JP3529570B2 - Address reading sorting machine and address reading setting method of address reading sorting machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention reads an address written on a mail to be conveyed and performs classification using the read address, and an address reading classifier and an address reading classifier. Regarding the setting method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The mail sorting work is roughly divided into a sorting work for sending collected mail to a destination post office and a sorting work for delivering arrived mail. There is a delivery division business.

Conventionally, postal sorting work has been largely automated by a postal code reading and sorting machine, but delivery sorting work has been delayed in automation. However, in recent years, in addition to the function of the postal code reading and sorting machine, by directly reading the address, that is, the address, such as the prefecture name, town name, chome, kanji of the block code, etc., written on the postal item by OCR, the postal item can be delivered. A mail address reading / sorting machine has been developed that automates sorting up to the level (automation of delivery sorting work).

In this address reading / sorting machine, when a large amount of mails of the same print type (hereinafter referred to as "printing") are processed, the reading mode is set to printing mode, printing direction, and cursor designation. Was being processed. That is, the reading mode is selected to the "printing read" mode, and at this time, the direction of the print type (longitudinal, short side, reverse longitudinal, vertical writing, etc.) is set for a large number of mails of the same type. Then, create the area data (cursor designation) by setting the cursor for the area to be read such as the address or zip code (converting the electrical signal to length and transmitting it to the discriminating unit).
Efficiently, the recognition and reading processing of the address in a large number of print letters of the same format was performed.

However, in the conventional structure for converting the electric signal to obtain the data of the area, the deviation occurs due to the variation of the adjustment in the vicinity of the start point and the end point. Moreover, since the area data is obtained by the ratio using the electric signal, the degree of analysis is poor.

Furthermore, after setting the cursor, the staff must actually carry the cursor to the take-out section one by one to check whether the area designated by the cursor is correct and whether the area is correctly read. It was also impossible to add a switch on the operation panel.

[0007]

As described above, in setting the cursor of the area for reading the address or the postal code, the electric signal is converted to obtain the area data. There is a shift due to variation in adjustment, the area data is obtained from the ratio using electrical signals, and the resolution is poor.Furthermore, after setting the cursor, check whether the area specified by the cursor is correct and read correctly. There was a problem that the clerk had to actually carry out one by one to the unloading section in order to confirm whether or not it was confirmed.

Therefore, the present invention reduces the adjustment variation of the area data to improve the analysis degree and enables the confirmation of the designated area easily, and the address reading setting method of the address reading sorting machine. The purpose is to provide.

[0009]

In the address reading / sorting machine of the present invention, the address on the supplied mail is read to classify the mail, and the printing type is printed on the supplied mail. Selection means for selecting the print type reading mode for reading the address described in (4) and reading the address of the mail when the print type reading mode is selected by this selecting means.
Display the setting screen that displays
Confirm the settings for reading the address of the mail on the specified setting screen.
One picking mode that supplies only one mail when set
And the first control means and the first control means
Based on the image of one mail piece fed in the take-out mode
For reading the address of the mail set on the above setting screen
Adjusting means for adjusting the settings and the adjustment by this adjusting means
When the printing is completed, the postal items are
Second control hand to change to continuous supply mode to supply continuously
It is composed of steps .

The address reading / sorting machine according to the present invention handles one mail item.
There are a supply means for continuously feeding, a reading means for reading an image of a mail piece supplied from the supply means, and a print type reading mode for reading an address written in print type from an image of the mail piece read by the reading means. Selection means to be selected, and when the printing type reading mode is selected by the selection means, address reading of the mail supplied by the supply means is performed.
And a first display means for displaying a setting screen for
Address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on the display means
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
The first control means for setting the one-pass take-out mode, and the first control means.
One mail supplied in one-pick mode by the control means of
Based on the image of the mail, the mail set in the setting screen above
Display the adjustment screen for setting the address reading of the second item
Display means and the keys displayed by the second display means.
On the adjustment screen, the setting contents set on the setting screen
With the input means for inputting the adjustment instruction of
Based on the input adjustment instruction, it is possible to read the address of the mail.
Adjusting means for adjusting the setting contents to be set, and this adjusting means
When the adjustment is finished,
Second control to change to continuous supply mode for continuously supplying
It is composed of means .

The address reading / sorting machine according to the present invention handles one mail item.
Supplying means for continuous feeding and mail by this supplying means
Supply switch to input the supply start instruction of
Only one from the means to enter an instruction to supply mail
A supply start switch, a reading means for reading the image of the mail sent from the supplying means, and a selection for selecting a print type reading mode for reading an address written in print type from the image of the mail read by the reading means. and means, when the print print reading mode selected by the selection means, the upper
For reading the address of postal items supplied by the supply means
First display means for displaying a setting screen, and this first display
For address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on the means
When the settings are confirmed, only one mail will be supplied.
Only one mail is delivered from the above-mentioned supply means in the take-out mode.
Select one feed start switch to input supply instruction
And the first control means
One-feed supply start switch that can be selected in the take-out mode
When the switch is input, one mail from the above-mentioned supply means
The postal matter that was supplied only and read by the reading means
Mail set on the setting screen based on the image of
Second table displaying the adjustment screen for setting the address reading
And the adjustment image displayed by the second display means.
On the screen, adjust the setting contents set on the setting screen above.
Input means for inputting adjustment instructions and input by this input means
Based on the adjustment instructions given,
Adjustment means for adjusting the settings and adjustments by this adjustment means
When the sorting is completed, mail items are linked from the 1-pass mode.
Change to continuous supply mode to supply continuously
In accordance with the instruction input to the
It is composed of a second control means for supplying continuously .

[0012]

The address reading setting method of the address reading / sorting machine of the present invention is a method used in an address reading / sorting machine for reading an address on a mail piece to be supplied and classifying the mail piece. Select the print type reading mode to read the address written in print type on the mail to be printed, and when the print type reading mode is selected by this selection, the mail address
Display the setting screen for name reading on the display and display this
For address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on the means
When the settings are confirmed, only one mail will be supplied.
One copy supplied in this extraction mode
Set on the setting screen based on the image of the mail
Adjust the settings for reading the address of the mail, and finish this adjustment.
When completed, continue sending mail from the 1-pass mode.
It is characterized in that the mode is changed to a continuous supply mode in which it is supplied in a continuous manner.

According to the address reading setting method of the address reading / sorting machine of the present invention, the feeding means for feeding the mail one by one , the reading means for reading the image of the mail fed from the feeding means, and the reading means are used. A method used in an address reading classifier having a selection unit for selecting a print type reading mode for reading an address written in print type from a read mail image, wherein the print type reading mode is selected by the selecting unit. If the mail is sent, the mail will be supplied by the above-mentioned supplying means.
Display the setting screen for reading the address of the toilet on the display means,
Address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on this display means
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
1-feed mode, and the 1-feed mode is used.
On the setting screen, based on the image of one mail
The setting adjustment screen for the address reading of the set mail
Adjustment displayed on the display means and displayed by this display means
On the screen, the setting contents of the setting screen
When the adjustment instruction is input by the input means, the input means
Address reading of mail based on adjustment instructions entered by
When you have adjusted the settings for the
, The mail is continuously supplied from the single-delivery mode.
It is characterized by changing to the continuous supply mode .

The address reading method of setting address reader sorter of the invention, the one copy at a time and supplies supplying means mails, the subject
A supply switch that inputs an instruction to start the supply of mail by the supply means.
Only one mail from the switch and the above-mentioned supply means
One-feed supply start switch for inputting an instruction, reading means for reading the image of the postal matter supplied from the supply means, and print type for reading the address written in print type from the image of the postal matter read by the reading means. A method for use in an address reading / sorting machine having a selecting means for selecting a reading mode, wherein when the printing type reading mode is selected by the selecting means, the address of the postal matter supplied by the supplying means is addressed.
Display the setting screen for name reading on the display means and display the above
For address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on the means
When the settings are confirmed, only one mail will be supplied.
Set to take-out mode and only one from the above supply means
One mail start switch for inputting instructions to supply mail
Can be selected, and can be selected in the above single-feed mode
When the 1 feed start switch is turned on,
Only one piece of mail is supplied from the feeding means, and the reading means is used.
Based on the scanned image of the mail,
Adjustment of address reading for postal items set on the front side
The screen is displayed on the display means and is displayed by the above display means.
Within the settings set in the setting screen on the adjustment screen
When a volume adjustment instruction is input by the input means, the above input
Based on the adjustment instruction entered by the means,
The settings for name scanning have been adjusted, and this adjustment has been completed.
At this time, the mail items are continuously supplied from the single-feed mode.
Change to continuous feed mode, and instruct the feed switch
Continuously supplies mail from the above-mentioned supply means according to the input.
Characterized in that that.

[0016]

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows the external configuration of the address reading / sorting machine according to the present invention. That is, the address reading / sorting machine includes a feeding unit 1, a take-out unit 2, a foreign matter-containing mail removing unit 3, a defective conveyance posture removing unit 4, a reading unit 5, a lower conveying unit 6, and a rightmost end module unit 7, It is composed of a stepped path portion 8 and a sorting box 9. An operation panel 10 is provided above the supply unit 1.

The postal matter supplied to the supply unit 1 as the supply means is taken out by the take-out unit 2 for each mail. If the foreign matter is contained in the postal matter, the foreign matter is removed by the postal matter removing unit 3 in which the foreign matter is present. Further, the postal matter having a bad conveyance posture is rejected by the postal matter inferior transport posture rejecting section 4.

Normally, the postal matter passes through the reading section 5 and the lower conveyance section 6
The rightmost end module part 7 is turned to be conveyed to the step path part 8 again. The postal matter conveyed to the step path unit 8 branches into each step according to the destination code, and is conveyed to the destination sorting box 9 to be sorted and collected.

FIG. 1 shows a control circuit of the address reading / sorting machine. The address reading / sorting machine reads a mail piece taken out by the take-out section 2 by the reading section 5, and a sorting box corresponding to the read sorting designation data. It can be transported to 9, .... For example,
By outputting a sorting control signal in response to a transport detection signal from a transport detector (not shown) in the middle of the lower transport section 6, the driver 32 is used to control the sorting gates 33, ....

The FR-CPU 30 controls the entire transport system by driving the transport mechanism section 35 such as the lower transport path 6 with the driver 34. The reading unit 5 as a reading unit is provided with an image recognition unit 5a that recognizes an image by reading a conveyed mail piece, and a determination unit 5b that determines from the information recognized by the image recognition unit 5a.

Further, the FR-CPU 30 has an operation panel 1
0 is connected. The operation panel 10 is composed of a DP-CPU 11 to which a monitor 12 and a display unit 13 are connected to perform display control and control of various keys.

The monitor 12 is an image display means for displaying the contents read by the reading section 5 as they are. Display unit 13
Is composed of a liquid crystal display (display means) with a built-in touch panel (detection means), various screens are displayed depending on the situation, and various settings can be made and functions can be executed by pushing with a finger. Information is also displayed to inform you of the abnormality. Further, between the FR-CPU 30 and the operation panel 10, an M1-CPU 31 for controlling the entire address reading / sorting machine.
Is provided.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the operation surface of the operation panel 10. The CPU controlled by each switch of the operation panel 10 is different, and the operation panel 10 is a DP
-In addition to the monitor 12 and the display unit 13 connected to the CPU 11, the shaking table switch 15, the tabulation mode switch 17,
System clear switch 18, power failure indicator lamp 1
9, continuous supply / single supply switch 20, single supply start switch 21, interlocking / single-action switch 22, automatic supply switch 23 are provided, and the jam clear switch 16, power-on switch 24, power supply connected to the M1-CPU 14 are provided. A cutoff switch 25, a stop switch 26, and an operation preparation / operation switch 27 are provided.

When the vibrating table switch 15 is turned "on", the vibrating table vibrates to align the lower ends of the mail items. The jam clear switch 16 causes the switch lamp to blink when mail is jammed. It is used to clear the address reading machine after the jammed mail is removed.

When the totalizing mode switch 17 is turned, the display section 13 changes to a totaling mode screen and outputs processed serial number data to a printer (not shown).
The system clear switch 18 returns to the state immediately after the power is turned on. Use when an abnormality occurs.

The power supply abnormality display lamp 19 lights up to notify that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply. Continuous supply /
The single-feeding switch 20 switches the method of feeding the mail between continuous feeding and single-feeding.

The single feed start switch 21 starts the single feed of the mail in order to adjust the reading position of the mail. The interlocking / single-action switch 22 switches the operation method between system operation with an imprinting machine (not shown) or independent operation.

The automatic supply switch 23 is used during system operation. When the supply from the stamping machine is interrupted, it is automatically supplied from the address reading / sorting machine. The power switch 24 is
Turn on the address reading and sorting machine.

The power-off switch 25 turns off the power of the address reading / sorting machine. The stop switch 26 stops the operation of the address reading / sorting machine. The operation preparation / operation switch 27 starts the operation of the address reading / sorting machine.

The present invention is intended to improve the number of read categories by switching the reading mode, the printing direction, etc. depending on the mail to be processed when the mail is sorted.

Next, the cursor designating process in the "printing read" mode in such a configuration will be described. First, in the mode of the normal screen (FIG. 1) displayed on the display unit 13 on the operation panel 10 (for example, the sorting section, the mixed reading mode, the lower 5 digits A side), "delivery" (basic mode)
When is selected, the display unit 13 switches to the reading target (category designation screen) shown in FIG.

On the category designation screen shown in FIG. 4, category designations such as "delivery category A side", "delivery category B side", "separator", etc. are selected and pushed, and when the "Next" button is pushed, FIG. The mode switches to the reading mode shown in.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, "mixed reading",
The "print impression read" mode is selected from the mode selections such as "print impression read", "new year card read", and "specific company". When the stamp printing reading mode is selected, the display unit 13 switches to the stamp printing direction setting screen shown in FIG. 6, and "no cursor", "long side", "short side", "longitudinal reverse", The printing direction such as "vertical writing" is set, and finally the "confirm" button is pressed to confirm the setting and switch the category designation. For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 6, the reading mode is set to “printing read”, the printing direction is set to the “longitudinal” direction of the mail, and the section name description is selected to be “present”. The setting is completed by pressing the "confirm" button.

When the switching of the category designation is completed, the display unit 1
3, the normal screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and the printing-reading mode is set. Therefore, the FR-CPU 30 automatically sets the single-feeding mode. At this time, the operation panel 1
The continuous feed / single feed switch 20 of 0 is turned on, and the single feed start switch 21 is blinked. In this case, even if the mail is supplied to the supply unit 1 and the address reading / sorting machine is operated, the mail is in the single take-out mode and therefore the mail is taken out from the take-out unit 2.
Not taken from.

When the "cursor alignment" button is pressed on the normal screen of FIG. 7, the display unit 13 is switched to the reading position adjustment screen shown in FIG. 8, and the adjustment is roughly performed.
Here, when the one-feed start switch 21 is pressed, one mail is taken out from the take-out section 2. The normal postal matter taken out from the take-out section 2 and passed through the postal matter removing section 3 containing foreign matter and the postal matter removing section 4 having a bad conveyance posture passes through the reading section 5. The length of the postal matter that has passed through the image recognition unit 5a in the reading unit 5 is measured and transmitted to the DP-CPU 11 that controls the operation panel 10 through the determination unit 5b.

The DP-CPU 11 changes the length and size of the mail on the display screen of the display unit 13 shown in FIG. 8 based on the transmitted letter length (length of the mail). Also,
On the monitor 12 of the operation panel 10, the read mail image and the cursor designation area transmitted from the DP-CPU 11 to the discriminating unit 5b are overlapped, and the display unit 1 is viewed while observing the monitor 12.
Cursors A and B on the touch panel built in 3
The (two-point position) is largely adjusted by the operator's finger touch, and then the cursors A and B are finely adjusted by the arrows provided in the upper left corner and the lower right corner on the touch panel built in the display unit 12. Be seen.

After the cursors A and B have been designated and the print density has been adjusted on the screen of the display unit 13, the continuous feed / single feed switch 20 is pressed to turn on the continuous feed side, and mail is continuously fed. It

When it is desired to change the cursor designation area for reading the print type of the mail, the reading position adjustment screen shown in FIG. 8 is entered again and fine adjustment is performed. Adjustments can be made even while mail is being continuously taken out.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by providing the liquid crystal display section with the built-in touch panel and the automatically set single feed function (one feed switch, one feed start switch), It is not necessary for the supplier to supply the pick-up unit one by one, and fine adjustment is possible and the cursor designation area can be set accurately. Further, by providing the liquid crystal display unit with a built-in touch panel, it is possible to easily add and change modes, and to easily respond to changes in specifications.

[0041]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an address reading classifier and an address reading setting method of the address reading classifier which can easily confirm the designated area while reducing the adjustment variation of the area data and improving the analysis degree.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of an address reading / sorting machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an address reading / sorting machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation surface of an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Supply unit 2… Take-out part 5 ... Reading unit 5a ... Image recognition unit 5b ... Discrimination unit 10 ... Operation panel 11 ... DP-CPU 12 ... Monitor 13 ... Display 20 ... Continuous supply / single supply switch 21 ... One-way supply start switch 30 ... FR-CPU 31 ... M1-CPU

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. Reading the address on the supplied mail,
In the address reading / sorting machine for classifying the mail, the selecting means for selecting the printing type reading mode for reading the address written in the printing type on the supplied mail and the printing type reading mode by the selecting means are selected. Display that displays the setting screen for reading the address of the mail when selected
Means and address reading of mail on the setting screen displayed on this display means
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
The first control means for setting the one-pass take-out mode and the one-pass take-out mode are supplied by the first control means.
Set on the setting screen based on the image of one mail
Means for adjusting the settings for address reading of stored mail
And when the adjustment by this adjusting means is completed, take out one of the above
Mode, continuous feeding mode to feed mail continuously
And a second control means for changing to the address reading / sorting machine. 2. A supply means for supplying one mail piece at a time, a reading means for reading an image of the mail piece supplied from this supply means, and a print type printed from the image of the mail piece read by the reading means. Selecting means for selecting the print type reading mode for reading the address, and for reading the address of the mail supplied by the supplying means when the print type reading mode is selected by the selecting means.
A first display means for displaying a setting screen for the mail, and a mail item on the setting screen displayed on the first display means.
When the settings for address reading are confirmed, one mail
The first control means is set to the one-pass take-out mode in which only the single feed is performed, and the one-pass take- out mode is supplied by the first control means.
Set on the setting screen based on the image of one mail
Display the adjustment screen for the address reading of the postal items
The second display means and the adjustment screen displayed by the second display means.
The adjustment instructions for the settings made on the setting screen.
Input means for inputting, based on the input adjustment instruction by the input means, Yu
Adjusting means for adjusting the settings for reading the address of a toilet article
And when the adjustment by this adjusting means is completed, take out one of the above
Mode to continuous feeding mode for continuously feeding mail
And a second control unit for changing the address. 3. A supply means for supplying one mail piece at a time, and an instruction to start the supply of the mail piece by this supply means.
Input the supply switch and the instruction to supply only one mail from the above-mentioned supply means
A single feed start switch, a reading unit for reading an image of a mail piece supplied from the supplying unit, and a print type reading mode for reading an address written in print type from the image of the mail item read by the reading unit. Selection means to be selected and, when the print type reading mode is selected by this selection means , for reading the address of the postal matter supplied by the supply means.
A first display means for displaying a setting screen for the mail, and a mail item on the setting screen displayed on the first display means.
When the settings for address reading are confirmed, one mail
Only one feed from the above supply means
Enter the instruction to supply the mail only.
And a first control means for making the switch selectable, and a selection in the one-pass extraction mode by the first control means.
When one of the enabled supply start switches is input,
The above-mentioned reading means by supplying only one mail from the supplying means.
Based on the image of the mail read by
Settings for reading the address of the mail set on the fixed screen
A second display means for displaying an adjustment screen, adjustment screen odor displayed by the second display means
The adjustment instructions for the settings made on the setting screen.
Input means for inputting, based on the input adjustment instruction by the input means, Yu
Adjusting means for adjusting the set Description for reading address stool product
And when the adjustment by this adjusting means is completed, take out one of the above
Mode to continuous feeding mode for continuously feeding mail
Change and supply the above according to the instruction input to the supply switch.
Second control means for continuously feeding postal matter from the feeding means
And an address reading / sorting machine. 4. Reading the address on the supplied mail,
This is a method for setting the address reading used in the address reading / sorting machine that classifies the mail item, and selects the print type reading mode for reading the address written in the print type on the supplied mail item. When the print type reading mode is selected, mail
Displayed on the display means the setting screen for the address of the stool was read, address reading of mail in setting screen displayed on the display unit
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
1 mail pick-up mode, and the image of one mail supplied in this one mail pick-up mode
Address reading of the mail set on the setting screen based on
Adjust the settings for, and when this adjustment is finished,
An address reading setting method of an address reading classifying machine, characterized by changing to a continuous supply mode for continuously supplying toilet articles . 5. A supply means for supplying one mail piece at a time ,
An address having reading means for reading the image of the mail sent from the supplying means and selection means for selecting a print type reading mode for reading an address written in print type from the image of the mail read by the reading means An address reading setting method used for a reading / sorting machine, wherein when the printing type reading mode is selected by the selecting unit, the address reading of the mail supplied by the supplying unit is performed.
Setting screen displayed on the display means, address reading of mail in setting screen displayed on the display unit against
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
1 mail pick-up mode, and the image of one mail supplied in this one mail pick-up mode
Based on the above, the address reading of the mail set on the setting screen is performed.
A setting adjustment screen for the setting is displayed on the display means, and in the adjustment screen displayed by this display means,
Input means for adjusting the setting contents set on the setting screen
Input by the above input means.
Settings for reading the address of mail based on the adjustment instructions
And when this adjustment is completed, mail from the one-delivery mode
An address reading setting method for an address reading classifier, characterized by changing to a continuous supply mode in which objects are continuously supplied . 6. A supply means for supplying one mail piece at a time ,
Input an instruction to start the supply of mail by this supply means
Supply only one mail from the supply switch and the above-mentioned supply means.
One feed start switch for inputting an instruction to feed, reading means for reading the image of the mail sent from the feeding means, and the address written in print type from the image of the mail read by the reading means. A mail address reading setting method used in a mail address reading / sorting machine having a selecting means for selecting a print type reading mode, wherein the mail supplied by the supplying means when the print type reading mode is selected by the selecting means. To read the address of
Against displayed on the display unit a setting screen, address reading of mail in setting screen displayed on the display means
Supply only one mail item when the setting for delivery is confirmed
In addition to the one-feed mode,
Entering the instruction to supply only one piece of mail Start supplying one piece of mail
Switch can be selected, and one feed can be selected in the above one-feed mode.
When the start switch is pressed, mail from the above-mentioned supply means
Only one copy was supplied and read by the reading means.
Set on the setting screen based on the image of the mail
Displaying the adjustment screen for setting the address reading of mail items
The adjustment screen displayed by the display means is displayed.
Input means for adjusting the setting contents set on the fixed screen
Adjustment input by the above input means
Set the settings for reading the address of the mail based on the instruction.
Adjust, and when this adjustment is completed, mail from the 1-through mode
Change to the continuous supply mode to continuously supply
According to the instruction input to the feeding switch,
An address reading setting method for an address reading classifier , which comprises continuously supplying objects .