WO2003100707A1 - Nouveau code a barres pour systemes de traitement du courrier - Google Patents

Nouveau code a barres pour systemes de traitement du courrier Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003100707A1
WO2003100707A1 PCT/US2003/016264 US0316264W WO03100707A1 WO 2003100707 A1 WO2003100707 A1 WO 2003100707A1 US 0316264 W US0316264 W US 0316264W WO 03100707 A1 WO03100707 A1 WO 03100707A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
character
data
bar code
mail
bar
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/016264
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard C. Vanhall
Original Assignee
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lockheed Martin Corporation filed Critical Lockheed Martin Corporation
Priority to AU2003233647A priority Critical patent/AU2003233647A1/en
Publication of WO2003100707A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003100707A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06018—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding
    • G06K19/06028—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding using bar codes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to bar codes, and particularly to bar codes employed in mail processing.
  • marks may represent postal codes, positioning indicators, postage indications, mail bundle types, and many other attributes.
  • FIM Facing Identification Mark
  • FIGs 1A-1D diagrams of USPS FIMS are shown.
  • the United States Postal Service uses a set of FIMs for Facing as well as special sortation indicators. They are not particularly suitable for omni direction reading.
  • An interesting point which illustrates the problems about "extending" FIMs is that A, B, and C were designed at the same time, whereas FIM D was added later. Note that if the space and bar sizes are treated loosely enough, which is often the case in order to get good read rates, the reader may confuse certain marks. For example, there is a FIM A within the FIM D (ignore leftmost and rightmost bars).
  • the FIM approach has other drawbacks.
  • a FIM is a standalone piece of information. This means if FIMs are used to indicate four different things, four different FIMs are required.
  • the reader software must be programmed to look for each FDVI independently. This results in increased reader execution time.
  • FIMs also have the problem that they are not expandable/extendable in a manner that is transparent to the reading software. For example, if the USPS needed to expand from the four existing FIMs (A,B,C,D) to five, not only would the control programs which act on the FIMs need to be changed, but the underlying FIM reader software would need to be changed as well.
  • FIGs 3A - 3C diagrams of Code 128 symbols are shown.
  • the Code 128 barcode shown in these Figures is the symbol for the character "A.”
  • Figure 3 A is the gray scale imaging version of the symbol
  • Figure 3B is a binarized version of the symbol
  • Figure 3C is the edge binarized version of the symbol.
  • the more complex linear bar codes have some of the same issues described above. Again, the edge binarized symbol is shown as being hollowed out (third bar from the right). It is very difficult for the reader software to overcome this problem due to variable bar size and spacing which Code 128 allows. Barcodes are also subject to image based mail piece processing issues.
  • the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs.
  • the bar code of the present invention is optimal for conveying small amounts of data such as a single numerical value between zero (0) and ten (10).
  • the bar code is expandable and can be used to encode values greater than ten.
  • the bar code of the present invention is edge binarization friendly, which translates to lower reader complexity and cost.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a bar code symbol having stored therein a data structure.
  • the data structure includes a plurality of module elements. Each module element is configured as a bar or a space .
  • the data structure includes a start character containing predetermined number of module elements. The predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • At least one data character is configured to encode a single numerical value. The at least one data character includes one termination data character and zero (0) to N continuation characters. N is an integer value.
  • the data structure also includes a stop character.
  • the present invention is directed to a method for processing mail that includes marking at least one piece of mail with a bar code symbol;
  • the bar code symbol includes a start character, at least one data character, and a stop character.
  • the start character contains a predetermined number of module elements.
  • the predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • the at least one data character is configured to encode a single numerical value.
  • the at least one data character includes one termination data character and zero (0) to N continuation characters. N is an integer value.
  • the method also includes the step of capturing the bar code symbol with an optical reader.
  • the bar code symbol is converted into electrical signals.
  • the electrical signals are decoded to thereby recover the single numerical value.
  • a mail processing decision is made based on the single numerical value.
  • the present invention is directed to a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions for performing a method.
  • the method includes capturing a bar code symbol with an optical indicia reader, whereby the bar code symbol is converted into electrical signals.
  • the bar code symbol includes a start character, at least one data character, and a stop character.
  • the start character contains a predetermined number of module elements.
  • the predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • the at least one data character is configured to encode a single numerical value.
  • the at least one data character includes one termination data character and zero (0) to N continuation characters.
  • N is an integer value.
  • the electrical signals are decoded to thereby recover the single numerical value.
  • a mail processing decision is made based on the single numerical value.
  • the present invention is directed to an optical indicia reader for reading a bar code symbol.
  • the reader includes a reader assembly configured to convert the bar code symbol into data.
  • the bar code symbol includes a start character, at least one data character, and a stop character.
  • the start character contains a predetermined number of module elements.
  • the predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • the at least one data character is configured to encode a single numerical value.
  • the at least one data character includes one termination data character and zero (0) to N continuation characters. N is an integer value.
  • a processor is coupled to the reader assembly. The processor is programmed to decode the bar code symbol to recover the single numerical value.
  • the present invention is directed to a mail sorting system that includes a labeling device configured to affix a bar code symbol on a mail item.
  • the bar code symbol has a data structure encoded therein.
  • the bar code symbol includes a start character, at least one data character, and a stop character.
  • the start character contains a predetermined number of module elements.
  • the predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • the at least one data character is configured to encode a single numerical value.
  • the at least one data character includes one termination data character and zero (0) to N continuation characters.
  • N is an integer value.
  • An optical reader is configured to read the bar code symbol.
  • the bar code symbol is converted into a signal corresponding to the bar code symbol.
  • a processor is coupled to the optical reader.
  • the processor is configured to decode the signal to thereby determine the single numerical value.
  • the processor also is configured to transmit a command corresponding to the single numerical value.
  • a mail sorter is coupled to the processor.
  • the mail sorter is configured to route the mail item in accordance with the command transmitted by the processor.
  • Figures 1A - ID are diagrams showing USPS FEVI symbols
  • Figures 2A - 2F are diagrams showing UKRM FIM symbols
  • Figures 3A - 3C are diagrams showing Code 128 symbols
  • Figure 4 is an example of a bar code in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an example of another bar code in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a system for processing mail in accordance with the present invention.
  • the present invention is directed to a bar code symbol having a data structure encoded therein.
  • the data structure includes a plurality of module elements. Each module element is configured as a bar or a space.
  • the data structure includes a start character containing a predetermined number of module elements. The predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces.
  • At least one data character is used to encode a single numerical value.
  • the data character includes one termination data character and an optional (zero (0) - N) continuation character.
  • N is an integer value.
  • the data structure also includes a stop character.
  • the dimensional size of the bar can be chosen so that images with resolutions from 100 to 300 DPI will not cause hollowing (when current binarization and edge binarization algorithms are employed).
  • the new barcode does not require a multi bar/space stop character.
  • the present invention employs a single stop bar. Further, the barcode character length can be minimized since it has only a few values to represent.
  • Bar code 40 of the present invention is depicted.
  • Bar code 40 includes start field 42, data character field 44, and stop bar 46.
  • the bar code is read from left-to-right.
  • Data character field 44 always includes a termination data character. It may also include a continuation character.
  • the continuation character is used in conjunction with a termination character, the reader is programmed to look for the termination data character and add the value of the continuation character to the value of the termination data character to obtain the single numerical value encoded by the bar code. If the continuation character is used alone, it functions as a termination data character.
  • the range of values that the bar code may encode is expanded by the inclusion of the continuation character.
  • the barcode width as a whole can be calculated. Based on the barcode width, the minimum barcode height can be determined so that simple omni-directional reading techniques can be used. In one embodiment, the barcode height is at least twice the barcode width. In another embodiment, the bar width is approximately 0.02".
  • Table I shows the design of the bar code data structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the minimal barcode consists of a start character, a termination data character; and a stop character (a single bar).
  • the termination data character should not be confused with the stop bar.
  • the termination character is used to encode the data. Note that a quiet zone of 3-5 bars preceding the Start character is employed in this embodiment.
  • Each character, with the exception of the stop character, consists of 3 bars and 3 spaces. The bars are always 1 module unit wide, while the spaces vary from 1 to 5 module units in width.
  • the stop character is 1 bar.
  • bar code symbol 40 is employed to encode the value of zero (0).
  • the bar code is extendable by including the continuation character.
  • zero (0) to N continuation characters may be employed.
  • N is an integer value.
  • each continuation character has a value of eleven (11).
  • each termination character may have a value between zero (0) and ten (10).
  • the barcode consists of a start character.
  • the start character consists of a one (1) module unit wide bar, a one (1) module unit wide space, a one (1) module unit wide bar, a one (1) module unit wide space, a one (1) module unit wide bar, and a five (5) module unit wide space.
  • the termination data character consists of three one (1) module unit wide bars, each separated by a space of variable width. There are two spaces between the three bars, the third space being defined by the space between the third bar of the character and the first bar of the next character, which could be the stop character.
  • the first space is a one (1) unit wide space
  • the second space is a two (2) unit wide space
  • the third space is a four (4) unit wide space.
  • the termination data character is comprised often module units.
  • the continuation character is also of the same width.
  • the barcode of the present invention may include modifications and variations. Referring to Figure 5, a bar code in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, the bar code is read from right-to-left. Further, the start and the termination data character are comprised of only nine module units. This bar code is well suited for use as a pre-sort sticker.
  • bar code 50 includes start character 52, nine (9) module unit wide data character field 54, and stop bar 56. In the example depicted in Figure 5, the single value encoded is zero (0).
  • Bar code 50 includes additional indicia, such as human readable symbol 58. Reference number 59 refers to the fact that sticker 50 may be color coded.
  • bar code 50 When the optical reader decodes bar code 50 it obtains the value zero (0), which is the value, or code, corresponding to a three-digit bundle mark presort label. This code tells the mail processing equipment that all of the mail in the bundle should be routed to a mail processing center that corresponds to the first three digits of the zip code. Note also that, in this example, symbol 58 is the number three (3). The three also indicates that the bar code is a three-digit bundle mark presort label. Thus, the numerical value of symbol 50 is associated with the human readable symbol 58. [37] Referring back to Figure 5, bar code 60 encodes a numerical value corresponding to a five-digit bundle mark presort label.
  • This code tells the mail processing equipment that all of the mail in the bundle should be routed to a mail processing center corresponding to the zip code on the top mail piece in the bundle.
  • This sticker is also color coded, and the letter “D” indicates that the barcode is a five- digit bundle mark presort label as described immediately above.
  • Bar code 70 is an example of an Automated Distribution Center (ADC) sticker. The encoded value and the letter "A” indicate that the bundle should be routed to the ADC corresponding to the zip code found on the top mail piece in the bundle.
  • bar code 80 is an example of sticker that indicates that each mail piece in the bundle is unrelated, and is bundled for ease of conveyance.
  • System 100 includes mail item feeder 110 which is configured to introduce mail items into system 100 after a bar code, or bar code sticker, has been affixed thereto.
  • the labeling device that is configured to affix the bar code on the incoming mail items is not shown since it is employed at a point of origination.
  • the bar code is read by optical reader assembly 104.
  • Optical reader assembly 104 is coupled to controller 120. Controller 120 is programmed to decode the bar code to thereby obtain the numerical value encoded therein. The numerical value corresponds to a mail processing/sorting option.
  • Controller 120 is configured to transmit a command to mail processing/sorting system 130.
  • the command corresponds to the aforementioned processing/sorting option.
  • Mail processor/sorter 130 routes the mail item or bundle in accordance with the command transmitted by the processor. Subsequently, each mail item or bundle is routed to the appropriate output bin 140.
  • optical reader assembly 104 of the present invention depending on a variety of factors. However, optical reader 104 is equipped with an illumination assembly, an imaging assembly, memory devices, and other timing and control circuits known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
  • Control system 120 typically includes a microprocessor based system coupled to communications interface.
  • Controller may also include a disk/CD-ROM drive, ROM, and RAM, all of which are coupled by a system bus.
  • system 100 is networked to other mail processing and data processing systems.
  • System 100 may also include a server computer.
  • the server computer may be of any suitable type, such as data server that is employed as repository of all data records generated during the process.
  • the data server may be equipped with Microsoft WindowsTM Server software, any suitable off-the-shelf database software, or custom written software.
  • controller 120 may be of any suitable type depending on the functionality and sophistication of the firmware resident in ROM.
  • the processor may include a microprocessor.
  • Controller 120 may also include Application Specific ICs (ASICs), programmable logic gate array devices, or a control processor such as the 80C51 control processor manufactured by Phillips Semiconductors depending on cost and/or other design considerations.
  • ASICs Application Specific ICs
  • 80C51 control processor manufactured by Phillips Semiconductors depending on cost and/or other design considerations.
  • Controller 120 may also be implemented as a distributed system.
  • the decoding software may be executed by a processor in the optical reader, whereas other control software is executed elsewhere.
  • Controller 120 also includes a read/write random access memory (RAM)used in data processing and data I/O.
  • RAM read only memory
  • ROM Read only memory
  • ROM 206 may be implemented using a DRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any other computer readable medium.
  • the control system may also accommodate a disk/CD-ROM drive.
  • the disk/ CD-ROM drive may include a hard drive, a floppy diskette drive, and/or a CD-ROM drive.
  • Controller 120 may include a user interface such as a mouse, keyboard, touch pad, and visual display. Further, controller 120 may be equipped with Microsoft WindowsTM software, off-the-shelf application software, and custom-written software configured to execute the method of the present invention.
  • Transmission media include copper wiring, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • Non-volatile media include dynamic memory, such as RAM.
  • Computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium such as punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, or physical media with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia.
  • Computer-readable media also obviously includes RAM, PROM, EPROM, E 2 PROM, a FLASH-EPROM, and/or any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un symbole de code à barres sur lequel est enregistrée une structure de données. La structure de données comprend une pluralité d'éléments de module. Chaque élément de module est configuré sous forme de symbole barre ou de symbole espace. La structure de données comprend un caractère de départ contenant un nombre prédéterminé d'éléments de module. Ce dernier est configuré selon un motif prédéterminé de barres et d'espaces. Une partie de données est configurée de manière à coder une valeur numérique unique. Ladite partie de données possède un seul caractère de données de terminaison et de 0 à N caractères de répétition, N étant un entier. La structure de données comprend également un caractère de fin.
PCT/US2003/016264 2002-05-22 2003-05-22 Nouveau code a barres pour systemes de traitement du courrier WO2003100707A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003233647A AU2003233647A1 (en) 2002-05-22 2003-05-22 New bar code for mail processing systems

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US38230502P 2002-05-22 2002-05-22
US60/382,305 2002-05-22
US98000503P 2003-05-21 2003-05-21
US980-005NP 2003-05-21

Publications (1)

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WO2003100707A1 true WO2003100707A1 (fr) 2003-12-04

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WO (1) WO2003100707A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010012865A1 (fr) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Upc Konsultointi Oy Collecte de codes dans un dispositif mobile

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6267296B1 (en) * 1998-05-12 2001-07-31 Denso Corporation Two-dimensional code and method of optically reading the same
US6321986B1 (en) * 1993-11-05 2001-11-27 Intermec Ip Corporation Robust machine-readable symbology and method and apparatus for printing and reading same

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6321986B1 (en) * 1993-11-05 2001-11-27 Intermec Ip Corporation Robust machine-readable symbology and method and apparatus for printing and reading same
US6267296B1 (en) * 1998-05-12 2001-07-31 Denso Corporation Two-dimensional code and method of optically reading the same

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010012865A1 (fr) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Upc Konsultointi Oy Collecte de codes dans un dispositif mobile
US7905392B2 (en) 2008-07-30 2011-03-15 Upc Konsultointi Oy Code collection in mobile device

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Publication number Publication date
AU2003233647A1 (en) 2003-12-12

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