WO1990012660A1

WO1990012660A1 - Process and system for sorting objects bearing inscriptions, such as postal objects, cheques and money orders

Info

Publication number: WO1990012660A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000295
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Fardeau
Original assignee: Bertin & Cie
Priority date: 1989-04-27
Filing date: 1990-04-25
Publication date: 1990-11-01
Also published as: EP0422195A1; FR2646364B1; FR2646364A1

Abstract

A system for sorting objects, for example postal objects, comprises machines (10) for manipulating the objects and for input and processing of data, computerized servers (14) comprising screen and keyboard consoles (46) and automatic recognition units (44), and user machines (12) comprising means (36) for manipulating objects, means (38) for reading marks or codes, and a sorting unit (40) as well as a data transmission network (16) which interconnects these various means to enable them to function independently of each other and at different times and rhythms. The invention is applicable in particular to postal sorting.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SORTING OBJECTS CARRYING INSCRIPTIONS, SUCH AS POSTAL ITEMS, CHECKS, MANDATES

The invention relates to a method and a system for sorting objects bearing handwritten, printed or typed inscriptions, such as for example postal items, checks, money orders, notices of bank transfers, credit card bills, and generally all items and documents that are sorted based on various criteria.

In general, sorting is carried out on the basis of the entry and interpretation of information carried by the sorted object. In the case of a postal item, the information consists, on the one hand, of the postal code (for sorting and routing) and, on the other hand, of the indication of the street and the number on the street ( for sorting distribution). In the case of a check, money order, transfer notice, etc., the information consists of the amount and, for example, the name or account number of the recipient.

The interpretation of this information is carried out either by operators or by automatic recognition and interpretation units. Various sorting systems are currently used:

- the objects pass in front of work stations controlled by operators, each operator being able to see the object, read the information sought, strike the information in question on a keyboard, which is then marked in coded form on the object, then sorted in one or more installments on one or more sorting machines equipped with a code or brand reader;

- The objects are conveyed automatically, one after the other, to a sorting machine and pass in front of the work station of an operator who sees

^" SUBSTITUTE SHEET each object and type a code on a keyboard. This code is used directly by the sorting machine to direct the • object in the right direction;

an object handling chain is equipped with an automatic information recognition unit, which includes means for taking images of the objects, and image processing circuits for the automatic recognition of information. The objects for which the information has been recognized, will be sorted directly without marking, or else will be marked for sorting later;

- an object handling chain is equipped with means for taking images of objects and circuits for processing these images, which send the processed images, generally in compressed form, to controlled consoles by operators who read the information sought and type it on a keyboard. Optionally, automatic information recognition units can be integrated into this system. Despite their increasing sophistication and advances in electronics and computing, current sorting systems due to the partial use of their capacities retain poor overall performance, which leads to over-equipment, both in material only in personnel. In fact, there is no perfect match between the throughputs of the mechanical means used, those of the automatic information recognition units and those of the operators, the overall throughput of the sorting system being necessarily -from equal to the slowest of three ^* s speeds.

Finally, the supplies of sorting systems are not regular over the whole day, in particular in the case of postal sorting, which also means oversizing the equipment and staff to be able to absorb peak traffic.

The subject of the invention is a method and a system

REPLACEMENT SHEET sorting teme which make it possible to avoid the various drawbacks of current systems.

It relates to a sorting process and system in which the mechanical components, the IT means and the operators can work at different rates and at different times, without resulting in a slowing down of the whole. of the system.

It also relates to a sorting method and system, which make it possible to reduce the handling of objects, even in the case where several pieces of information have to be read at different times on the same object.

The invention proposes, for this purpose, a method of sorting objects comprising handwritten, printed or typed inscriptions, such as for example postal items, checks, money orders, this method being so images of said objects and their inscriptions, to select, process and compress information drawn from these images, then to read said information and to sort the objects according to the information read, characterized in that consists of:

- to arrange several machines for taking images and selecting, processing and compressing information in parallel, to connect them to a data transmission network and to operate them independently of one another,

- to connect computer servers to the data transmission network comprising means for recognizing and encoding information, means for storing said information and files, - to connecting several machines to the data network users arranged in parallel, to read the codes of the objects on these machines and to order sorting means according to the reading results.

The invention therefore makes it possible to organize the sorting of objects in such a way that the three basic operations on which the sorting is based (detection and presentation

REPLACEMENT SHEET 4 tation of information, recognition of information, sorting of objects) are carried out in this order, but by means which operate independently of each other, thanks to the fact that these three operations can be carried out at different times and in different places connected by a data transmission network. It therefore becomes possible, for each operation, to distribute the work to be carried out on several machines or units arranged in parallel, without this resulting from interference with the execution of the other operations.

According to another characteristic of the invention, this method also consists in forming a main network and secondary data transmission networks, and in connecting the secondary networks to the main network. It is thus possible, as far as necessary, to distribute the tasks to be carried out, then to collect the information collected.

According to another characteristic of the invention, this method also consists in storing or archiving the abovementioned information, as well as the corresponding codes, in memories or archiving systems connected to the network.

This reduces the manipulation of objects, since each time new information has to be read on an object, it suffices to search for the information in memory, instead of searching for it on the object itself.

The invention also provides a system for sorting objects carrying handwritten, printed or typed inscriptions, such as for example pos¬ rate objects, checks, money orders, comprising means for handling these objects, taking means of images of said inscriptions, means of processing these

-images, means for reading images, and means for sorting of objects based on reading results, the system being characterized in that it comprises: - input machine information, com¬ bearing ^'means handling of objects, means of taking images of objects, means of selection, processing and compression of information drawn from these images,

- computer servers comprising means for recognizing and / or viewing this information, means for coding objects or their images as a function of the information recognized or viewed, means for storing or archiving said information ¬ training and corresponding codes, and computer files,

- reception machines, comprising means for handling objects, means for detecting or reading object codes, and means for sorting these objects, - and a data transmission network linking the machines together input machines, servers and user machines, so that input machines, servers and user machines can operate on the same objects at different rates and times, independently of each other.

Advantageously, the data transmission network comprises a main network, which can be a telecommunications network, and secondary networks which are linked together by the main network. The aforementioned servers include units for automatically recognizing said information and for assigning codes to objects, and / or consoles for viewing said information, operated by operators, as well as information and code files.

It is also possible to provide that the gripping machines include means for marking objects, placed at the end of the handling means, and means for sorting these objects, which are provided at the end of the handling means and / or marking means.

The invention will be better understood and other

REPLACEMENT SHEET ractόristiques, details and advantages thereof become apparent apparaî¬ us clearly on reading the description which -Suit ^'with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows schematically ^the' essential means of a sorting system according the invention, and their connection by a data transmission network; FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of a sorting system architecture according to the invention, comprising a main network and secondary data transmission networks.

In what follows, we will describe in detail a embodiment of the invention, applied to the sorting of postal items.

It is however obvious that the same means can be applied to the automatic sorting of checks, money orders, bank transfers, credit card invoices, etc ..., that is to say of all objects or documents on which are provided with information which makes it possible to sort them into at least two categories. : The device shown schematically in Figure 1 essentially comprises an input machine 10, a user machine 12, means 14 which will be designated as a whole by the name "computer servers" and a network 16 for transmitting data to which the input machine 10, the user machine 12 and the servers 14 are connected.

The input machine 10 essentially consists of a chain 18 for handling pos¬ rate objects 20, a unit 22 for taking images of objects passing through the machine 18, this unit 22 being connected means 24 for selecting useful information in the images of postal objects, means 26 for processing this information, and means 28 for compressing information, the output of which is connected to the network 16, possibly via 'a buffer.

The unit 22 for taking an image of a postal object

REPLACEMENT SHEET provides a digitized video image of this object, more precisely of the face of this object which contains the information to be recognized, that is to say essentially the address of the recipient. The means 24, 26, 28 for selecting and processing useful information, then for compressing this information, can for example be of the type described in French patent 2,589,267 and in particular make it possible to search for and store the useful information, that is to say the address lines carried on the postal object 20, to possibly crop this information, and to compress it by a conventional method of the READ coding type or a compression method of information used in fax, for example of the CCITT Group III or IV type. In order to further reduce the volume of information which will have to be stored in buffer memories and passed through the data transmission network 16, provision is also made, starting from the digitized video image supplied by the unit 22, which comprises for example 256 levels of gray, to transform this image into a binary image (with two gray levels) or into an image having several gray levels (for example 4 or 5), using for example the means described in French patent 2,604,582. The input machine 10 may also include a unit 30 for marking postal objects, which is mounted at the end of the handling chain 18 and which will affix a mark on each postal object 20 easily readable, for example a barcode or equivalent signs. The input machine 10 can also include a sorting unit 32 having N outputs 34, N being an integer greater than or equal to 2, the unit 32 therefore making it possible to carry out a first sorting of postal items 20. This unit 32 is provided at the end of the marking unit 30, or at the end of the handling chain 18 if no marking unit 30 is provided.

REPLACEMENT SHEET The user machine 12, for its part, essentially consists of a chain 36 for handling postal objects 20, this chain 36 being for example of the same type as the chain 18 of the data entry machine, of a detection unit 38 of codes and / or of reading marks associated with the postal objects 20, and of a unit 40 for sorting postal objects, comprising outputs 42, the number of which may be between 2 and several hundred. The sorting unit 40 is placed at the end of the handling chain 36.

The user machine 12 clearly includes a control-command system connected to the data transmission network 16 and making it possible to control the operation of the handling chain 36, of the detection and reading unit 38, and of the 40 unit for sorting postal items.

The computer servers 14 essentially comprise units 44 for automatic information recognition and consoles 46 of the screen-keyboard type, each actuated by an operator. The role of servers

14 is to match the recognized information, taken from the images of the postal objects, with other information, for example coded, which will be used by the user machine 12 for sorting the postal objects by the unit 40. Other information can be , in the case of postal sorting, a routing code and a distribution code.

The servers 14 also include means 48 for archiving digital information, in which are stored on the one hand the information taken from the image of each postal object, on the other hand the codes associated with this information by the servers 44 and 46.

It is also possible to provide computer files 50, which are service files containing information useful for the operation of the servers 44 and

REPLACEMENT SHEET 46, for example the distribution codes corresponding to the addresses of postal envelopes.

We will now describe the operation of the system of Figure 1. The postal items 20 are loaded on the handling chain 18 of the gripping machine 10 and run, generally at high speed, in front of the pick-up means 22. picture. The image of the postal object 20 is processed by circuits 24 and 26 to finally provide a binary or grayscale image of the address shown on the postal object 20, then this address image ( which has been cropped and reformatted) is compressed by the unit 28 and transmitted by the network 16 to the servers 14.

Each postal object 20 leaving the handling chain 18 then possibly passes through the marking unit 30, where it receives an appropriate mark, for example a routing bar code or a chronological code, then possibly passes through the sorting unit 32, which could be controlled by one of the servers 44 and 46 ^; and which would then direct the postal object 20 to one of its outlets 34.

The postal address image which is transmitted from the compression unit 28 to the servers 14 by the network 16 can first of all be processed by the automatic information recognition unit 44. If this recognition is possible, the unit 44 assigns a code to the postal address image of this object and possibly controls the marking unit 30 and the sorting unit 32 via the network 16. The postal image-code association is also stored in the archiving unit 48.

When automatic recognition of information is not possible, the postal address image is sent to the console 46, where an operator can read the address and type in corresponding information or codes on the keypad of his console. As before, the marking unit 30 and the unit 32 of the seizure machine

REPLACEMENT SHEET if 10 are optionally controlled by the console 46, and the postal image-code association is stored in the archiving unit 48.

The information that is stored in this unit must make it possible to establish a logical link between the image of the postal address of each object and a code or information that can then be used for sorting the object. It is also necessary to establish a logical link between the postal object itself and the address of its image in the archiving unit 48. For this, one can use a passage number of postal objects in the machine input 10, or any other equivalent means for identifying the postal object 10 by establishing a correspondence between this object and its image stored in the unit 48.

The postal objects are then sorted on one or more user machines 12. Their passage in front of the unit 38 for detecting codes and / or reading marks makes it possible either to read the marks affixed on the objects directly and to order accordingly. the sorting unit 40, or to detect the code or information that establishes a correspondence between the postal object and its image stored in the storage unit 48, then re¬ find if _^ need is this image and have access to the information or code associated with it and which is necessary for sorting the object.

The "decentralization" of the processing of information associated with postal items makes it possible to carry out these treatments in several stages, in particular so as to limit the traffic peaks and congestion of sorting systems. These advantages of the invention will be better understood with the following example: a postal item 20 is posted in Paris to Marseilles. It goes through an input machine 10 located in Paris, possibly receives a routing code and / or a correspondence code with

REPLACEMENT SHEET the image, which is affixed to it by the marking unit 30, and passes through the sorting unit 32 to leave for Marseille.

The image of the postal address of this object 20 has been processed by an automatic recognition unit 44 or by a console 46, for determining the routing code, and possibly ordering units 30 and 32. The image of the postal address and a code of correspondence with the postal object itself are recorded in an archiving unit 48.

The postal object is then transported to Marseille. During this transport, the image of its postal address can pass through an automatic recognition unit 44 or a console 46 for determining the distribution code. This distribution code can then be recorded with the image of the postal address of the object in an archiving unit 48.

On arrival in Marseille, the postal object passes through a user machine 12, in which it will be recognized, associated with its distribution code recorded in the unit 48, and transmitted to the sorting unit 40 which will point to the appropriate exit.

The second processing of the image of the postal address of the object, which consists in determining the distribution code, can of course be carried out at any point in a territory covered by the network 16 of transm¬ data, and at any time between the first manipulation of the object in Paris and its second manipulation in Marseille. It is obvious from the above that the data transmission network 16 is intended to link together a large number of input machines 10, a large number of reception machines 12 and a large number of servers 14, and that it can therefore include local networks, local subnets, etc.

An example has been represented schematically in

REPLACEMENT SHEET FIG. 2,. where it can be seen that local networks 52 for data transmission are connected to the main network 16, and that these local networks 52 can themselves include sub-networks 54. The input machines 10, the user machines 12 and the servers 14 are connected to the local networks 52 and to the subnets 54, while the main data transmission network 16 provides the link between the local networks. The main network 16 may be a telecommunications network, for the transmission of information in packets, while the local networks 52 and the sub-networks 54 may, for example, be of the ETHERNET type, capable of transmitting a high speed. information (around 10 megabits per second) on a coaxial or two-wire conductor, for example a telephone pair.

In the event that the invention is applied, no longer to the processing of postal items, but to that of checks, the notions of addresses, routing codes and distribution codes will be replaced by the amount of the check, the number of the drawer's bank account, his name, the beneficiary's name and account number, etc.

In all cases, the invention makes it possible to process objects and documents with a view to sorting them, by using input machines, servers and user machines, and a data transmission network which connects between them all of the input machines to all of the servers and to all of the user machines. There is therefore obtained a better match between the flows of these various means, and a regularization of the major and minimum flows. In addition, we reduce handling

^ objects, since we can work on recorded images ,,? objects, not just the objects themselves. This results in a considerable improvement in efficiency, as well as savings in equipment and costs.

REPLACEMENT SHEET staff.

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Claims

14

1) System for sorting objects carrying handwritten, printed or typed inscriptions, such as for example postal objects (20), checks, money orders, comprising means (18) for handling these objects. jets, means (22) for taking images of said inscriptions, means (24, 26, 28) for processing these images, means for reading images and means for sorting objects according to the results of reading, characterized in that it comprises:

- machines (10) for entering information, comprising means (18) for handling objects, means (22) for taking images of objects, means (24, 26, 28) for selection, processing and compressing information from these images,

- computer servers (14) comprising means (44,46) for recognizing and / or viewing this information, and for coding objects or their images as a function of the information recognized or viewed, means (48) for storing or archiving said information and corresponding codes, and files (50), - user machines (12), comprising means (36) for handling objects, means (38) for detecting or reading codes or marks carried on the objects, and means (40) for sorting these objects,

- And a data transmission network (16) connecting the input machines (10), the servers

(14) and the user machines (12), so that the input machines, the servers and the user machines can operate on the same objects at different rates and times, independently of each other.

2) System according to claim 1, character-

REPLACEMENT SHEET that the data transmission network (16) comprises a main network and secondary networks

(52,54) connected to the main network (16).

3) System according to claim 2, characterized in that the main network (16) is a telecommunications network for the transmission of information.

4) System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the servers (14) comprise units (44) for automatic recognition of information and for assigning codes to objects (20).

5) System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the servers (14) comprise consoles (46) for displaying said information, operated by operators. 6) System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the servers (14) comprise service files (50) containing information and codes, as well as their correspondence.

7) System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping machines (10) comprise means (30) for marking objects, placed at the end of the handling means (18).

8) System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping machines (10) comprise means (32) for sorting objects, provided at the end of the handling means and / or marking means ( 30).

9) A method of sorting objects comprising handwritten, printed or typed inscriptions, such as for example postal items, checks, money orders, this method consisting in taking images of said objects and of their inscriptions, at select, process and compress information from these images, then read the said information and sort the objects according to the information read, characterized in that it consists of:

REPLACEMENT SHEET - arranging in parallel several machines (10) for taking images and for selecting, processing and compressing information, to connect them to a network (16) for transmitting data and to operate them independently of one another others,

- to be connected to the data transmission network (16),. computer servers (14) comprising means (44,46,48) of recognition, coding and storage of said information, and of files (50), - to connect to the data transmission network several user machines (12) arranged in parallel, to read, on these machines the codes of the objects, and to order sorting means (40) according to the reading results. 10) Method according to claim 9, caracté¬ ized in that it consists in forming a main network (16) and secondary networks (52,54) for data transmission, and in connecting the secondary networks (52, 54) to the main network (16). ; ~ 11) Method 'according to claim 9 or 10, characterized eji. What it consists in storing or archiving the aforementioned information as well as their codes in archive uni¬ ties (48) connected to the network (16 ).

12) Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it consists in establishing files (50) .correspondence between information and codes, and in using them to assign codes to information associated with said objects .

REPLACEMENT SHEET