JP2013242623A - Mail processing system and window machine, medium issuing machine, server and mail processing device constituting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mail processing system capable of reducing mail returned to a sender due to a shortage of postage, and further to provide a window machine, a medium issuing machine, a server and a mail processing device.SOLUTION: A window machine 10, a medium issuing machine and a mail processing device all of which are installed in a post office are connected to one another via a network. The window machine 10 can issue an IC card ID registered. Further, the window machine 10 and the medium issuing machine can issue an ID tag by using the IC card ID registered. When mail attached with the ID tag is supplied to the mail processing device, the ID tag is recognized and postage is paid by a credit card registered in an ID number. In addition, the mail processing device can similarly perform distribution processing even when the mail attached with a stamp only, the mail attached with the ID tag only and the mail attached with the stamp and the ID tag are mixed.

Description

  The embodiment of the present invention is applied to a mail processing system and a counter machine, a medium issuing machine, a server, and a mail processing apparatus constituting the mail processing system.

  In recent years, postal items or parcels (hereinafter referred to as postal items) are automatically classified by a mail processing device that reads and classifies delivery classification information such as a postal code, address or special number written on the postal item. It has come to be. However, in the current system, a postage stamp is purchased in advance and pasted on the postal item, or the postal fee is displayed according to the size and weight of the postal item at the post office. It is necessary to paste a postage stamp.

  Further, when the postage to be attached to the postal items is insufficient, it is necessary to have the recipient pay the postage for the postal items or return the postal items to the sender.

  In addition, there is no discount system in which the postage is automatically discounted when the sender sends mail continuously to a specific recipient, such as when sending periodicals.

  An electronic stamp sales generation system is known that digitizes stamps to be attached to postal items, and collects electronic stamp charges before generating stamps for electronic payment by online processing (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP 2006-216808 A

  The current method described above is basically a pre-payment method that presupposes the purchase of stamps in advance and affixing them to the mail. Therefore, in the current method where the postage varies depending on the size and weight of the mail, In some cases, the postage may be excessive or insufficient due to a mistake in pasting, and the above-described problems occur. In addition, since the collection of charges has been completed by stamping each postal item, it is impossible to grasp the usage status of the sender and recipient, so a discount system for postage according to the usage frequency will be introduced. Not reached.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An IC card in which an ID (Identification) is registered, a counter machine or a medium issuing machine for issuing an ID tag, and a mail on which an ID tag is attached. A system is constructed by using a mail processing apparatus and an integrated server for sorting and processing items. Mails consisting of envelopes or postcards with ID tags attached are automatically classified by the above-mentioned mail processing device, and when a postage fee is insufficient, the ID number registered in association with the ID tag is used. A postal matter processing system capable of adopting a discount system according to the above-mentioned problem due to insufficient postage and the usage frequency by paying the fee from a credit card registered in association with the accumulated charge balance or ID, and the same An object is to provide a window machine, a medium issuing machine, a server, and a mail processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the mail processing system according to claim 1 of the present invention is registered in a counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, the counter machine or the medium issuing machine. A postal matter processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items with ID tags attached thereto, and a postal matter processing system having a server connected to these devices via a communication line, , An operation display means provided with an operation means for an attendant to operate the counter machine and a display means for performing operation guidance, an IC card reading means for reading an IC card, and an IC card for registering an ID number in the IC card A registration means; an ID registration means for registering the ID number registered by the IC card registration means in the ID tag; and a charging means for storing a charge in the IC card; Is an operation display means provided with an operation means for a user to operate the medium issuing machine and a display means for performing operation guidance, an IC card reading means for reading an IC card, and a charge is accumulated in the IC card. Charging means; and ID registration means for registering the ID number read by the IC card reading means in the ID tag, and the server includes an IC card registration means for registering an ID number of the IC card, and each ID number Charging means for accumulating charges, and communication means for receiving an ID number of an ID tag attached to a mail piece from the mail processing apparatus and transmitting an authentication result of the ID number to the mail processing apparatus, A settlement means that settles the postage of the mail with the charge balance stored in the ID number, and the mail processing apparatus is an ID for reading the ID tag. A communication unit that transmits the ID number of the ID tag read by this ID tag reader / writer to the server, and receives the authentication result of the ID number and the availability of settlement by the settlement unit, And a sorting and accumulating unit that sorts and collects the postal matter based on the delivery classifying information described in the postal item when the communication unit receives the settlement possibility by the settlement unit.

Schematic configuration diagram of a mail processing system according to Embodiment 1 External view of the counter of the mail processing system shown in FIG. External view of the medium issuing machine of the mail processing system shown in FIG. Schematic configuration diagram of a mail processing apparatus of a mail processing system according to Embodiment 1 The figure which shows new issue sequences, such as an IC card and ID envelope which concern on Example 1. The figure which shows additional issuing sequences, such as ID envelope which concerns on Example 1. The figure which shows the delivery processing sequence which concerns on Example 1. FIG.

  In the mail processing system according to this embodiment, an IC card with an ID number registered and a counter or medium issuing machine that issues an ID tag, a mail processing device that sorts mail, an integrated server, etc. are connected to the network. Configured. The network is not limited to a local area network such as a LAN, but includes a network connected via the Internet.

  In the mail processing system configured as described above, when a mail with a conventional stamp attached to a mail and a mail with an ID tag attached are inserted into the mail processing apparatus, the stamp is pasted. As usual, delivery classification information such as a zip code and an address is read from the attached mail piece, and classification processing is performed based on the recognized result.

  On the other hand, for mail items with ID tags attached, delivery classification information such as postal codes and addresses is read by a scanner unit provided inside as before, and recognized by an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) unit. The Further, the contents of the ID tag attached to the postal matter are read by an ID tag reader / writer. In the ID tag, sender information and payment information for the postage of the mail are registered. The postage of the mail is settled with the remaining charge registered in the ID number written in the ID tag or the credit card registered in the ID number. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mail processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the mail processing system 1, the window machine 10, the medium issuing machine 20, the integrated server (server) 30, the terminal 40, and the mail processing apparatus 70 are connected to be communicable via a network 60.

  The window machine 10 is installed at a post office window or the like, and is connected to the integrated server 30 via the network 60. The post office staff transmits the registration information described in the purchase application form presented by the user to the integrated server 30. The integrated server 30 transmits the authentication result of the registration information to the window machine 10. If the authentication is successful, the newly registered ID number is also transmitted to the counter 10. The counter machine 10 issues an IC card I in which the ID number received from the integrated server 30 is registered. Here, the issue of an IC card means that the IC card can be used by registering an ID number in an IC chip built in a pre-manufactured IC card.

  Further, the ID number can be registered in an ID tag D attached to an ID envelope L1 and an ID postcard L2 (hereinafter referred to as an ID envelope or the like L).

  In addition, registration of the ID number with respect to the ID envelope etc. L to which the ID tag D is attached is performed by using the ID envelope reader L / writer (ID registration) of the counter machine 10 prepared in advance according to the request from the user. By registering an ID number by means), the ID envelope or the like L can be used for mail. Of course, it goes without saying that a plurality of ID envelopes or the like L can be issued for the same ID number in response to the user's request.

  The medium issuing machine 20 is installed in a waiting space of a post office or a convenience store, and a user can operate according to the display on the operation screen of the medium issuing machine 20. When the user inserts the registered IC card I into the medium issuing machine 20 and the authentication of the IC card I is finished, the ID tag D pasted on the ID envelope or the like L with the ID number of the IC card I Can be registered. This fee can be settled with a credit card registered in the IC card I.

  The integrated server 30 is connected to the window machine 10, the medium issuing machine 20, and the mail processing apparatus 70 via the network 60.

  The integrated server 30 authenticates the ID number of the IC card I received from the window machine 10 or the medium issuing machine 20, and transmits the result to the window machine 10 or the medium issuing machine 20 that has transmitted the result (communication means).

  In addition, based on the ID number registered in this way, usage information such as the usage frequency of the postal matter P (the general term for postal matter P1 (sealed letter) and postal matter P2 (postcard)) to which the ID tag D is attached. Can be searched by the ID number.

  The terminal 40 is connected to the integrated server 30 via the network 60. A user who has issued an IC card I with an ID number registered can search for registration information of the IC card I based on the registered ID number. For example, it is possible to search for usage information such as reception information, delivery information, and usage frequency of the postal matter P with the ID tag D attached.

  Note that the terminal 40 does not have to be a dedicated terminal, and the function can be achieved by a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile terminal connected to the Internet. Therefore, registration information relating to the ID number of the IC card I can be confirmed from anywhere.

  The postal matter processing device 70 is a device that sorts and accumulates the postal matter P based on the delivery category information described in the postal matter P. When the postal matter P to which the ID tag D according to this embodiment is attached is supplied to the postal matter processing apparatus 70, the ID tag reader of the postal matter P with the ID tag D mounted on the apparatus 70 is provided. Read by the writer. Further, the delivery classification information described in the postal matter P and postage information such as a stamp attached to the postal matter are read by a scanner unit mounted on the postal matter processing apparatus 70. The read image is recognized by an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) unit.

  The ID number read by the ID tag reader / writer and the postage information recognized by the OCR unit are transmitted to the integrated server 30 (communication means). The integrated server 30 performs authentication of the ID number received from the mail processing apparatus 70 and confirmation of postage fee settlement information. As a result of the authentication, if the ID number is registered and the settlement information based on the ID number is registered and settlement is possible (normal processing), the authentication result and settlement availability information are sent to the postal matter. It transmits to the processing apparatus 70 (communication means).

  When the mail processing device 70 receives a notification from the integrated server 30 that normal processing is possible, the mail processing device 70 attaches the postal matter P to which the ID tag D is pasted to the postal matter to which the postage is pasted. Sort and accumulate based on the delivery classification information of P (classification accumulation means).

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the window machine 10. The counter machine 10 can issue an IC card by the operation of a staff member and register the ID number registered in the issued IC card in the ID tag D based on an instruction from the operation display unit 14.

  The counter 10 includes a purchase application form input unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, an operation display unit (operation display means) 14, a ticket issuing unit 15, an IC card reader / writer 16, and the like.

  The purchase application form input unit 11 is a part where an attendant inputs a purchase application form 11a in which information necessary for ID registration by the purchase applicant of the IC card I is described. The purchase application form 11a input from the purchase application form input unit 11 is read by a scanner unit provided inside.

  The display unit 12 displays an image of the purchase application form read by the scanner unit.

  The operation display unit 14 includes a touch panel on the display unit surface, and includes an operation unit (operation unit) for operating the counter 10 and a display unit (display unit) for performing operation guidance. Is done. The contents described in the purchase application form 11a are displayed on the display unit 12, and the necessary contents as registration requirements are displayed on the operation display unit. If the content displayed on the operation display unit 14 is different from the content displayed on the display unit 12 or if the content of the purchase application form 11a cannot be read correctly, the clerk displays the erroneously displayed portion. Correction can be made by inputting from the touch panel of the operation unit 13 or the operation display unit 14 based on the content displayed on the display unit 12.

  When registration information necessary for issuing the IC card I is input in this manner, the registration information is transmitted to the integrated server 30 via the network 60. The integrated server 30 receives the registration information transmitted from the counter 10 and authenticates the registration information. If the authentication is successful, the integrated server 30 issues a new ID number and registers it (IC card registration means). The authentication result of the registration information and the registered ID are transmitted to the counter 10 that has transmitted the information.

  When the authentication is successful as a result of the authentication received from the integrated server 30, the counter 10 transmits the received ID and the registration information to the IC card reader / writer 16.

  The IC card reader / writer 16 includes IC card reading means for reading an IC card and IC card registration means for registering an ID number in the IC card. Therefore, the IC card reader / writer 16 registers registration information such as the ID, name, and age in the IC card (IC card registration means) and issues the IC card I (IC card issuing means). The attendant gives the issued IC card to the user.

  In addition, when there is an issuance request of the ID envelope etc. L with the ID tag D pasted from the user, the ID envelope reader etc. L is brought close to the ID tag reader / writer 17 in the direction of the arrow B in the figure. The ID number registered with the issue of the IC card I is written in the ID envelope L or the like. The ID of the ID tag D is not limited to the same ID number as the IC card I, and may be an ID issued in association with the ID number registered in the IC card I. For example, an ID that is encrypted in association with an ID number registered in the IC card I may be used. By doing so, the security of the IC card I can be ensured even when a large number of ID numbers of the IC card I are issued along with the issuance of the ID envelope or the like L.

  The registration means (ID registration means) for registering the ID number in the ID tag includes a method of registering the ID envelope etc. L with the ID tag reader / writer 17 connected to the counter 10 and an ID envelope etc. There is a method in which one sheet is inserted into the counter machine 10 and the ID number is registered in the inserted ID envelope or the like L.

  In addition, there is a method in which the ID envelope or the like L is stored in the counter 10 and the ID envelope or the like L in which the ID number is written is issued from the ticket issuing unit 15 when the number of issues is presented by the user. is there. Any of these methods is a method of registering an ID number in the ID tag D by non-contact wireless communication, and can be achieved by a known technique.

  As described above, the fee for the ID envelope etc. described above is paid by the credit card registered in the ID number via the ID number of the IC card.

  FIG. 3 is an external view of the medium issuing machine 20. The medium issuing machine 20 can be operated by a user having an IC card I in which an ID number is registered.

  The medium issuing machine 20 includes an operation display unit 23, an IC card reader / writer 24, a depositing unit 25, a change discharging unit 26, a receipt issuing unit 27, and the like.

  The operation display unit 23 is configured to include a display unit and a touch panel arranged on the surface of the display unit, and displays operation guidance when it is detected that the user is in the operation area of the operation display unit 23. .

  The IC card reader / writer 24 includes an IC card insertion unit for inserting the above-described ID registered IC card I and a reading unit (reading unit) that reads the inserted IC card I and reads the contents of the IC card I. It is configured.

  The ID number read by the reading unit is transmitted from the medium issuing machine 20 to the integrated server 30. The integrated server 30 authenticates the received ID number and transmits the authentication result to the medium issuing machine 20. In the ID number authentication, authentication is performed as to whether the ID number is registered, whether it is within the expiration date, or whether use is prohibited due to unauthorized use.

  The medium issuing machine 20 displays the authentication result of the ID number received from the integrated server 30 on the operation display unit 23. When authentication is successful, a menu that can be used by the user is displayed. For example, a menu for registering the ID number in an ID tag D of an ID envelope or the like, or a menu for issuing an ID envelope or the like L in which an ID number is registered in the ID tag. Operation guidance is performed based on the menu selected on the selection screen.

The depositing unit 25 has a cash deposit port, and can issue the issuance cost of the ID envelope etc. L from the deposit port based on the instruction from the selection screen. The change discharge unit 26 is deposited from the deposit port. The change when it is settled with cash is discharged.

  The ID envelope etc./receipt issuing unit 27 registers and issues an ID number in the ID envelope etc. L when the operation display unit 23 is instructed to issue the ID envelope etc. L. When payment is made with cash or a credit card, a receipt printed with the result of the payment is issued.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mail processing apparatus 70 according to the first embodiment. The mail processing apparatus 70 includes a supply unit 71, an operation display unit 71a, a take-out unit 72, a transport unit 73, a mechanism detection unit 74, an exclusion stacking unit 75, a reading unit 76, delay transport units 78 and 79, a sorting unit 80, and a stacking unit. The unit 90 is configured.

  The supply unit 71 is supplied with a plurality of postal items P according to the first embodiment (a collective term for the postal items P1 and the postal items P2) in a standing state (a state in which the long side of the postal matter P is a bottom surface). This postal matter P includes the postal matter P in which delivery classification information is written on the postal matter P on which a normal stamp is pasted and an envelope L on which an ID tag D is pasted. P is supplied in a mixed manner.

  The operation display unit 71a is used for starting and stopping the mail processing apparatus 70, displaying a state when an abnormality occurs, and the like.

  The take-out unit 72 takes out one by one from the postal matter P at the tip in the transport direction in the supplied postal matter P one by one at predetermined intervals. The take-out portion 72 is provided with a prevention device for preventing take-out failure or double feed (take-out in a state where two mails are overlapped) due to the size and thickness of the postal matter P being not constant.

  The transport unit 73 transports the postal matter P taken out from the take-out unit 72 at a predetermined transport speed (for example, 4 m / s).

  The mechanism detection unit 74 performs detection for eliminating postal matters that are not suitable for the sorting processing in the postal matter processing apparatus 70. For example, when the postal item has a non-designated shape, when the conveyance is abnormal due to skew or the like, or when the metal is enclosed in the postal item. This is to prevent the postal matter and the postal matter processing apparatus 70 from being damaged.

  The exclusion stacker 75 has an exit stacker and a branch gate disposed at the entrance of the exit stacker. When there is a postal matter judged as an abnormal postal matter (rejected postal matter) by the mechanism detection unit 74, The conveying direction is accumulated by rotating the branch gate. The rejected mails accumulated in the exclusion stacker in this way are extracted from the exclusion stacker and processed by the staff.

  The reading unit 76 includes a scanner unit that reads the upper surface (front surface) and the lower surface (back surface) of the postal matter P, and an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) unit.

  The scanner unit includes a line sensor, and captures images of the front and back of the mail piece when the mail piece passes the detection position of the reading unit 76. Image information read by the scanner unit is sent to the OCR unit.

  Based on the image information read by the scanner unit, the OCR unit checks postage information such as stamps and ID tags, and delivery classification information such as postal codes and addresses, and recognizes the cut information.

  When the delivery classification information cannot be recognized, the delay conveyance paths 77 and 78 are visually confirmed and inputted by the attendant with the delivery classification information that could not be recognized by a VCD (Video Coding Disk) device (not shown). This is a conveyance path that is delayed in order to obtain a time to perform. If the delivery classification information is input from the VCD device while being transported through the delayed transportation paths 77 and 78, the subsequent processing is performed in the same manner as the mail piece for which the delivery classification information is recognized.

  The sorting unit 80 is a part that transports the mail to the stacking unit 90 that is divided into four stages from the A stage to the D stage.

  The stacking unit 90 stacks the mails sorted and conveyed by the sorting unit 80 in a designated stacker according to the delivery sorting information.

  Note that mails that could not be recognized by the reading unit 76 and the VCD device described above are collected in an exclusion stacker provided in the collecting unit. In addition, postage charges that will be described later are collected in a charge shortage stacker.

  The mails accumulated in the exclusion stacker or the charge shortage stacker are processed at the judgment of the staff. That is, when it is determined that it can be classified by supplying it again to the mail processing apparatus 70, it is supplied again, but when it is determined that the mail processing apparatus 70 is difficult to recognize, It is divided. It should be noted that the mail items accumulated in the charge shortage stacker are supplied to the mail processing apparatus 70 again after a predetermined time and are classified. Details will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a new issuance sequence of an ID envelope or the like L to which the IC card I and ID tag D according to the first embodiment are attached. When the user applies at the post office, etc. with the necessary information for ID registration, such as name, address, date of birth, credit card information, and contact information on the purchase application form 11a (S1), 11a is inserted into the purchase application form input unit 11 of the window machine 10. Information described on the input purchase application form 11 a is displayed on the display unit 12 of the counter 10. The clerk refers to the information displayed on the display unit 12 and inputs registration information from the operation unit 13 or the operation display unit 14.

  The information described in the purchase application form 11a is read by the scanner unit provided inside and recognized by the OCR unit provided inside. The recognized information is displayed on the operation display unit 14. Information that cannot be recognized by the OCR unit is not displayed on the operation display unit 14, and the attendant inputs necessary information while confirming the image displayed on the display unit 12.

  The teller machine 10 transmits the registration information input from the above-described operation unit (a general term for the operation unit 13 and the operation display unit 14) to the integrated server 30 (S2).

  Based on the registration information received from the counter 10, the integrated server 30 determines whether or not there is duplicate registration based on registration requirements such as name, address, age, credit card information, and contact information of the registration information. Check if it is registered in. If there is no problem in the registration requirements as a result of the confirmation, an ID number is issued and newly registered (S3).

  The integration server 30 transmits the authentication result of the registration requirement to the window machine 10. Specifically, if there is no problem with the registration requirements, registration information necessary for issuing an IC card such as an ID number, name, address / birth date, expiration date is transmitted. If there is a problem in registration, warning information is transmitted (S4).

  The window machine 10 displays the confirmation result of the registration requirement received from the integrated server 30 on the operation display unit 14. If there is no problem in registration, if the ID number is displayed and the IC card issuance preparation is complete, the IC card reader / writer (issue) Means) issuance instruction is made to 16 (S5).

  The IC card reader / writer 16 performs the following processing based on the issuance instruction from the operation display unit 14.

  Write the ID number, name, address, date of birth, expiration date, etc. registered in the integrated server 30 on the IC card I, and print the ID number, name, expiration date, etc. on the IC card I. .

  When there is a request for issuing an ID envelope L attached with an ID tag, the ID number is written in the ID tag D attached to each ID envelope L and issued.

  In the case of the ID number registration request for the ID tag, the ID number is registered in the ID tag D by the ID tag reader / writer (S6).

  When the requested issue process is completed, an issue completion notification is transmitted to the integrated server 30 (S7).

  The counter machine 10 discharges the issued IC card I, ID envelope L, etc. and the receipt printed with the payment information to the outlet (S8). The attendant gives the issued medium to the user (S9).

  With the above processing, the registered IC card I can be issued to a user who has newly registered, and ID registration for an ID envelope L or the ID tag can be performed according to a request from the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an additional issue sequence of an ID envelope or the like L according to the first embodiment. The figure shows the processing in the counter machine 10, but the basic operation related to the processing when issuing an ID envelope or the like L is the same as that in the medium issuing machine 20. The counter machine 10 is operated by a staff member, but the medium issuing machine 20 is only operated by a user.

  In addition, the clerk can perform input to the counter 10 from the operation unit 11 and the operation display unit 14 of the counter 10. Since FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the function, any of these operations is described as a process from the operation unit. This is because both the operation unit 11 and the operation display unit 12 have an operation function, and either one is selectively used depending on the content of a request from the user. Based on the above requirements, the operation in the counter machine 10 will be described, but the same operation description in the medium issuing machine 20 will be omitted.

  (A) shown in the figure (hereinafter referred to as process (a)) indicates the process shown below.

Process (a): Additional issuance process such as ID envelope The user presents the IC card I to the staff (in the medium issuing machine, the IC card I is inserted into the IC card slot of the IC card reader / writer 24). At the time of this presentation, the following information is provided corresponding to the process (a). When the user uses the medium issuing machine 20, information regarding the process (a) is input from the operation display unit 23 of the medium issuing machine 20 (S10).

For process (a): Number of issues (number of purchases)
The IC card reader / writer 24 of the counter 10 reads the ID number of the inserted IC card I and transmits the ID number to the integrated server 30 (S11).

  The integrated server 30 performs the following processing based on the ID number received from the counter machine 10.

(1) The ID number is authenticated. It is checked whether the ID number is registered twice or not registered in the black list.

(2) If there is no problem as a result of the authentication in (1), an authentication OK is transmitted to the window machine 10. If there is a problem, alarm information is transmitted to the counter 10 (S13).

  If there is no problem in executing the process (a), the counter 10 notifies the ticket issuing unit 15 of the counter 10 of the following issue information regarding the process (S14).

  The ticket issuing unit 15 of the counter machine 10 receives the notification of the issuance information and performs the following process corresponding to the process (a).

For process (a): Issue ID envelope etc. L with ID number written. In addition, the settlement information of the issuance cost of the ID envelope or the like L is printed on the receipt (S15).

  The teller machine 10 issues an issue completion notification to the integrated server 30 (S16). The issued IC card I and ID envelope L are discharged (S17), and the discharged IC card I and ID envelope L are delivered to the user (S18).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a delivery processing sequence of the mail processing system according to the first embodiment. Mails that can be processed by the mail processing apparatus 70 include the following three kinds of mails: mails (a), mails (b), and mails (c).

Mail (a): Mail with only normal stamps (b): Mail with only ID tags (c): Mail with normal stamps + ID tags The mail processing apparatus 70 can sort the mail in any of these cases. Hereinafter, operations of the mail processing apparatus 70 and the integrated server 30 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The mail P is supplied to the mail processing apparatus 70 (S30).

  The mail processing apparatus 70 picks up the supplied mail P one by one by the pick-up section 72 and conveys it, and the scanner section provided in the reading section 76 stores the postal matter P such as stamps, postal codes and addresses. Read the front and back images. In the read image, postage information such as stamps, postal codes and addresses, and delivery classification information are recognized by the OCR unit. Further, the ID tag D of the postal matter P is read by an ID tag reader / writer provided in the reading unit 76.

  The mail processing apparatus 70 performs the following processes on the mail (a), (b), and (c), respectively.

(1) For mail (a): Perform normal stamp reading.

(2) For mail (b): ID tag reading is performed.

(3) For mail (c): Perform normal stamp reading and ID tag reading.

(4) For postal items (a), (b), (c): classification determination and postage are calculated (S31).

  The mail processing apparatus 70 transmits postage information such as the calculated postage and normal postage to the integrated server 30 (S32).

  The postal items (a), (b), and (c) are processed as follows.

(1) For postal matter (a) Since the postal matter processing apparatus 70 is usually affixed to a postal item only with a normal stamp (synonymous with a postal stamp here), the amount of the postage and the calculated postal value. Compare prices. As a result of this comparison, if a charge shortage occurs, for example, it is accumulated in a charge shortage stacker of the mail processing apparatus 70. Mail collected in the undercharged stacker is stored for a predetermined time and then re-sorted. This is a conventional process.

(2) For Mail (b) The integrated server 30 receives the ID number read by the ID tag reader / writer and the postage information from the mail processing device 70, and the DB (database) based on the ID number. And the registration of the ID number is verified. As a result of the verification, if there is no problem in the ID registration and a credit card for settlement of postage is registered in the ID number, settlement is made with the credit card (S33). In this way, when the postage is normally settled, the delivery processing apparatus 70 is notified of delivery OK. If the payment means such as the credit card is not registered, the ID tag fee shortage information is transmitted to the mail processing apparatus 70 (S34).

(3) For mail (c) In this case, both the stamp and the ID tag are pasted. For b), the credit card is used for settlement based on the same processing as described above.

  In this case, the integrated server 30 notifies the charge shortage information via the network to the notification destination registered in the ID number where the charge shortage has occurred (S35).

  The mail processing apparatus 70 receives the delivery OK information and the ID tag fee shortage information from the integrated server 30 and performs the following processing.

(1) When the ID tag fee shortage information is received, the abnormality determination result is overwritten on the determination result of the delivery classification information of the postal matter, and it is classified (accumulated) in the charge shortage stacker provided in the accumulation unit 90.

(2) When delivery OK information is received, the information is collected (stacked) in the stacker of the stacking unit designated based on the delivery classification information.

  In addition, the mail processing apparatus 70, when the postal matter is being transported in the delay transport paths 77 and 78, based on the charge shortage information for the user, Based on the delivery classification information of the mail, it is accumulated in the designated stacker of the accumulation unit 90. However, if the payment is not immediately received due to the lack of charge notification, the shortage of charge is not resolved, and the postal matter is collected in the charge shortage stacker provided in the accumulation unit 90 (S36).

  The mails accumulated in the charge shortage stacker are stored for a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours), and then supplied again to the mail processing apparatus 70 (repartitioning) (S37). In this way, if the user who received the notice of insufficient charge can make a payment by depositing within a predetermined time, the postal items will be given an ID tag by performing the above-mentioned reclassification. This is because it can be re-classified as pasted ordinary mail. For example, in the morning, the mail processing apparatus 70 is used for the first sorting and collecting, and the mail collected in the charge shortage stacker is sorted again by the mail processing apparatus 70 the next day, so that the mail If there is a deposit for the postage of the item, the postal item is processed normally.

  Further, when the integrated server 30 receives the postage information and the delivery classification information related to the ID tag of the mail processed from the mail processing device 70, the information is stored (delivery classification information storage means). In this embodiment, the postage is discounted in accordance with the use frequency of the destination stored by the delivery classification information storage means (postage discount means). For example, when mail having the same postage is used 10 times for the same destination, a process such as free of the 10th postage can be performed. Needless to say, when the postage of the postal item is free, payment is not made by a payment means such as a credit card registered in the ID.

  In this way, the mail piece that has been subjected to the sorting process is delivered by an attendant (S38).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the mail piece with the ID tag registered with the ID number is processed by the mail processing device, so that the mail can be delivered without using a stamp. Processing can be performed. In addition, discounts on postage can be made.

  Furthermore, it is possible to improve the return delivery processing of the postal matter performed when the postage shortage occurs, the additional processing of the shortage fee, and the late delivery process associated therewith.

P Postal item C IC card L ID tag 1 Postal item processing system 10 Counter unit 11 Purchase application form input unit 12 Display unit 13 Operation unit 14 Operation display unit 15 Ticket issuing unit 20 Medium issuing machine 23 Operation display unit 24 IC card processing unit 25 Depositing unit 26 Change discharging unit 27 Receipt issuing unit 30 Integrated server 40 Terminal 60 Network 70 Mail processing device 71 Supply unit 76 Reading unit 77, 78 Delay conveyance unit 90 Stacking unit

Claims (8)

A counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, a mail processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items to which ID tags registered by the counter or the medium issuing machine are pasted, and these apparatuses A mail processing system configured with a server connected via a communication line,
The window machine is
An operation display means provided with an operation means for an attendant to operate the counter and a display means for performing operation guidance;
An IC card issuing means for issuing an IC card having an ID number registered in the IC card;
ID number registration means for registering the ID number in an ID tag;
With
The medium issuing machine is
An operation display means provided with an operation means for a user to operate the medium issuing machine and a display means for performing operation guidance;
IC card reading means for reading an IC card;
ID number registration means for registering the ID number read by the IC card reading means in the ID tag;
With
The server
IC card registration means for registering the ID number of the IC card;
ID number authenticating means for authenticating the ID number of the ID tag when receiving an ID number authentication request from the mail processing apparatus;
A settlement unit that settles the postage requested from the postal processing apparatus with a credit card registered in the ID number;
A communication means for receiving an ID number authentication request or a postage settlement request from the postal processing apparatus, and transmitting the ID authentication result or postage settlement possibility to the postal processing apparatus based on the request; ,
With
The mail processing apparatus is
An ID tag reader / writer for reading the ID tag;
A communication unit that transmits the ID number of the ID tag read by the ID tag reader / writer to the server, and receives from the server the authentication result of the ID number and whether or not settlement by the settlement unit is possible;
A sorting and accumulating means for sorting and accumulating the mail based on the delivery classification information described in the mail when the settlement means receives payment by the settlement means.
Mail processing system equipped with. The server
The postage for mail with normal stamps is settled with stamps,
The postage of the mail item with the ID tag attached is settled by the settlement means registered in the ID number,
The postage for mail with both normal stamps and ID tags attached is settled with the payment method registered in the ID number for the shortage that occurred when the postage for the mail was settled with a postage stamp. The mail processing system according to claim 1. The server also
When there is a charge shortage that cannot be settled by the payment means registered in the ID number, the postal address of the postal item with the ID tag attached is notified to the ID number that the charge shortage has occurred. Has a notification means to notify
The mail processing apparatus is
A shortage stacker is provided to separate and collect the postal items for which there is a shortage,
When the user who has been notified by the notification means has settled the fee shortage by depositing within a predetermined time, the mail collected in the charge shortage stacker is processed by the mail processing apparatus. The mail processing system according to claim 1 or 2, which can be used. The server further includes:
Delivery category information storage means for storing delivery category information received from the mail processing apparatus;
Postage discount means for discounting postage according to the frequency of use of the destination stored by the delivery category information storage means;
The mail processing system of Claim 1 thru | or 3 provided with these. A counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, a mail processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items to which ID tags registered by the counter or the medium issuing machine are pasted, and these apparatuses A mail processing system window machine configured to have a server connected via a communication line,
An operation display means provided with an operation means for an attendant to operate the counter and a display means for performing operation guidance;
An IC card issuing means for issuing an IC card having an ID number registered in the IC card;
ID number registration means for registering the ID number in an ID tag;
A mail processing system window machine equipped with. A counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, a mail processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items to which ID tags registered by the counter or the medium issuing machine are pasted, and these apparatuses A medium issuing machine for a mail processing system configured to have a server connected via a communication line,
An operation display means provided with an operation means for a user to operate the medium issuing machine and a display means for performing operation guidance;
IC card reading means for reading an IC card;
ID number registration means for registering the ID number read by the IC card reading means in the ID tag;
A mail processing system medium issuing machine equipped with. A counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, a mail processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items to which ID tags registered by the counter or the medium issuing machine are pasted, and these apparatuses A mail processing system server configured to have a server connected via a communication line,
IC card registration means for registering the ID number of the IC card;
ID number authenticating means for authenticating the ID number of the ID tag when receiving an ID number authentication request from the mail processing apparatus;
A settlement unit that settles the postage requested from the postal processing apparatus with a credit card registered in the ID number;
A communication means for receiving an ID number authentication request or a postage settlement request from the postal processing apparatus, and transmitting the ID authentication result or postage settlement possibility to the postal processing apparatus based on the request; ,
Server for mail processing system with A counter machine operated by a staff member, a medium issuing machine operated by a user, a mail processing apparatus for sorting and collecting postal items to which ID tags registered by the counter or the medium issuing machine are pasted, and these apparatuses A mail processing apparatus of a mail processing system configured to have a server connected via a communication line,
An ID tag reader / writer for reading the ID tag;
A communication means for transmitting the ID number of the ID tag read by the ID tag reader / writer to the server, and receiving from the server the authentication result of the ID number and the payment possibility by the payment means;
A sorting and accumulating means for sorting and accumulating the mail based on the delivery classification information described in the mail when the settlement means receives payment by the settlement means.
Mail processing system equipped with.

Images