Abstract: An illumination unit 6 illuminates a scene object (i.e., mail) 2 moved in a predetermined direction by a transport means (transport conveyor) 1, the imaging distance up to the scene object 2 is detected before imaging, and auto-focusing is made according to distance data detected at the time of the imaging.

Abstract: For preparing a series of mail pieces using a mail preparation apparatus, a scanner (63) scans at least a portion of a first postal item (20, 25) and generates signals in accordance with scanned patterns. A control system (31) processes the signals from the scanner into image data representing an image and compares the image data with reference data, which represent features of optical marks of a particular type that are associated to predetermined instructions for processing postal items (20, 25). If at least a predetermined extent of agreement between the image data and the reference data is found, a job setting including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) and controlling the preparation of the mail pieces in accordance with instructions represented by the optical marks is selected. Otherwise, a job setting not including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) is selected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software determine whether a field of an input digital representation of information, such as the street name field in an address, is correct by quickly comparing the field to a list of valid choices for that field. The list of valid choices is generated based on information from the input digital representation, such as a character string. If an exact match is not found, a fuzzy match comparison determines the most closely matching valid choice. If a suitable fuzzy match is not found, then the input information is invalid. Otherwise, another field of the input information, such as the building number field of an address, is tested for validity. If the second field passes the validity check, then the fuzzy match (or exact match) for the field is valid. A fuzzy matching field may replace the input field, thereby correcting the input information.

Abstract: A mailing system providing enhanced security for mailings processed and accepted by the mailing system. The mailing system uses sensed biometric data from the customer and/or sensed mailing type data from a secured mailing for creation of a database correlating trackable mailings to biometric data of the customer posting the mailing, placing biometric data of the customer posting a mailing onto the mailing and/or identifying suspicious mailings deserving special attention during transportation and delivery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a blockage in the field-of-view of a camera in an image capture system by monitoring changes in the quality of images captured by the camera. As an image is acquired by the camera, intensity values for pixels in the acquired image are determined and stored in a data structure in memory of the camera. Image statistics are calculated based in part on the intensity values for pixels in the currently acquired image and at least some previous images acquired by the camera. If the image statistics satisfy at least one predetermined alert criterion, an alert is triggered. In response to triggering an alert, an alert sensor included as part of the camera is activated to indicate to a user of the image capture system that a possible blockage in the field-of-view of the camera has been detected.

Abstract: A method of checking the height of a mail item relative to at least one dimensional threshold SH defining a change in postage. The mail items are advanced at a constant speed V along a reference surface. The presence of a mail item is detected relative to a given point of the reference surface. First and second times t1, t2 for which the same mail item is present at the first and second distances d1, d2 relative to the reference surface is detected. The ratio t2/t1 is compared with a value equal to (1??), where ? represents a correction coefficient of less than 1 that depends on the tolerances for detection of the presence of a mail item. The height of a mail item is considered greater than the dimensional threshold SH if, and only if, the relationship t2/t1>1?? is true.

Abstract: A secure electronic message exchange system, including a plurality of workstations, a communications medium, and a control platform coupled to a workstation of the plurality of workstations by the communications medium. The control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, converting, and billing related to, messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The control platform also prevents a forwarding of or a copying of a message, sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party, where the control platform provides authentication of the remote user.

Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual first pass counts.

Abstract: Provided is an image recognition-based multilingual acceptance information processing method and system. In the case of processing incoming mail, when a domestic address is written in a foreign language, it is converted into a correct native address written in a native language that is then mapped on an attached barcode or a newly generated barcode. Also, when it is impossible to analyze the characters through character recognition, the read image information is transmitted to a remote video coding center, and a specialist converts it into a native language to map the information on the barcode. Further, when a mailman reads the barcode in the final delivery process, a detailed native address is displayed on a display device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.

Abstract: The method of processing objects, in which method a digital image (1) is obtained of the surface of each postal object, which image includes address information (2), and an identifier or time stamp for the postal object is associated with the digital image of the postal object in a video-coding system, is characterized by the fact that said digital image is processed in order to extract a signature that serves as an identifier. The signature comprises a first component representative of a physical characteristic of the digital image and a second component (SC) which is a textual description of the address block. This method can be used to implement immediate video-coding in a postal sorting machine without requiring a delay line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system to track and process the received postal items in their personal mailbox. The present invention resides inside the personal mailbox of a user. When mail item arrives in the mailbox, controller initiates the tiny robot arm to pick up the item and moves it to scanner and initiates the scanner to scan the item. Controller then collects associated entities of the received mail item using OCR and sends a notification to the user. An associated entity includes sender name and address and other information on the face of the mail item. If there is no sender address in the mail item then controller realizes that the received mail item is junk/unwanted and sends it to shredder using robot arm for trash.

Abstract: A device for identifying mail items includes a memory for storing mail item information of a mail item and characteristic image features of the mail item. A control unit assigns the mail item information to image features that are recorded again. In order that the mail items can still be identified reliably even after a cancellation in print or a forwarding sticker has been applied, the control unit carries out the assignment with the aid of an identification code associated with the mail item.

Abstract: An invoice processing system generates a data structure, comprising a data field value associated with each of a plurality of identified data fields, from a document image comprising text representing each of such data field values. The secure document data capture system includes a character recognition system receiving the document image and recognizing characters within the text to generate, for each of the identified data fields, a data field value for association therewith. A validation engine identifies a subset of the identified data fields which can be referred to as exception data fields due to failure to comply with a validation rule. An exception handling system provides an exception image to a first client system. The exception image comprising a portion of the document image which includes text of the at least one suspect character within the exception data field with a context portion of the document image redacted.

Abstract: Method and system for identifying object type. In one embodiment, the method and systems of these teachings utilize a group of object measures and a decision algorithm in order to identify object type.

Abstract: A singularizer device for a mail-sorting system configured for receiving at input homogeneous lots of postal objects and feeding at output postal objects that have been singularized, i.e., physically separated from one another, to the mail-sorting system; each lot of homogeneous postal objects comprises postal objects having common dimensional parameters and/or physical/constructional parameters. The singularizer device is provided with sensor means designed to detect the type of lot fed at input for implementing automatically a respective singularization program suited to the type of postal objects detected.

Abstract: The subject matter presented herein relates to a method, system and program product for performing image capture of items. In particular the image capture occurs during transport of the items by a high-speed transport device. The image is captured by a linear array imaging sensor as a face of the item is transported at a continuous production speed in near proximity to the linear array imaging sensor.

Abstract: In a method and a device for identifying objects, a signature is generated for each object in a first step, including characteristic features of the object and the objects are collected into object groups. In a subsequent step, after the completion of the first step, a distinguishing condition is derived from the signatures of the objects in the object group only for the objects of the group. In a subsequent step for identifying the objects of the object group, the distinguishing condition determined in the previous further step is used, wherein with specified matching of the distinguishing conditions, the object is identified in the subsequent step.

Abstract: A method for retrieving a desired postal address from a plurality of postal addresses. The invention can feature receiving input data having input terms for finding the desired postal address from a first database of postal addresses where each postal address is formed of a plurality of postal address elements, searching a dictionary for entries in the dictionary corresponding to the input terms, determining that each entry in the dictionary that corresponds to the input terms corresponds to postal address elements of one or more postal addresses in the first database, and outputting data representing the desired postal address. The desired postal address is found in the first database if an address in that database has postal address elements that correspond with each of the entries of the dictionary that corresponds to one or more of the input terms.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a queue including an entry sensor subsystem for sensing the entrance of customers into the queue, an exit sensor subsystem for sensing the exit of customers from the queue, and a processing system in communication with the entry and exit sensor subsystems. The processing system is operable to log a customer sensed by the entry sensor as entering the queue, determine from the exit sensor subsystem if the logged customer has exited the queue within a predetermined time period, and if the logged customer has exited the queue within the predetermined time period, log the customer as having received service or, if the logged customer has not exited the queue within the predetermined time period, provide an indication to management personnel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing postal packets including managing digital impressions of the postal packets. In a method for processing postal packets, during a preliminary sorting of the packets, a digital image of a packet comprising an address information is formed, a digital impression (V-Id) is derived from said image which constitutes a logical identifier for the packet and the packet impression is recorded in memory corresponding to data indicating the packet address information, and during a second sorting of the packets, a digital image of a current packet is formed again (51) comprising an address information, a digital impression for the current packet is derived (52) from said image and a search is performed among the recorded impressions in the preliminary sorting for a match with the current packet impression.

Abstract: Image acquisition apparatus (1) for acquiring images of mailpieces (P), the apparatus comprising a housing (3) inside which the following are placed: a first camera (4) co-operating with a first lighting system (8) emitting light radiation at a certain wavelength suitable for exciting a fluorescent mark to acquire an image of the surface of a mailpiece through a first window (5); a second camera (6) co-operating with a second lighting system (9) emitting light radiation in the visible light domain to acquire an image of the surface of a mailpiece through a second window (7); and means (10) for preventing light interference, which means are concave in shape and are disposed between the first window and the second window, the second lighting system (9) being disposed in the cavity of said means (10) for preventing light interference.

Abstract: A camera assembly is disclosed which may be implemented on a mail processing system for photographing flats mail items. In one embodiment, the assembly includes lighting components (e.g., light emitting diodes) which are capable of projecting light toward a mail item in a viewing station at a specific angle, which angle may be adjusted to reduce the amount of specular reflection from an item toward a camera. The lighting components may reside in a nose unit which may be easily attached to and detached from the housing for ease of maintenance. The nose unit may be attachable to the housing in a manner which seals the camera and lighting components off from the operating environment, such that airborne dust and debris does not enter the housing or nose unit and damage the camera or lighting components.

Abstract: A method and system of deskewing an image. The method and system includes capturing a first image, forming a number of regions within the first image, generating a bounding rectangles for each region, calculating an area for each bounding rectangle, rotating each region by an angle within a predefined range, finding the angle that minimizes the area of each bounding rectangle, and rotating each region by the angle found.

Abstract: An attribute-based system and method for mail piece identification includes generating and storing, during a first mail sorting operation, a first set of attribute information that can include an image fingerprint derived from a portion of an image of the mail piece. Then, in a subsequent mail sorting operation, a second image of the mail piece can be obtained and used, in part, to generate a second set of attribute information that may be compared to records in a mail piece database in order to identify the mail piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting addresses to contain a code representing a delivery segment (ZIP+4™ code) within a defined geographic location (ZIP Code™) include determining whether the address is already matched with a ZIP+4™ code and contains a valid delivery point. Further, if a match the address cannot be made, the systems and method may correct or adjust the address and check if a match can be made after correcting and/or adjusting the address. If no match can be made after correcting and/or adjusting, the systems and methods may send the address to a district office and/or delivery unit to determine the ZIP+4™ code and the delivery point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for resolving non-address attributes on a mail piece. The present system uses a mail sorter for sorting and facilitating the obtaining of a scan of the mail piece. The image is then scanned by automatic means to determine whether the non-address attributes can be automatically resolved. In the event of an unsuccessful scan, the image is forwarded to a processor which makes a functional resolution of the non-address attribute, locates example attributes and ranks them, and creates a matrix with the example attribute in the cognitive zone. The matrix is displayed to a coder who then quickly identifies whether or not the attribute and example attribute match. In the event of a non-match, a matrix with a next highest rank example attribute is created and forwarded to the encoder until no more example attributes remain, wherein the entire image is forwarded to the encoder.

Abstract: The inventive method is characterized in that the prepaid postage indicia are checked to see if they contain a predefined security feature. If they do not, at least one selected read area of the mail is checked to determine whether it contains a predefined graphic representation of a prepaid postage indicia.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail includes performing an automatic address recognition process on a digitized image of a mail piece and generating a plurality of conditional address recognition results and a plurality of confirmation values each associated with one of the plurality of conditional address recognition results. The method can include sending the digitized image, the plurality of conditional address recognition results and the plurality of confirmation values to a video coding system. The method can include detecting a possible error in a first video coding result, the possible error detected using error correction information including information from the automatic address recognition process. The method may include indicating the possible error to a video coding operator, and performing a video coding operation to obtain a second video coding result and arbitrating or selecting one of the results as output.

Abstract: A method for detection of fraudulent postage indicia such as a stamp pr permit marking includes an initial step of introducing a mail piece for processing on an automated facing and canceling machine and imaging the mail piece as it is being processed on the automated facing and canceling machine, which image includes an image of the postage indicia. The image is analyzed according to predetermined criteria stored in a database to determine if the postage indicia meets the predetermined criteria and therefore has an enhanced probability of being valid. If the analysis is step results in a determination that the postage indicia as an enhanced probability of being invalid, then the method involved determining that the information corresponds to counterfeit postage indicia; and storing the resulting information and decision in the database.

Abstract: A notification system and method that enables mail recipients to easily identify mail items that require some action on their part, as well as easily ascertain the date by which the action must be taken, is provided. Mail items that require some action on the part of the recipient are identified, utilizing information contained on the mail piece, and the anticipated due date for such an action is computed. A notification of action required and the computed date due can then be printed on the mail piece in a conspicuous manner. Optionally, one or more notification messages and/or reminder messages can be sent via a communication network to a communication device associated with the recipient to notify and/or remind the recipient about the action due. Thus, the chance of the recipient not taking action by the required date is significantly decreased.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for printing and verifying postage indicia. At least a portion of the indicia is printed with a resolution characteristic that may be changed from indicium to indicium. Each indicium includes data that indicates the resolution used to print the indicium or indicium portion.

Abstract: A method of detecting possible duplicate printing of postal indicia including receiving image data for printing a current postal indicium, determining a number of pixels that will be printed in a defined zone of the current postal indicium, obtaining stored pixel count data that includes one or more stored pixel counts that each represents a number of pixels that were printed in the defined zone of a previously printed postal indicium, determining whether the number of pixels equals any one of the stored pixel counts, initiating one or more fraud prevention actions if it is determined that the number of pixels equals any one of the stored pixel counts, and printing the current postal indicium if it is determined that the number of pixels does not equal any one of the stored pixel counts. Also, a mail processing system adapted to implement the method just described.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product is disclosed, each capable of correcting distortion in a scanned image, using at least a character line extracted from the scanned image. The character line is extracted based on a circumscribed rectangle, representing the vertical component of the character. The distortion in the scanned image is corrected based on the length of the circumscribed rectangle in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for resolving non-address attributes on a mail piece. The present system uses a mail sorter for sorting and facilitating the obtaining of a scan of the mail piece. The image is then scanned by automatic means to determine whether the non-address attributes can be automatically resolved. In the event of an unsuccessful scan, the image is forwarded to a processor which makes a functional resolution of the non-address attribute, locates example attributes and ranks them, and creates a matrix with the example attribute in the cognitive zone. The matrix is displayed to a coder who then quickly identifies whether or not the attribute and example attribute match. In the event of a non-match, a matrix with a next highest rank example attribute is created and forwarded to the encoder until no more example attributes remain, wherein the entire image is forwarded to the encoder.

Abstract: Methods and system for automatic identification of repeating patterns of slanted stripe features (marks) on an item.

Abstract: An addressee recognizing apparatus recognizes the addressee of matter to be delivered. A database stores a description format including at least a described position, the number of character lines, and the length of each character line in a sender area on the matter to be delivered. When a scanner obtains an image, a plurality of addressee candidate areas are obtained from the image. The apparatus determines whether the description format for each of the extracted candidates matches the description format for the sender area stored in the database. If the description format for the candidate is determined to match the description format for the sender area, the candidate is prohibited from being recognized as the addressee area.

Abstract: In a multi-function image forming apparatus connected with a network, an email transmission device extracts image data of an address area, a subject area, and a body area of an original document from image data of the original document according to a designated one of a plurality of pieces of OCR area information stored in an OCR area information storage device, performs character recognition relative to the extracted image data of an address area, a subject area, and a body area of the original document with an OCR device to obtain character strings of the address area, the subject area, and the body area of the original document, sets the obtained character strings of the address area, the subject area, and the body area of the original document as an address, a subject, and a body of an email, and transmits the email while attaching the image data of the original document to the body of the email.

Abstract: A method of handling mail items includes, during a first sorting pass, taking a digital picture of each mail item, directing the mail item towards a sorting outlet bin, and deriving from the picture a digital fingerprint, and, during a second sorting pass, taking a digital picture of a current mail item to derive a fingerprint, performing automatic address recognition, and searching recorded address data for a match with the address data of the current mail item to identify a current bin to which the current mail item corresponds, so that, in order to search for a match between fingerprints, the search for matching fingerprints is conducted in an exploration space formed by the digital fingerprints that correspond to the current sorting outlet bin.

Abstract: In embodiments, data corresponding to an object is determined from symbology.

Abstract: A method is described for segmenting an image of pixels into a number of fields. A graph is constructed for representing the image. First, separating elements are constructed that are oblong areas of adjacent pixels having a background property indicative of a background of the image. Then vertices of the graph are defined based on intersections of separating elements that are substantially oriented in different separation directions, in particular horizontal and vertical direction, and edges of the graph are defined between the vertices corresponding to the separating elements. Finally, the edges of the graph are interpreted as lines that separate the fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating information associated with one or more items to an operator through a video display. Indicia, such as a bar code or an RFID signal, are captured from items and processed into data, and the data is transmitted to a video display when the items are within the display zone for the video display. Data for each item includes an item component and an information component, wherein the item component communicates to an operator viewing a video display which item is associated with the information component and its relative position to the operator, and the information component communicates to an operator the information associated with the item. Information communicated to the operator may include sorting or handling instructions for the item. To assist the operator in processing each item, the information component is displayed adjacent the item component.

Abstract: In a method of reading addresses of mail items, images of mail item surfaces are recorded, and subjected to video encoding at video encoding stations of a video encoding facility. Distributing corresponding encoding tasks to the video encoding stations occurs in a job distribution facility. A respective encoder generates a confirmation after encoding according to specified encoding rules. At predefined time intervals, an error rate and a read rate of the video encoding facility, and, for each encoder, a current individual error rate with and without generation of the confirmation are determined, and stored in the job distribution facility. To vary the error and read rates of the video encoding facility specifically, the method specifies in the job distribution facility for the encoders performing with higher individual error rates, whether an encoding result is to be confirmed. A corresponding decision about confirmation is transmitted to the video encoding station.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.

Abstract: In a mailing machine, an image element included in a postage meter indicium printed on a mail piece is transported past a linear image capture device. The image capture device is operated to produce a smeared image of the image element. The smeared image is then automatically analyzed to detect failures in the print elements of a postage meter that is part of the mailing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image comparing method for comparing plural first images and a second image, includes: converting the second image to generate a second numerical data; dividing each of plural first numerical data corresponding to the plural first images into plural parts, and dividing the second numerical data into plural parts; comparing a first part of the divided parts of the plural first numerical data and a first part of the divided parts of the second numerical data; outputting a first result, when the first part of the divided parts of the plural first numerical data satisfies a first condition; and comparing a second part of the divided parts of the plural first numerical data and a second part of the divided parts of the second numerical data, when the first part of the divided parts of the plural first numerical data satisfies a second condition.

Abstract: In an image processing method, a first raster having a first resolution is divided into a plurality of sub-sampling cells each containing a selected number of neighboring pixels. A pixel from each of the sub-sampling cells is selected in a periodic or quasi-periodic pattern biased toward selecting a pixel position within each sub-sampling cell that is distal from a selection position within at least one neighboring sub sampling cell. The selected pixels define a second raster having a second resolution lower than the first resolution.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for setting various operating parameters of a vision detector from production line information that can be supplied by a manufacturing technician who is not skilled in the art of the invention. These operating parameters include shutter time, video gain, idle time, frame count, and locator search range. The production line information includes line speed, field of view size, direction of motion, and object spacing.

Abstract: An OCR percentage matching algorithm achieves a significant reduction in false mismatches accounting for combinations of unprocessed spaces, missing characters, extra characters and character substitution errors during the OCR scanning processing and allows for a specified percentage of the OCR character scan rather the entire OCR character scan to be the same as the expected character string to declare a match.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method of coding the position information of a digital map in a small data volume by utilizing a compressing and coding technique. In a coding method of coding data indicative of a shape vector on a digital map, an arithmetic processing is carried out over position information about a node string and a shape which indicate the shape vector to be represented by data having a statistical deviation, and the data having the statistical deviation are coded to reduce a data volume. It is possible to considerably decrease a transmission data volume in the case in which the vector shape of the digital map is to be transferred.