JP3654959B2 - Counting device and article sorting device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a counting device used for an apparatus for sorting and accumulating articles such as mail and certificates, and to an article sorting apparatus to which the counting apparatus is applied.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Techniques for sorting articles are known from Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-54172 and 5-67231. According to these publications, the address of a mail piece is read, and the mail piece is classified by destination. It is divided. Further, a technique for counting articles is known from Japanese Patent Publication No. 51-40821. According to this publication, the quantity of articles to be separately collected is counted and the quantity is checked.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the present invention]
However, in the conventional counting technique, the articles to be sorted and accumulated are counted before the sorting and collecting, and there is no configuration for confirming whether or not they are actually sorted and collected. Therefore, if the actual quantity of the separately collected articles may not match the count value and the reliability of the count value is particularly required, double check with another counting device. This requires a laborious confirmation work.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a counting device in which the reliability of the count value is highly guaranteed and an article sorting device to which the counting device is applied.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object is achieved by the present invention described below.
That is, the invention of claim 1 of the present application is an article sorting apparatus for distinguishing mails created by printing out address information created by an address information creation system, provided in an article transfer route, A switch that detects whether the switch that switches between the introduction side that guides the article to the sorting case and the passage side that does not guide the article based on the attached zip code is in the introduction side or the passage side . Switching detection means for outputting a state detection signal by a state detection sensor, article detection means for outputting an article detection signal by an article detection sensor for detecting an article immediately before the switch, and the article detection signal detected the article an article introducing judging means for outputting the detected count sum signal in that the state detection signal is in a predetermined time range after a output indicating an output indicating the state of the introduction side that, before A count value generating means for generating an input to summing to count data count value of the counting sum signal, comparing the count data and settings passing number of mailpieces, the coincidence output signal when match and count comparison means for outputting, in an article sorting apparatus of the coincidence output signal, characterized in that it consists, and the information label issuing system the passing number and zip code issues a printed information tag by being transferred is there.
The invention of claim 2 of the present invention further comprises a sorting case switching means for inputting the coincidence output signal and switching the specified sorting case for guiding an article to another sorting case in the invention of claim 1. as an object article sorter characterized.
[0005]
[Action]
According to the counting device of the present invention, the number of articles introduced into the sorting case is counted to obtain count value data. Therefore, it is highly guaranteed that the quantity of the separately collected articles and the count value match.
Further, according to the article sorting apparatus of the present invention, the number of articles introduced into the sorting case by the counting means is counted to obtain count value data. Therefore, it is highly guaranteed that the quantity of the separately collected articles and the count value match.
Further, according to the article sorting apparatus of the present invention, the counting means includes a switching detection means, an article detection means, an article introduction determination means, and a count value generation means.
Whether the switch that is provided in the article transfer path by the switch detection unit and switches between the introduction side that guides the article to the sorting case and the passage side that does not guide the article is in the introduction side or the passage side. Is detected and a status detection signal is output,
The article detection means detects the article immediately before the switch and outputs an article detection signal.
The article introduction determination means detects that the state detection signal is an output indicating the state of the introduction side and outputs a count addition signal in a predetermined time range after the article detection signal becomes an output indicating that the article has been detected. And
The count value generation means inputs a count addition signal and adds the count value to generate count value data.
Further, according to the article sorting apparatus of the present invention, the numerical value set by the count value comparison means is compared with the count value data, and when both match, a coincidence output signal is output. Further, according to the article sorting apparatus of the present invention, the matching output signal is input by the sorting case switching means, and the sorting case for guiding the article is switched to another sorting case.
[0006]
【Example】
The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the counting device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a switching detection means, 2 is an article detection means, 3 is an article introduction determination means, and 4 is a count value generation means. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the article switching unit of the article sorting apparatus to which the counting device is applied. In FIG. 2, 5 is a state detection sensor corresponding to the switching detection means 1, 6 is an article detection sensor corresponding to the article detection means 2, 7 is an article A, 8 is an article B, and 9 is a switch.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching detection means 1, that is, the state detection sensor 5 is provided in the article transfer path, and performs switching between the introduction side for guiding the article to the sorting case and the passage side for not guiding the article. The switch 9 detects whether the state is the introduction side or the passage side and outputs a state detection signal. The state detection sensor 5 can use, for example, a proximity switch such as an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, and an optical method. The switching detection means 1 is composed of a sensor head and a sensor amplifier that drives the sensor head and outputs a signal.
[0007]
The state detection sensor 5 can be substituted by detecting the generation of the drive signal of the switch 9 or the generation of the drive data of the switch 9 in the control program without using the independent state detection sensor 5. It is more reliable to detect that the switch 9 is mechanically operated.
[0008]
The article detection means 2, that is, the article detection sensor 6 detects an article immediately before the switch 9 and outputs an article detection signal. As the article detection sensor 6, for example, an optical non-contact sensor including a light projecting head and a light receiving head, a capacitive proximity switch, or the like can be used. The article detection means 2 includes a sensor head and a sensor amplifier that drives the sensor head and outputs a signal.
After the article detection signal output from the article detection means 2 becomes an output indicating that the article has been detected, the article introduction determination means 3 is transferred to the arrow b side and the article B is transferred to the sorting case (not shown, but the switch It is detected that the state detection signal output by the switching detection means 1 is an output indicating the state of the introduction side in a predetermined time range until the state where the state is introduced to the state introduced in FIG. Output.
[0009]
The count value generation means 4 receives the count addition signal output from the article introduction determination means 3 and adds the count value to generate count value data.
The article detection unit 2, the article introduction determination unit 3, and the count value generation unit 4 can be configured as hardware by a logic circuit formed of a semiconductor integrated circuit. Moreover, it can also be comprised by a microcomputer, a programmable sequencer, a personal computer, etc. which have a calculation processing function, and a calculation processing program. Since the detailed configuration method by them is a well-known technique, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0010]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the article sorting apparatus and its peripheral devices according to the present invention. The article in FIG. 3 is mail. In FIG. 3, 10 is an address information creation system, 11 is a data store system, 12 is a printed matter sorting system, 13 is an information tag issuing system, and 14 is an Ethernet for data communication between these systems. LAN (Local Area Network).
For example, in the case where an invoice is mailed to a customer, the address information creation system 10 includes customer name list data in which a customer name, a customer ID (identification), an address, etc. are registered, a sales date, a sales item, a price, Based on the sales record data in which the sales destination (customer ID) and the like are registered, the destination and the billing contents are extracted to generate transaction data. At the time of creating this transaction data, the postal codes are sorted in ascending order so that it is easy to create postal bundles of postal items. Further, print image data is generated from the transaction data, and finally a printed mail is created.
The transaction data is given a sequence number (record number) in the transaction data together with the postal code, address, and customer name. Further, data such as the number of mail items belonging to the postal code is extracted from the transaction data.
[0011]
The data store system 11 is a database management system that stores and manages address information such as transaction data created by the address information creation system 10 or original customer list data as a database.
For example, if a mail item is returned for reasons such as the corresponding delivery destination is unknown, the mail address information of the mail object will be invalidated and will not be issued from the next time. Processing for updating the database, such as correction, is performed.
[0012]
The printed matter sorting system 12 is a system according to the present invention that sorts the printed matter on which address information is printed for each destination, and includes address information processing means, counting means, inspection means, and mail number sorting means.
The address information processing means determines a sorting case which is a destination of the mail to be sorted based on the postal code and the mail number data input in advance based on the address information.
The counting means counts the mail items from the output signal of the mail detection device provided in the mail transfer path. By counting, mail pieces having the same zip code are further collected for each set number (predetermined number) to create a mail piece bundle.
Further, the inspection means reads address information such as a zip code and a sequence number, and inspects whether or not the inclusion with the address printed out is correctly sealed.
The mail number classifying unit reads both the zip code and the sequence number, classifies the destination by the zip code, and classifies the set mail by the sequence number.
[0013]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a mail processing process by the article sorting apparatus of the present invention and its peripheral devices (see FIG. 3).
First, the address information creation system 10 creates address information. As described above, transaction data of address information is created from customer name list data, sales performance data, and the like. Alternatively, it is created by a method such as inputting based on a list.
The address information is configured by collecting records corresponding to a plurality of postal items, which are data described in a single postal item consisting of field data such as a postal code, an address, a name, and a sequence number. (S1).
Next, the address information is stored as a database in the data store system 11 (S2).
[0014]
The data stored in the data store system 11 is updated by adding / deleting data as necessary. For example, the presence / absence of return information relating to a mail piece returned with an unknown delivery destination is confirmed (S3), and if there is return information, return processing (see the description of FIG. 3) is performed (S4).
As described above, after checking whether the data stored in the data store system 11 is proper and performing appropriate processing, print image data is generated based on the address information and the print system (not shown). ) Is printed out and sealed together with other printed matter to create a mail piece.
Then, the created postal matter is set in the supply unit of the printed matter sorting system 12 in order to create a postal matter bundle (sort bundle) classified by postal code or mailing destination.
On the other hand, the printed matter classification system 12 reads the address information described above (S5).
[0015]
In the printed matter sorting system 12, the set mail pieces are supplied one by one on the transfer path, the address information printed out of the mail pieces is read, and the number of mail pieces is counted. The address information printed out is read as image data as a result of main scanning by the line sensor camera and sub-scanning by the transfer by a CCD line sensor camera or the like provided on the transfer path. Then, the zip code, sequence number, address, etc. in the address information are discriminated by the pattern discriminating process to obtain code data. Of course, other image input devices combining a shutter mechanism, a strobe light emitting device, and an image sensor may be used.
The count of postal items is detected by a timing matching sensor to be read as image data, that is, a sensor composed of a projection head and a light receiving head that detects the edge of the postal item (S6).
[0016]
Next, it is inspected whether the mail is manufactured correctly or whether the mail is supplied in the order of the address information. For example, it is determined whether or not a postal code, a sequence number, an address, etc. are written in the printed address information column. By this inspection, it is determined whether the inclusion is correctly enclosed or whether it is improperly enclosed due to a mistake in the front and back.
Further, it is determined whether or not the address information obtained as code data is consistent with the address information read from the data store system 11. For example, the total number of postal items supplied matches the sequence number, or the count value of the postal item of a certain postal code matches the number of mails in the postal address information (S7).
If the result of the inspection is defective mail (S8), an abnormal process is performed according to the content of the defect. For example, bad mail is introduced into a sorting case where improper mail is collected. When a large number of defective mails are generated, for example, an alarm is issued and the system is stopped (S9). Then, the process returns to S6.
[0017]
When the result of the inspection is a non-defective postal item (S8), the postal item is accommodated in a classification case to which the postal item should belong. The determination as to which classification case the postal item belongs to is based on address information obtained as code data, address information read from the data store system 11, or information on both. Normally, the order of the address information in the data store system 11 is the printing order in the printing system, and the mail order is also retained at the stage where the printed mail matter is set in the supply unit of the printed matter sorting system 12.
When it is determined which specific division case the mail piece belongs to, the postal matter is transferred while the transfer route is controlled to reach the division case, and the switch 9 of the division case is timed to transfer the mail piece. The mail is introduced into the sorting case. At that time, the number of mail pieces introduced into the sorting case is counted at the same time.
The postal items are counted by the counting device described with reference to FIGS. The counting device is provided in each sorting case and has the same number as the sorting case, and counts the number of mail pieces introduced into each sorting case (S10).
[0018]
When a set number of mail pieces are introduced into the sorting case and the count value data output from the counting device matches the set number, the count value comparing means (not shown) of the printed matter sorting system 12 Detects this and outputs a coincidence output signal (generates coincidence data). By the coincidence output signal, measures such as turning on an indicator of a display or a division case are performed. Is displayed to the operator or the like.
Further, the sorting case switching means (not shown) of the printed matter sorting system 12 switches the sorting case for guiding the mail piece to another sorting case by the matching output signal (matching data), and selects the following postal matter having the same zip code. Control is performed to lead to the switched segment case.
[0019]
Also, the printed matter sorting system 12 transfers data (number of copies, sorting case ID, and postal code) related to the coincidence output signal to the information tag issuing system 13 and issues the information tag in the information tag issuing system 13. The number and postal code are printed on the information tag. The data to be printed on the information tag may be based on the read data as described above, and the address information of the data store system 11 is input to the information tag issuing system 13 in advance and the data is based on the data. (S11).
Next, the postal matter is taken out from the sorting case in which the set number of postal items are introduced and bundled together with the information tag (S12). If there is a remaining mail piece set and supplied to the printed material sorting system 12, the process returns to S6 and the above operation is repeated, and if there is no mail piece, the process ends (S13).
[0020]
FIG. 5 is a view showing mail as an example of articles sorted in the article sorting apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 15 is a zip code and 16 is a sequence number. These address information (address and name are not necessarily read because they are not necessarily read) are stored on paper (address) Card) and can be read through a transparent window in the envelope.
[0021]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a breakdown of postal items subjected to sorting processing in the article sorting apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6A shows the breakdown of postal items before sorting processing. The total number of processing is 12345, 2023 postal items with 100 postal codes, 1574 postal items with postal code 101, and postal codes. 986 mails with 102, 2431 mails with 103 postcode, 3125 mails with 104 postal code, and 2206 mails with 105 postal code. The number of set classifications is 50.
FIG. 6B shows a breakdown of postal items after the sorting process. For postal items having a postal code of 100, 40 bundles of 50 mail numbers and 2023 mails of one bundle of 23 mail numbers are shown. The postal code of 101 has 31 bundles of 50 mails and 1574 mails of 24 mails, and the mail of postal code 102 has 19 mails of 50 mails and 36 mails. A bundle of 986 mails with a postal code of 103, 48 bundles of 50 mails and 2431 mails of 31 mails, and 2431 mails with a postal code of 104, 62 mails of 50 mails. A bundle of 25 bundles with a total number of 25 is a bundle of 3125, and a postal matter with a postal code of 105 is a bundle of 50 copies with a bundle of 44 and a bundle of 6 pieces with a bundle of 2206.
[0022]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided a counting device in which reliability of a count value is highly guaranteed and an article sorting device to which the counting device is applied.
Further, according to the article sorting apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to sort by the same zip code and by set number of mails.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a counting device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an article switching unit of an article sorting apparatus to which a counting device is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an article sorting device and peripheral devices thereof according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a postal matter processing process by the article sorting apparatus of the present invention and its peripheral devices (see FIG. 3).
FIG. 5 is a view showing mail as an example of an article to be sorted in the article sorting apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a part of postal matter subjected to sorting processing in the article sorting apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Switching detection means 2 Article detection means 3 Article introduction determination means 4 Count value generation means 5 State detection sensor 6 Article detection sensor 7 Article A
8 Article B
9 Switch 10 Address information creation system 11 Data store system 12 Printed matter classification system 13 Information tag issuing system 14 LAN
15 Postal code 16 Sequence number

Claims (2)

An article sorting apparatus for distinguishing mails created by printing out address information created by an address information creation system,
A switching device provided in the transfer path of the article, which switches between the introduction side that guides the article to the sorting case and the passage side that does not guide the article based on the zip code attached to the article, either the introduction side or the passage side. A switching detection means for outputting a state detection signal by a state detection sensor of a switch for detecting whether the state is a state ;
Article detection means for outputting an article detection signal by an article detection sensor for detecting an article immediately before the switch;
Article introduction determination for detecting that the state detection signal is an output indicating the state of the introduction side and outputting a count addition signal in a predetermined time range after the article detection signal becomes an output indicating that an article has been detected Means ,
A count value generating means for pre-Symbol generates the added count value data by inputting the count value of the counting sum signal,
Count value comparison means for comparing the set number of mail pieces and the count value data, and outputting a coincidence output signal when both coincide with each other ;
An information label issuing system issues the information label to the passing number and postal code is printed by the coincidence output signal is transferred,
Article sorting apparatus characterized by comprising 2. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising sorting case switching means for inputting the coincidence output signal and switching the specific sorting case for guiding articles to another sorting case.

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