...),
    characterised in that
    a sequence of n objects (16,17,...,2) following each other in the measurement order is selected at least once,
    a sequence of n feature values (v,-,w,z,y) having an order matching the measurement order is created from the n values assumed by the feature (Merk-1) for the selected sequence of n objects (16,17,...,2),
    each sequence of n data records following each other in a stored data record order and in which the order of the n values (v,-,w,z,y) of the feature (Merk-1) matches the created feature value sequence (v,-,w,z,y) is determined, and
    for each of the n selected objects (16,17,...,2), the data record stored for said object is searched for among the determined data record sequences.
  2. Method according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    a maximum number n_max > = 2 of objects (16,17,...,2) to be selected is predetermined,
    the method with n = n_max selected objects (16,17,...,2) is carried out and
    if no sequence of n = n_max matching data records is found, the method is carried out again with a smaller number n < n_max of selected objects (16,17,...,1).
  3. Method according to claim 2,
    characterised in that
    the reduction in the number and the execution of the method with a reduced number of objects to be selected is repeated
    until a sequence of matching data records is found or an abort criterion is fulfilled.
  4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
    characterised in that
    for each object
    - a value which a further predetermined feature assumes for the object is measured in each case, both in the first and in the renewed measurement,
    - the data record for the object is supplemented by the first measured feature value and
    for each data record sequence determined by using the n values which the further feature assumes on renewed measurement for the n selected objects,
    a check is made to see whether the n data records of the data record sequence were created for the n objects of the selected object sequence or at least one of said n data records for another object, and
    then, if a data record sequence is found having n data records originating from the n objects of the selected object sequence, the n data records of the found data record sequence are used as the data records determined for the n objects of the selected object sequence.
  5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
    characterised in that
    the measured processing attribute value is an identifier of a destination point to which the object is to be transported and with which the object is provided, and
    the processing of the object by the processing system includes the step in which the processing system initiates further transport of the object to that destination point, the identifier of which is included in the determined data record.
  6. Device for transporting a plurality of objects,
    the device comprising
    - a first processing system (Anl-1),
    - a second processing system (Anl-2) and
    - a database (DB) connected to both processing systems (Anl-1, Anl-2),
    wherein the device is configured to carry out a plurality of transport processes such that
    in each transport process
    - a plurality of objects (1,2,...) is brought in an order from the first processing system (Anl-1) into a transport device (Beh-2) in each case,
    - said object order is determined and stored,
    - the transport device (Beh-2) along with the objects (1,2,...) brought into the transport device (Beh-2) is transported to the second processing system (Anl-2) and
    - the second processing system (Anl-2) processes the transported objects (1,2,...),
    wherein the first processing system (Anl-1) is configured to carry out the following steps for each object (1,2,...),
    - measuring which value a predetermined processing attribute assumes for the object (1,2,...),
    - measuring a value which a predetermined feature (Merk-1) assumes for the object (1,2,...), and creating and storing a data record for the object,
    - wherein the data record includes the measured feature value and the measured processing attribute value,
    - subsequently initiating transport of the object through one of the transport processes to the respective processing system,
    wherein the second processing system (Anl-2) is configured to carry out the following steps for each object (1,2,...),
    - again measuring a value which the feature (Merk-1) assumes for the object, after the transport of the object to the second processing system (Anl-2),
    - using the feature value measured during the renewed measurement, to determine the stored data record created for the object, and
    - processing the object as a function of the processing attribute value included in the determined data record,
    wherein
    - the first processing system (Anl-1) is configured for each transport process, using the stored object order of said transport process, to create a data record order among the data records for the objects which are transported by the transport process and
    - the second processing system (Anl-2) is configured to carry out the renewed measurement of the feature values in a measurement order among the objects (1,2,...),
    characterised in that
    the second processing system (Anl-2) is configured to
    - at least once select a sequence of n objects (16,17,...,2) following each other in the measurement order,
    - create a sequence of n feature values (v,-,w,z,y) having an order matching the measurement order, from the n values which the feature (Merk-1) assumes for the selected sequence of n objects (16,17,...,2),
    - determine each sequence of n data records following each other in a stored data record order and having the order of the n values (v,-,w,z,y) of the feature (Merk-1) matching the created feature value sequence (v,-,w,z,y), and
    - for each of the n selected objects (16,17,...,2), search for the data record stored for said object from among the determined data record sequences.
  7. Device according to claim 6,
    characterised in that
    the second processing system (Anl-2)
    includes a data memory storing a maximum number n_max > = 2 of objects (16,17,...,2) to be selected, and configured to
    carry out the search for the stored data records with n = n_max selected objects (16,17,...,2) and
    if it has not found any sequence of n = n_max matching data records, carry out the method once again with a smaller number n < n_max of selected objects (16,17,...,1).
EP08832312A 2007-09-18 2008-09-17 Method and device for transporting and handling a plurality of articles Active EP2197599B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102007044733 2007-09-18
DE102008003778A DE102008003778A1 (en) 2007-09-18 2008-01-10 Method and device for transporting and processing a plurality of objects
DE102008017189A DE102008017189A1 (en) 2007-09-18 2008-04-04 Method and device for transporting and processing a plurality of objects
PCT/EP2008/062393 WO2009037291A1 (en) 2007-09-18 2008-09-17 Method and device for transporting and handling a plurality of articles

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EP2197599A1 EP2197599A1 (en) 2010-06-23
EP2197599B1 true EP2197599B1 (en) 2012-10-31

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EP (1) EP2197599B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2008300591A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2699716C (en)
DE (2) DE102008003778A1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2009037291A1 (en)

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DE102009060515A1 (en) 2009-12-23 2011-06-30 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, 80333 Method and device for sorting articles of different format classes
DE102010013220A1 (en) * 2010-03-29 2011-09-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for transporting an object to be printed
DE102010040841A1 (en) 2010-09-15 2012-03-15 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for processing objects by means of a buffer and a sorting system.
WO2012066066A1 (en) 2010-11-17 2012-05-24 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Sorting method and sorting arrangement for sorting two types of articles to produce a single succession.
DE102010063211A1 (en) 2010-12-16 2012-06-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for sorting articles i.e. letters, involves taking sequences of articles of first and of second types to holding apparatuses, and transferring articles in sequence out to sorting output of sorting installation
DE102010044059A1 (en) 2010-11-17 2012-05-24 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for sorting articles i.e. letters, involves taking sequences of articles of first and of second types to holding apparatuses, and transferring articles in sequence out to sorting output of sorting installation
DE102014202640B4 (en) 2014-02-13 2023-09-07 Körber Supply Chain Logistics Gmbh Device and method for transporting objects
CN109078869A (en) * 2018-04-09 2018-12-25 常州轻工职业技术学院 Automatic sorting device based on image recognition

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DE4000603C5 (en) 1990-01-11 2009-07-02 Siemens Ag Method and device for temporary storage of objects, such as letters or the like in a reading system
DE19625007C2 (en) 1996-06-22 2000-03-02 Siemens Ag Procedure for sorting the distribution order
DE19947259C1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2000-09-28 Siemens Ag Sorting packages involves changing/emptying containers when full, storing packages in same sequence, entering package data in database and re-ordering during subsequent sorting runs
US6911910B2 (en) * 2002-09-10 2005-06-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method for detecting and redirecting misdirected mail
FR2866252B1 (en) * 2004-02-18 2006-04-21 Solystic METHOD FOR SORTING POSTAL SHIPMENTS IN MULTIPLE SORT PASSES
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US9669429B2 (en) 2017-06-06
DK2197599T3 (en) 2013-02-11
DE102008017189A1 (en) 2009-03-19
DE102008003778A1 (en) 2009-03-26
CA2699716A1 (en) 2009-03-26
US20090074557A1 (en) 2009-03-19
CA2699716C (en) 2015-06-23
EP2197599A1 (en) 2010-06-23
AU2008300591A1 (en) 2009-03-26
WO2009037291A1 (en) 2009-03-26

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