WO2012059422A1 - Method and apparatus for inserting articles into a sorted stack of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for inserting articles into an already sorted stack (Stp-Stb) of articles, particularly for sorting flat large letters into a stack of sorted standard letters. A set of articles (Stb.1, Stb.2,) of a first article type, e.g. of standard letters, is sorted on the basis of a prescribed sorting feature, so that an output stack of sorted articles is produced. For each article (Gb.1, Gb.2,) of a second article type, e.g. for each large letter, a respective insertion process is performed, which involves the article being inserted into the previously formed stack, comprising output stack (Stp-Stb) and already sorted-in articles of the second article type. In order to facilitate the insertion for an operative, a graphical presentation is produced and is displayed on a screen appliance (Bsg). This graphical presentation shows the target insertion position for the article that is to be inserted. In order to produce this graphical presentation, computer-accessible images of the articles that are to be sorted are used.

Description

description

Method and apparatus for inserting items into a sorted stack of items

The invention relates to a method and a device for inserting further stackable articles into a stack of articles already sorted by a sorting feature.

The task of sorting more items in a stack with already sorted items occurs, for. B. in the sorting of flat mail items. Each mail item to be sorted is provided with an identification of a delivery address. This delivery address acts as the sorting feature. A sorting system has a first type of mailing, namely standard letters (in the US: "letters") already sorted according to the delivery addresses and thereby generates a stack of sorted standard letters in this stack large letters (in the US: "flats") inserted become.

EP 2165776 A1 describes a "mail sorting system 1." This system 1 comprises a "mail sorting and seguing device 3" which receives a flow of "postal objects 7" and sends these mail items 7 to a plurality of "outputs 11". distributed. As a result, the mailpieces 7 are sorted according to a sequence of delivery points ("successive delivery points PO, PI, P2, ... Pn"). The system 1 further comprises a "mail sorting device 20" for large mailpieces ("flow of postal objects 7b ") with a" singularizer device 25 ".

The "mail sorting device 20" distributes the large mail items 7b to a plurality of "outputs 21". In each sorting exit 21 of the sorting installation 20, a group of large letters is formed for the same delivery route R ("delivery path R"), whereby the mail items of such a group are not sorted. wherein both sorting outputs 13, 21 after the first sorting letters for the same delivery route R included. The large letters in the sorting ^¬ output 21 are not yet sorted on sequence. A worker ("postal operator P") manually sorts the large letters from the sorting exit 21 into the already sorted stack with standard letters from the sorting exit 13.

Fig. 8 of EP 2165776 AI shows an example of several sorting outputs 21 for large letters and a device with a pad ("table 100"), which facilitates the manual "merging". On the base 100 is a stack 13 (in Fig. 8:

Stack 17) of standard letters already sorted in sequence and held by two side walls 104. On a screen ("display 107"), the worker P information is displayed which makes it easier to insert the large letter, eg. B. Paste in a quarter of the stack. It is also possible to display the insertion information on a label.

EP 1736250 Bl and AU 2006202645 B2 describe a method and a device for accurately sorting postal items in a sequence ("postman's walk - carrier sequence"). Each mail item is either a standard letter ("last") or a large letter ( The "flats" can not be sorted automatically A sequence of steps is specified as a sequence among the possible destination addresses of the mailpieces to be sorted The standard letters are sorted according to this predetermined sequence Separation cards are used for all or at least some possible destination addresses ("Separators") and each provided with a destination address information in a form that is both human and machine readable. The separation cards will be inserted in the generated sequence of standard sized letters, that each separator card separates two immediately consecutive sequences of mailpieces each having identical Zielad- ests and a partition map label that destination address ^¬ distinguished. An editor inserts the large letters into the sequence of sorted standard letters and separation cards. For this the editor takes a large letter and determines one Separation card for the destination address of this large letter of the sequence. The editor inserts the large letter in the place between two sequences, which is marked by the determined separating card. In one embodiment, the processor addresses the destination address of the large letter in a speech detection system, and voice output the agent is notified of the position of the rich ^¬ term separation card.

In DE 10 2006 029 732 B3, standard letters are first sorted exactly on a delivery route. The delivery route specifies an order among delivery points and is divided into route segments. Sorting generates a sequence of standard letters sorted according to the delivery route. This sequence contains a sorted sequence for each route section. Large letters are also pre-sorted, at least according to a predetermined order among the route sections. All large letters for the same route section are inserted in the same place in the stack of sorted standard letters, preferably at the beginning or end of the sequence for that route section. It is possible to insert a separation card between two successive sequences.

DE 19705891 C1 describes a method for sorting large letters and standard letters. For each large letter a placeholder is created, which can be sorted like a standard letter. Each large letter and its associated wildcard receive matching or at least corresponding identifiers. The standard letters and placeholders are sorted. For each placeholder, the delivery address of the associated large letter is stored. By means of the gelese ^¬ NEN identifier of the spacer is determined such stored postal address, and the placeholder is sorted accordingly. Subsequently, each placeholder is replaced by the associated large letter.

DE 10344576 B3 describes a method for manually merging two types of articles. The first kind of objects, e.g. B. standard letters, will be sorted automatically. All standard letters 4 to the same portion of an alternate route to ^¬ be stored on the same section of a section of the conveyor belt 1, see. Fig. 1. On or under this stack on the section a separation card 3 is placed. The stacks of standard letters 4 and the separation cards 3 are placed in a container 5, cf. Fig. 1. The separation cards 3 in the container 5 mark sections of the delivery route. In the container 5 is still room 6 for additional mail, z. B. for large letters, cf. Fig. 2. These additional mail items can be inserted manually, the separation cards 3 indicate the correct position in the container 5.

In the subsequently published DE 10 2009 020 664 A1, initially a sequence of stackable objects is formed, the objects in the sequence being sorted according to a predetermined order among feature values. This sequence consists of multiple sub-sequences, the objects ei ^¬ ner partial sequence all have the same characteristic value. Two contiguous subsequences are separated by two different separators. Between these two subsequences another object is inserted. In one embodiment, the two Trennelemen ^¬ te be pushed apart for this purpose. A third separating element is introduced into the intermediate space, so that two adjacent interspaces arise, between which the third sub-element is located. In one of these spaces, a wider ^¬ object is inserted. One of the two original separators is removed.

In the post-published DE 10 2009 060 515 AI a method and an apparatus for sorting objects of different format classes are described, for. B. standard letters and large letters. Of each large letter (object to a first object type) is in each case an image he ^¬ testifies. In each case a placeholder for each large letter is generated. This placeholder has a unique identifier. A sorting system sorts the standard letters (objects of the second item type) and the wildcards for large letters, thereby creating a succession of sorted items. At a workplace, the placeholders are replaced by the large letters in the sequence. For this purpose, an image of a large letter together with an image of the associated and associated placeholder is displayed on a screen device at the workplace. An editor finds the placeholder with the help of this representation and replaces the placeholder with the assigned large letter.

In US 6,437,272 B2 an "article delivery system" is described, in each case a "sorting device" sorts articles into "sorting sections", for example a "letter sorting device 1" sorts letters and a "parcel sorting device 120" packages Device 1, 120 "comprises a" reader device 2 "to read" sorting information ", an" information terminal 3 "for reading out data carriers, an" information procuring means 10 "and a" delivery order forming means 4 " "Delivery order forming means 4" collects information about items from different "sorting devices" and generates a target order to be established under these items, see Fig. 9. This target order is transmitted to each "sorting device" , and the "sorting device" in each case sorts a set of objects, eg of packets, see FIG.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and an apparatus for sorting articles of a first article type according to a predetermined sorting feature and inserting at least one article of a second article type according to the sorting feature in the thus produced output stack, the method and the device neither a voice input device nor a

Speech output device still need separation cards still placeholder and still allow a quick insertion.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 1. claim 6 solved. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The invention provides a method and an apparatus for sorting a plurality of stackable articles according to a predetermined sorting feature. The default is one Rei ^¬ henfolge under the prevailing values of this sorting feature. The items are to be sorted according to this order among the sorting feature values. The items to be sorted can be stacked and thus brought into a sequence.

Each item to be sorted belongs either to a first item type or to a second item type. These two types of objects differ by at least one physical parameter, eg. As a dimension, the volume, the weight, the flexural rigidity or a surface finish. To sort several Gegens ^¬ tände of the first object type and at least one Gegens- tand of the second object type, such that a single sequence of sorted articles of both object types is made. A sequence of sorted objects in ^¬ the object types is thus to produce. A first sorting system for the articles of the first article type and a second processing plant for the articles of the second article type are used. The first sorting system has a first measuring device and a first image recording device. The second processing plant has a second image capture device and a second measurement device. It is possible that the same image recording device both as the first image recording device as ^¬ is also used as the second image capture device. It is possible that the same meter will be used both as a first meter and as a second meter.

For each item of the first item type to be sorted, the following steps are performed: The first image capture device generates a computer-accessible image of the article.

 - The first meter measures what value the sorting feature takes on this item.

The first sorting system sorts the articles of the first article type and thereby generates at least one output stack. This output stack contains all articles of the first article type, sorted according to the specified feature value order and the measured sort feature values. It is possible to generate a plurality of output batches, each output batch containing all items whose feature values belong to the same subsequence of the predetermined feature order order.

For each item of the second item type, the following steps are performed:

The second image recording device generates a computer- ^compatible image of the object.

- The second meter measures what value the default sorting feature for this item will take.

Subsequently, each article of the second article type is inserted by an insertion process in the currently already formed stack with objects. One after the other, so many insert operations are performed as items of the second item type are to sort. The stack ^¬ ser already formed is equal to the output stack the sorted Gegenstän- to the first object before the first-type paste. Before any further insertion process consists of the stack already formed from the off ^¬ gangs stack plus the already inserted articles of the second object type. Through each insertion process, the already formed stack grows around at least one object of the second article type. After the last trod ^¬ vortexed gang all objects of the second article type are inserted and sorted all the items. Each insertion process for an article of the second article type comprises the following steps:

- A target insertion position for the object is determined. This desired insertion position depends on the measured sorting feature value of the item, on the predetermined order among the occurring sorting feature values and on the sequence of the sorting feature values of the items in the starting stack. The object should be inserted into the output stack at this nominal insertion position.

- A graphical sequence representation is generated. The sequence representation consists of computer-accessible images of several objects to be sorted. The sequence

Representation comprises a sequence of images of objects from the output stack, so a sequence from the sequence already sorted items of the first Ge ^¬ genstands art. This sequence representation further comprises the image of the item to be inserted of the second article type, inserted at the nominal insertion position.

- So the sequence display shows several already sorting oriented objects of the first object-type and now insert the subject of the second article type, but not necessarily all been sorted Ge ^¬ genstände the first object type, and not necessarily more objects of the second Item type. Often, the space on a screen device would not be enough to display all the items of the first item type at once. On the other hand, the space is usually enough to display several items of the first item type at once.

The generated graphic sequence representation is displayed on a screen device. The object is inserted at the desired insertion position in the currently formed stack. For this purpose, the graphical sequence representation is available on the screen device.

The invention makes it possible to use as the first sorting system such a sorting system, which is tailored to the objects of the first article type and these items quickly, ie with high throughput and low error rate, can sort. It is that the ers ^¬ te sorting can also sort objects of the second object type is not required. Also, the first image pickup device and the first measurement device can be cut to objects of the first article type, and they do not need to measure articles of the second article type.

The second processing plant only needs to be able to process articles of the second article type. The invention can then be used with particularly high utility when significantly more items of the first item type are to be sorted than items of the second item type, eg. B. significantly more standard mail than large mail. The second processing equipment need not necessarily be configured to sort the articles of the second article type. As a result, the invention can also be used when the objects of the second article type differ considerably from each other, for. B. because they have different dimensions or different weight or different surface textures. Often it would be uneconomical to use a sorting system for these very different items of the second item type.

The invention does not require that the second processing plant equals the objects of the second article type. if sorted according to the given order among the occurring sorting feature values.

The process that the first sorting system sorts the articles of the first article type can be completely decoupled spatially and / or temporally from the process in which the second processing plant processes the articles of the second article type. This enables a parallelization of the two processes. This also allows these examples the operations to the respective quantity to be sorted by Gegens ^¬ tänden of the first object type or objects of the second object type to adapt.

The invention makes it possible to sort the objects even if the objects are such that an automatic handling machine can not make the insertion without the danger that the automatic handling machine will damage the articles when they are inserted. This risk occurs in particular on ^¬ sondere when articles of the second type are inserted Gegenstands- with low bending stiffness and / or the insert articles of different dimensions and / or different surface textures. While the invention enables the use of a hand ^¬ habungsautomaten, but also comes from without such.

Thanks to the invention, no wildcard ( "place marker") are required to indicate the desired insertion position of an insert Ge ^¬ genstands of the second type, or output in another way. Furthermore, no separation cards ( "separator") are needed. The processing of wildcards or separating cards would extra effort and additional material erfor ^¬ countries. Rather, this nominal insertion position is generated with the aid of the graphical representation of the sequence and thereby predetermined for a processor. This saves the invention time and material compared to the use of separation cards. Thanks to the invention, neither a device for speech input and speech detection and speech recognition nor a device for speech output are needed. The target insertion position for an object is visually output in the form of a graph. This gra ^¬ phical figure shows the images of multiple objects of the output stack, and the respective image to be inserted at least one article of the second Gegenstands- art. Therefore, this graphical representation facilitates

Performing an insertion significantly stronger than z. B. a textual or acoustic description of a desired insertion position. It is not necessary to decipher a text for the graphic representation that is located on the object and distinguishes the object from other objects to be sorted, but it is already possible. The design with the graphical representation makes it possible to carry out the insertion operations faster and with a lower risk of error than a textual or acoustic description of an object to be inserted. The computer-accessible images of the objects are often present anyway. For in order to measure for an item to be sorted, which value the predetermined sorting ^feature assumes, a computer-available image of the object is often generated and evaluated. For example, "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR) identifies alphanumeric identifiers, or measures a dimension or finish by evaluating the image, and then using this existing computer-accessible image to create the graph.

The graphical sequence representation shows images of several already sorted objects of the first article Art, namely an image per item, the images are sorted according to the established order among the objects. In addition, the sequence representation shows the item now to be inserted of the second item type. This illustrated sequence facilitates insertion better than if only a single item of the first item type were displayed. The insertion is facilitated in particular if the generated output sequence of objects of the first article type contains a plurality of similar objects, eg. B. many similar standard ^¬ letters.

The invention makes it possible to specify a criterion which determines the order of the insertion operations. This criterion may be the sequence of sorting feature values of the items of the second item type to be inserted, or another parameter measured or otherwise determined for each item of the second item type, e.g. B. a dimension or a weight. This criterion can be set so that the inserting items can be easily sorted according to this criterion.

It is also possible to determine only in which order the items to be inserted are located before the first insertion operation. The insert operations are performed so that the articles are inserted in accordance with this order ^¬ exist anyway. The invention eliminates the need to have to print or label any articles with sorting information or an identifier or label for the insertion of the articles of the second type. In particular, it is not necessary to apply an identification of the desired insertion position to an article of the second article type. Furthermore, the invention saves the need for an object of the second article type to be inserted already grasped for the purpose that the article identified and a desired insertion position is determined. In particular, the need is eliminated of having to pass the lead Gegens ^¬ tand for this purpose on a reader for machine-readable identifiers - or vice versa, the reading device on the object - to read an identifying tag on the article. Rather, the item is identified using its computer-accessible image.

According to the solution, the generated graphical representation is displayed on a screen device. In one embodiment, this display device is attached to a stationary holder. This bracket is z. B. at a sorting plant, which sorts the objects of the first kind and generates the output stack. The screen device can preferably be rotated, moved and / or pivoted on this holding device. The holding device holds the screen device z. B. at head height of a worker who makes the insertion, or slightly above the height in which the output stack is.

The design with the screen device on the stationary holding device makes it possible to use sufficiently powerful and large and therefore heavy screen devices, and it also makes it easier to use commercially available screen devices and not to use custom-made.

In another embodiment, wearing a worker who inserts the Ge ^¬ genstände the second object amount, the visual display unit in front of his head and in his eyes. For example, the worker wears a holding device in the manner of a headset, and the display unit is attached to this Haltevor ^¬ direction and can be locked at a desired distance from the head and in a desired rotation angle and a desired viewing direction. This initial design eliminates the need for the worker again ^¬ obsolete must turn your head, then back to see the output stack and the display device. Data will be sent to the portable screen device wirelessly or via a cable over ^¬ mitted.

The embodiment with the video display device on a portable holding device makes it possible to actually design the portable holding device as a headphone with voice output in order to issue additional linguistic instructions to the worker. In addition, it is possible for the holding device to have a microphone into which the operator inputs speech output. It is also possible to realize this embodiment without voice output and without voice input.

In a first embodiment, the graphical sequence representation is generated so that the representation of a sequence from the output stack and as a single object of the second

Item type shows the item to be inserted. The other objects shown are items of the first item type. This representation is still meaningful ^¬ strong, if several objects of the second article type are already inserted, and also meaningful when some of these items were inserted at a position other than the target insertion position, for. Because several items have the same sorting feature value. This representation is still meaningful even if several objects of the second object type are to be inserted directly after one another, that is to say without objects of the first object type being located between them.

It is possible that the insert operations are not performed in the order given or an item of the second item type is inserted in a wrong place. Nevertheless, the first embodiment leads to a correct, albeit incomplete, sequence representation. In another embodiment, the graphical representation is generated to show a sequence that resulted from the immediately preceding insertion process. This illustrated sequence can therefore multiple objects of second item type included in their respective Soll-Einfüposposi ^¬ tion. This embodiment provides a graphical representation that approximates physical reality after the previous insertion step. This facilitates the execution of the current insert operation. In particular, if several items of the second item type are to be inserted directly after each other, without there being an item of the first counter type between them.

In one embodiment, a stack with the objects to be inserted of the second article type is prepared before the first insertion process, for. In a previous processing step. The order of the items in this stack is independent of the order of the sorting feature values of those items in the stack produced. Before each insertion, an object to be inserted of the stack is gripped, z. B. the first or last item. It is determined which object has just been grasped, for which purpose a machine-readable identifier or at least one optically detectable feature of the item is determined and evaluated. An insert operation is performed for this identified item. In another embodiment, a desired sequence for the insertion operations is specified. The articles of the second article type to be inserted are sorted according to this predetermined criterion, whereby a sequence is produced among the articles of the second article type to be inserted. The first insert operation is performed for the first item of this sequence, the second insert for the second item in the sequence, and so on. The criterion is e.g. B. also the predetermined order among the sorted feature values or a physical parameter, eg. As a dimension, weight or volume.

In one embodiment, a verification process is performed before each insertion process. This embodiment let's be especially apply, if a target sequence for the articles of the second article type pre ^¬ give and paste operations to be performed in this order. A verification process is carried out for the object to be inserted next according to the desired order. The computer-accessible image of this item is displayed on the display device. It is checked whether an acknowledgment signal has been input or the input of an error signal has been omitted. A worker can thus confirm that this - according to the desired order - the next object is actually available. If the confirmation signal is input or the error signal is not input, then the step is triggered to perform the insertion process for this object and thereby generate the sequence representation and display on the screen device.

The invention can be z. B. for sorting stackable mail, luggage, packages, workpieces or bills or magazines to sort. The sorting feature is z. As an identification of a target point at which the object is to be transported, a physical property such as size, weight or volume, a surface ^¬ surface properties such as color or roughness or any other optically detectable feature. A sorting feature

Value in the sense of the claims can also be a value group of individual sorting feature values.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

1 shows an arrangement with standard letter sorting system,

 Large letter sorting system and merging device in plan view;

2 shows the standard letter sorting system and an embodiment of the merging device in side view; Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the arrangement of Fig. 1 in front view;

 the verification step for the first large letter; the data used for the first insertion step;

 the graphical representation for the first insertion step;

 the graphical representation for the second insertion step.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used to sort fla ^¬ che mailpieces. In the exemplary embodiment, standard letters (in the US: "letters") in which the weight and each dimension lie in a respectively prescribed area act as objects of the first article type "Flats") and other mailings (in the US: "rest mail") where the weight or dimension is outside a specified range In the following, machine mail having a different weight or a different dimension will be considered uniform "Large letters". In the exemplary embodiment, each item of mail is provided with a identification ^{mark of} a destination point ("delivery point") to which this item of mail is to be transported. delivery route. A delivery sequence ("carrier walk sequence") determines an order among the possible destinations of a delivery route. A mailing carrier ("carrier") goes through this sequence to deliver the mailpieces to the recipient addresses at the destination points of a delivery route Each route sequence is calculated in advance or otherwise specified, preferably an optimization method, for example to minimize the required Way, is applied. The mail carrier is to receive all mail for his delivery route in a sorted according to the sequence of orders of mail, so the standard letters and the large letters in a single order. This will be the

Saved step that the mail carrier must manually bring mail for his delivery route in a sequence and this must put together different mail. The destination points on the delivery route function as the sorting feature values by which the items are to be sorted.

In the exemplary embodiment, all those mail items are to be sorted which reach a sorting center within a certain period of time and are then to be transported to the delivery points of a delivery route. The delivery route is divided into several route sections and is the responsibility of the sorting center. The meaning of the route sections will be explained below. Fig. 1 schematically shows an arrangement used in the embodiment. This arrangement includes

 a standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl (letter sorting machine),

 - a large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl ("flats sorting machin"),

- a mail sending data memory DSP Ps, Gb-Anl a movement of such data ^¬ bond is connected to both sorting Stb-Anl, respectively,

 - a mobile merger facility, Zus-E ("merging

 appliance ") and

 - Several containers Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... for large letters.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl comprises

 a feed feeder with a singulator for standard letters,

a measuring device with at least one camera Ka-Stb and in one embodiment two cameras for standard letters and an image evaluation unit Bae-Stb, - An Out-of-Stb rejection facility for standard letters and

- A variety of sorting stations Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... for standard letters. The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl comprises

 a feeder Gb for large letters with a singulator for large letters,

 a measuring device with at least one camera Ka-Gb and in one embodiment two cameras for large letters and an image evaluation unit Bae-Gb,

 an out-Gb rejection facility for large letters,

 - At least one, preferably several sorting outputs

 SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, ... for large letters and

 - For each sorting exit SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, ... one bearing surface each, Aufl-Gb.l, Aufl-Gb.2, ... for a Großbrief-

Container and

 - For each sorting output SAus-Gb.l, Saus-Gb.2, ... a reader Lg-Gb for container identifiers. Each container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... can each one

Stack with large letters and is provided with a machine-readable container identifier Ke-1, Ke.2, ..., which distinguishes this container from all other containers that are used for large letters. The respective container identifier Ke-1, Ke.2, ... is applied in a machine-readable form on the container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ..., z. B. in the form of a stitch pattern ( "bar code") or an alphanumerical string ^¬ rule. The container identifier Ke-1, Ke.2, ... may also be stored in an RFID chip that is attached to the container and whose data content can be read without contact.

In one embodiment, the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl has one reader per sorting output, that is, just as many readers as sorting outputs. In another embodiment, the containers are transported on a conveyor track Fb-Beh, wherein the transport speed is measured. An empty container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... is on the Feed conveyor Fb-Beh and transported to a sorting output SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, .... A full container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... is removed from the conveyor track. A single reader Lg-Gb on this closed conveyor track Fb-Beh reads the respective container identifier Ke.l, Ke.2, ... a container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, the reader Lg-Gb is transported over. As a result, the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl "knows" which container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... is currently located where.

In the example of FIG. 1, a container conveyor track is shown by way of example, which consists of four sections Fb-Beh.1, Fb-Beh.2, Fb-Beh.3, Fb-Beh.4. This container conveyor line leads around the entire large letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

Fig. 2 shows the merging device Zus-E in detail. The merging entity Zus-E comprises in the exemplary embodiment

 - A mechanical edition Aufl-ZE for a stack Stp-ges, which consists of standard letters and large letters, the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE z. B. has the shape of a tub or a container and supports the stack Stp,

 a footprint Sfl-Gb for at least one large-letter container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2,

a screen device Bsg,

 a data processing system DVA,

 an information forwarding interface IS-Stb for data transmission from the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl to the data processing system DVA of the merging device Zus-E,

- an information routing interface IS-Gb for Da ^¬ tenübermittlung from the large letter sorting Gb-Anl data processing system DVA the combining device Zus-E,

an information forwarding interface IS-DSp from the central data memory DSp-Ps to the data processing system DVA of the merging device Zus-E,

a reader Lg-Beh for container identifiers Ke-1, Ke.2, - a frame Ge and

 - a suspension Fw.

In the example of FIG. 2, the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl has discharged a stack with standard letters into the standard letter sorting point SeS-Stb.3. A Trennele ^¬ ment TE .1 divided this stack into two separate stacks. The stack Stp-Stb to the right of the separator TE .1 acts as an output stack.

In the example of Fig. 2 is on the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE a stack Stp-ges with three large letters Gb.l, Gb.2, Gb.3, already in a stack with standard letters Stb.l, Stb.2, Stb .3, ... were inserted.

On the footprint Sfl-Gb is the container Beh-Gb.2, in which a stack of large letters lies. Large letters from this container Beh-Gb.2 are to be merged with the sorted standard letters in the sorting station Ses-Stb.3.

In one embodiment, the chassis Fw comprises a plurality of rollers which run in each case in a rail. The one rail or the rails in which the rollers run, form a guide device. The merging device Zus-E can then be moved only along a path, which is predetermined by the guide device. The rails are mounted either on a floor or on the standard ^¬ letter sorting Stb-Anl or under the sorting Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ...

In another embodiment, the merging device Zus-E can be moved over a flat floor, without a guide device limits the movement. FIG. 2 shows this embodiment, in which the merging device Zus-E can be moved freely. The chassis Fw has several wheels. Preferably, the merging device Zus-E in each case a predetermined relative position relative to each sorting end of the standard letter sorting system Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... lock, z. B. by a locking body on the merging device Zus-E in a suitable receiving device on the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl ^¬ snaps. In the example of FIG. 2, the merging device Zus-E is in the relative position with respect to the sorting end point SeS-Stb.3.

With the frame Ge, the suspension Fw, the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE, the footprint Sfl-Gb and in one embodiment, the display device Bsg are connected. The screen device Bsg is preferably arranged such that the screen device Bsg is located approximately at the same height as a stack of standard letters on the mechanical support Aufl-ZE. This avoids that a processor has to raise his head and decrease continuously in order to detect the one hand information on the image screen ^¬ BSG and subsequently insert the other hand, egg NEN large letter in the stack on the mechanical support Aufl-ZE.

Fig. 3 illustrates this embodiment with the screen ^¬ screen device Bsg at the level of the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE.

It is also possible that the screen device Bsg is arranged at eye level of an editor, either on Ge ^¬ stell or on the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl and above the sorting end Ses-Stb.l, Stb-Ses.2, .. In the last embodiment, the screen device Bsg can be moved from a sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Stb-Ses.2, ... to an adjacent sorting end point. Fig. 2 illustrates this deviating embodiment with the screen device Bsg at eye level. In this embodiment, the screen device Bsg is connected to the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl and can be moved along the sorting end points Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, .... The direction in which the screen device BSE moves let, is perpendicular to the drawing plane of Fig. 2. In ^¬ play, a holding device of the display device Bsg is hooked in a rail which is fixed to the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl.

The data processing system DVA can be connected to the frame Ge of the merging device Zus-E or be arranged stationary. In the example of FIG. 2, the data processing system DVA is permanently connected to the frame Ge.

As already explained, in one embodiment, the merging device Zus-E can only move along a path that is predetermined by the guide device. In this embodiment, the information for the forwarding interface IS-Stb from the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl to the data processing system DVA can be realized by means of a data cable, which z. B. is plugged into a socket of the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl, is firmly connected to the merging device Zus-E and also then remains in the socket while the Zusammenführ- device Zus-E is moved along the path.

In another embodiment, the merging device Zus-E in the vicinity of a sorting end Ses- Stb.l, Stb-Ses.2, ... drive, and a data cable, which is firmly connected to the merging device Zus-E is, is plugged into a socket of the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl ^¬ . In another embodiment, data is transmitted wirelessly to the merging device Zus-E. The cooperation guiding device Acc E has an appropriate antenna or a similar component for receiving wirelessly transmitted ^¬ th data.

In a third embodiment, the merging device has a reader for a mobile data carrier - z. For example, for a CD-ROM or a "USB stick." On this mobile data carrier, the required standard letter sorting information is Info-Stb, the required large letter sorting information. Information Info-Gb and / or the required information from the central data memory DSp-Ps stored. Example ^¬ as is, together with a large letter container Beh-Gb.y an unauthorized device to merge facility Zus-E introduced comparable on which all images of the large letters are stored in the container. This embodiment is advantageous because the images occupy a lot of space.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl sorts the standard letters precisely to the specified sequence. Because there is interpreting ^¬ Lich more potential targets than the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl sorting has and because the standard letters unsorted reach the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl, n sorting runs are performed, where n> 2 ( "n-pass sequencing" In the case of N sorting stations and n sorting runs, the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl is able to sort the standard letters according to a sequence with a maximum of N xn different destination points each sorting point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... to each possible destination on the delivery route to and, as a rule, different destination points the same sorting point.

In the first sorting run, the following steps are performed:

The standard letters are fed to the feeding device Zuf-Stb of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl.

The Vereinzeier separates the supplied standard letters and generates a stream of upright transported and spaced standard letters.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl continues to carry out the following steps for each standard letter transported in an upright position: The or each camera Ka-Stb of the meter each generates a computer-accessible image of a surface of the upright transported standard letter. One of these images shows the destination mark in the recipient address and will be used for the next steps.

In one embodiment, the mailpieces are oriented in a previous step, so that the surfaces with the destination markings of all mail items point to the same page. Then only a camera Ka-Stb is required. In another embodiment, all mail items are guided past a single camera Ka-Stb. All mail items where the destination mark is not mounted on the surface facing the camera Ka-Stb are rotated and redirected past the one camera Ka-Stb. In a third embodiment, the two cameras generate a total of two surfaces in each case an image. The image evaluation unit Bae-Stb deciphers the recipient address in the image with the destination marking.

A data record for the standard letter is generated and stored in a central mail data storage DSp-Ps. This record includes

 - an internal identifier of the standard letter,

 - the image with the recipient address and

 an encoding of the deciphered recipient address with the destination mark.

The Ausschleus device off Stb selects a Sortierendstel ^¬ le Ses-Stb.x (x = l, 2, ...) of a standard letter from what the Ausschleus device off Stb the deciphered receiver address and the sorting plan for the first Sorting run used. The selected final sorting Ses-Stb.x associated demje ^¬ Nigen target point from which the standard letter has a marking. The Out-Stb rejection facility exports the standard letter to the selected sorting end point Ses-Stb.x.

The first sorting run is completed when each standard letter delivered was transferred to a sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, .... It is possible that individual standard ^¬ letters in a special sorting endpoint for letters with undecipherable destination markings or other defects are discharged ("reject outlet").

After the first sorting run, a stack of standard letters has been created in several sorting stations Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2,... Of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl. In the mail item data storage DSp-Ps, one data record is stored for each standard letter.

The stacks of standard letters in the sorting stations Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... are taken from the sorting end points Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... and returned to the feeding device Zufb fed. When feeding a predetermined feed order is maintained below the sorting end points.

The second sort run is then performed. Here ^¬ at the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl performs the following steps:

The isolator separates the re-supplied standard ^¬ letters. In the second and in each further sorting run, the following steps are carried out for each standard letter supplied after singulation:

The receiver ngeradresse with the target point marking of the standard letter, the deciphered in the first sorting pass and from ^¬ has been stored is determined - either in the record that is stored in mail sending data memory DSP Ps, or by automatically reading a sorting information printed on the mailpiece.

The Ausschleus device off Stb reselects a sorting terminal Ses-Stb.y (y = l, 2, ...) of a standard letter from, for which the stored or printed target point Distinguishing ^¬ voltage and the sorting plan for the second Sorting run be used. The Out-Stb rejection facility exports the standard letter to the selected sorting end point Ses-Stb.y.

After the last sorting run, the standard letters are sorted according to the sequence. Each sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... contains a stack with sorted standard letters. These standard letters stand upright in a stack in the sorting station Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ....

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl determines the following information for each sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... and stores this information, which is referred to below as "standard letter sorting information" Info-Stb, from:

 - An identifier of the sorting end Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, - which standard letters in the last sorting in this sorting end Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... were discharged, and

 - in which order these standard letters are located in this sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ....

As already mentioned, the delivery route is divided into several sections ^¬ routes. Each delivery point belongs to exactly one route section. Because the standard letters are sorted in sequence, the sequence of sorted standard letters consists of one partial sequence per route section of the sequence. In one embodiment, each sorting end point SeS-Stb.l, SeS-Stb.2,... Of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl is used only for a single route section in each case. In another embodiment, at least one sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... is a separating element

TE.l, which differs visually from the standard letters and separates two sub-sequences for two adjacent route sections from each other. The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl discharges these separating elements in one sorting run, for example in the last sorting pass. It is also possible that the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl ejects the separating elements in a preceding sorting run and sorted in the subsequent sorting run. Each separating element TE.l is provided with a machine-readable separating element identifier, which distinguishes this separating element TE.l from all other separating elements used. The separating element identifier is assigned a possible destination marking, so that the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl can determine into which sorting end point Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... this separating element is to be removed.

Fig. 2 shows a partitioning member dardbriefen TE.l in the stack with Stan ^¬ which be found in the final sorting ^¬ Ses-Stb.3.

The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl has in one embodiment at least as many sorting outputs SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, as there are route sections. The large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl therefore preferably performs only a single sorting pass. In this one sorting run, a sorting plan is used which assigns at least one sorting exit to each route section.

The following steps are carried out in this one sorting run: On each support surface Aufl-Gb.l, Aufl-Gb.2, ... a verwen ^¬ Deten sorting output SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, ... is in each case a large-letter container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... asked. The reader Lg-Gb for this sorting output SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, ... reads the machine-readable container identifier Ke.l, Ke.2, ... of the large-letter container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... on the support surface Aufl-Gb.l, Aufl-Gb.2, .... Preferably, the reader Lg-Gb reads without contact, ie between the container identifier Ke.l, Ke.2 , ... and the reader Lg-Gb is at a certain distance.

The large letters for the destination points of the delivery route are fed to the feeder device Zuf-Gb of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

The Vereinzeier separates the large letters, so that a stream of spaced large letters is generated and the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl passes.

The Großbrief-Sortieranlage Gb-Anl carries out the following steps for every large letter that passes through:

The or each camera Ka-Gb generates an image of computer-accessible from one surface of the large letter. One of these images shows the recipient address with the destination mark.

The image evaluation unit Bae-Gb deciphers the recipient address with the destination marking in the image.

A data record for the large letter is generated and stored in the central mail data storage DSp-Ps. This record includes

- an internal identifier of the large letter,

 - the image with the recipient address and

- An encoding of the deciphered receiver address. The route section to which the deciphered destination mark belongs is determined.

The extraction means Aus-Gb selects a sorting output SAus-Gb.x (x = 1, 2,...) For the large letter. This sorting output SAus-Gb.l, SAus-Gb.2, ... is assigned in the sorting plan to that route section to which the destination point of the large letter belongs, and is not yet completely filled. The outfeed device Aus-Gb discharges the large letter into the selected sorting exit SAus-Gb.x. The large letter slides into the container Beh-Gb.y, which stands on the bearing surface Aufl-Gb.x of the sorting exit SAus-Gb.x, or is otherwise spent in this container Beh-Gb.y.

This concludes the only sorting run for large letters.

In another embodiment, there are more possible route sections than the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl has sorting outputs. In this embodiment, at least two sorting runs for large letters are performed. This is done analogously to the two sorting runs which the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs. Sorting creates a stack of large letters in each container Beh-Gb.l, Beh- Gb.2, .... These large letters are standing or lying in the container. All large letters in a container are to be transported to destination points of the same route section. The large letters in a container Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... form a stack and are thus arranged in an order in the container. This order differs but usually from the sequence and is z. B. of the chronological order in which the large letters of the large letter sorting system were supplied, set. The order in the stack is made by the Out-Gb ejector. The large letter sorting Gb-Anl determined for each animal Sor ^¬ output SOut-Gb.l, SOut-Gb.2 ... the following information and store this information, referred to as "large letter sorting information" Info-Gb, from:

- the read identifier Ke. y of the container Beh-Gb.y, which was placed on the support surface Aufl-Gb.x this sorting exit SAus-Gb.x and into which the large letters for this sorting exit SAus-Gb.x were discharged, - to which common route section the destination points al ^¬ ler large letters in the container Beh-Gb.y include,

 - Which large letters were discharged in this sorting outlet SAus-Gb.x and are thus in this container Beh- Gb.y and

- in which order these large letters were removed and are in this order in the container Beh-Gb.y.

The large letters in the containers Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, ... are now in the stack with already sorted standard letters in the sorting stations Ses-Stb.l, Ses-Stb.2, ... the standard letter Sorting system Stb-Anl insert.

As the starting stack into which a large letter is to be inserted, a stack of standard letters already sorted in a sorting end point Ses-Stb.x (x = 1, 2,. This starting stack consists of all standard letters in the sorting ^¬ selle Ses-Stb.x, which are to be transported to destination points of the same route section. In a sorting end point Ses-Stb.x, therefore, a plurality of output stacks may be located, which are separated by a respective separating element TE .1 between two adjacent output stacks. In the example of FIG. 2, the stack Stp-Stb in the sorting end point SeS-Stb.3 on the right of the separating element TE .1 functions as the starting stack.

For each sorting end point Ses-Stb.x (x = 1, 2,...) Of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl, a sequence with the following steps is now carried out at least once, if necessary also several times. once performed. This sequence is performed by an engineer using the merge facility Zus-E.

The mechanical support Aufl-ZE and the footprint Sfl-Gb of the merging device Zus-E are emptied.

The mobile merge device Zus-E is driven near the sorting end point Ses-Stb.x. A starting stack with sorted standard letters to the destination points of a route section is taken from the sorting end Ses-Stb.x and placed in the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE, so that the stack is upright in the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE and the mechanical support Aufl-ZE is supported.

A container Beh-Gb.y with large letters for this route section is determined and transported to the feeder Zus-E.

The reader Lg-Beh of the merging device Zus-E reads the container identifier Ke. y this container Beh-Gb.y, preferably non-contact. If an error has occurred and the container Beh-Gb.y contains large letters to a different route section, an error signal is outputted, and another container with large letters in the correct route segment is transported ^¬ advantage for merging device Acc E. The container Beh-Gb.y with large letters to the correct route section is placed on the support surface Sfl-Gb of the assembler Zus-E.

The data processing system DVA of the merging device Zus-E determines the standard letter sorting information Info-Stb for the sorting end point Ses-Stb.x and the large-letter sorting information Info-Gb for the container Beh-Gb.y. The corresponding information is read by the data processing DVA would enter via the information forwarding interface IS-Gb and IS-Stb. Via the interface IS-Dsp, the data processing installation DVA reads in information about those mailpieces which are named in the standard letter sorting information Info-Stb or in the large-letter sorting information Info-Gb. This information is stored in the data sets ^¬ in the central repository dsp-Ps.

The data processing system DVA reads the data records with the internal identifiers and the images of all mail items that are mentioned in the standard letter sorting information Info-Stb or in the large-letter sorting information Info-Gb. As a result, in particular the computer-accessible images of these mail items are read.

For each large letter Gb.l, Gb.2, ... in the container Beh-Gb.y an insert process is carried out in each case. First, the first insertion process is described, by which the large letter Gb.l is inserted into the stack with sorted standard letters, which is located at the first position in the container Beh- Gb.y. As already mentioned, the large letters in the container Beh-Gb.y are arranged in an order so that there is a "first large letter" Gb.l. In the first inserting process, the following steps are performed:

It is verified whether the large letter sorting information Info-Gb with respect to the first large letter Gb.l are correct. The large letter sorting information Info-Gb contain a description of the order in which the large letters were dispatched from ^¬ . The large letters are in this order in the container Beh-Gb.y - unless, when loading the containers Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2, Beh-Gb.3 with the large letters an error has occurred, so that the discharge

Order does not match the actual order in the container Beh-Gb.y. For the purpose of verification, a graphic representation of the first large letter Gb.l is generated in accordance with the order in the large letter sorting information Inf.sub.o-Gb and displayed on the screen device Bsg. This graphic representation encompasses the image Abb-Gb.l of the large letter to the correct one

Route section. It is possible that in addition the deciphered destination point marking is displayed as a string on the screen device Bsg. Preferably, a graphical representation of the subsequent second large letter is additionally generated and displayed on the screen device Bsg. This graphic representation of the second large letter may also include a string with the destination mark.

Fig. 4 illustrates this verification step for the first large letter in Gb.l. In Fig. 4, the graph is shown at the top, which is displayed on the screen device Bsg. This graphic representation below shows an image (Abb-Gb.l) of the first large letter Gb.l and above an image (Abb-Gb.2) of the subsequent second large letter Gb .2. 4, a top view of the container Beh-

Gb .2 shown. In the container Beh-Gb.2 is a stack with horizontally arranged large letters and at the top of the first large ^¬ letter Gb.l and below the second large letter Gb .2. The processor checks whether the illustrated and according to the order first large letter is actually the first large letter in the container Beh-Gb.y. If the illustrated large letter is not the first large letter in the container Beh-Gb.y, so the processor looks in one embodiment, the large letter in the container Beh-Gb.y. If the processor does not find the large letter in the container Beh-Gb.y, the processor inputs an error signal. The following steps of the first insert operation are only performed if no error signal has been entered. A target insertion position of the first large letter Gb.l in the output stack with the sorted standard letters is calculated or determined by the data processing system DVA. This target insertion position depends on the decoded target point position. Marking the first large letter Gb .1 above, and on the pre ^¬ given point sequence and the target points of standard letters in the output stack. The data processing system DVA determines an output identifier sequence with the internal identifiers of the sorted ^¬ standard letters of the output stack. This order among internal identifications of mailpieces is dictated by the order of the real default letters of the outgoing batch and corresponds to the order of the real standard letters in that outgoing stack. The standard letter sorting information Info-Stb for the sorting end point Ses-Stb.3 supplies this output identifier sequence. The data processing system DVA determines a desired insertion position of the first large letter in this output identifier sequence. This target insertion position is a location digit in an order of mailing identifiers and depends on the deciphered destination point identifier of the first large letter Gb .1 and the predetermined course of passage as well as the destination point markings of the standard letters in the outgoing stack. If the real first large letter Gb.l is inserted into the starting stack at this desired insertion position, then the first large letter Gb.l is inserted correctly, ie according to the predetermined course sequence. The target insertion position thus determines the space digit of the preceding and / or subsequent mailing identifier in the initial identifier sequence. The data processing system DVA generates a supplemented identifier sequence. In this supplemented order, the internal ID of the first large letter is inserted at the target insertion position in the output ID sequence. The supplemented identifier sequence thus has a mailing identifier more than the outbound identifier sequence.

The data processing system DVA selects a sequence in this supplemented identification sequence. This sequence includes the internal ID of the first large letter as well as the internal IDs of M internal IDs of standard letters of the outgoing batch. The sequence is thus a subsection with M + 1 internal identifiers of the supplemented identifier sequence. M is a predetermined number.

The data processing system DVA generates a graphical representation of a sequence with M + 1 mail items placed in an order. The M + 1 mailings of the sequence are those mail items whose M + 1 internal identifiers occur in the selected sequence. The order of these M + 1 mailings in the sequence is dictated by the order among the M + 1 identifiers of the selected sequence. The graph thus illustrates the sequence of the M + 1 identifiers and shows the M + 1 mailings of the sequence in the correct order.

To generate the graphical representation of the sequence, the data processing system DVA uses the images of those M + 1 postal items whose internal identifiers the selected sequence consists of. The order of the images in the representation is predetermined by the order of the internal identifiers in the sequence and is the same as this identifier sequence.

The image of the first large letter to be inserted in the sequence representation is preferably highlighted.

In one embodiment, the images of the M + 1 postal fertilizer are displayed side by side in the generated sequence representation. In another embodiment, these images of the M + 1 mail items are overlapped to indicate a stack graphically. In one embodiment, the data processing system DVA determines the deciphered recipient addresses of the M + 1 mail items in the sequence and enters into the graphical representation of the sequence of these M + 1 recipient addresses. Here the used Data processing system DVA the standard letter sorting information Info-Stb, the large letter sorting information Info-Gb and the records for mailings in the mailpiece data storage DSp-Ps out. This shows which recipient address belongs to which mailpiece image. This configuration makes it unnecessary to have to read the receptions and seminars ^¬ screened dresse the mailpiece image. Instead of the recipient addresses, only the destination markings can be used.

The data processing system DVA represents this graphical representation of the sequence on the screen device Bsg. Preferably, the images of the mailpieces are colored, and the screen device Bsg is capable of displaying colored representations. As a result, in particular, logos and stamps on the surface of a mail piece can be recognized more quickly. But because preferably also the target point markings are displayed, the color in the representation is not necessarily be ^¬ required to find a mail item can.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the first insertion step. In FIG. 5, by way of example, the mailpieces of the output stack Stp-Stb and two large letters Gb.l, Gb .2 to be inserted are shown. Each standard letter Stb.l, Stb.2, ... must be sent to the respective destination address Add-Stb.l, Add-Stb.2. All

Destination addresses are in Hauptstr. in X City. The order under these destinations depends only on the house number. The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl has assigned the internal identifiers Ke-Stb.l, Ke-Stb.2, ... for these standard letters Stb.l, Stb.2, .... The camera Ka-Stb has created the images Abb-Stb.l, Abb-Stb.2, ... of the surfaces of the standard letters Stb.l, Stb.2, .... Each large letter Gb.l, Gb .2 is to be transported to the respective destination address Add-Gb.l, Add-Gb.2. The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl has assigned the internal identifiers Ke-Gb.l, Ke-Gb.2 for the large letters Gb.l, Gb .2. The camera Ka-Gb has the images Abb-Gb.l, Abb-Gb.2 from the surfaces of the large letters Gb.l, Gb .2 testifies. This information is stored in the central mailing data storage DSp-Ps.

In the example of FIG. 6, M = 6. The output tag order is equal to the orders Stb-Ke.l, Stb-Ke.2, Stb-Ke.6, where Stb-Ke.l, Stb-Ke. 2, Stb-Ke.6 are the six internal identifiers of the six standard letters Stb.l, Stb.6, which the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl in this order, together with other standard letters in the sorting end Ses-Stb.3 has discharged. The Datenverar ^¬ beitungsanlage DVA has identified as the target insertion S-Pos.l a position between the identifiers tr-tr-Ke.3 and Ke.4, see. 5. On the video display device Bsg, a graphic representation Dar.l of the sequence with the six standard letter identifiers and the large letter identifiers Stb-Ke.l, Stb-Ke.3, Gb-Ke.l, Stb- Ke.4, Stb-Ke.6 shown. This graphic shows the six standard letters and the first large letter, ie the order Stb.l, Stb.3, Gb.l, Stb.4, Stb.6. The graphic representation contains the illustrations Abb-Stb.l, Abb-Stb.4, ... of six standard letters

Stb.l, Stb.4, ... and the image Abb-Gb.l of the first

Large letters Gb.l.

If necessary or on request, the editor changes this graphic display. For example, the processor specifies a different value for the number M, that is to say the number of standard sorted ^letters which are shown in the illustrated sequence. Another sequence is selected and a graphical representation of that sequence is displayed. This sequence, now shown, has a different number of M + 1 elements. It is also possible that the editor "scrolls" in the displayed representation forward or backward. The editor removes the first large letter from the Gb.l Be ^¬ container Beh-Gb.y and adds the first large letter Gb.l on the target Insert position S-Pos.l into the output stack Stp-Stb. From the collator device Zus-E are the Screen device Bsg and thus the graphical representation of the sequence visible. The graphical representation Dar.l on the screen device Bsg helps the processor to find the desired insertion position S-Pos.l in the output stack Stp-Stb.

The operator inputs a confirmation signal to confirm the insertion of the first large letter Gb.l at the target insertion position, or an error signal if the graphic representation deviates from the reality so far that insertion of the first large letter is not possible.

In Fig. 6, the container Beh-Gb.2 on the footprint Sfl-Gb and the previously formed stack on the mechanical support Aufl-ZE are shown from above. This stack consists of eight standard letters, including the six standard letters Stb.l, Stb.6 shown in the first paste on the screen device Bsg, and from the appended correctly inserted ^¬ first large letter Gb.l.

This concludes the first insert operation.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 illustrate the second Einfügevor ^¬ gear. The second large letter Gb .2 must be inserted into the stack between the two standard letters Stb.4 and Stb.5. The data processing system DVA generates a graphical representation Dar.2. This shows the five images Abb-Stb.2, ..., Abb-Stb.6 of the five standard letters Stb.2, ..., Stb.6, the already inserted first large letter Gb.l at the desired insertion position S- Pos.l and the now to be inserted second large letter Gb .2 at the target insertion position S-Pos.2.

In one embodiment, it is additionally made easier for the processor to insert the first large letter at the nominal insertion position in front of or behind a standard letter. This standard letter is provided by the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl before discharge with an optically visible marking, eg. B. with a printed identifier or label. This marker is visible in the stack with standard letters so that the editor can quickly find this standard letter. The graphical representation displayed on the screen device Bsg also shows this mark.

Now, the second insert operation is performed. The large letter sorting information Info-Gb are first verified with respect to the second large letter Gb.2, whereby a graphical representation of the - according to the large letter sorting information Info-Gb - second large letter is generated and displayed on the screen ^¬ screen device Bsg.

In one embodiment, the second insert operation is then performed in exactly the same way as the first insert operation. Also for the second insert operation, the graphic representation of a sequence consisting of M sorted standard letters and the second large letter at the target insertion position is used. The sequence among the postal items of the sequence is predetermined by the order of the internal identifiers of the M standard letters and of the second large letter in the selected sequence. The graphical representation, which is used in the second paste, therefore, does not show the first large letter to the target Einfügepo ^¬ sition - even if the second large letter to be inserted immediately before or immediately behind the first large letter.

In a different and preferred embodiment toward ^¬ is considered against the results of the first insertion process. For the second insert operation, a twice extended tag order is generated. This twice extended identifier order consists of the internal identifiers of the sorted standard letters of the outgoing batch as well as of the two internal identifiers of the first and the second large letter to be inserted from the container. These two large letter labels are inserted at the respective target insertion positions in the identifier order. Preferably, in the calculation of the target insertion position for the second large letter Gb.2, the target insertion position of the first large letter becomes .1 gb considered, which is relevant if the two large letters Gb.l, Gb follow in to the sequence immediately hinte purely ^¬ other .2. The data processing system DVA again selects a sequence with M internal identifiers from the doubly extended identifier sequence. This sequence comprises the internal identifier of the second large letter at the determined nominal insertion position of the second large letter Gb .2. It is possible that this sequence also includes the internal identifier of the first, already inserted large letter - namely, when the second large letter Gb .2 is to be inserted in the vicinity of the first large letter Gb.l. In this case, the sequence contains the internal identifiers of M-2 standard letters of the outgoing stack, otherwise the internal identifiers of Ml standard letters of the outgoing stack. In both cases, the sequence consists of M + 1 internal identifiers.

The data processing system DVA generates a graphic representation of a sequence with M + 1 mailpieces, whereby the internal identifiers of the M + 1 mailpieces of the sequence are identical to the internal identifiers of the selected sequence and the order of the identifiers in the sequence predetermines the order of the mailpieces shown , The graphic representation shows the second large letter at the nominal insertion position. This graphical representation is displayed on the screen device Bsg and is visible during the second insertion process from the collation device Zus-E. Subsequently, the third, the fourth, etc. insertion process is carried out in the same manner until all large letters are inserted ^¬ .

In the preferred embodiment, it is possible that in the M-th insertion process, the selected sequence consists of the identifiers of M large letters. The sequence shown consists of M large letters, all of which are inserted only after the automatic sorting. Error inserting The large letters can render this graphic unusable because the graphic representation deviates too far from reality. To avoid this, in one embodiment, a number Ml <M is given. The selected sequence consists of a maximum of Ml internal identifiers of large letters and at least M-Ml identifiers of standard letters of the outgoing batch. Therefore, the sequence shown contains a maximum of Ml large letters and at least M-Ml standard letters.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

 Reference sign Meaning

 Fig. Gb.1, computer-accessible images of the large letters Abb-Gb.2 Gb .1, Gb .2

 Abb-Stb.1, computer-accessible images of standard letters Abb-Stb.2, Stb.l, Stb.2, ...

Add-Gb.1, Destination addresses of the large letters Gb.l, Gb.2

Add-Gb.2

 Add-Stb.1, destination addresses of standard letters Stb.l, Stb.2, Add-Stb.2,

Aufl-Gb.1, bearing surface for Großbrief container on the Aufl-Gb.2, ... sorting exits Saus-Gb.l, Saus-Gb.2, ...

 On 1-ZE mechanical edition of the merging device Zus-E

 Out-of-the-box ejection facility of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl

 Bae-Gb image evaluation unit of the Großbrief- sorting plant Gb-Anl

 Bae-Stb image evaluation unit of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl

 Beh-Gb.1, container for large letters

Beh-Gb.2, ...

Bsg display device on which the sequential Representations Dar.l, Da .2 are displayed

Dar .1 graphical representation, which illustrates the target insertion position S-Pos.l for the first large letter Gb .1 and is displayed on the screen ^¬ screen device Bsg

Dar.2 graphical representation illustrating the target insertion position S-Pos.2 for the second large letter Gb .1 and displayed on the display device Bsg

DSp-Ps Central Data Store for Mailing Records

 DVA data processing system of the merging facility ZUS-E

 Fb-Beh conveyor for containers of the Großbrief- sorting system Gb-Anl

 Fw chassis of the merging facility Zus-E

Ge Framework of the merging facility Zus-E

Gb.1 first large letter in container Beh-Gb.2

 Gb-Anl large letter sorting plant

 Info-Gb Large Letter Sorting Information

 Info-Stb standard letter sorting information

 IS-DSp Information Forwarding Interface for

 Data records of mail items in the central data memory DSp-Ps

 IS-Gb Information Forwarding Merchandising Parts for the Large Letter Sorting Information Info Gb

IS-Stb Information forwarding parts for standard letter sorting information

 Ka-Gb camera of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl

Ka-Stb camera of the standard letter sorting system Stb- Anl

 Ke.l, Ke.2, ... machine-readable identifiers of the large letterbox

Ke-Gb.l, Ke- internal identifications of the large letters Gb.l, Gb .2 Gb.2 Ke-Stb.l, Ke- Internal identifications of standard letters Stb.l, Stb.2, ... Stb.2, ...

 Lg-Gb Reader of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl for container identifications

 Lg-Beh reader for container identifiers of the assembly facility Zus-E

 M variable number of standard letters that occur in the sequence shown

Ml maximum number of large letters occurring in the sequence shown

S-Pos .1 Target insertion position of the first large letter

 GB.1

 S-Pos .1 Target insertion position of the second large letter

 Gb.2

 SAus-Gb.1, sorting exits of the large-letter sorting system SAus-Gb.2, ... Gb-Anl

 Ses-Stb.l, sorting points of the standard letter Ses-Stb.2, ... sorting system Stb-Anl

 Sf1-Gb Footprint for large letterbox

 Stb-Anl standard letter sorting system

 Stb.l, Stb.2, Standardized letters sorted in the sorting station Ses-Stb.3

 Stp stack of standard letters and large letters on the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE

 Stp-Gb stack of large letters in the large letterbox

 Beh-Gb.2

 Stp-ges Total pile produced by inserting with standard letters and large letters on the mechanical edition Aufl-ZE

 Stp-Stb Stack with standard letters in the sorting output of the Ses-Stb.3, also acting as output stack

 TE .1 separating element in the sorting station Ses- Stb.3

Zuf-Gb supply facility of the Großbrief- Sorting plant Gb-Anl

 Zuf-Stb feeder of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl

 Zus-E merging facility

Claims

claims

Method for sorting several stackable objects (Gb.l, Gb.2, Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) according to a predetermined sorting feature,

where

each item belongs either to a first item type or to a second item type,

several objects (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type and at least one object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ... ) of the second object type are to be sorted, an order among the occurring sorting feature values (Add-Stb.l, Add-Gb.l, ...) of the sorting feature is specified and

the procedure includes the steps that

- for each item (Gb.l, Gb.2, Stb.l, Stb.2,

... ) it is measured what value the sorting feature assumes for this item,

- at least one computer-available image (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Stb..l, ...) is generated for each object (Gb.l, Gb.2, Stb.l, Stb.2, ...). ,

- the items of the first item type (Stb.l,

Stb.2, ...) are sorted according to the specified order using the measured sorting feature values (Add-Stb.l, Add-Gb.l, ...),

- an initial stack (Stp-Stb) with the sorted items of the first item type (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) is created and

- each object of the second object type (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) is inserted into the initial stack (Stp-Stb) by one insertion process,

- that after all insertion processes have been completed, a total stack is created with all items of the first item type and the second item type to be sorted,

- where the objects in the overall stack (Stp-tot) are sorted according to the specified feature value order, - whereby for each object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the ^second type there is a target insertion position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2, ...) of the object in the initial Stack (Stp-Stb) is determined and information about the target insertion position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2) is output for this object during the insertion process,

whereby each insertion process for an object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type comprises the steps that

- a graphical sequence representation (Dar.l, Dar.2) is generated,

- where the sequence representation (Dar.l, Dar.2) represents a generated sequence of objects to be sorted,

- whereby the sequence shown is a sequence with several objects (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type and the object to be inserted (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type. type includes,

- where in the sequence shown, the order among the objects of the first type (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) is the order created by sorting and the object to be inserted (Gb.l, Gb.2, . ..) of the second object type is inserted into the sequence shown at the target insertion position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2),

- where for generating each sequence representation

(Dar.l, Dar.2) the images (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Stb.l, ...) of the objects contained in the sequence shown (Stb.l, Gb.l, ...) are used , - the generated graphical representation (Dar.l, Da .2 ) is displayed on a screen device (Bsg) and

- the displayed representation (Dar.l, Dar.2) is used to insert the object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...). 2. Method according to claim 1,

characterized in that - the objects of the second object type (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) are placed in an object order,

The insertion process is first carried out for the first item (Gb.l) of the item sequence, then for the second item (Gb.2) and so on until the last item in the item sequence,

- When carrying out the first insertion process, a representation of a section of the initial stack (Stp-Stb) is used as a sequence representation (Dar.l) and

- when carrying out each further insertion process, a representation of a section of the sequence that was created after the immediately preceding insertion process is used as a sequence representation (Diagram 2),

- the section shown includes the item (Gb.l) inserted in the previous insertion process.

Method according to claim 1,

characterized in that

A representation of a section of a stack is used as a sequence representation (Dar.l, Dar.2) in each insertion process,

which consists exclusively of the sorted objects of the first object type (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) and the object to be ^inserted (GB.l, GB.2, ...) of the second object type.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that

- a specification for a target number (M) is recorded and

- the graphical sequence representation is generated in such a way that the number (M) of objects displayed depends in a predetermined manner on the recorded target number (M). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that

a verification process is carried out for at least one item (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second item type,

the verification process for an item (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second item type includes the steps that

- the computer-available image (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Gb.2, ...) of this object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) is displayed on the ^screen device (Bsg),

- it is checked whether an actuation signal was entered or the absence of an error signal was determined, and

- the entry of the confirmation signal and the absence of the error signal triggers the insertion process for this object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...).

Device for sorting several stackable objects (Gb.l, Gb.2, Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) according to a predetermined sorting feature,

where

each item belongs either to a first item type or to a second item type,

several objects (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type and at least one object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ... ) of the second object type are to be sorted, an order among the occurring sorting feature values (Add-Stb.l, Add-Gb.l, ...) of the sorting feature is specified and

the device

- a first sorting system (Stb-Anl),

- a second processing plant (Gb-Anl) and

- a merging facility (Zus-E)

includes,

the first sorting system (Stb-Anl)

- a first measuring device (Ka-Stb, Bae-Stb) and

- a stack generation device (Aus-Stb) having,

the first sorting system (Stb-Anl) has a first image ^recording device (Ka-Stb),

the second processing system (Gb-Anl) has a second image recording device (Ka-Gb),

the first image recording device (Ka-Stb) is designed to produce at least one computer-available image (Fig-Stb.l, Fig-Stb.2,) of an object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the first object type. ...) to create,

the second image recording device (Ka-Gb) is designed to produce at least one computer-available image (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Gb.2,) of an object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type. ...) to create,

the second processing plant (Gb-Anl) has a second measuring device (Ka-Gb, Bae-Gb),

the first measuring device (Stb-Anl) is designed to measure what value the sorting feature ^assumes for an object (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type,

the second measuring device (Ka-Gb, Bae-Gb) is designed to measure, for an object to be sorted (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type, what value the sorting feature assumes for this object ,

the stack generation device (Aus-Stb) is designed to create a stack (Stp-Stb) of objects (Stb.l,

Stb.2, ...) of the first type of object, the first sorting system (Stb-Anl) is designed to carry out the steps,

- for each item to be sorted (Stb.l, Stb.2,

... ) of the first item type using the first

Measuring device (Ka-Stb, Bae-Stb) to measure what value the sorting feature assumes for this item, and

- using the stack generation device (Aus-Stb) to create an initial stack (Stp-Stb) which sorts the items of the first item type according to the measured sorting feature values and according to the predetermined order among the possible sorting features - values include, the second processing plant (Gb-Anl) is designed to do so,

- for each item to be sorted (GB.l, GB.2, ...) of the second item type, measure what value the sorting feature assumes for this item, and

- to transmit the measured sorting feature value to the merging device (Zus-E),

the merging facility (Zus-E)

- a support device (Aufl-ZE) for a total stack to be generated (Stp-ges),

- a display device (Bsg) and

- a position determination device (DVA)

having,

where

the total stack (Stp-tot) all items to be sorted (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first item type and all items to be sorted (GB.l, GB.2, ...) of second type of item includes and

all objects in the overall stack (Stp-total) according to the specified order among the possible sorting features.

values are sorted,

the merging device (Zus-E) is designed for each object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second type of object

- using the position determination device (DVA) to ^determine a target insertion position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2, ...) of the object in the initial stack (Stp-Stb),

- output the determined target position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2, ...) using the screen device (Bsg) and

- to enable one insertion process for the object, in which the object is inserted into the initial stack (Stp-Stb) at the target insertion position (S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2, ...),

the position determination device (DVA) is designed to produce a graphical sequence representation (Dar.l, Dar.) for each insertion process for an object (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type. 2) to generate, where

- the generated sequence representation (Dar.1, Dar.2) represents a sequence of objects to be sorted,

- the sequence shown is a sequence with several objects (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type and the object to be inserted (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type includes,

- in the sequence shown, the order among the items of the first type (Stb.l, Stb.2, ...) is the order established by sorting and the item to be inserted (GB.l, GB.2, ...) the second item type at the target insertion position

(S-Pos.l, S-Pos.2) is inserted into the sequence,

- where for generating each sequence representation

(Dar.l, Dar.2) the images (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Stb.l, ...) of the objects contained in the sequence shown (Stb.l, Gb.l, ...) are used , and the device is designed to display the generated ^graphical sequence representation (Dar.l, Dar.2) on the screen device (Bsg).

Device according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the screen device (Bsg) is connected to the first sorting system (Stb-Anl).

Device according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the screen device (Bsg) is connected to the merging device (Zus-E).

Device according to one of claims 6 to 8,

characterized in that

the device

- at least one means of transport (Beh-Gb.l, Beh-Gb.2,

...) for items (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the first item type and - a mobile data storage for computer-available images (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Gb.2) of objects (Gb.l, Gb.2, ...) of the first object type

includes and

- The merging device (Zus-E) comprises a reading device for the images (Fig-Gb.l, Fig-Gb.2) on a mobile data ^storage .