Method and system for image processing
First Claim
1. A method of processing a series of mail pieces, comprising the steps of:
- (a) scanning a surface of each mail piece with at least one imaging camera to obtain at least one image of the surface represented by image data;
(b) analyzing the image data to locate a destination bar code in the image;
(c) analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code;
(d) if the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then processing the mail piece further in a manner dependent on the first destination code;
(e) if the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, then analyzing the image data to locate destination address lines in the image, analyzing the address lines to determine a second destination code, and processing the mail piece further in a manner dependent on one of the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides an improved method and system for processing mail items on bar code sorting machines. Such a method includes the steps of scanning a surface of each mail piece with at least one imaging camera to obtain at least one image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to locate a bar code in the image, and analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code. If the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then the mail piece is processed further in a manner dependent on the first destination code. If the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, the image data is analyzed to locate destination address lines in the image, and the address lines are analyzed to determine a second destination code. The mail piece is sorted according to the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of processing a series of mail pieces, comprising the steps of:
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(a) scanning a surface of each mail piece with at least one imaging camera to obtain at least one image of the surface represented by image data;
(b) analyzing the image data to locate a destination bar code in the image;
(c) analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code;
(d) if the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then processing the mail piece further in a manner dependent on the first destination code;
(e) if the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, then analyzing the image data to locate destination address lines in the image, analyzing the address lines to determine a second destination code, and processing the mail piece further in a manner dependent on one of the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for sorting a series of mail pieces, comprising:
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a conveyor which transports a series of mail pieces;
a series of diverters which are each operable to divert mail pieces from the conveyor to one of a series of sorting destinations;
an imaging camera positioned proximate the conveyor for scanning a surface of each mail piece to obtain an image of the surface represented by image data; and
a computerized control system for analyzing the image data to locate a destination bar code in the image, analyzing the bar code to recognize a first destination code, if the first destination code meets predetermined criteria, then sorting the mail piece by actuating one of the diverters in a manner dependent on the first destination code, and if the first destination code cannot be recognized or fails to meet the predetermined criteria, then analyzing the image data to locate destination address lines in the image, analyzing the address lines to determine a second destination code, and sorting the mail piece by actuating one of the diverters in a manner dependent on one of the second destination code, or a result determined by arbitrating the first and second destination codes. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification