EP2429723A1 - Method for sorting postal items in a low capacity machine - Google Patents

Method for sorting postal items in a low capacity machine

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Publication number
EP2429723A1
EP2429723A1 EP10727096A EP10727096A EP2429723A1 EP 2429723 A1 EP2429723 A1 EP 2429723A1 EP 10727096 A EP10727096 A EP 10727096A EP 10727096 A EP10727096 A EP 10727096A EP 2429723 A1 EP2429723 A1 EP 2429723A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sorting
distribution
distribution points
points
statistical data
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP10727096A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2429723B1 (en
EP2429723B2 (en
Inventor
Bruno Cartal
Nicolas Basset
Didier Tresse
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Solystic SAS
Original Assignee
Solystic SAS
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Application filed by Solystic SAS filed Critical Solystic SAS
Publication of EP2429723A1 publication Critical patent/EP2429723A1/en
Publication of EP2429723B1 publication Critical patent/EP2429723B1/en
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Publication of EP2429723B2 publication Critical patent/EP2429723B2/en
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Classifications

    • 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 for sorting items in several sorting passes in a postal sorting machine provided with sorting outlets in order to order the items to be sent to the sorting outlets for distribution according to a postman's tour, in which distribution points defining the tour of the postman in disjoint subsets of distribution points and in which for the different sorting passes the distribution points of each subset are associated in each case with a common sorting output.
  • the idea underlying the invention is to group the distribution points of the tour of the factor in a non-uniform manner taking into account the volume of mail that is distributed to each distribution point of the tour of the factor. More particularly, the idea underlying the invention is for example to observe over time the volume of mail distributed for each distribution point of the factor tour to characterize a level of activity for each distribution point. The observation can be done cyclically and it can be expected to consolidate several cyclic observations to characterize an average level of activity for each distribution point.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a method for sorting items in several sorting passes in a postal sorting machine equipped with sorting outlets in order to order the items to be sent to the sorting outlets for distribution according to a tour of the factor, in which is grouped distribution points defining the tour of the factor into disjoint subsets of distribution points and in which for the different sorting passes the distribution points of each subset are associated each time with a common sorting output characterized in that statistical data associated with said distribution points are respectively stored in the memory of the machine, said statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and in that successive distribution in the same subset of distribution points taking into account said statist data associated with these distribution points.
  • the invention extends to a postal sorting machine with sorting outlets able to order shipments in the sorting outlets for distribution according to a tour of the factor, the machine being arranged to group distribution points defining the tour of the factor in disjoint subsets distribution points and associate for successive sorting passes the distribution points of each subset each time to a common sorting output, characterized in that it is further arranged to recover in memory associated statistical data respectively at said distribution points, these statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and to grouping successive distribution points in the same subset of distribution points taking into account said statistical data associated with these distribution points.
  • the statistical data furthermore comprise the indication that a distribution point considered may or may not be grouped with another distribution point of the factor's turn.
  • the statistical data associated with two consecutive distribution points of a tour of the factor are compared with a predetermined threshold in order to group these two distribution points in the same subset.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method for sorting postal items without realizing distribution points.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the method according to the invention in which a regrouping of the distribution points is carried out in order to fictitiously increase the sorting capacities of a postal sorting machine.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the taking into account of statistical data representative of a certain activity related to each distribution point for the implementation of the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the allocation configuration in two sorting planes P1 and P2 for sorting in two passes over four sorting outlets S1 to S4 of 16 distribution points (indicated by the numerical values 1, 2, 3, ... 16).
  • the sorting plan P1 determines the assignment of the sorting outlets to the distribution points to make the first sorting pass.
  • the sorting plane P2 determines the assignment of the sorting outlets to the distribution points in order to carry out the second sorting pass.
  • the distribution points 1, 2, 3 and 4 are respectively assigned to the outputs S1, S2, S3 and S4.
  • the distribution points 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 are likewise assigned respectively to the outputs S1 to S4.
  • the distribution points 1, 5, 9 and 13 are assigned to the output S1.
  • the distribution points 2, 6, 10 and 14 are assigned to the output S2.
  • the distribution points 3, 7, 11 and 15 are assigned to the output S3.
  • the distribution points 4, 8, 12 and 16 are assigned to the output S4. Consequently, two consecutive distribution points in the tour of the factor are not assigned here to the same sorting output. On the contrary, two consecutive distribution points are always assigned in the sorting plan of the first pass of sorting at different sorting outlets so as to obtain an ordered sequence of mailings during the second sorting pass according to the sorting plane P2.
  • the distribution points 1 to 4 are assigned to the sorting output S1.
  • the distribution points 5 to 8 are assigned to the output S2.
  • Distribution points 9 to 12 are assigned to output S3.
  • the distribution points 13 to 16 are assigned to the output S4.
  • the concatenation of the sorting outlets S1-S2-S3-S4 at the end of the second sorting pass thus forms an ordered sequence of distribution points for the distribution of the mail.
  • the sorting method according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 2 by using still four sorting outlets S1-S4 but with which 32 sorting points will be sorted into two sorting passes.
  • the sorting plane of the first sorting pass is referenced P11 in FIG. 2 while the second sorting plane for the second sorting pass is referenced P12.
  • the subsets [1, 2], [3,4], [5,6] and [7,8] are assigned to the sorting output S1.
  • the subset groups [9,10] - [11, 12] - [13,14] - [15-16], [17,18] - [19,20] - [21, 22] - [23,24] and [25,26] - [27,28] - [29,30] - [31,32] are respectively assigned to the sorting outputs S2, S3 and S4.
  • the shipments are then recycled in conventional manner at the input of the sorting machine according to the order of the sorting outlets S4 to S1 to undergo a second sorting pass according to the sorting plan P12.
  • the order of the distribution points corresponding to the recycled postal items is therefore the following: 31, 15, 16, 14, 29, 6, 22, 4, 3, 19, 25, 25, 10, 18, 10, 9 and 9 During the second sorting pass, the item having the distribution point 31 is sent to the sorting outlet S4, and so on for the other items ...
  • the inversions of distribution points are indicated either on the sorting outlet of the machine, or on the label of the storage bin at the sorting outlet containing the inverted shipments, or again on a listing that is given to the postman delivering the mail.
  • the sorting machine is arranged to detect during the last sorting pass a relative disorder of the items sent to a sorting outlet and then indicate the detected disorders in the form of paper printing. The detection can easily be done by a machine program that follows, for the successive shipments that arrive in each sorting outlet, the progression of the distribution points identified for these shipments in the ordered list of distribution points that corresponds to the postman's trip. .
  • the factor retrieves shipments from his tour with an appendix indicating that the distribution points 15 and 16 are reversed. The factor can then correct this error by inverting shipments with distribution points 15 and 16 at the time of the recovery of his tour or take account of it when distributing.
  • the grouping of the distribution points of a tour is not therefore uniformly illustrated in Figure 2 but dynamically based on statistical data (which can be updated regularly) representative of a certain activity distribution points of the tour.
  • the first sorting campaign is carried out on the sorting machine (the machine of the distribution sorting center on which the postman's rounds are prepared) consisting in recording the volume of mail distributed over a given period of time. relationship with each distribution point of a postman's tour. These readings are done for all tours prepared on the machine.
  • the sorting machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 is operated conventionally (that is to say without grouping as illustrated in FIG. 1) for the preparation of the rounds of the factor.
  • table 12 illustrates statistical data obtained after a campaign carried out over several weeks, for example.
  • the statistical data are indicated on the line with the reference "Weight” while the corresponding distribution points are indicated on the line bearing the reference "PDI”.
  • the weight is equal to 0.2 for Monday, the weight is equal to 0.5 for Tuesday, and the weight is equal to 0.0 for Wednesday.
  • the machine 10 sequentially scans at 40 the ordered list of PDI distribution points 1 (i ranging from 1 to n) a tour starting with the first distribution point of the list to construct a first group such that G j (j ranging from 1 to m).
  • the statistical data (Weight PD h) associated with this distribution point for the day of the week in question is retrieved from the database 11 and is compared with a threshold value S at 41 which is an input parameter for the process grouping.
  • the threshold is set at 1 and the weight of the distribution point 11 is 0.2 on Monday.
  • the grouping at 42 in a current group G j continues as long as the accumulation P in 43 of the weights associated with the successive distribution points added in the group does not exceed the threshold S. If the threshold is crossed at 41, then the process continues on a new group of distribution points (block 44 in Figure 4). And so on for every tour of the factor recorded in the machine 10.
  • the groups of distribution points G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5 are different from one day to the other of the week. For example on Monday, the group G1 has three consecutive distribution points, on Tuesday it has two consecutive distribution points and on Wednesday it has four consecutive distribution points. From Table 13, we see that globally for the same tour of the factor, the machine 10 will sort on five groups of distribution points on Monday, six groups on Tuesdays and four groups on Wednesdays. These variations allow the operator to sort more or less turns of the factor at the same time on the machine by exploiting all sorting outlets.

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  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sorting postal items during several sorting passes in a postal item sorting machine (10) provided with sorting outlet, wherein the method comprises grouping the distribution points defining the route of the postman into disjointed subassemblies of distribution points so as to order the items in the sorting outlets for distribution according to the route of the postman. For the various sorting passes, the distribution points of each subassembly are associated with a common sorting outlet each time. The method comprises recovering, in the machine memory, statistical data (11) associated with said distribution points, respectively, the statistical data being representative of the volume of distributed mail in relation to the distribution point in question, and grouping together consecutive distribution points in a single subassembly of distribution points while taking into account said statistical data associated with said distribution points.

Description

Procédé pour trier des envois postaux dans une machine de faible capacité Method for sorting postal items in a machine of low capacity
L'invention concerne un procédé pour trier des envois en plusieurs passes de tri dans une machine de tri postal munie de sorties de tri afin d'ordonner les envois dans les sorties de tri pour une distribution selon une tournée du facteur, dans lequel on regroupe des points de distribution définissant la tournée du facteur en sous-ensembles disjoints de points de distribution et dans lequel pour les différentes passes de tri les points de distribution de chaque sous-ensemble sont associés à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune.The invention relates to a method for sorting items in several sorting passes in a postal sorting machine provided with sorting outlets in order to order the items to be sent to the sorting outlets for distribution according to a postman's tour, in which distribution points defining the tour of the postman in disjoint subsets of distribution points and in which for the different sorting passes the distribution points of each subset are associated in each case with a common sorting output.
Un tel procédé qui est connu du document de brevet EP-2011578 sert à augmenter fictivement les capacités de tri d'une machine de tri postal.Such a method which is known from patent document EP-2011578 serves to fictitiously increase the sorting capacity of a postal sorting machine.
De manière générale, le nombre de points de distribution qu'une machine de tri postal est capable de traiter pour ordonner des envois selon une tournée du facteur est déterminé par la relation suivante : C = Sp, dans laquelle C représente la capacité de tri en terme de points de distribution, S représente le nombre de sorties de tri disponibles de la machine et P désigne le nombre de passes de tri. En regroupant au sein d'une tournée du facteur les points de distribution par groupes de points de distribution, on réalise le tri selon la tournée du facteur en considérant ces groupes de points de distribution chacun comme un seul et même point de distribution « fictif ». De la sorte, on augmente la capacité de tri d'une machine sans augmenter le nombre de sorties de tri prévu à l'origine pour la machine.In general, the number of distribution points that a postal sorting machine is able to process to order postings on a round of the factor is determined by the following relation: C = S p , in which C represents the sorting capacity in terms of distribution points, S represents the number of sorting outlets available from the machine and P denotes the number of sorting passes. By grouping distribution points in groups of distribution points within a factor tour, sorting is carried out according to the factor tour by considering these groups of distribution points each as a single "fictitious" distribution point. . In this way, we increase the sorting capacity of a machine without increasing the number of sorting outlets originally intended for the machine.
Dans ce procédé connu, on regroupe globalement un même nombre de points de distribution dans chaque sous-ensemble de points de distribution et par ailleurs, il est prévu qu'en dernière passe de tri, les envois dirigés vers la même sortie de tri sont réordonnés pour remédier au désordre induit par le regroupement des points de distribution. Ce dernier traitement nécessite d'intégrer un mécanisme sophistiqué et donc coûteux en amont des sorties de tri de la machine. Le but de l'invention est de proposer un procédé tel que défini plus haut, dans lequel on n'effectue pas de traitement spécifique en dernière passe de tri pour réordonner les envois mais on laisse subsister à l'issue de la dernière passe de tri, un certain désordre des envois dans chaque sortie de tri de la machine, ce désordre étant induit par le groupement des points de distribution. Toutefois, un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un procédé pour trier des envois avec lequel le désordre induit par le groupement des points de distribution est le moins contraignant possible pour le facteur afin de réaliser correctement la distribution du courrier.In this known method, the same number of distribution points is grouped together in each subset of distribution points and, moreover, it is expected that, in the last sorting pass, the items sent to the same sorting output are reordered. to remedy the disorder caused by the grouping of distribution points. This last treatment requires the integration of a sophisticated and therefore expensive mechanism upstream of the sorting outlets of the machine. The object of the invention is to propose a method as defined above, in which no specific processing is carried out in the last sorting pass in order to reorder the items, but it is allowed to remain at the end of the last sorting pass. , a certain disorder of the items in each sorting outlet of the machine, this disorder being induced by the grouping of the distribution points. However, another object of the invention is to provide a method for sorting items with which the disorder induced by the grouping of the distribution points is the least constraining possible for the factor in order to properly perform mail delivery.
L'idée à la base de l'invention est de regrouper les points de distribution de la tournée du facteur de manière non uniforme en tenant compte du volume de courrier qui est distribué à chaque point de distribution de la tournée du facteur. Plus particulièrement, l'idée à la base de l'invention est par exemple d'observer sur la durée le volume de courrier distribué pour chaque point de distribution de la tournée du facteur afin de caractériser un niveau d'activité pour chaque point de distribution. L'observation peut se faire de façon cyclique et on peut prévoir de consolider plusieurs observations cycliques pour caractériser un niveau d'activité moyen pour chaque point de distribution.The idea underlying the invention is to group the distribution points of the tour of the factor in a non-uniform manner taking into account the volume of mail that is distributed to each distribution point of the tour of the factor. More particularly, the idea underlying the invention is for example to observe over time the volume of mail distributed for each distribution point of the factor tour to characterize a level of activity for each distribution point. The observation can be done cyclically and it can be expected to consolidate several cyclic observations to characterize an average level of activity for each distribution point.
L'invention a donc pour objet un procédé pour trier des envois en plusieurs passes de tri dans une machine de tri postal munie de sorties de tri afin d'ordonner les envois dans les sorties de tri pour une distribution selon une tournée du facteur, dans lequel on regroupe des points de distribution définissant la tournée du facteur en sous-ensembles disjoints de points de distribution et dans lequel pour les différentes passes de tri les points de distribution de chaque sous-ensemble sont associés à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune, caractérisé en ce que on récupère en mémoire de la machine des données statistiques associées respectivement auxdits points de distribution, ces données statistiques étant représentatives du volume de courrier distribué en relation avec le point de distribution considéré, et en ce que on regroupe des points de distribution successifs dans un même sous- ensemble de points de distribution en tenant compte desdites données statistiques associées à ces points de distribution. L'invention s'étend à une machine de tri postal avec des sorties de tri apte à ordonner des envois dans les sorties de tri pour une distribution selon une tournée du facteur, la machine étant agencée pour regrouper des points de distribution définissant la tournée du facteur en sous-ensembles disjoints de points de distribution et associer pour des passes de tri successives les points de distribution de chaque sous-ensemble à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est en outre agencée pour récupérer en mémoire des données statistiques associées respectivement auxdits points de distribution, ces données statistiques étant représentatives du volume de courrier distribué en relation avec le point de distribution considéré, et à regrouper des points de distribution successifs dans un même sous-ensemble de points de distribution en tenant compte desdites données statistiques associées à ces points de distribution. Selon une première particularité du procédé ou de la machine selon l'invention, les données statistiques comportent en plus l'indication qu'un point de distribution considéré peut ou pas être regroupé avec un autre point de distribution de la tournée du facteur. Selon une seconde particularité du procédé ou de la machine selon l'invention, on compare à un seuil prédéterminé les données statistiques associées à deux points de distribution consécutifs d'une tournée du facteur pour regrouper dans le même sous-ensemble ces deux points de distribution.The subject of the invention is therefore a method for sorting items in several sorting passes in a postal sorting machine equipped with sorting outlets in order to order the items to be sent to the sorting outlets for distribution according to a tour of the factor, in which is grouped distribution points defining the tour of the factor into disjoint subsets of distribution points and in which for the different sorting passes the distribution points of each subset are associated each time with a common sorting output characterized in that statistical data associated with said distribution points are respectively stored in the memory of the machine, said statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and in that successive distribution in the same subset of distribution points taking into account said statist data associated with these distribution points. The invention extends to a postal sorting machine with sorting outlets able to order shipments in the sorting outlets for distribution according to a tour of the factor, the machine being arranged to group distribution points defining the tour of the factor in disjoint subsets distribution points and associate for successive sorting passes the distribution points of each subset each time to a common sorting output, characterized in that it is further arranged to recover in memory associated statistical data respectively at said distribution points, these statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and to grouping successive distribution points in the same subset of distribution points taking into account said statistical data associated with these distribution points. According to a first feature of the method or of the machine according to the invention, the statistical data furthermore comprise the indication that a distribution point considered may or may not be grouped with another distribution point of the factor's turn. According to a second feature of the method or of the machine according to the invention, the statistical data associated with two consecutive distribution points of a tour of the factor are compared with a predetermined threshold in order to group these two distribution points in the same subset. .
L'invention sera encore mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit en relation avec les dessins. Cette description n'est donnée qu'à titre d'exemple indicatif et nullement limitatif de l'invention.The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows in relation to the drawings. This description is given as an indicative and non-limiting example of the invention.
La figure 1 illustre un procédé pour trier des envois postaux sans réaliser de regroupement des points de distribution. La figure 2 illustre le procédé selon l'invention dans lequel on réalise un regroupement des points de distribution pour augmenter fictivement les capacités de tri d'une machine de tri postale.Figure 1 illustrates a method for sorting postal items without realizing distribution points. FIG. 2 illustrates the method according to the invention in which a regrouping of the distribution points is carried out in order to fictitiously increase the sorting capacities of a postal sorting machine.
La figure 3 illustre la prise en compte de données statistiques représentatives d'une certaine activité liée à chaque point de distribution pour la mise en œuvre du procédé selon l'invention.FIG. 3 illustrates the taking into account of statistical data representative of a certain activity related to each distribution point for the implementation of the method according to the invention.
Sur la figure 1 , on a illustré la configuration d'affectation dans deux plans de tri P1 et P2 pour le tri en deux passes sur quatre sorties de tri S1 à S4 de 16 points de distribution (indiqués par les valeurs numériques 1 ,2, 3, ...16). Le plan de tri P1 détermine l'affectation des sorties de tri aux points de distribution pour réaliser la première passe de tri. Le plan de tri P2 détermine l'affectation des sorties de tri aux points de distribution pour réaliser la seconde passe de tri. Selon le plan de tri P1 , les points de distribution 1 ,2,3 et 4 sont respectivement affectés aux sorties S1 , S2, S3 et S4. Les points de distribution 5 à 8, 9 à 12 et 13 à 16 sont affectés de la même manière respectivement aux sorties S1 à S4. Ainsi, les points de distribution 1 , 5, 9 et 13 sont affectés à la sortie S1. Les points de distribution 2, 6, 10 et 14 sont affectés à la sortie S2. Les points de distribution 3, 7, 11 et 15 sont affectés à la sortie S3. Les points de distribution 4, 8, 12 et 16 sont affectés à la sortie S4. En conséquence, deux points de distribution consécutifs dans la tournée du facteur ne sont ici pas affectés à une même sortie de tri. Au contraire, deux points de distribution consécutifs sont toujours affectés dans le plan de tri de la première passe de tri à des sorties de tri différentes de manière à obtenir une séquence ordonnée d'envois lors de la seconde passe de tri selon le plan de tri P2.FIG. 1 illustrates the allocation configuration in two sorting planes P1 and P2 for sorting in two passes over four sorting outlets S1 to S4 of 16 distribution points (indicated by the numerical values 1, 2, 3, ... 16). The sorting plan P1 determines the assignment of the sorting outlets to the distribution points to make the first sorting pass. The sorting plane P2 determines the assignment of the sorting outlets to the distribution points in order to carry out the second sorting pass. According to the sorting plane P1, the distribution points 1, 2, 3 and 4 are respectively assigned to the outputs S1, S2, S3 and S4. The distribution points 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 are likewise assigned respectively to the outputs S1 to S4. Thus, the distribution points 1, 5, 9 and 13 are assigned to the output S1. The distribution points 2, 6, 10 and 14 are assigned to the output S2. The distribution points 3, 7, 11 and 15 are assigned to the output S3. The distribution points 4, 8, 12 and 16 are assigned to the output S4. Consequently, two consecutive distribution points in the tour of the factor are not assigned here to the same sorting output. On the contrary, two consecutive distribution points are always assigned in the sorting plan of the first pass of sorting at different sorting outlets so as to obtain an ordered sequence of mailings during the second sorting pass according to the sorting plane P2.
Selon le plan de tri P2, les points de distribution 1 à 4 sont affectés à la sortie de tri S1. De la même manière, les points de distribution 5 à 8 sont affectés à la sortie S2. Les points de distribution 9 à 12 sont affectés à la sortie S3. Les points de distribution 13 à 16 sont affectés à la sortie S4. La concaténation des sorties de tri S1 -S2-S3-S4 à l'issue de la seconde passe de tri forme donc une séquence ordonnée des points de distribution pour la distribution du courrier. Le procédé de tri selon l'invention va maintenant être décrit en référence à la figure 2 en utilisant encore quatre sorties de tri S1 -S4 mais avec lesquelles on va trier en deux passes de tri 32 points de distribution. Le plan de tri de la première passe de tri est référencé P11 sur la figure 2 tandis que le deuxième plan de tri pour la deuxième passe de tri est référencé P12. Dans l'exemple de la figure 2, on a réalisé un groupement des points de distribution en sous-ensembles disjointsi O ayant un même nombre N de points de distribution, ici N=2.According to the sorting plan P2, the distribution points 1 to 4 are assigned to the sorting output S1. In the same way, the distribution points 5 to 8 are assigned to the output S2. Distribution points 9 to 12 are assigned to output S3. The distribution points 13 to 16 are assigned to the output S4. The concatenation of the sorting outlets S1-S2-S3-S4 at the end of the second sorting pass thus forms an ordered sequence of distribution points for the distribution of the mail. The sorting method according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 2 by using still four sorting outlets S1-S4 but with which 32 sorting points will be sorted into two sorting passes. The sorting plane of the first sorting pass is referenced P11 in FIG. 2 while the second sorting plane for the second sorting pass is referenced P12. In the example of FIG. 2, the distribution points have been grouped into disjoint subsets O having the same number N of distribution points, here N = 2.
Dans le plan de tri P11 , les points de distribution consécutifs 1 et 2 de la tournée du facteur sont regroupés pour former un premier sous-ensemble [1 ,2] qui est affecté à la sortie S1. De même, les points de distribution consécutifs 3 et 4 sont regroupés pour former un deuxième sous-ensemble [3,4] qui est affecté à la sortie S2, etc.... En conséquence, les sous- ensembles [1 ,2], [9,10], [17,18] et [25,26] sont affectés à la sortie S1. Les sous-ensembles [3,4], [11 ,12], [19,20] et [27,28] sont affectés à la sortie S2. Les sous-ensembles [5,6], [13,14], [21 ,22] et [29,30] sont affectés à la sortie S3. Les sous-ensembles [7,8], [15,16], [23,24] et [31 ,32] sont affectés à la sortie S4. Le plan de tri P11 associe donc des sous-ensembles de deux points de distribution aux sorties de tri.In the sorting plane P11, the consecutive distribution points 1 and 2 of the factor turn are grouped together to form a first subset [1, 2] which is assigned to the output S1. Likewise, the consecutive distribution points 3 and 4 are grouped together to form a second subset [3,4] which is assigned to the output S2, etc. As a consequence, the subsets [1, 2] , [9,10], [17,18] and [25,26] are assigned to the output S1. The subsets [3,4], [11, 12], [19,20] and [27,28] are assigned to the output S2. The subsets [5,6], [13,14], [21, 22] and [29,30] are assigned to the output S3. The subsets [7,8], [15,16], [23,24] and [31,32] are assigned to the output S4. The sorting plan P11 therefore associates subsets of two distribution points with the sorting outlets.
Dans le plan de tri P12, les sous-ensembles [1 ,2], [3,4], [5,6] et [7,8] sont affectés à la sortie de tri S1. De la même manière, les groupes de sous- ensembles [9,10]-[11 ,12]-[13,14]-[15-16], [17,18]-[19,20]-[21 ,22]-[23,24] et [25,26]-[27,28]-[29,30]-[31 ,32] sont respectivement affectés aux sorties de tri S2, S3 et S4.In the sorting plane P12, the subsets [1, 2], [3,4], [5,6] and [7,8] are assigned to the sorting output S1. Similarly, the subset groups [9,10] - [11, 12] - [13,14] - [15-16], [17,18] - [19,20] - [21, 22] - [23,24] and [25,26] - [27,28] - [29,30] - [31,32] are respectively assigned to the sorting outputs S2, S3 and S4.
On a donc pour les deux plan de tri P11 et P12 une association entre les sorties de tri de la machine et des sous-ensembles de deux points de distribution de sorte que les points de distribution de chaque sous-ensemble sont associés à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune. Avec ce regroupement, il en résulte une augmentation de la capacité de tri mais également une incertitude de tri au sein d'un sous-ensemble. Par exemple, deux envois postaux ayant chacun un point de distribution appartenant à un même sous-ensemble peuvent se retrouver triés dans un mauvais ordre à l'issue de la deuxième passe de tri comme illustré ci-après en relation avec la figure 2.For the two sorting planes P11 and P12, therefore, there is an association between the sorting outlets of the machine and the subsets of two distribution points, so that the distribution points of each subassembly are associated each time with a common sorting output. With this grouping, the result is an increase in the sorting capacity but also a sorting uncertainty within a subset. For example, two postal items each having a distribution point belonging to the same subset may be sorted in the wrong order at the end of the second sorting pass as illustrated below in relation to FIG. 2.
Lors de la première passe de tri, on initialise la machine de tri pour exécuter le plan de tri P11. Les envois postaux sont dépilés selon un certain ordre et dirigés vers la sortie de tri qui correspond au point de distribution reconnu pour chaque envoi. Dans l'exemple, on trie 17 envois postaux dont les points de distribution respectifs dans l'ordre de dépilage sont les suivants : 31 , 25, 25, 4, 3, 10, 14, 18, 29, 10, 15, 9, 16, 6, 9, 22 et 19. Le premier envoi est dépilé, son point de distribution 31 est lu et, en application du plan de tri P11 , cet envoi est dirigé vers la sortie de tri S4. Les envois postaux suivants sont triés en séquence de la même manière. Ainsi, le deuxième envoi ayant le point de distribution 25 est dirigé vers la sortie de tri S1 ...Le résultat du tri en première passe selon le plan de tri P11 est donné par le tableau R11. Les envois sont ensuite recyclés de manière conventionnelle en entrée de la machine de tri selon l'ordre des sorties de tri S4 à S1 pour subir une deuxième passe de tri selon le plan de tri P12. L'ordre des points de distribution correspondant aux envois postaux recyclés est donc le suivant : 31 , 15, 16, 14, 29, 6, 22, 4, 3, 19, 25, 25, 10, 18, 10, 9 et 9. Lors de la deuxième passe de tri, l'envoi ayant le point de distribution 31 est dirigé vers la sortie de tri S4, et ainsi de suite pour les autres envois...During the first sorting pass, the sorting machine is initialized to execute the sorting plan P11. The postal items are unstacked in a certain order and sent to the sorting outlet corresponding to the distribution point recognized for each shipment. In the example, 17 postal items are sorted whose respective distribution points in the unstacking order are as follows: 31, 25, 25, 4, 3, 10, 14, 18, 29, 10, 15, 9, 16, 6, 9, 22 and 19. The first shipment is unstacked, its distribution point 31 is read and, in application of the sorting plan P11, this shipment is directed to the sorting outlet S4. The following postal items are sorted in sequence in the same way. Thus, the second item having the distribution point 25 is directed to the sorting output S1 ... The sorting result in the first pass according to the sorting plane P11 is given by the table R11. The shipments are then recycled in conventional manner at the input of the sorting machine according to the order of the sorting outlets S4 to S1 to undergo a second sorting pass according to the sorting plan P12. The order of the distribution points corresponding to the recycled postal items is therefore the following: 31, 15, 16, 14, 29, 6, 22, 4, 3, 19, 25, 25, 10, 18, 10, 9 and 9 During the second sorting pass, the item having the distribution point 31 is sent to the sorting outlet S4, and so on for the other items ...
Le résultat du tri en seconde passe est illustré par le tableau R12. Dans la sortie de tri S1 , les envois sont triés dans le bon ordre mais dans la sortie S2, on voit que des envois postaux ayant les points de distribution 16 et 15 se trouvent placés dans un ordre inversé à l'ordre de distribution du courrier. C'est l'incertitude apportée par la mise en œuvre du procédé selon l'invention. Mais en pratique, dans une tournée du facteur, il peut y avoir un grand nombre de points de distribution pour lesquels le volume de courrier à distribuer est très faible. Autrement dit, une personne ne reçoit pas forcément du courrier tous les jours. Le procédé selon l'invention exploite cette situation pour limiter le plus possible cette incertitude.The result of sorting in the second pass is shown in Table R12. In the sorting output S1, the items are sorted in the correct order but in the output S2, it is seen that postal items having the distribution points 16 and 15 are placed in an inverted order to the mail distribution order. . This is the uncertainty brought about by the implementation of the method according to the invention. But in practice, in a postman's tour, there may be a large number of distribution points for which the volume of mail to be distributed is very small. In other words, a person does not necessarily receive mail every day. The process according to the invention exploits this situation to limit this uncertainty as much as possible.
Selon l'invention, il peut être prévu que les inversions de points de distribution soient indiquées soit sur la sortie de tri de la machine, soit sur l'étiquette du bac de stockage en sortie de tri contenant les envois inversés, soit encore sur un listing qui est donné au facteur assurant la distribution du courrier. Pour cela, la machine de tri est agencée pour détecter lors de la dernière passe de tri un désordre relatif des envois dirigés vers une sortie de tri et ensuite indiquer les désordres détectés sous forme d'impression papier. La détection peut facilement être faite par un programme machine qui suit, pour les envois successifs qui arrivent dans chaque sortie de tri, la progression des points de distribution identifiés pour ces envois dans la liste ordonnée de points de distribution qui correspond à la tournée du facteur. Dans notre exemple, le facteur récupère les envois de sa tournée avec une liste annexe lui indiquant que les points de distribution 15 et 16 sont inversés. Le facteur peut alors corriger cette erreur en inversant les envois ayant les points de distribution 15 et 16 au moment de la récupération de sa tournée ou en tenir compte lorsqu'il effectue la distribution.According to the invention, it can be provided that the inversions of distribution points are indicated either on the sorting outlet of the machine, or on the label of the storage bin at the sorting outlet containing the inverted shipments, or again on a listing that is given to the postman delivering the mail. For this, the sorting machine is arranged to detect during the last sorting pass a relative disorder of the items sent to a sorting outlet and then indicate the detected disorders in the form of paper printing. The detection can easily be done by a machine program that follows, for the successive shipments that arrive in each sorting outlet, the progression of the distribution points identified for these shipments in the ordered list of distribution points that corresponds to the postman's trip. . In our example, the factor retrieves shipments from his tour with an appendix indicating that the distribution points 15 and 16 are reversed. The factor can then correct this error by inverting shipments with distribution points 15 and 16 at the time of the recovery of his tour or take account of it when distributing.
Dans le procédé selon l'invention, le regroupement des points de distribution d'une tournée ne se fait pas donc de manière uniforme comme illustré sur la figure 2 mais de façon dynamique en fonction de données statistiques (qui peuvent être actualisées régulièrement) représentatives d'une certaine activité des points de distribution de la tournée.In the method according to the invention, the grouping of the distribution points of a tour is not therefore uniformly illustrated in Figure 2 but dynamically based on statistical data (which can be updated regularly) representative of a certain activity distribution points of the tour.
Selon l'invention, on effectue sur la machine de tri (la machine du centre de tri distribution sur laquelle sont préparées les tournées du facteur) une première campagne de relevés consistant à relever sur une période de temps donnée, le volume de courrier distribué en relation avec chaque point de distribution d'une tournée du facteur. Ces relevés sont effectués pour toutes les tournées préparées sur la machine. Pendant cette campagne, on exploite de façon conventionnelle (c'est-à-dire sans regroupement comme illustré sur la figure 1 ) la machine de tri 10 représentée figure 3 pour la préparation des tournées du facteur.According to the invention, the first sorting campaign is carried out on the sorting machine (the machine of the distribution sorting center on which the postman's rounds are prepared) consisting in recording the volume of mail distributed over a given period of time. relationship with each distribution point of a postman's tour. These readings are done for all tours prepared on the machine. During this campaign, the sorting machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 is operated conventionally (that is to say without grouping as illustrated in FIG. 1) for the preparation of the rounds of the factor.
A l'issue de cette première campagne de relevés (campagne d'initialisation du processus), on obtient pour chaque tournée des données statistiques 11 indicatives du volume de courrier distribué en relation avec chaque point de distribution de la tournée et ce de manière différenciée selon les jours de la semaine par exemple. On sait en effet, que l'activité d'un point de distribution peut varier d'un jour à, l'autre et cette variation se répéter de la même manière d'une semaine à l'autre. La machine 11 peut donc être programmée pour que ces données statistiques 11 soient des données consolidées automatiquement (et donc actualisées) dans le temps y compris en période d'exploitation de la machine de tri selon le procédé de l'invention. La consolidation peut par exemple s'effectuer selon un cycle hebdomadaire de sorte que les données statistiques représentent des valeurs moyennes de volume de courrier en relation avec chaque point de distribution d'une tournée du facteur.At the end of this first survey campaign (process initialization campaign), we obtain for each round statistical data 11 indicative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to each distribution point of the tour and this in a manner differentiated according to the days of the week for example. It is known that the activity of a distribution point may vary from one day to the next, and this variation may be repeated in the same manner from one week to the next. The machine 11 can therefore be programmed so that these statistical data 11 are data consolidated automatically (and thus updated) over time including the operating period of the sorting machine according to the method of the invention. Consolidation can for example Weekly cycle so that the statistical data represent average values of mail volume in relation to each distribution point of a factor tour.
Sur la figure 3, le tableau 12 illustre des données statistiques obtenues après une campagne effectuée sur plusieurs semaines par exemple. Les données statistiques sont indiquées sur la ligne portant la référence « Poids » tandis que les points de distribution correspondants sont indiqués sur la ligne portant la référence « PDI ». On peut constater que pour le point de distribution 11 , le poids est égal à 0,2 pour le lundi, le poids est égal à 0,5 pour le mardi, et le poids est égal à 0,0 pour le mercredi. On constate donc un volume variable de courrier en relation avec ce point de distribution selon les jours de la semaine, ce qui est mis à profit par l'invention dans le regroupement des points de distribution.In FIG. 3, table 12 illustrates statistical data obtained after a campaign carried out over several weeks, for example. The statistical data are indicated on the line with the reference "Weight" while the corresponding distribution points are indicated on the line bearing the reference "PDI". It can be seen that for the distribution point 11, the weight is equal to 0.2 for Monday, the weight is equal to 0.5 for Tuesday, and the weight is equal to 0.0 for Wednesday. There is therefore a variable volume of mail in relation to this distribution point according to the days of the week, which is exploited by the invention in the grouping of distribution points.
Bien entendu, les relevés pourraient être différenciés sur tous les jours d'un mois et exploités avec un cycle de consolidation mensuel par exemple. L'essentiel est que ces données statistiques reflètent le mieux possible la réalité de l'activité de chaque point de distribution au moment où le regroupement de ce point de distribution doit être réalisé et exploité par la machine de tri 10. Le tableau 13 sur la figure 3 illustre plusieurs regroupements des points de distribution effectués avec les données statistiques du tableau 12 pour différents jours de la semaine. En se référant à l'organigramme très simplifié de la figure 4, pour réaliser le regroupement des points de distribution d'une tournée du facteur, la machine 10 balaie séquentiellement en 40 la liste ordonnée des points de distribution PDI1 (i allant de 1 à n) d'une tournée en commençant par le premier point de distribution de la liste pour construire un premier groupe tel que Gj (j allant de 1 à m). La donnée statistique (PoidsPDh) associée à ce point de distribution pour le jour de la semaine considéré est récupérée dans la base de données 11 et est comparée à une valeur de seuil S en 41 qui est un paramètre d'entrée pour le processus de regroupement. Dans le cas d'exemple de la figure 3, le seuil est fixé à 1 et le poids du point de distribution 11 est de 0,2 le lundi. Le regroupement en 42 dans un groupe courant Gj continue tant que le cumul P en 43 des poids associés aux points de distribution successifs ajoutés dans le groupe ne dépasse pas le seuil S. Si le seuil est franchi en 41 , alors le processus se poursuit sur un nouveau groupe de points de distribution (bloc 44 sur la figure 4). Et ainsi de suite pour chaque tournée du facteur enregistrée dans la machine 10.Of course, the statements could be differentiated on all the days of a month and exploited with a monthly consolidation cycle for example. The essential point is that these statistical data reflect as much as possible the reality of the activity of each distribution point at the moment when the regrouping of this distribution point must be carried out and exploited by the sorting machine 10. Table 13 on the Figure 3 illustrates several groupings of distribution points made with the statistical data in Table 12 for different days of the week. Referring to the highly simplified flowchart of FIG. 4, to achieve the regrouping of the distribution points of a factor tour, the machine 10 sequentially scans at 40 the ordered list of PDI distribution points 1 (i ranging from 1 to n) a tour starting with the first distribution point of the list to construct a first group such that G j (j ranging from 1 to m). The statistical data (Weight PD h) associated with this distribution point for the day of the week in question is retrieved from the database 11 and is compared with a threshold value S at 41 which is an input parameter for the process grouping. In the case of example of Figure 3, the threshold is set at 1 and the weight of the distribution point 11 is 0.2 on Monday. The grouping at 42 in a current group G j continues as long as the accumulation P in 43 of the weights associated with the successive distribution points added in the group does not exceed the threshold S. If the threshold is crossed at 41, then the process continues on a new group of distribution points (block 44 in Figure 4). And so on for every tour of the factor recorded in the machine 10.
Dans le tableau 13, on observe que les groupes de points de distribution G1 , G2, G3, G4 et G5 sont différents d'un jour à l'autre de la semaine. Par exemple le lundi, le groupe G1 comporte trois points de distribution consécutifs, le mardi il comporte deux points de distribution consécutifs et le mercredi il comporte quatre points de distribution consécutifs. A partir du tableau 13, on remarque que globalement pour la même tournée du facteur, la machine 10 va trier sur cinq groupes de points de distribution le lundi, six groupes le mardi et quatre groupes le mercredi. Ces variations permettent à l'opérateur de trier plus ou moins de tournées du facteur en même temps sur la machine en exploitant toutes les sorties de tri.In Table 13, it can be seen that the groups of distribution points G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5 are different from one day to the other of the week. For example on Monday, the group G1 has three consecutive distribution points, on Tuesday it has two consecutive distribution points and on Wednesday it has four consecutive distribution points. From Table 13, we see that globally for the same tour of the factor, the machine 10 will sort on five groups of distribution points on Monday, six groups on Tuesdays and four groups on Wednesdays. These variations allow the operator to sort more or less turns of the factor at the same time on the machine by exploiting all sorting outlets.
On peut également prévoir pour le regroupement des points de distribution, la prise en compte d'une information supplémentaire associée à chaque point de distribution qui est indicative que le point de distribution peut ou non être regroupé avec un autre point de distribution. Ceci présente l'avantage d'empêcher par exemple de regrouper deux points de distribution consécutifs de faible activité et qui sont géographiquement éloignés. It is also possible to group the distribution points, taking into account additional information associated with each distribution point that is indicative that the distribution point may or may not be grouped with another distribution point. This has the advantage of preventing for example to consolidate two consecutive distribution points of low activity and which are geographically distant.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 ) Procédé pour trier des envois en plusieurs passes de tri dans une machine de tri postal (10) munie de sorties de tri afin d'ordonner les envois dans les sorties de tri pour une distribution selon une tournée du facteur, dans lequel on regroupe des points de distribution définissant la tournée du facteur en sous-ensembles disjoints de points de distribution et dans lequel pour les différentes passes de tri les points de distribution de chaque sous- ensemble sont associés à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune, caractérisé en ce que on récupère en mémoire de la machine des données statistiques (11 ) associées respectivement auxdits points de distribution, ces données statistiques étant représentatives du volume de courrier distribué en relation avec le point de distribution considéré, et en ce que on regroupe (42) des points de distribution successifs dans un même sous-ensemble de points de distribution en tenant compte desdites données statistiques associées à ces points de distribution.1) A method for sorting shipments in several sorting passes in a postal sorting machine (10) provided with sorting outlets for ordering shipments in the sorting outlets for distribution according to a tour of the factor, in which group distribution points defining the turn of the factor into disjoint subsets of distribution points and in which for the different sorting passes the distribution points of each subassembly are associated in each case with a common sorting output, characterized in that what is recovered in the memory of the machine statistical data (11) respectively associated with said distribution points, these statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and in that one groups (42) successive distribution points in the same subset of distribution points taking into account said associated statistical data es to these distribution points.
2) Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel les données statistiques comportent en plus l'indication que le point de distribution considéré peut ou pas être regroupé avec un autre point de distribution de la tournée du facteur. 3) Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel on compare à un seuil prédéterminé les données statistiques associées à deux points de distribution consécutifs d'une tournée du facteur pour regrouper dans le même sous-ensemble ces deux points de distribution.2) The method of claim 1, wherein the statistical data further comprise the indication that the distribution point considered may or may not be grouped with another distribution point of the tour of the factor. 3) Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein is compared to a predetermined threshold the statistical data associated with two consecutive distribution points of a tour of the factor to group in the same subset these two distribution points .
4) Machine de tri postal (10) avec des sorties de tri apte à ordonner des envois dans les sorties de tri pour une distribution selon une tournée du facteur, la machine étant agencée pour regrouper des points de distribution définissant la tournée du facteur en sous-ensembles disjoints de points de distribution et associer pour des passes de tri successives les points de distribution de chaque sous-ensemble à chaque fois à une sortie de tri commune, caractérisé en ce qu'elle est en outre agencée pour récupérer en mémoire des données statistiques (11 ) associées respectivement auxdits points de distribution, ces données statistiques étant représentatives du volume de courrier distribué en relation avec le point de distribution considéré, et à regrouper des points de distribution successifs dans un même sous-ensemble de points de distribution en tenant compte desdites données statistiques associées à ces points de distribution.4) Postal sorting machine (10) with sorting outlets able to order shipments in the sorting outlets for a distribution according to a tour of the postman, the machine being arranged to group distribution points defining the tour of the factor in slot disjoint sets of distribution points and associate for successive sorting passes the distribution points of each subset each time to a common sorting output, characterized in that it is furthermore arranged to recover data in memory statistics (11) respectively associated with said distribution points, these statistical data being representative of the volume of mail distributed in relation to the distribution point in question, and grouping successive distribution points in the same subset of distribution points by holding account of said statistical data associated with these distribution points.
5) Machine selon la revendication 4, agencée en outre pour prendre en compte des données statistiques qui comportent en plus l'indication que le point de distribution considéré peut ou pas être regroupé avec un autre point de distribution de la tournée du facteur. 6) Machine selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, agencée en outre pour comparer à un seuil prédéterminé les données statistiques associées à deux points de distribution consécutifs d'une tournée du facteur pour regrouper dans le même sous-ensemble ces deux points de distribution. 5) Machine according to claim 4, further arranged to take into account statistical data which further include the indication that the distribution point considered may or may not be grouped with another distribution point of the tour of the factor. 6) Machine according to one of claims 4 or 5, further arranged to compare with a predetermined threshold the statistical data associated with two consecutive distribution points of a tour of the factor to group in the same subset these two points of distribution.
EP10727096.9A 2009-05-15 2010-05-04 Process for sorting mail items in a low capacity machine Not-in-force EP2429723B2 (en)

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