EP2260952B1 - Method and device for controlling the transportation of an object to a holder unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the transport of an article, in particular a mail item, to a receiving unit.

An apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 4 are made US 6,370,446 B1 known.

In US 6,370,446 B1 For example, a device is described which assists an agent in carrying mail 3 into a bin, e.g. B. in a cabinet 4 with many subjects ("pigeon holes") sort. Each compartment of the cabinet 4 is provided with an electrical marking 40A held in a holder 400A. A reader ("optical reader terminal 5") has an evaluation unit ("optoelectronic read and recognition means 50") and an "optical reader and recognition device 8", the latter being able to process documents up to A4 size. The reader 5 has a memory with a database 52, are stored in the records with possible recipients of mail within a company. Each record contains information about a respective recipient and an associated compartment in the cabinet 4. In operation, the recognition unit 8 reads an address on a mail piece 3 and determines the associated compartment in the cabinet 4. The reader 5 transmits a corresponding message to the cabinet. 4 The label 40A of the tray, which is named in the message from the reader 5, lights up and shows a user the correct tray.

In EP 1659523 A1 A method is described for further processing mail that arrives at a company and processes it in a mailroom of the company become. Each mail item is provided with information about a recipient, eg. B. a natural person and / or a department of the company. An internal database of the company stores address information about the recipient of the company as well as senders who send mail to this company. A sorter has a feeder 102 and a reader with an image capture device 112. An OCR unit 116 evaluates images from the image capture device 112 to decipher addresses. Each mail item is sent to a receptacle ("sort bin") depending on the reading result. For this purpose, the sorting system applies a sorting plan, which is stored at a "sort scheme data base 126". A "reader data base 120" contains possible target addresses in the company. The OCR unit 116 evaluates this address database 120. How the address database 120 is structured can vary from company to company. In EP 1659523 A1 describes how the address database 120 is filled with records.

In DE 10 2007 034 660 B3 For example, a method of sorting items by feature is described, e.g. B. of mail items according to their destination addresses. In the same output container mail items are discharged with different destination addresses. In order to be able to separate these mailpieces, the sorting system labels separating elements. On each separator, a destination address and the number of mail items are entered with this destination address.

In the post-published publication DE 10 2008 017 140 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for sorting items will be described. Every item that z. B. is a mail item is provided with an identification of the recipient of the article. The items are sorted by a sorting system. This sorting system carries out at least one, preferably several sorting runs. In every sorting run, the sorting system uses a sorting plan. This sorting plan assigns everyone possible destination an output container of the sorting system. A destination includes several possible destination addresses.

The sorting system has an image recording device, which in each case generates an image of each mailpiece, and a reading device which evaluates this image and reads the destination address in the image. If this is not successful, the image is forwarded to a video coding station and an editor enters the destination address at least partially. The sorting system discharges each item of mail into an output container, depending on their respective destination address and from the sorting plan. As a result, mail items reach different destinations in the same output container. These mail items in a dispensing container are separated by separating elements. On each separating element, an identification of the destination area as well as the number of mailpieces for this destination area are printed.

In the post-published publication US 2009/0223877 A1 a sorting system for postal items is described. A reader deciphers the respective address on a mailpiece. The sorting system sorts each item of mail in such a way that stacks of postal items are formed for each deliverer. Each mail item is printed with a unique identifier. Subsequently, the mail items which a deliverer is to carry out are divided into the pockets ("pockets" 206) of a delivery container ("case" 204). The pockets 206 are arranged according to the delivery route of a delivery agent. A graphical representation 204 'of the delivery container 204 is shown on a screen 200, this representation showing each pocket 206 through an image 206'. The images 112 of the mail items 102 to be sorted are also displayed one after the other on the screen 200. An editor associates an image 206 'of a bag 206 with each image 112. As a result, each item of mail 102 is assigned to a pocket 206. A sorter 216 processes this information to sort the mailpieces 102 according to this default for the pockets 206. These steps can be used for every mailing 102 or even only for those mail items whose address was not automatically deciphered, perform.

In US 2204/003446 A1 An arrangement for sorting mailpieces with a sorting system 10, a computer 12, a work database 14 and a second database 22 is described. This arrangement is via a communication network, for. As the Internet, with multiple external computer 18A, 18B, 18C, 20 connected. In the work database 14 addresses are stored. A user of an external computer 18A, 18B, 18C, 20 may add a new address or change an existing address. These user details are stored in the second database 22 and compared with the entries in the working database 14.

In US 4,921,107 For example, an apparatus and a method for sorting mailpieces are described. The device has a separator, a screen, a data input station and a sorting device. An editor reads the address on the mailpiece and enters part of an address component, e.g. For example, the first three letters of the surname. This input is made by the editor either on a keyboard or on a voice input device. The screen displays valid addresses from an address database that are consistent with the user input, e.g. For example, where the last name of the recipient begins with the entered three letters. The user selects the record that matches the address.

In US 6,134,561 A device for "tracking receipt and internal delivery of items" is presented. In a database of a computer records for the incoming items ("items") are created. Each record includes an internal address and the "delivery status" of the item. The stored status of an item is displayed on a screen of a mobile device. The mobile device is connected to the computer. On this device, a user can enter information about an item. For this purpose, a bar code scanner decodes a machine-readable label on the object. Or the user enters a label. The user can enter where an item was actually delivered and what damage the item had. This status information is stored in the database.

In US 2002/0178168 A1 A method is presented to find up to the minute the actual position of an employee of a company, in order to then deliver a mail or a message to this employee.

The invention has for its object to provide a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 4, which allow controlling the transport, even if the reader is not able to the receiver Marking on an object clearly to decipher.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 4. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The solution according to the device and the method according to the solution are designed to control the transport of an object. The article is provided with an identification of a recipient of the article.

• ein Bildaufnahmegerät,
• ein Lesegerät,
• eine rechnerverfügbare Zuordnungs-Tabelle,
• ein datenverarbeitendes Gerät mit einem Ausgabegerät.

The solution according to the device comprises

• an image capture device,
• a reader,
• a computer-accessible assignment table,
• a data processing device with an output device.

The image capture device is configured to generate a computer-accessible image such that the image shows the recipient's identifier.

The reader is configured to decipher the receiver identifier using an image from the image capture device.

The assignment table comprises, for a set of possible recipients, a data record with an identification of the recipient and an identification of a recording unit for an object.

The data processing device is configured to select a record in the assignment table using a deciphering result from the reading device and to output the record unit identifier of that record on the output device in a human perceptible form.

It is possible that the reader will not be able to unambiguously decipher the receiver identifier on an item. For example, the recipient identification is handwritten on the article.

In particular, for this case, the solution according to the design is provided. At least one record in the assignment table is marked, for which the decoding result is used by the reader - preferably each record whose recipient identifier is consistent with the deciphering result. A selection list is generated. This drop-down list includes those recipient tags associated with the tagged records. The selection list is output on the output device in a human perceptible form. It is automatically detected which recipient identification was selected in this selection list. This selection was made using an input device, eg. As a DV mouse or a keyboard or a touch-sensitive screen. The selected recipient tag belongs to a tagged record. The capture unit identifier of this record is output.

The invention saves the need for a worker to have a mapping table that is in paper bound form, to find the right pickup unit for an item.

Furthermore, the invention makes it unnecessary to provide each receiving unit with information about a receiver. Rather, the invention makes it possible to quickly change the assignment of a receiver to a receiving unit without having to make a change to a receiving unit.

Thanks to the invention, the task of finding a receiving unit for the object is largely automated. In particular, the correct recording unit is automatically found, as far as the recipient identification on the object can be deciphered automatically.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to control the transport of the object even if the reader does not provide a clear deciphering result or the deciphering result is subject to great uncertainty. A preselection is automatically carried out under the still matching recipient identification.

Preferably, the image capture device is capable of producing an image of an object lying on a support surface. This embodiment makes it possible to apply the solution according to the device for such objects, which in each case have a significant extent in all three directions, ie z. B. also for packages and not just for flat letters. The article is placed on the support surface, and after a start signal, the image capture device generates the at least one image. This embodiment saves a transport device, which transports the object past the image recording device. Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to use a surface camera instead of a cell camera. This area camera produces an image of a two-dimensional area of the surface of the object.

Preferably, the device comprises an optical pointing device. This optical pointing device marks with a beam of light a point of such a surface of the object, which points to the image recorder. The object can be positioned so that this light beam marks a point in the address field on the object. This configuration makes it easier for the reader to find the receiver identifier on the surface, and thus also makes it easier to find the "region of interest" (ROI) and to identify the recipient of other items of information on the item, e.g. As a sender identification or information on the transport of the object to distinguish.

• Fig. 1 die Vorrichtung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel

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

• Fig. 1 shows the device according to the embodiment

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used to distribute mail to mailboxes a mailbox system. The PO Box is located z. In the post office of a company or post office.

Fig. 1 illustrates the device according to the embodiment. Shown is the PO Box system PFA with multiple mailboxes for mail. Each mailbox has a unique identifier that distinguishes that mailbox from all other mailboxes in the PFA mailbox.

In a data store, not shown, a computer-accessible assignment table ZT is stored, which determines which mailbox is assigned to which recipient. This assignment table ZT comprises two columns: a mailbox PFA mailbox column and a mailbox recipient mailbox column. Each row represents a mailbox and a recipient associated with that mailbox. It is possible that several lines for the same Mailbox because there are multiple recipients assigned to a mailbox. For example, multiple recipients share a mailbox, or one recipient has multiple job titles, or one recipient has taken over a mailbox from another.

If the invention is used in a post office, then a recipient is identified by his house address (name, street, house number, zip code, city) or by his post office box address (name, post office box, zip code, city). Also, mail items that are marked with the house address should be sent to the PO Box address.

If the invention is used in the mailroom of a company, each recipient is identified by his company address (name, department name in the company) or by an internal address. A recipient may have multiple company addresses, e.g. B. Department name and functional area, as well as to receive mail to a previous company address.

• einen Arbeitsplatzrechner 3 mit einer Dateneingabestation 5 und einem Bildschirmgerät 4,
• einen Scanner 1 und
• eine OCR-Einheit 2 mit Lesezugriff auf die Zuordnungs-Tabelle.

The device further comprises in the exemplary embodiment

• a workstation 3 with a data input station 5 and a display device 4,
• a scanner 1 and
• an OCR unit 2 with read access to the allocation table.

Both the workstation 3 and the OCR unit 2 have at least temporary read access to the assignment table ZT. The workstation 3 acts as the data processing device.

The scanner 1 is preferably designed as a desktop scanner, ie stands on a table T or other document. The scanner 1 comprises a light source LQ and a camera 6. Because the scanner 1 is fixedly mounted, the light source LQ illuminates a mail item always under the same Angle. Preferably, the light source LQ projects a positioning aid PH, z. B. a crosshair or a rectangle on the table T. In order for an image of a mail item Ps is generated, the mail item Ps is placed on the table T that the mail item Ps has a specific position with respect to the positioning aid PH, z. B. that the crosshair is projected centrally on those address information Add, with which the mailpiece is provided. The details of the recipient address point upwards. A start signal is generated, eg. B. by an operator or by a switch is automatically triggered.

The camera 1 generates a computer-accessible image Abb, preferably a digital image, of the mail item Ps. This image Abb shows the address information Add to the recipient of the mail item Ps.

The image Abb is transmitted to the OCR unit 2. The OCR unit 2 evaluates the image Abb. In this case, the OCR unit 2 locates the receiver identifier Add in the image Abb and deciphers this receiver identifier.

The OCR unit 2 compares this deciphered information with the assignment table ZT and thereby generates candidates. These candidates form a computer-available candidate list KL. Each candidate includes those details of a recipient which are contained in a row of the assignment table ZT. For example, each candidate is a reference to such a line.

Preferably, the OCR unit 2 generates, for each candidate, a match measure, which is a degree of correspondence between the result of the deciphering and the receiver identifier Add in the assignment table ZT. As a candidate, the OCR unit 2 selects each such row of the allocation table ZT whose match amount is above a predetermined match threshold. The OCR unit 2 transmits the candidate list KL to the workstation 3.

If the OCR unit 2 has not determined a candidate, that is, if all the matching dimensions are below the matching threshold, then the workstation 3. in one embodiment outputs a corresponding error message. This error message includes the statement that the recipient address could not be deciphered automatically.

In another embodiment, an input form with multiple fields is displayed on the display device 4 of the workstation 3. The user types in a string that he could read on the mail piece Ps. For example, the user types in the first few letters of the last name. From the assignment table ZT those address addresses are automatically selected whose last names start with this character string.

This other embodiment is also used when the scanner 1 is not able to produce an image of the mail item Ps, for example because the item of mail is a package and does not fit between the camera 1 and the table T.

If the OCR unit 2 determines a plurality of candidates and has them on the workstation 3, the workstation 3 appropriately displays these candidates on the monitor 4. The mail item Ps itself remains on the table T. In one embodiment, the candidates are placed in the Form of a selection list displayed on the screen device 4. A user selects with the help of the data entry station 5 an alternative offered, so a candidate in the selection list. For example, the display device 4 is made touch-sensitive, and the user touches the display device 4 at an area associated with a displayed candidate. Or the data input station 5 includes a keyboard and / or a DV mouse, and the user selects an alternative offered by means of the keyboard or the DV mouse. For this purpose, the user considers the mail item Ps on the table T.

In the example of FIG. 1, the OCR unit 2 has generated a candidate list KL comprising the two candidates Emp1 and Emp3. The workstation 3 generates a selection list comprising these two candidates Emp1 and Emp3 and displays this selection list on the display device 4. The user compares these two candidates with the addressee identifier Add on the mail item Ps and then selects the candidate Emp3. This is illustrated in FIG. 1 by an ellipse around Emp3.

Even if the OCR unit 2 has determined exactly one candidate, in one embodiment it displays a candidate on the monitor 4. The user confirms that a candidate actually matches the addressee identifier Add on the mailpiece Ps.

In the example of FIG. 1, the assignment table ZT assigns the mailbox B4 of the mailbox system PFA to the recipient Emp3. The mail item Ps is placed in this mailbox B4. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS reference numeral importance 1 Scanner with camera 6 2 OCR unit 3 Workstation 4 VDU of the workstation 3 5 Data entry station 6 Camera of the scanner 1 Fig Image produced by the scanner 1 with the camera 6 from the mail item Ps KL Candidate list LQ Light source of the scanner 1 PFA PO Box complex PH Positioning aid of the scanner 1 ps mailing T Table to which the scanner 1 is connected ZT Allocation table

Claims (6)

1. Device for controlling the transportation of an object (Ps), the object (Ps) being provided with an identification of a receiver of the object (Ps),
   the device comprising

   - a computer-available allocation table (ZT),

   - a data-processing device (3) having an output device (4),

   - an image recording device (1) and

   - a reader (2),

   the allocation table (ZT) comprising in each case one record with an identification of the receiver for a set of possible receivers,
   each record of the allocation table (ZT) additionally comprising a code of a receiving unit (A2, C3, B4) for an object,
   the image recording device (1) being arranged for generating a computer-available image (Abb) in such a manner that the image (Abb) shows the receiver identification (Add),
   the reader (2) being arranged for decoding the receiver identification (Add) on an object (Ps) automatically by using an image (Abb) from the image recording device (1),
   the data-processing device (3) being arranged for

   - selecting a record of the allocation table (ZT) automatically,

   - in the selection of this record of the allocation table (ZT), using a decoding result from the reader (2) and

   - outputting an entry of this selected record on the output device (4) in a form perceptible by a person,

   the entry (B4) output identifying the receiving unit (A2, C3, D4), the code of which is composed of the selected record, characterized in that
   the device is arranged for automatically

   - identifying at least one record of the allocation table (ZT) by using the decoding result from the reader (2), and

   - generating a computer-available selection list (KL), the selection list (KL) comprising each receiver identification (Add) of an identified record,

   the data-processing device (3) comprising an input device (5) and being arranged for

   - outputting a generated selection list (KL) on the output device (4) in a form perceptible by a person,

   - detecting a selection, performed with the aid of the input device (5), from the selection list (KL),

   - determining which receiver identification is selected as a result, and

   - outputting as receiving unit identification the identification of such a receiving unit (B4), the code of which belongs to the record, the receiver identification (Add) of which is selected.
2. Device according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the device comprises a support surface (T) and
   the image recording device (1) is arranged in such a manner that the image recording device (1) can generate an image of an object (Ps) lying on the support surface (T).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the device comprises an optical pointing device (PH),
   this pointing device (PH) is arranged for marking a point of a surface, pointing towards the image recording device (1), of the object (Ps) optically with a light ray, and
   the reader (2) is arranged for evaluating, during the decoding of the receiver identification (Abb) an area of the image (Abb) which shows the point marked.
4. Method for controlling the transportation of an object (Ps), the object (Ps) being provided with an identification (Add) of a receiver of the object (Ps),
   a computer-available allocation table (ZT) being used,
   the allocation table (ZT) in each case comprising a record with an identification of the receiver for a set of possible receivers,
   each record of the allocation table (ZT) additionally comprising a code of a receiving unit (A2, C3, B4) for an object (Ps), and
   the method comprising the steps that

   - a computer-available image (Abb) of the object (Ps) is generated in such a manner that the image shows the receiver identification (Add),

   - by using this image, the receiver identification (Add) on the object (Ps) is decoded,

   - by using the decoding result with the receiver identification of the object (Ps), a record of the allocation table (ZT) is selected and

   - an entry (B4) of this selected record is output on an output device (4) in a form perceptible by a person,

   the entry (B4) output identifying the receiving unit (A2, C3, D4), the code of which is composed of the selected record, characterized in that,
   by using the decoding result, at least one record of the allocation table (ZT) is identified automatically,
   a computer-available selection list (KL) is generated, the selection list (KL) comprising each receiver identification of an identified record,
   the generated selection list (KL) is output on the output device (4) in a form perceptible by a person,
   a selection from the selection list (KL), performed with the aid of an input device (5), is detected,
   it is determined which receiver identification (Add) is selected as a result, and
   as receiving unit identification, the identification of such a receiving unit (B4) is output, the code of which belongs to the record, the receiver identification (Add) of which is selected.
5. Method according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that
   the object (Ps) is placed onto a support surface (T) and
   the image (Abb) of an object (Ps) lying on the support surface (T) is generated.
6. Method according to Claim 4 or claim 5,
   characterized in that
   a point on a surface, pointing towards the image recording device (1), of the object is marked optically with a light ray, and
   during the decoding of the receiver identification (Add), an area of the image (Abb) is evaluated which shows the point marked.

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