FR2590505A1 - METHOD FOR SORTING AND GROUPING OBJECTS ACCORDING TO THEIR DESTINATION AND INSTALLATION AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, as well as to an installation allowing its implementation. It will find its application in particular in the case of shipment of objects, such as printed documents or catalog, by post according to the distributor office. According to the invention, the objects are sorted and grouped according to their destination, said objects bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by place of destination: by providing at least one graphic identification mark on objects 1 addressed and ordered, the references being all identical for the same place; by scrolling the addressed, ordered and marked objects 1, one by one in front of the detection and reading means 8 to identify each identification mark read successively; - by analyzing the sequence of identification marks read and comparing each mark reading to the reading that precedes it and that which follows it; - And by detecting a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of identification marks read with a view to grouping objects of the same place of destination. (CF DRAWING IN BOPI)

Description

The invention relates to a method of sorting and grouping objects according to

their destination as well as to a

  installation allowing the implementation of the method.

  It will particularly find its application in the case where it is necessary to group objects according to their destination before their transfer to this place and will be used especially in the case of shipping objects such as documents, printed or catalogs, by post according to

delivery office.

  In different commercial areas, such as mail order or catalog sales, it is common to present the different items or items sold by publishing a catalog showing them, the catalogs are then sent by mail to potential customers

potential.

  Moreover, nowadays, advertising techniques also use this shipping principle; indeed, it is commonly sent by mail objects or advertising documents in all directions according to destination listings defined for the purposes of these advertising campaigns. Moreover, these are very frequent and

  it is therefore necessary to automate these shipments.

  Finally, in another area such as that of the press, it is also common to send subscribers newspapers, printed, periodical or other magazines, by post. In all these cases, whatever the nature of the object to be sent, it usually bears a label or a zone mentioning the name of the recipient, his address and the

  reference of the final distributor office of the object.

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  Generally, in order to facilitate and avoid clogging of the sorting centers, the shippers first carry out a grouping of the objects to be sent by destination places and more specifically by distributor offices. To perform this grouping, it is then necessary to detect a difference between two documents or objects, bearing different addresses and in particular having two different distribution offices. In this respect, it is known various methods of sorting and grouping objects and facilities for their implementation which use either simple techniques which are then unreliable or so much more techniques

  safe but then very sophisticated and expensive.

  A first known method for sorting and grouping objects is to print the destination addresses in an orderly manner, for example by postal code number of the office of the destination, and during the change of the distributor office, to provide in addition to the address a contrasting mark alternately every second series or on the

last document in a series.

  Generally, this marker is formed of any type of print so as to blacken an area which will then be recognized by an optical device, such as a photoelectric cell, which will detect the presence or non-presence of this marker. A signal will then be issued to operate downstream

the grouping command of the objects.

  These systems are relatively simple to implement but have a major drawback: they are

limited and very unreliable.

  Indeed, these systems work in all or nothing and do not allow accurate tracking, only two choices are possible: presence or absence of the marker; There's no

identification of the marker.

  In addition, these systems are subject to external parameters that cause misreading. Indeed, they are particularly sensitive to the positioning of the marker with respect to the optical device, depend on the inking of the marks and the quality of the medium, in particular its material and its color, which plays mainly on the contrast and therefore on the reliability the measure of presence or absence of the marker. For these reasons, these devices, although inexpensive to implement, are unreliable and provoke

  inevitably bad groupings of objects to be shipped.

  In addition, as most of the time, the object of these postal expeditions is the sending of catalogs or advertising documents, the latter are therefore misdirected to the sorting centers and therefore, never reach their recipient, this causes a double loss for the sender, on the one hand the cost of the undistributed catalog which increases the costs of advertising campaign and on the other hand, the loss of a potential or faithful customer because of its non-information. To overcome these drawbacks, some companies have implemented a method of sorting and grouping objects, which uses very sophisticated tracking techniques such as special code reader devices, generally known as "bar code" ". These techniques are much more reliable but require significant investments to be made in the groupage installation, especially in terms of printing

  code and at the code identification reading.

  This other technique has the main disadvantage of increasing the cost of shipments of documents, prints, catalogs or objects, this overcoat being more detrimental to very frequent shipments. In addition, another important aspect in the case of advertising is the appearance

  unsightly bar codes that are used.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, which can overcome the disadvantages of currently known techniques and used to increase the reliability of the system to reduce or even eliminate the risks grouping error while implementing reliable devices and not requiring investments too

  important to minimize shipping costs.

  One of the aims of the present invention is to propose a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination and an installation allowing its implementation, which may allow the identification of graphic markers provided on the objects in order to analyze them. and compare them to the markers of adjacent objects in order to group

  objects of the same destination in a reliable manner.

  Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of sorting and grouping objects and an installation authorizing its implementation, which does not require specific printing devices for specific reference marks, such as a barcode or the like. but which, on the contrary, allows the use of graphic markers formed of characters available on typing machines or

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conventional printers.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination and an installation allowing its implementation, which to increase the reliability of the grouping, performs

  a control of the reading of each read identification mark.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention

  will appear in the course of the description which follows, which

  however, is only indicative.

  According to the invention, the method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, in particular used in the case of shipping objects, such as documents, printed matter, or catalogs, by post, according to the distributing office, said objects bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by destination, is characterized by the fact that: - at least one graphic identification mark is provided on each of the addressed and ordered objects, the marks being all identical for the same place destination, - the objects are addressed, ordered and marked, one by one in front of detection and reading means to identify each identification mark read successively, - the sequence of read identification marks read and compared each reference reading, denoted by Ln, to the reading which precedes it, denoted by Ln-1, and to that which follows it denoted by Ln + 1, detects a discontinuity conferring confirmed in the sequence of identification marks read for grouping objects

same place of destination.

  For this purpose, the sorting and grouping plant

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  of objects authorizing the implementation of the method of the present invention, is characterized in that it comprises: printing means associated with supply means for delivering separate objects, addressed, ordered and bearing less a graphic identification mark, - conveying means, placed downstream of the printing and feeding means, able to scroll said objects one by one in the preset order, - detection and reading means placed at the right of the conveying means, able to identify each identification mark read successively on the scrolling objects and able to form a read mark sequence, - read information processing means, able to analyze the sequence of marks d identifying and comparing each reference reading Ln to the previous reading Ln-1 and to the next reading Ln + 1, and according to predetermined reference data able to detect a diode confirmed continuity in the sequence of identification marks and to control the

  grouping objects from the same destination.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the

  following description accompanied by the attached drawings which in

are an integral part.

  FIG. 1 schematically represents an installation for sorting and grouping objects allowing the setting

  of the process of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 schematically represents a series of objects addressed, ordered, labeled, periodic, according to the

  method of the present invention.

  Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show modes

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  preferential graphical identification marks used

  in the process of the present invention.

  Figure 4 shows an example of a mailing address supplemented by graphical markers used in the sorting and grouping method of the present invention. The present invention aims a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, and an installation for its implementation. In the following example, which will be described, it is particularly applied to the shipment of objects by post office according to the distributor. Nevertheless, it could quite apply to other cases, the objects to be transferred requiring a grouping, it could be the case of transfer of parts in

a manufacturing workshop.

  In this case, the objects to be grouped will generally be printed documents or catalogs

  intended for dispatch to customers or potential customers.

  This practice is widespread nowadays and shipments are made by mail, each customer being identified by an address, a place of distribution and a postal code. Nevertheless, in the case of manufacturing parts as specified above, the objects could be constituted by all kinds of articles at least identified by a label

  or a previously printed registration area.

  Therefore, although initially planned for the sorting and grouping of catalogs and documents necessary for mail order, the present invention could find application in other cases and could be used for the shipping of group orders by post or to transfer goods in the course of production delivered in an orderly fashion in production lines, to stores or to other workstations. FIG. 1 represents an installation for sorting and grouping objects according to their purpose, in particular enabling the method of the present invention to be implemented. This installation makes it possible in particular to sort and group flat objects (1) consisting substantially of advertising printed matter or catalogs. These objects (1) will be delivered one by one by an installation, not shown in the figure, allowing in particular the shaping of

  documents, their choice and their packaging.

  These objects will in particular be delivered by transfer means (2) on which may be placed flat said objects. Nevertheless, they could be constituted by any other means known to those skilled in the art, such as

unstacking systems or others.

  At this stage, the objects (1) can already carry their destination address printed beforehand in the order of their destination or, more exactly, according to the code

postal office distributor PTT.

  Nevertheless, it could be envisaged to make this impression of address at the entrance of the sorting installation

  and grouping of the present invention.

  In this regard, the installation of the present invention comprises printing means (3) associated with the supply means (2) delivering the objects (1) separated. The printing means (3) will comprise at least one printer making it possible to address in an orderly manner according to the locations of

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  destination, the objects (1) and for providing at least one identification mark required for the method of the invention. In FIG. 4 is illustrated by way of example a preferential mode of label (4) bearing the recipient's references, his address and in particular his place of destination and his postal code and a graphic marker.

identification (5).

  It should be noted that the expression "graphic identification mark" must be taken in a very broad sense, which is why the lack of reference marks with regard to the presence of

  benchmarks may be a way of locating.

  According to the present invention, to constitute these graphic identification markers (5), one uses either one or white spaces, that is to say a lack of markers or one or more graphic characters, compact and contrasted for

  facilitate their detection and reading.

  These characters used will advantageously be of the same font as that used for printing the address. Thus, the printer machine constituting the printing means (3) will be of a type quite common and will present a font type "typing machine". Downstream of the supply means (2) and printing (3) are placed conveying means (6), able to scroll said objects (1) one by one in the preset order. Thus, the objects will scroll according to the arrow marked (7) in the figure, according to their order of printing for example

  ordered successively by place of destination.

  The installation of the present invention also comprises detection and reading means (8) placed in line with the conveying means (6) so as to be opposite

  inscriptions (4) affixed to each object (1).

  Finally, the installation comprises means for processing (9) information read by the detection and reading means (8). It is in particular these processing means (9) which will control the grouping of the objects of the same destination destination at the output (10) at a workstation.

grouping (10).

  These essential constituents of the sorting and grouping facility of the present invention will notably make it possible to implement the following method: said objects (1) bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by destination, provides on each of the addressed and ordered objects a graphic identification mark (5), these marks (5) being all identical for the same destination, - the objects (1) are scrolled. addressed, ordered and identified, one by one in front of detection and reading means (8) for identifying each marker (5) read successively, these successions of marks then constituting a sequence of identification marks read, - this sequence is analyzed and we compare each reading of marks, denoted by Ln, with the reading which precedes it, denoted by Ln-1, and with that which follows it, denoted by Ln + l, - one detects a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of marks of d identification read for grouping objects

(1) the same place of destination.

  In the installation of the present invention and according to the method of sorting and grouping objects, as shown in particular in Figure 2, there is carried out a periodically ordered sequence (11) of objects (1) to be shipped. This series of objects will pass in front of the detection and reading means (8) in the marked direction of movement (7) imposed by the means of

conveying (6).

  Through the feed means (2) and printing (3), the objects (1) to be shipped are placed successively in series according to their destination. As shown in Figure 2, the objects (1) designated by A constitute the first series, then the objects identified by B constitute the second series, then those by C the third series, and so on for objects in the series D, E, F , G, etc. During their identification, these different series A, B, C, D, etc. receive a graphic identification mark (5). To facilitate the detection and reading mode of these marks (5), a restricted mode of identification marks is used which is very much less than the number of places of destination. Thus, a periodic ordered sequence (11) is carried out by placing the series A, B ...... F, ... successively according to the different graphical references (5) and periodically

  according to the number of different graphic marks.

  In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, at least three different identification graphical markers are used which are then printed alternately on three successive series of objects. By way of example, FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show three types of

  different landmarks that can be used.

  In FIG. 2, to facilitate the representation, the reference represented in FIG. 3a is identified by (a), that

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  of Figure 3b by (b) and that of Figure 3c by (c). These three marks are placed successively and periodically on the successive series of objects delivered by the means (2) and (3). For example, the series marked A carries the identification mark (5) designated by (a), the series B bears the mark indicated by (b), the series C bears the mark designated by (c) and so on, series D bears again the first marker designated by (a), the series E the second reference designated by (b), the series F the third designated by (c), etc. This identification tracking organization makes it possible to detect the grouping of objects (1) in a reliable manner and by minimizing the taking into account of erroneous readings. Indeed, according to the sorting and grouping method of the present invention, the grouping order of the objects is given after the reading, called Ln + 1, of the identification mark (5) of the object following the one whose reading, called Ln, caused the first discontinuity of the sequence. Thus, reading Ln + l

  thus confirms the discontinuity caused by the reading Ln.

  This technique makes it possible to overcome possible reading anomalies. For example, if a sequence of identification marks read by the means (8) is constituted by a sequence of marks of the type (a) as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in which is inserted a read error, caused either by a bad impression, either by a fault of order or of reading, the installation will not cause the groupage because the discontinuity has not been confirmed and one

  will consider that it is always the same series of objects.

  On the other hand, if the discontinuity of the sequence is confirmed, at that moment there will be all the chances that it is indeed another series of objects and then, one will cause the groupage. For example, if Ln-l = a, Ln = b, Ln + l = b, we say that the series of objects marked A ends on reading 5. Ln-l and the new series of objects marked B starts at Ln ,

  this decision being confirmed by reading Ln + l.

  It should be noted that, to simplify the identification marks, it could be envisaged to use a character (12) in the case of the reference designated by (a) of Figure 3, two characters (13) in the case of reference (b) and three characters (14) in the case of reference (c). However, voluntarily according to the present invention, each object (1) is printed several times with the same identification graphic mark which is read successively during the passage of the object in question in front of the detection and reading means (8). to improve the reliability of information gathering. For example, in the illustrated case, the measurement of the identification character is carried out successively three times, these three

  characters being spaced between them.

  Moreover, it should be remembered that the identification marks (5) can consist of a lack of character printing. Thus, for example, one of the reference marks used (a), (b) or (c) could be of this type while allowing the proper operation of the method of the present invention. This blank marking being provided on one of the series, the installation will detect each time the absence of identification mark (5) and interpret it as a type of identification mark. In addition, to facilitate and trigger the reading of the said graphic identification markers (5), according to

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  the invention is printed on the addressed and ordered objects carrying a mark (5) printed, that is to say other than the

  at least one positioning marker (15).

  Advantageously, the arrangement of the graphic identification markers (5) and graphic positioning markers (15) will have a shape that will make it possible to highlight them with respect to the characters constituting the mailing address of dispatch. In particular, according to the figures 3 shown, there is provided a coated tee whose horizontal bar (16) substantially defines the line of the identification marks (5) and the vertical bar (17) triggers the

  reading of the identification marks.

  The object sorting and grouping facility allowing the implementation of the method of the present invention, which has been described above, may be carried out from various devices which, taken separately, are known to man. business. In a preferred embodiment of this

  invention, we will use the devices whose description will

follow as an example.

  As regards the printing means (3), they will generally be in the form of a very conventional printer machine which will have a character of the type "typing". This printer machine will print the address and if necessary the different marks simultaneously, these prints can be made either on labels which will then be fixed on the

  articles, either directly on the object if it allows it.

  With regard to the detection and reading means (8) of the identification marks, they will be able to identify each identification mark read successively on the scrolling objects and will make it possible to form a sequence

readings.

  These means (8) will in particular be constituted by "charge-transfer" type of image-taking means capable of producing a video signal representative of the read mark and to be delivered, by means of a comparator circuit and signal signals. pre-programmed reference, a sequence of signals

  analogous to the sequence of read references.

  These means of shooting (8) will be constructed according to techniques known to those skilled in the art and will be placed at a distance such as the grouping station (10) so that there are at least two objects (1). ) corresponding to the readings Ln and Ln + 1 on the conveying means (6) between the means (8) and (10) in order to be able to perform the analysis of the sequence of the marks and to make the comparisons according to the

  method of the invention before ordering the grouping.

  In addition, the shooting means will comprise a device for performing the development, lighting means provided with heat-absorbing filters to improve the quality of the image captured, and a window of a charge-oriented device for transferring charges. perpendicular to the

direction of scrolling objects.

  Thus, the shooting means will capture point by point a detailed image of the area observed. This image will in particular be digitized in electronic circuits known to those skilled in the art so that the relevant data can be extracted in order to transmit them to the means of communication.

information processing (9).

  More precisely, these electronic means will comprise a comparator circuit and a programmable memory circuit in which the reference values of the marker will be input. These two cooperating circuits will in particular make it possible to format a sequence of analog signals representative of the sequence of read and usable references by the aforementioned information processing means (9). In addition, the shooting means comprise a circuit for locating and triggering the reading of the identification marks (5) which, by means of the positioning marks (15) makes it possible to locate the identification marks ( 5) affixed to the object and synchronize the

  reading of the identification marks (5).

  Thus, thanks to these means and the respective particular arrangement of the identification and positioning marks, only part of the image will be taken into account, which will make it possible to reduce the reaction times of the devices. With regard to the processing means (9) of the information read, they will notably be able to analyze the sequence of identification marks and to compare each reading of marks Ln with the previous Ln-1 and the following Ln + 1, and according to predetermined reference data, able to detect a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of read identification marks and to control the grouping of

  objects of the same place of destination.

  These processing means (9) will furthermore comprise input interfaces with the detection and reading means (8) and output interfaces with the grouping station (10), at least one circuit for analyzing the sequence read markers performing the comparison of each reference Ln by

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  relative to the previous reading Ln-1 and to the next reading Ln + 1 to control and decide on the grouping of objects when a discontinuity found in the reading sequence

  is confirmed by the following reading.

  This analysis circuit will be constituted according to techniques known to those skilled in the art and will include means for slicing the information sequence into slices and for storing them in memories, means that will sequentially search the memories. the information and means to perform the comparison at each reading Ln

with the readings Ln-1 and Ln + 1.

  In addition, these processing means may include signaling means for preventing detected anomalies that may essentially be due to misreading, improper printing, or a lack of order. Regarding the grouping station (10), it will also be constituted according to the objects considered by means of techniques known to those skilled in the art. In particular, it will receive the grouping orders of the information processing circuit, these orders being slightly delayed to trigger the grouping when the last object constituting the

  series reaches the level of this post (10).

  Naturally, other types of installations, within the reach of those skilled in the art, could be envisaged to implement the method of sorting and grouping objects of the present invention, without departing from the scope of it.

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Claims (12)

  1. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, in particular used in the case of shipping objects, such as documents, printed matter or catalogs, by mail according to the distribution office, said objects (1) including a destination address and being ordered by destination, characterized by the fact that: - at least one graphic identification mark (5) is provided on each of the addressed and ordered objects (1), the markers (5) being all identical for the same place of destination, the objects (1) addressed, ordered and marked, are scrolled one by one in front of detection and reading means (8) to identify each identification mark ( 5) successively read, - the sequence of the identification marks read is analyzed and each reading of marks, denoted by Ln, is compared with the reading which precedes it, denoted by Ln-1, and with that which follows it, defined by Ln + l, - we detect u confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of identification marks read for grouping objects same place of destination.   2. The method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 1, characterized in that a periodic ordered sequence (11) of objects (1) to be sent is carried out, the objects (1) being placed successively by series according to their place of destination (A, B, C, ...), the series being placed successively according to the different graphical references (5) and periodically according to the number of these references different. 19 2590505   3. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 2, characterized in that at least three different identification graphic markers (5) corresponding to three successive series of objects (1) are used. ). 4. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided on each object several times the same identification graphic mark (5) which is read successively during passing the object (1) in front of the detection and reading means (8) to improve the reliability of the taking information.   5. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 4, characterized in that, to form the graphic identification markers (5), one uses either one or more white spaces, or one or more graphical characters, compact and contrasted, to facilitate their detection and reading, these characters being advantageously of the same font as that used for the printing of the shipping address.   6. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 4, characterized in that, to facilitate and trigger the reading of said graphic character or characters of the identification mark (5) printed on the objects (1). ) addressed and ordered, a graphical positioning marker (15) is printed in the form of   compact and contrasting graphic characters.   7. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 1, wherein the grouping order of the objects after reading Ln + 1 is given. 2590505   identification mark of the object following the one whose reading Ln caused the first discontinuity of the sequence, this reading Ln + 1 then confirming the discontinuity caused by reading Ln.   8. Installation for sorting and grouping objects, allowing the implementation of the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - supply means (2) associated with means printing device (3) for delivering separate objects (1), addressed, ordered, and bearing at least one identification mark (5), - conveying means (6), placed downstream of the feed means ( 2) and printing (3), able to scroll said objects (1), one by one in the pre-established order, - detection and reading means (8) placed in line with the conveying means (6) , capable of identifying each identification mark (5) successively read on the scrolling objects (1) and forming a sequence of read references, - processing means (9) of the read information, able to analyze the sequence of the reference marks. identification and comparing each reference reading Ln to the previous Ln-1 and to the next Ln + 1, and according to predetermined reference numbers capable of detecting a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of read identification marks and to be controlled   grouping objects from the same destination.   9. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the printing means are in the form of a printer machine whose   font is type "typing machine".   10. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for detecting and reading (8) identification marks (5) are constituted by means of shooting of the "transfer-type" type. "Loads" adapted to develop a video signal representative of the read mark and to deliver, through a comparator circuit and preprogrammed reference signals, a sequence of analog signals representative of the sequence read marks.   11. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the information processing means read (9) comprise at least one circuit for analyzing the sequence of the read references performing the comparison of each reference reading Ln compared to the previous reading Ln-1 and the following reading Ln + 1 to control and decide on the grouping of the objects (1) when a discontinuity found in   the playback sequence is confirmed by the next reading.   12. Installation according to claim 10, allowing in particular the implementation of the method according to claim 5, characterized in that the means of shooting comprise a circuit for locating and triggering the reading of the reference marks. identification (5) which, by means of positioning marks (15), makes it possible to locate the identification marks (5) affixed to the object   (1) and synchronize the reading of the identification marks.