Mail Preparation Apparatus Using Universal Mark Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail preparation apparatuses require standardized optical mark reading (OMR) codes for processing, which limits flexibility and necessitates special software, making it cumbersome to process pre-printed postal items without specific marks.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows selective processing of pre-printed postal items by associating instructions with scanned image data, enabling any mark or combination of marks to indicate required processing steps, using a user-friendly interface to input and store instructions, and employing scanners and a control system to recognize and act upon these marks during the mail preparation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standardized OMR codes are used for processing postal items, then the processing can be automated and controlled, but the flexibility to process pre-printed postal items without specific marks is lost and special software is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows a single mail preparation apparatus to handle multiple processing modes by making the mark recognition system universal. It can process both standardized OMR codes and arbitrary user-defined marks (such as logos, text, or patterns) through the same scanning and recognition infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently define and program their own mark recognition criteria without requiring specialized software or expert intervention. Users can directly input custom mark patterns and associate them with processing instructions, allowing the system to serve itself with user-defined parameters rather than requiring external specialized control systems.
2Ease of operation
If special software is used to read and process OMR codes, then selective processing of postal items can be achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows end-users to directly program and define their own mark recognition patterns without requiring specialized software or technical expertise. Users can input custom marks (logos, text, patterns) and associate them with processing instructions through a simplified interface, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on external specialized software.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of mark recognition from fixed standardized OMR code formats to flexible user-defined parameters. Users can specify arbitrary mark characteristics (shape, size, position, pattern) and the system adapts its recognition algorithms to match these parameters, thereby simplifying the interface while maintaining processing capability.
3Reliability
If standardized marks are required on postal items, then automated recognition and processing can be performed, but the ability to process pre-printed postal items with arbitrary marks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mark recognition system is designed to be universal, capable of identifying both standardized OMR codes and arbitrary user-defined marks through the same scanning and pattern-matching infrastructure. This maintains reliable automated recognition while expanding adaptability to handle diverse mark types including logos, text, and custom patterns on pre-printed postal items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic changes in recognition parameters, transitioning from fixed standardized code formats to flexible user-defined mark characteristics. Users can program specific mark features (shape, size, position, pattern) and the system adjusts its recognition algorithms accordingly, maintaining reliability through programmable precision while achieving versatility in mark type recognition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and user-friendly processing of postal items into mail pieces without relying on predetermined standardized marks, improving efficiency and reducing the need for specialized software, as instructions are directly linked to specific marks on the documents, allowing for varied processing based on image data.
Implementation Method 1
scanned from the postal item or items... item image data representing a pattern of brightnesses or colors scanned from the postal item
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
During a setting stage, a scanner (19, 20) of an apparatus for preparing mail pieces scans a postal item (2, 25). From the scanned image an area (36) containing a mark (30-35) is selected and a mark data set representing the mark (30-36) or the position of the selected area (36) is generated and stored. Instruction data representing a mail preparation instruction are stored in association with the mark data set. During an operating stage after the setting stage, one or more postal items (2, 25) are fed to the scanner (19, 20), which scans item image data representing an image of the scanned portion of each postal item (2, 25) that is scanned. In response to agreement between the scanned item image data and the mark data set, instruction data associated to the mark data are selected. The mail piece (46) including the scanned postal item (2, 25) is prepared in accordance with the selected instruction data.