JP3841845B2 - Mail sorting device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sorting and collecting mail pieces, and more particularly to a mail piece sorting apparatus for sorting and collecting mail pieces based on sorting information or destination information generated before sorting the mail pieces.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The techniques for sorting mails are known from Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 5-54172 and 5-67231. According to these publications, the address of the mail is read, and the mail is sent to the destination. Separated separately.
By the way, in the conventional mail sorting apparatus, there is no one that guarantees a 100% readability for reading the mail address. That is, taking into account the number of post-processing steps in the case of misreading, the misreading rate is lowered and the correct reading rate is increased. Therefore, when ambiguous read data is obtained, processing is performed as unreadable. As a result, the readability is set low.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the present invention]
However, if the number of postal items processed as unreadable is increased, the number of steps for processing the postal items increases and the work efficiency decreases. In addition, when reading and sorting "sequence numbers" that are more reliable than general "addresses", if mail pieces are not supplied to the mail piece sorting apparatus in the order of sequence numbers, Since there is no processing means when the number order is out of order, an error occurs and the machine is stopped, and work efficiency is also lowered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mail sorting apparatus that eliminates or reduces the number of unreadable mail pieces and performs correct sorting even if the order of supplied mail pieces is out of order or missing. is there.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the present invention is a postal matter sorting apparatus having a sorter body and a control operation station, wherein the sorter body has a supply means, and the supply means is a mail piece set in the supply section. The control station has a storage means and a calculation means including a sorting processing means. Storing classification information comprising postal code data of a thing and number data of how many mail pieces of the postal code are in succession; Furthermore, it includes a count value comparison means and a division case switching means, Based on the classification information Count value comparison means is indicated by the count value of the mail piece introduced in the division case The division bundle is equal to the set number When it reaches, it outputs a coincidence output signal, and the sorting case switching means switches the sorting case for guiding the mail piece to another sorting case based on the matching output signal, and follows. Mail with the same zip code To lead to the switched segment case It is a mail sorting apparatus that performs sorting processing so that the supply means are integrated. Further, the present invention is a postal matter sorting apparatus having sorting information generating means for generating the sorting information from address information which is original data of the address described in the mail.
[0005]
The present invention is also a postal sorting apparatus including a sorting machine main body and a control operation station, wherein the sorting machine main body has a supply means and a reading means, and the supply means is a mail set in a supply section. One piece of information is supplied one by one, mail pieces are accumulated in one of a plurality of division cases to generate a division bundle, and the reading means is descriptive information for identifying the post piece described in the supplied piece of mail. Read the sequence number, the control station with storage means; Inspection means Classification processing means The The storage means stores the read description information as read information, and also includes a sequence number that is data for specifying the mail to be sorted and a sorting case in which the identified mail is introduced. Store destination information consisting of data to be identified, The inspection unit inspects whether the sequence number is not read by the reading unit or not. Based on the read information and the destination information, the sorting processing means is configured so that the supply means accumulates mail pieces having the same zip code until the sorting bundle reaches a number equal to the set number. In addition, the supply means collects the defective printed matter in a specific determined division case. This is a mail sorting apparatus that performs sorting processing. Further, the present invention is a postal matter sorting device having destination information generating means for generating the destination information from address information which is original data of an address described in a postal matter.
[0006]
[Action]
According to the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, the sorting machine main body and the control operation station are provided, the sorting machine main body has the supply means, and the mail set in the supply section is supplied one by one by the supply means. The mail pieces are accumulated in one of the plurality of sorting cases to generate a sorting bundle, and the control station has a storing means and a calculating means including a sorting processing means, and the sorting pieces in the storing means. Classification information consisting of the zip code data and the number of consecutive mails of that zip code. Further includes a count value comparison means and a division case switching means, Based on segment information Indicated by the count value of the mail piece introduced into the division case by the count value comparison means The division bundle is equal to the set number When it reaches, a matching output signal is output, and the sorting case switching means switches the sorting case for guiding the mail based on the matching output signal to another sorting case, and follows Mail with the same zip code To lead to that switched case A sorting process is performed so that the supply means are integrated. According to the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, the sorting information is generated from the address information which is the original data of the address written on the mail by the sorting information generating means.
[0007]
Further, according to the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, the sorting machine main body and the control operation station are provided. The sorting machine main body has the supply means and the reading means, and the postal matter set in the supply section by the supply means. A sequence number, which is description information for identifying the postal matter described in the postal matter supplied by the reading means, is generated one by one, and the postal matter is accumulated in one of a plurality of division cases to generate a bundle of pieces. Read, the control station has storage means; Inspection means Classification processing means The The description information read in the storage means is stored as read information, and the sequence number that is data for specifying the mail to be sorted and the sorting case in which the specified mail is introduced are specified Destination information consisting of data is stored, The inspection means inspects whether the printed matter is a defective printed matter whose sequence number cannot be read by the reading means, Based on the read information and the destination information by the sorting processing means, the feeding means accumulates the mail pieces with the same zip code until the sorting bundle reaches a number equal to the set number. In addition, the supply means collects the defective printed matter in a specific determined division case. Classification processing is performed. According to the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, the destination information is generated from the address information which is the original data of the address written on the mail by the destination information generating means.
[0008]
【Example】
The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mail sorting apparatus and peripheral apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a control operation station of the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, 2 is a sorting machine body of the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention, 3 is a label printer that prints and issues information tags, and 4 is an Ethernet. LAN (Local Area Network) such as 5 is an input means such as a keyboard, and 6 is an output means such as a display.
The control operation station 1 is further composed of details, 7 is a storage device, and 8 is a calculation means. The portion of the control operation station 1 according to the present invention can be realized by a computer such as a board computer, a personal computer, or a workstation. Further, the control operation station 1 can be realized by adding a programmable sequencer, peripheral devices, a dedicated pattern discrimination processing device, and the like. A part of the equipment constituting the control operation station 1 can be provided in the sorter body 2.
[0009]
In the storage means 7, 9 is address information which is the original data of the address printed on the postal matter, 10 is the classification information consisting of the postal code data of the postal matter to be classified and the serial number data of the postal code, and 11 is the postal to be classified. Destination information consisting of data for identifying the item and data for identifying the classification case into which the identified mail piece is introduced, 12 is a reading obtained by reading the description information for the mail piece to be classified and identifying the mail item Information.
Further, in the calculation means 8, 13 is a classification information generation processing routine for generating classification information from the address information which is the original data of the address described in the postal matter, and 14 is the address information which is the original data of the address described in the postal matter. Destination information generation processing routine for generating destination information from, and 15 is a classification processing routine for performing processing for introducing mail items into the classification case based on the classification information or the destination information.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a mail classification process in the present invention. A processing process in the mail sorting apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, address information 9 corresponding to the address printed on the mail is read into the storage means 7. Original address information is information created in another system in order to print the address on a postal matter or on an address mount enclosed in the postal matter. The address information is sorted in ascending order by zip code and stored in a database system or the like so that it is easy to create a bundle of postal items, and the address information is stored in the LAN 4 or via FD (floppy disk), MO ( The data is read into the storage means 7 of the control operation station 1 using a recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk (S1).
Next, the division information 10 is generated from the address information 9 by the division information generation processing routine 13. Mails with addresses printed on the basis of the address information 9 are handled in the order in which they are printed, and the order is maintained even when the mails are supplied to the mail sorting apparatus. In addition, the address information of the same zip code (including the case where the zip code is exactly the same and the case where only the higher-order zip code is the same. The same applies hereinafter) in the address information 9 is a series of data. It is recorded as a group. Therefore, from the address information 9, the number data of the number of mail pieces having the same zip code in succession are extracted, and the zip code data of the mail pieces to be classified and the number data of the zip code are obtained. That is, the division information 10 is obtained (S2).
[0011]
Based on this sort information and set number data, the sort processing routine 15 performs sort processing. The set number data is data for determining the number of pieces of mail included in the sorted bundle obtained by sorting the mail pieces having the same zip code. For example, the set number is a number such as “50”, “100”, “200”. Therefore, when there are a large number of mail pieces with the same zip code, a plurality of division bundles are created. Actually, one of a plurality of sorting cases in the sorting apparatus main body accumulates mail pieces having the same zip code number equal to the set number of mails, and the collected mail pieces are sorting bundles. The set number data is generated when the operator sets a predetermined number of sorting bundles in the control operation station 1 or in the sorting machine body 2.
By the way, there are cases where a small number of mail pieces with the same zip code do not reach the set number, and even when there are a large number of mail pieces with the same zip code, there is a surplus that does not reach the set number. In that case, mails with the same zip code are set as one bundle without reaching the set number. Subsequently, a sorting process for creating a new sorting bundle is performed on a mail piece of another postal code to be sorted. In other words, it is introduced in another division case. A classification process is performed for all postal items to be processed, and the process ends (S3).
[0012]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of a mail classification process in the present invention. A processing process in the mail sorting apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, address information 9 corresponding to the address printed on the mail is read into the storage means 7. Original address information is information created in another system in order to print the address on a postal matter or on an address mount enclosed in the postal matter. The address information is stored in a database system or the like, and the address information is stored in the control operation station 1 via the LAN 4 or offline using a recording medium such as an FD (floppy disk) or MO (magneto-optical disk). 7 is read (S101).
[0013]
Next, the destination information 10 is generated from the address information 9 by the destination information generation processing routine 14. Mails with addresses printed on the basis of the address information 9 are handled while being arranged in the printed order, and the order is normally maintained even when they are supplied to the mail sorting apparatus. As will be described later, in this example, an appropriate division is performed even if an error occurs in order for some reason.
The address information 9 and the printed address include information for identifying the mail, for example, a sequence number. Accordingly, the correspondence data between the description information specifying the postal matter such as the sequence number and the postal code of the postal matter can be obtained from the address information. This correspondence data is the destination information 10, and is generated from the destination information 9 by the destination information generation processing routine 14 (S102).
[0014]
When the postal items to be sorted are set in the supply unit of the sorting machine main body 2 and an operation for starting sorting is performed from the control operation station 1, the postal items are supplied one by one from the supply unit of the sorting machine main body 2. . Then, the postal information described in the mail, for example, the sequence number is read by a reading device such as a CCD camera provided in the sorter body 2 to obtain read information 12 (S103).
Based on this read information 12, the postal code of the postal matter is specified from the destination information 11. Based on this zip code and set number data (see S3 described above), the sorting process is performed by the sorting process routine 15. That is, pieces of mail having the same zip code are accumulated in one of a plurality of sorting cases in the sorting apparatus main body 2 until a number equal to the set number is reached to obtain a sorted bundle. By the way, there are cases where a small number of mail pieces with the same zip code do not reach the set number, and even when there are a large number of mail pieces with the same zip code, there is a surplus that does not reach the set number. In that case, the mail pieces with the same zip code are set as one bundle without reaching the set number (S104).
[0015]
When the mail sorting process ends, it is determined whether there is a remaining mail piece to be sorted. When there is a remaining mail piece, the description information of the following mail piece is read in the sorter body 2 to obtain read information 12. That is, it returns to S103 and repeats the same process. If there is no remaining mail, the mail classification process is terminated (S105).
[0016]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a mail sorting apparatus and peripheral devices thereof according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, 16 is an address information creation system, 17 is a data store system, 18 is a printed matter sorting system, 19 is an information tag issuing system, and 20 is an Ethernet for communicating data 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 16 includes customer name list data in which the customer name, customer ID (identification), address, etc. are registered, sales date, sales item, 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. The customer data is sorted in ascending order by postal code so that it is easy to create a postal bundle of postal items at the time of creating the transaction data. 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.
[0017]
The data store system 17 is a database management system that stores and manages address information such as transaction data created by the address information creation system 16 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.
[0018]
The printed matter sorting system 18 is a system of the present invention that sorts the printed matter on which the address information is printed for each destination. In this example, the printed matter sorting system 18 has 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. That is, classification information and destination information are generated, and the roles of the above-described classification information generation means and destination information generation means are included.
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 means classifies the set mail number based on the classification information. Alternatively, the sequence number is read, the destination is classified based on the zip code obtained by referring to the destination information, and the set number is classified based on the sequence number.
[0019]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a mail processing process by the mail sorting apparatus and its peripheral devices (see FIG. 4) according to the present invention.
First, address information is created in the address information creation system 16. 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. (S201).
Next, the address information is stored as a database in the data store system 17 (S202).
[0020]
The data stored in the data store system 17 is updated by adding and 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 (S203), and if there is return information, return processing (see the description of FIG. 4) is performed (S204).
As described above, after checking whether the data stored in the data store system 17 is appropriate 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 18 in order to create a postal matter bundle (sort bundle) sorted by zip code or postal destination.
On the other hand, the printed matter classification system 18 reads the address information described above (S205).
[0021]
In the printed matter sorting system 18, 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 the main scanning by the line sensor camera and the sub-scanning by the transfer by a CCD line sensor camera or the like provided on the transfer path, and the postal code in the address information The sequence number, address, etc. are discriminated by the pattern discriminating process, and code data, that is, read information is obtained. 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 light receiving head and a light receiving head for detecting the edge of the postal item (S206).
[0022]
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 there is consistency between the address information obtained as code data, that is, the read information, and the address information read from the data store system 17. 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 (S207).
If the result of the inspection is defective mail (S208), an abnormal process is performed according to the content of the defect. For example, defective mail items are collected in a specific, determined case. If a large number of defective mails are generated, for example, an alarm is issued and the system is stopped (S209). Then, the process returns to S206.
[0023]
When the result of the inspection is a non-defective postal matter (S208), the postal matter is accommodated in a sorting case to which it belongs. The determination as to which classification case the postal item belongs to is based on either the read information, the address information read from the data store system 17, or the information of both. Normally, the order of the address information of the data store system 17 is the order of printing in the printing system, and the mail order is retained even when the printed mail piece is set in the supply unit of the printed matter sorting system 18.
When it is determined which sort case the mail piece belongs to, it is transferred while controlling the transfer route, and the mail piece reaches the sort case, and the switching means of the sort case synchronizes with the transfer of the mail piece. Open and 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. (S210).
[0024]
When a set number of mail items are introduced into the sorting case and the count value data output from the counting device matches the set number, the count value comparison means (not shown) of the printed matter sorting system 18 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 18 uses the matching output signal (matching data) to switch the sorting case for guiding the mail piece to another sorting case, and to send the following postal matter having the same zip code. Control is performed to lead to the switched segment case.
[0025]
Further, the printed matter sorting system 18 transfers data (number of copies, sorting case ID, zip code) related to the coincidence output signal to the information tag issuing system 19 and issues the information tag in the information tag issuing system 19. The number and postal code are printed on the information tag. Note that the data printed on the information tag may be based on the read data as described above, and the address information of the data store system 17 is input to the information tag issuing system 19 in advance, and the data is based on the data. (S211).
Next, a predetermined number of pieces of mail are taken out from the sorting case in which the set number of pieces of mail are introduced and bundled together with information tags (S212). When there is a remaining mail piece set and supplied to the printed material sorting system 18, the process returns to S206 and the above operation is repeated, and when there is no mail piece, the process ends (S213).
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mail piece sorted in the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 6, 21 is a zip code and 22 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.
[0027]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a breakdown of postal items that are subjected to sorting processing in the postal sorting unit of the present invention.
FIG. 7A shows the breakdown of postal items before sorting processing. The total number of processed items is 12345, postal items with 100 postal codes are 2023, postal items with postal code 101 are 1574, 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. 7B is a table showing the process of the sorting process. The normal process in which the mail pieces are supplied in the order of the sequence numbers, and the abnormal process in which the mail pieces are not supplied in the order of the sequence numbers. Is shown in contrast. Designated BOX No. corresponding to sequence numbers 1, 2, 3,. (Division case numbers) are indicated by A, B, C,. This correspondence data is the destination information 11. At the time of abnormality, the postal matter having sequence number 4 and the postal matter having sequence number 5 are exchanged and supplied. However, since the destination is specified by destination information 11, correct sorting processing is performed.
[0028]
FIG. 7C shows the breakdown of postal items after the sorting process. For postal items with a postal code of 100, 40 bundles of 50 mail numbers and 2023 mails of one bundle of 23 mail numbers are information tags. 41 are issued. In addition, a postal mail with a postal code of 101 has 31 bundles of 50 mails and a bundle of 24 mails with 1574 mails, 1574 mails with 32 information tags, and a postal mail with 102 postal codes of 50 mails. There are 19 bundles and 36 bundles of 986, and 20 pieces of information tags, and postal code 103 mail is 48 bundles of 48 and 31 bundles of 2431. 49 pieces of information tags, postal items with a postal code of 104, 62 bundles of 50 mails and 3125 mails of bundles of 25 mails, 63 information tags, mails with a postal code of 105 There are 44 bundles of several 50 and 2206 one bundle of six, and 45 information tags are issued.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a postal matter sorting apparatus that performs sorting for each set number of mails at the same time as the same postal code, with little unreadableness, and without machine stoppage due to the presence of postal items in the wrong number order. Provided.
Further, when the mail sorting apparatus according to the present invention reads and sorts the sequence numbers, it is possible to correctly sort even if the order of supplied mail is out of order or missing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mail sorting apparatus and peripheral apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a mail classification process in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of a mail classification process in the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a mail sorting apparatus and peripheral devices thereof according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a mail processing process performed by the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention and its peripheral devices (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of mail pieces sorted by the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a breakdown of mail pieces that are subjected to sorting processing in the mail sorting apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Control operation station
2 Sorting machine body
3 Label printer
4 LAN
5 input means
6 Output means
7 Memory means
8 Calculation means
9 Address information
10 Category information
11 Destination information
12 Reading information
13 Division information generation processing routine
14 Destination information generation processing routine
15 division processing routine
16 Address information creation system
17 Data store system
18 Printed matter classification system
19 Information tag issuing system
20 LAN
21 Postal code
22 Sequence number

Claims (4)

A mail sorting device comprising a sorting machine body and a control operation station,
The sorting machine main body has supply means, and the supply means supplies the mail pieces set in the supply section one by one, collects the mail pieces in one of a plurality of division cases, and generates a division bundle,
The control station has a storage means and a calculation means including a sorting processing means, and the storing means is a serial number of postal code data of postal items to be sorted and how many postal items of the postal code are in succession. Stores classification information consisting of data,
The sorting processing means further includes a count value comparing means and a sorting case switching means. Based on the sorting information, the counting value comparing means has the sorting bundle indicated by the count value of the mail piece introduced into the sorting case. When a number equal to the set number is reached, a match output signal is output, and the sorting case switching means switches the sorting case for guiding the mail piece to another sorting case based on the matching output signal, and the subsequent postal code of the same zip code. Performing a sorting process so that the supply means accumulate to direct mail to the switched sorting case ;
A mail sorting apparatus characterized by that. 2. The postal matter sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising sorting information generating means for generating the sorting information from address information which is original data of the address described in the mail. A mail sorting device comprising a sorting machine body and a control operation station,
The sorter body has a supply means and a reading means,
The supply means supplies the postal items set in the supply unit one by one, accumulates the postal items in one of a plurality of division cases, and generates a division bundle,
The reading means reads a sequence number which is description information for identifying the mail item described in the supplied mail item,
Wherein the control station includes a calculating means including memory means, the sorting means and the inspection means,
The storage means stores the read description information as read information, and also includes destination information composed of a sequence number that is data for specifying a mail piece to be sorted and data for specifying a sorting case into which the specified mail piece is introduced. Remember,
The inspection unit inspects whether the sequence number is not read by the reading unit or not.
Based on the read information and the destination information, the sorting processing unit is configured so that the supply unit accumulates mail pieces having the same zip code until the sorting bundle reaches a number equal to a set number . A sorting process is performed so that the supply means accumulates the defective printed matter in a sorting case ;
A mail sorting apparatus characterized by that. 4. The postal matter sorting apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising destination information generating means for generating the destination information from address information which is original data of the address described in the postal matter.

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