KR100629842B1 - Automatic Postal Information Capture System - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic postal information acquisition system, the automatic postal information acquisition system according to the present invention comprises: an electronic balance for generating a weight signal corresponding to the weight by measuring the weight of a postal item; An overhead scanner for scanning an indicia of the postal item above the postal matter loaded on the electronic balance to generate an image of the indicia of the postal matter; A cradle provided separately from the electronic balance to support the overhead scanner; A postal information reading unit that reads postal information including at least one of a postal code, an address, and a name written on a cover of the postal item from an image generated from the overhead scanner; A screen display for displaying the read information; A data input unit for correcting postal information read from the postal information reading unit; A data storage unit for storing data relating to the postal information read from the postal information reading unit or corrected by the data input unit; And a control unit for automatically calculating a postage fee based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance. This makes it possible to install in a narrower place, to have a simpler structure, to operate easily, and to avoid the zero adjustment interference of the electronic balance caused by the cable provided by installing the scanner in the electronic balance itself, When receiving mail, especially registered mail, a postal information automatic acquisition system is provided which can automatically read and obtain the sender or recipient information of a postal item placed on an electronic balance for postage calculation.

Post Office, Mail Reception Desk, Mail, Registered, Postal Information, Automatic Reading, Acquisition, Overhead Scanner, Cradle

Description

Automatic Postal Information Capture System

1 is a block diagram of an automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a view for explaining the coupling state of the cradle, the non-contact overhead scanner, electronic balance of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2;

Figure 4 is a flow chart of the postal information acquisition of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to the present invention,

5 is a view showing a state in which an image viewer window is displayed on the screen display of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a view for explaining the coupling state of the cradle, the non-contact overhead scanner, electronic balance of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to another embodiment of the present invention,

7 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 6.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

     1: Automatic Mail Information Acquisition System 10: Electronic Balance

    20: overhead scanner 21: scanner pillar

    23: scanner head 25: USB cable (USB)

    27: Adapter 30: Cradle

    40: Postal information reader 50: Screen display

    60: data input unit 70: data storage unit

    80: control unit 90: charge display screen

   100: output unit

The present invention relates to an automatic postal information acquisition system, and more particularly, to an automatic postal information acquisition system capable of automatically recognizing the sender or recipient information of a postal mail at the front desk of a post office. It is about.

Since the postal service is one of the representative public services of a country that is closely related to people's life, any country is directly managed by a government office or a public corporation. However, as the use of computers and communication networks are spreading throughout the society, advanced countries such as the US, Germany, and France are beginning to introduce unmanned counters that can receive mail through unmanned countries. We plan to introduce in the future.

First of all, when looking at the technology trends of developed countries, some of the unmanned automatic teller systems that are operated in developed countries are based on the fully standardized standard mail environment. , Touch screen type monitor, camera, coin dispenser, bank note dispenser, bank note dispenser, card dispenser, receipt printer, bill printer, mail receiving desk with electronic balance, mail box and mail box When received at the counter system, the size of the mail is specified using an optical sensor installed at a certain position of the mail reception desk, the weight of the mail is measured in the electronic balance, and the postage is calculated based on this.

Although it seems that such an unmanned automatic mail teller system can be introduced into Korea as it is, it is difficult to use it as it is in the domestic environment where mail standardization is still insufficient. For example, these unmanned automatic teller systems cannot be automatically recognized by barcode labels used for sorting and tracking postal items because they are attached to parcels or registered mails. Secondly, a number of additions such as electronic scales, coin dispensers, coin dispensers, paper money dispensers, paper money dispensers, card payers, computers, touch screen monitors, cameras, printers, etc. installed in these unmanned automatic mail teller systems. The equipment is also developed for their environment is difficult to apply as it is not only because of the price is too expensive problem.

In consideration of these problems, Korean Patent Publication No. 2003-0004975 discloses a postal service input by a customer without a post office receptionist, even after the office hours are over, automatically calculates the postage fee, and confirms whether the customer has paid the postage. An unmanned automatic mail teller system is disclosed that prints out the certificates, labels, and receipts necessary for the next mailing, and automatically sorts and stores the mails in the mail box of the device. Looking at the operation of the unmanned automatic mail teller system, when the user selects the postal service to be accepted at the initial screen and puts the mail in the inlet, the unmanned automatic mail teller system weighs the weight of the mail put into the electronic balance, and at the same time A camera installed above is operated to acquire an image of the mail. The image is processed through image processing to determine the size of the 3D mail or to measure the width and length of the 2D to determine whether it is a standard mail. It calculates the postage by combining the result of mail size measurement and the weight of the mail measured in the electronic balance, and shows the result on the monitor.The user checks the postage displayed on the monitor and pays the postage by using coins, banknotes and cards. After the ejected paper is removed, After you attach it to the device and put the mail back into the slot, you will receive the mail.

 However, in the conventional unmanned automatic teller system, not only is the structure complicated, but also a large machine, which is difficult to install in a small place, and is too expensive for the small fee included in the postage. There is a problem in that there is a limit to the practical use, and there is a complicated problem in the operation method or process, such as the user must directly input the name and postal code of the recipient and sender, and attach the discharged certificate directly to the mail. And most of all, in the conventional unmanned automatic teller system including the unmanned automatic teller system of developed countries, the recipient's name, There was a problem in that postal information such as postal code, sender's name, address, and postal code could not be automatically read and obtained.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve such problems in the prior art, which can be installed in a narrower place than before, has a simple structure, can be easily operated, and is provided by a cable generated by installing a scanner in the electronic balance itself. Automatically read and acquire the sender's or recipient's information on the electronic balance for the purpose of calculating the postage when receiving mails, especially registered items, at the mailing window, while avoiding interference with electronic balances. It is to provide an acquisition system.

According to the present invention, the electronic scale for measuring the weight of the postal matter to generate a weight signal corresponding to the weight; An overhead scanner for scanning an indicia of the postal item above the postal matter loaded on the electronic balance to generate an image of the indicia of the postal matter; A cradle provided separately from the electronic balance to support the overhead scanner; A postal information reading unit that reads postal information including at least one of a postal code, an address, and a name written on a cover of the postal item from an image generated from the overhead scanner; A screen display for displaying the read information; A data input unit for correcting postal information read from the postal information reading unit; A data storage unit for storing data relating to the postal information read from the postal information reading unit or corrected by the data input unit; And a control unit for automatically calculating a postage fee based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance.

The screen display unit may display an image generated by the overhead scanner, and the overhead scanner may be contactless.

The data storage unit includes: an address data field for storing data regarding the read address; A zip code data field for storing data relating to the read zip code; It may be configured to include a name data field that stores data about the read name.

In addition, it is preferable to further include a charge display screen for displaying the postage calculated by the control unit to the customer.

The apparatus may further include an output unit configured to output at least one of a label indicating whether a fast mail or registered mail and a stamp substitute fee stamp are printed.

On the other hand, the overhead scanner, the scanner pillar of the shape standing up with respect to the cradle; And a scanner head coupled at a free end of the scanner post, wherein the holder is installed in contact with two adjacent sidewalls of the electronic balance, and an adapter electrically connected to the overhead scanner is provided in the holder. It is preferable to be accommodated in the accommodation space provided therein.

The data storage unit may further include: an address data field for storing data regarding the read address; A postal code data field for storing data relating to the read postal code; And a name data field for storing data relating to the read name.

And, it is preferable to further include a charge display screen for displaying the postage calculated by the control unit to the customer.

In addition, it may be configured to further include an output unit for outputting at least one of a stamp substitute fee stamp, and a label indicating whether a fast mail or registered mail.

And, the overhead scanner, the scanner pillar coupled to the upright state with respect to the cradle; And a scanner head coupled at a free end of the scanner post, wherein the holder is installed in contact with two adjacent sidewalls of the electronic balance, and an adapter electrically connected to the overhead scanner is provided in the holder. It is preferable to be accommodated in the accommodation space provided therein.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cradle, a non-contact overhead scanner, electronic balance of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. As shown in these drawings, the automatic postal information acquisition system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic balance 10 and the electronic balance to measure the weight of the postal matter and generate a weight signal corresponding to the weight; A non-contact overhead scanner 20 for generating an image by scanning a cover of the mail loaded on the mail from above the mail, and a cradle 30 provided separately from the electronic balance 10 to support the overhead scanner 20. And a postal information reader 40 for reading postal information such as a postal code, address, and name written on the front cover of the postal item through the image generated from the overhead scanner 20, and a screen display unit for displaying the read postal information. 50, a data input unit 60 for correcting the postal information read from the postal information reading unit 40, and a postal information read from the postal information reading unit 40 or corrected by the data input unit 60.And a control unit 80 which automatically calculates the postage on the basis of the weight signal output from the data storage section 70 and a electronic balance (10) for storing the data. And it may further include a charge display screen unit 90 for displaying the postage calculated by the control unit 80 to the customer, an output unit for outputting a label, a stamp substitute bill proof indicating whether a fast mail or registered mail ( 100) may be further provided. These components may be implemented in various ways, for example, the overhead scanner 20 is supported by the cradle 30, the electronic balance 10 is installed adjacent to the cradle 30 and the overhead scanner 20 Is connected to a personal computer (PC) (not shown) by a USB cable 25, and the personal computer has a postal information reader 40, a screen display unit 50, a data input unit 60, and data storage. Preferably, the unit 70, the controller 80, and the like are implemented.

First, the electronic scale 10 measures the weight of a mail item and generates a weight signal corresponding to the weight. This weight signal is the basis for calculating postage.

The non-contact overhead scanner 20 generates an image by scanning a cover of the mail loaded in the electronic balance 10 when the user comes to the postal reception window of the post office to receive the mail. When loaded into the electronic balance 10, the mail is loaded so that a cover page containing postal information such as a postal code, address, address, name, etc. is directed upward, and is overwritten in order to generate an image by scanning the cover page containing the postal information. The head scanner 20 is supported by the holder 30 so as to shine downward from above the mail. Therefore, the overhead scanner 20 has the scanner post 21 of the shape standing up with respect to the holder 30, and the scanner head 23 couple | bonded with the free end of the scanner post 21. As shown in FIG. The overhead scanner 20 is connected to a personal computer (not shown) in which a postal information reader 40 is implemented by a USB cable 25 as shown in detail in FIG. 3. On the other hand, the non-contact scanner has the advantage that the operation is very easy and quick compared to the contact scanner, the non-contact overhead scanner 20 used in the present invention provides a resolution of at least 200 DPI to recognize postal information and A4 It is configured to generate a paper size mailing image.

In addition, the cradle 30 is an electron balance as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in order to avoid the zero adjustment interference of the electronic balance 10 caused by the cable generated by installing the overhead scanner 20 in the electronic balance 10 itself. It is provided separately from the scale 10. The cradle 30 is installed in contact with two adjacent sidewalls of the electronic balance 10 such that the overhead scanner 20 scans a mark of a mail item loaded on the electronic balance 10, and is electrically connected to the overhead scanner 20. An adapter 27 connected to each other is accommodated in an accommodation space provided in the holder 30. In this structure, the cradle 30, the overhead scanner 20, and the electronic balance 10 may be installed in a narrower space than the conventional desk, such that the automatic postal information acquisition system 1 according to the present invention is There is an advantage that can be installed and operated in a narrow space compared to the prior art.

In addition, the postal information reader 40 reads postal information such as a postal code, address, address, name, and the like written on the front cover of the postal item through the image generated from the overhead scanner 20. The postal information read by the postal information reading unit 40 is intended for both the sender area and the recipient area, and therefore the overhead scanner 20 is configured to acquire the corresponding image. And the target to be read by the postal information reading unit 40 includes not only a postal code, but also an address, a name, and the like, and the recognition target font is a Hangeul font, a Gothic font, an Arial font, a bold font, a font, a Shinmyungjo, Only for dogs, hardy dicks, newspapers, etc., the size should accommodate a variety of sizes commonly used for mail.

In addition, the screen display unit 50 automatically displays the postal information read by the postal information reading unit 40, so that the receptionist can check whether the reading is made while looking at the real thing. If the receptionist wants to view the image and not compare it with the postal information read out, the hotkey F7 may be pressed to display the image scanned by the overhead scanner 20 on the screen display unit 50.

The receptionist can input a signal for scanning the front cover of the mail in the overhead scanner 20 and causing the postal information reader 40 to read the postal information from the scanned image by operating the keyboard which is the data input unit 60. In addition, the postal information read from the postal information reading unit 40 may be checked, or an incorrect part of the read postal information may be corrected or an unread part may be corrected.

The data storage unit 70 also stores data relating to postal information read from the postal information reading unit 40 or corrected by the data input unit 60. Here, the data storage unit 70 includes an address data field for storing data on the read address, a postal code data field for storing data on the read postal code, and a name for storing data on the read name. It has a data field.

The controller 80 controls the overall operation of the automatic postal information acquisition system 1 and automatically calculates the postage based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance 10, preferably located inside the personal computer. Do. However, the function of the control unit 80 that automatically calculates the postage based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance 10 may be configured to be located inside the electronic balance 10.

In addition, the fee display screen unit 90 is installed in the reception desk and the like so that the user can view the fee calculated based on the weight measured by the electronic balance 10 separately from the screen display unit 50 used by the receptionist.

The output unit 100 outputs a label indicating a stamp substitute fee, and whether the express mail or registered mail. Bills or labels printed on the output unit 100 are attached to the mail.

By this configuration, the operation of the automatic postal information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, when the customer's mail is placed on the electronic balance 10, the postage is calculated based on the weight measured in the electronic balance 10 and the postage is displayed on a separate rate display screen 90 so that the customer You will be able to see and the receptionist will receive this postage in a timely manner. Then, the receptionist presses a hotkey (F9) designated for recognition on the keyboard, which is the data input unit 60, while the customer's mail is placed on the electronic balance 10, whereby the overhead scanner 20 displays the cover of the mail. Scan and the postal information reader 40 reads the postal information through the generated image. In this case, there are two ways. If the mailer is the same and the recipient is different, the receptionist will use the yearly registration method. In this case, the data remain in the sender's postal code window as a result of the initial reading. Therefore, only postal information about the recipient is recognized. If a large number of mail items with different senders and recipients are received, the receptionist uses a simple registration method, in which case the sender's postal code window becomes empty and thus reads both the postal information for the sender and the recipient.

Here, the reading order will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, a scanned image is obtained (S5), and a twisted angle with respect to this image is corrected (S10). Then, the image position of the mail is found (S15), and then the sender position and the receiver position are found (S20, S25). If the address of the recipient is found, the address of the recipient is read (S30). If the address of the recipient is not read, the image is rotated 180 degrees (S40), and then the address of the recipient is read from the image location of the mail (S15 to S30). )). When the recipient address is read, the recipient information is read (S35). Then, the sender's postal code is read and the database is read based on the sender's information to find the sender's information (S45, S50). If the sender's information is not in the database, the sender's information is no longer read because the user's print type of address and name of the sender is mainly used by the users. However, if the read rate is high, it can of course be configured to read information such as the name of the sender.

When the reading is completed, the reading result is automatically displayed on the data input window of the screen display unit 50 corresponding to the corresponding field of the data storage unit 70 as shown on the right side of FIG. 5. Here, the receptionist can check whether the reading is correct by looking at the data and the real displayed on the data input window of the screen display unit 50. If you want to check through the scanned image, press the hotkey (F7) on the left side of FIG. The illustrated image viewer window may be displayed to compare the image displayed in the image viewer window with the data input in the data input window.

Here, if there is a mis-recognized or un-input data, the receptionist inputs the image viewer or the real object by comparing it with the data input in the data input window. When the input is completed, the confirmation button is clicked and the data about the confirmed postal information is stored in the respective fields of the data storage unit 70.

From then on, it is the same as the existing mail reception procedure.The receptionist receives the postage from the customer and prints the rate certificate and barcode label necessary to receive the mail, attaches it to the mail, and prints out the receipt. You are done. The received mail is delivered to the recipient via the logistics system.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a coupling state of a cradle, a non-contact overhead scanner, and an electronic balance of an automatic postal information acquisition system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 6. As shown in these figures, in the case of the automatic postal information acquisition system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic scale 10 in a separate structure other than the holder 30 in which the overhead scanner 20 is supported. This structure is installed, but the automatic postal information acquisition system according to another embodiment of the present invention because the electronic scale 10 and the overhead scanner 20 is only a structure that is installed in one cradle 30, the detailed description It will be omitted and '100' is added to the component corresponding to the above-described embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the image scanned by the overhead scanner 20 is configured to be displayed on the screen display unit 50 only when the hot key F7 is pressed. However, when the scanning is completed, the image is displayed on the screen display unit 50. Is automatically displayed and can be configured to read when the hotkey (F9) is pressed.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the image scanned by the overhead scanner 20 is stored in association with the data read from the image is not described in detail. However, the image scanned by the overhead scanner 20 relates to postal information. It can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art that can be configured to be stored in conjunction with the data.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the controller 80 which automatically calculates the postage fee based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance 10 has been described above. However, the weight output from the electronic balance 10 is described above. Naturally, this function of the control unit for automatically calculating the postage based on the signal may be implemented in the electronic balance 10.

In the above-described embodiment, the mail information is automatically read and acquired when the mail received is a registered mail. However, if necessary, the mail information can be automatically read and obtained even for the normal mail. Is of course.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to install in a narrower place, to have a simple structure, to be easily operated, and to reduce the zero adjustment interference of the electronic scale by the cable generated by installing the scanner in the electronic scale itself. While avoiding, there is provided an automatic postal information acquisition system which enables the automatic reading and retrieval of the sender or recipient information of a postal item placed on an electronic balance for the purpose of calculating the postage when receiving postal items, especially registered items.

As a result, it is possible to easily and quickly handle the repetitive and simple tasks at the front desk reception desk, thereby reducing the duties of the receptionist at the post desk.

Claims (6)

An electronic scale for measuring a weight of a mail item and generating a weight signal corresponding to the weight; A non-contact overhead scanner that scans the cover of the mail above the mail on the electronic balance to generate an image of the cover of the mail; A cradle provided separately from the electronic balance to support the non-contact overhead scanner; A postal information reading unit that reads postal information including at least one of a postal code, an address, and a name written on a cover of the postal mail from an image generated from the contactless overhead scanner; A screen display for displaying the postal information read from the postal information reading unit; A data input unit for correcting postal information read from the postal information reading unit; A data storage unit for storing data relating to the postal information read from the postal information reading unit or corrected by the data input unit; And And a control unit for automatically calculating a postage fee based on the weight signal output from the electronic balance. The method of claim 1, And the screen display unit further displays an image generated by the non-contact overhead scanner. The method of claim 1, The data storage unit, An address data field for storing data relating to the read address; And A postal code data field for storing data relating to the read postal code; A mail information automatic acquisition system, comprising: a name data field for storing data about a read name. The method of claim 1, Automatic mail information acquisition system characterized in that it further comprises a charge display screen for displaying the postage calculated by the control to the customer. The method of claim 1, Automatic mail information acquisition system, characterized in that it further comprises an output unit for outputting at least one of a label indicating whether a fast mail or registered mail, and a stamp substitute bill. The method of claim 1, The contactless overhead scanner, A scanner pillar shaped upright with respect to the holder; And A scanner head coupled at the free end of the scanner post, The cradle is installed in contact with two adjacent sidewalls of the electronic balance, The automatic postal information acquisition system, characterized in that the adapter (Adapter) electrically connected to the non-contact overhead scanner is accommodated in the receiving space provided inside the cradle.

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