Abstract: A method associates objects with object classes. In order to render an association efficient, an object is optically captured, object characteristics describing the object are created from the optical data obtained there from, and the object characteristics are compared with a plurality of class characteristics, each of which is characteristic of one of a plurality of object classes. The object is then associated with an object class in accordance with the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for determining authorship of a handwritten document for which the authorship is not known. A method includes scanning a document to produce a high-quality scanned image of the document, and identifying stylus information corresponding to the document. The method includes identifying authorship information corresponding to the document, and determining an authorship of the document based on the stylus information and the authorship information. In some cases, content analysis of the document is also performed and used to determine authorship.

Abstract: Mail processing systems and methods. A method includes scanning a plurality of mailpieces by a mail processing system to produce at least one associated image of each mail piece. The method includes associating each mail piece with a respective recipient and transmitting the associated image of each mail piece to the respective recipients. The method includes receiving a work order for each mail piece from the respective recipients by the mail processing system. The method includes displaying instructions corresponding to the work orders to a user, wherein the user processes the mail pieces according to the instructions.

Abstract: A method for checking an imprint reads an imprint, forms a data code from the imprint, and compares the data code with a predetermined number of check data codes of a stored data set. During a search for the data code in the data set, the method decides whether the data code is to be classified as acceptable or unacceptably faulty.

Abstract: A method relates to theft protection during a security check of carry-on luggage and/or other personal objects in passenger terminals of airports or the like. Objects are placed by the passenger in a provided container before the personal inspection of the passenger and are transported in the container for x-raying by a screening device, on the output side of which the container is provided after the personal inspection of the passenger for removal of the objects of the passenger that have been recognized as unsuspicious. In order to create theft protection during the security check of carry-on luggage if the personal objects of the passenger are still unattended in the containers after passing through the screening device, the container can be locked with a lock before the screening.

Abstract: A method and a device control the transport of an object to a predetermined destination. The object is provided with information on a destination to which the object is to be transported. The destination information with which the object is provided is inputted into a speech detection station. A speech recognition system evaluates the destination information detected by the speech detection station. A conveying device transports the object. The destination, the information of which is provided to the object, is determined. The evaluation result of the speech recognition system is used to determine the destination. A release signal is produced. The release signal triggers two processes: the speech detection station is released for the input of destination information on another object. The conveying device transports the object. The transport of the object to the determined destination is triggered.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for determining authorship of a handwritten document for which the authorship is not known. A method includes scanning a document to produce a high-quality scanned image of the document, and identifying stylus information corresponding to the document. The method includes identifying authorship information corresponding to the document, and determining an authorship of the document based on the stylus information and the authorship information. In some cases, content analysis of the document is also performed and used to determine authorship.

Abstract: A traffic control system allows traffic in a road network, particularly in a heavily populated area, to be influenced. In the road network, a road user traveling by a private transport vehicle can choose, at a stop for a public means of transport which has an associated parking facility for the private transport vehicle, whether to continue to travel by the private transport vehicle or by the public means of transport. Influencing elements output traffic information to the road user traveling by the private transport vehicle which is suitable for influencing the choice of means of transport by the road user. Ascertainment devices are provided for the purpose of ascertaining the traffic information which is to be output. A control center actuates the influencing elements dynamically on the basis of the ascertained traffic information. In line with the invention, the ascertainment devices are designed to ascertain costs which are incurred for the road user when choosing one of the means of transport.

Abstract: A method for checking an imprint reads an imprint, forms a data code from the imprint, and compares the data code with a predetermined number of check data codes of a stored data set. During a search for the data code in the data set, the method decides whether the data code is to be classified as acceptable or unacceptably faulty.

Abstract: To identify articles, a signature for an article that is processed on a sorting plant is formed. The signature comprises characteristic features of the article. The signature is compared with a predetermined number of first signatures of articles of a search space formed in an earlier signature formation during processing on a different sorting plant. The search space is limited by sorting plant data, which is associated with the article, of the sorting plant that processes the article for identification. The sorting plant data is obtained from a sorting logic by which a sequence of at least one of sorting plants and sorting programs that are to be passed through is defined.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the recorded images with image-accompanying data of the postal articles or documents to be read of different customers are furnished. For each customer, master data are stored in a searchable manner. The master data includes at least the origin of the images, the range of the agreed services and, in a cost model, includes their costs according to established image attributes. Before each reading process, the respective customer and the respective reading job including the necessary image attributes are determined from the image-accompanying data are determined from the image-accompanying data and from the master data. After conducting the reading process, the customer, the procesing information concerning the reading steps with the reading and processing results, the established image attributes and the image-accompanying data are stored for each image in a searchable, sortable and time-related manner.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the recorded images with image-accompanying data of the postal articles or documents to be read of different customers are furnished. For each customer, master data are stored in a searchable manner. The master data includes at least the origin of the images, the range of the agreed services and, in a cost model, includes their costs according to established image attributes. Before each reading process, the respective customer and the respective reading job including the necessary image attributes are determined from the image-accompanying data are determined from the image-accompanying data and from the master data. After conducting the reading process, the customer, the procesing information concerning the reading steps with the reading and processing results, the established image attributes and the image-accompanying data are stored for each image in a searchable, sortable and time-related manner.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for franking and processing deliveries, including the following steps: the dispatch client transmits information concerning designated deliveries including details of the recipient to the dispatch service and triggers a process for the payment of the charges; after acceptance of the charge payment process, the dispatch service generates a franking number for each delivery that has been declared, the franking number only being valid for an agreed period of time and thus requiring only a limited number of digits; the franking number is saved together with the recipient details to a searchable franking database; the franking numbers are transmitted to the dispatch client; the latter applies these numbers to the respective deliveries; and the recipient details and the franking numbers of the submitted deliveries are read and searched for in the franking database, whereby once the corresponding entry has been found, the delivery is processed further and the entry is invalid

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electronic franking wherein the customer is provided with an authenticable code which may be written or otherwise printed on a mail piece or mail piece. Given the authentic nature of the code, the code may be provided remotely. The code may be linked to a delivery address, the relationship later verified. Alternatively, the code may be the result of applying a precode and date of purchase to an algorithm thereby producing a resulting code. The resulting code can be easily verified. The algorithm is complex and difficult to reverse engineer, including an encryption algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for overcoming null deliveries. A delivery vehicle is tracked during its route. At a select time prior to delivery, the parcel recipient is contacted to determine if the recipient is home. Where the recipient is home, the parcel is delivered. Where the recipient is not at home, the driver's manifest is updated to incorporate alternative delivery instructions, if any.