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Apparatus for generating edge position signals for use in locating an address element on a mailpiece

  • US 4,782,238 A
  • Filed: 10/20/1987
  • Issued: 11/01/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/20/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for generating signals which are representataive of edges of an address element which is located adjacent to a substantially horizontal surface of a mailpiece, the address element including a first substantially horizontal surface as well as first and second substantially vertical side surfaces which are located between the first horizontal surface and the second horizontal surface so as to form the edges, the apparatus comprising:

  • a. illumination means including(1) first light means for generating a first illuminative output directed toward the address element in a first direction and at an acute angle to the horizontal surfaces of the address element and the mailpiece, and(2) second light means for generating a second illuminative output directed toward the address element in a second direction and at an acute angle to the horizontal surfaces of the address element and the mailpiece, the first light means and the second light means being positioned so that the address element is located therebetween;

    b. detection means including(1) first means for (i) detecting light reflected from the address element generated by the first light means in a manner that light reflected from the horizontal surfaces generates a first signal having a first level, light reflected from the first side generates a second signal having a second level which is greater than the first level, and light reflected from the second side generates a third signal having a third level which is less than the first level, and (ii) for generating a first output of the first, second and third signals, and(2) means for (i) detecting light reflected from the address element generated by the second light means in a manner that light reflected from the horizontal surfaces generates a fourth signal having a fourth level, light reflected from the second side generates a fifth signal having a fifth level which is greater than the fourth level, and light reflected from the first side generates a sixth signal having a sixth level which is less than the fourth level, and (ii) for generating a second output of the fourth, fifth and sixth signals; and

    c. signal difference means including means for generating a difference between the levels of the second output and the first output in a manner that (i) a difference between the first signal and the fourth signal generates a first difference signal which has a level which is lower than that of the first signal and the fourth signal, (ii) a difference between the third signal and the fifth signal generates a second difference signal which has a level that is greater than the first difference signal and which is representative of the location of the second edge, and (iii) a difference between the second signal and the sixth signal generates a third difference signal which has a level that is greater than the first difference signal and which is representative of the location of the first edge.

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