Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a path to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the path. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
Abstract:
A mail sorting system and method process mail pieces that arrive at a feed point. The mail pieces are classified into machinable mail pieces and non-machinable mail pieces. The machinable mail is processed in an automated sorting machine. Mail pieces with incomplete or incorrect addressing information are classified as rejects and diverted for manual processing. A manual processing station receives the non-machinable mail pieces from the feed point and also the rejects from the automated sorting machine. In the manual processing station the mail pieces are scanned in a scanning device and the images are send to an image processing system, which also receives images from the automated sorting machine. Upon receiving the results from the automated image processing system, an operator completes labeling process from each mail piece.
Abstract:
A mail piece processing apparatus and related method. A mail piece processing apparatus includes a base, a table connected to the base by a vertical member, a camera mounted above the table and positioned to take an image of a mail piece on the table, and a data processing system. The data processing system is configured to receive the image of the mail piece from the camera; determine address information and address information of the mail piece according to the image; determine a disposition result for the mail piece according to the image; and cause a label to be printed for the mail piece according to the disposition result.
Abstract:
An apparatus that facilitates the manual sorting of objects is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display surface having a surface that can be selectively illuminated and that is adapted for receiving the objects. An identification reader reads identification information stored on the objects. A controller causes an area on the display surface corresponding to one of the objects to be illuminated based on the identification information and indicates a location to which the illuminated object is to be moved. In one aspect of the invention, the display surface includes an area adapted for positioning a receiver for the objects. The display surface provides an indication of a position in the receiver at which the one of the objects is to be placed.
Abstract:
An apparatus that facilitates the manual sorting of objects is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display surface having a surface that can be selectively illuminated and that is adapted for receiving the objects. An identification reader reads identification information stored on the objects. A controller causes an area on the display surface corresponding to one of the objects to be illuminated based on the identification information and indicates a location to which the illuminated object is to be moved. In one aspect of the invention, the display surface includes an area adapted for positioning a receiver for the objects. The display surface provides an indication of a position in the receiver at which the one of the objects is to be placed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
Abstract:
A system and method for providing intelligent mail recovery are provided. A cart for receiving a bucket containing mail items provide a camera and scale on a frame for detecting movement of mail items and determining destination as well as an associated weight of the mail item. An indicator is provided to an operator of the system as to the destination of the mail item. The mail item can then be sorted to the appropriate sort location. The system provides the ability to efficiently sort mail in addition to being portable within a sorting facility.
Abstract:
System and method for providing electronic manifesting access for users of a distribution network. A distribution network may provide a user access point, such as by providing application programming interfaces. The access point may provide access the item tracking module upon receipt of valid credentials, such as a user's unique identifier. The access point may receive item information, generate an electronic manifest including the item information and the unique identifier, and allow for tracking the items on the electronic manifest.
Abstract:
A method of manually sorting flat articles (4) into a sorting case (7) comprising sorting slots (8) consists in generating an identification signal (100) designating a sorting slot of said sorting case, into which slot said article to be sorted is to be placed, and then placing said flat articles to be sorted in a stack and in taking the articles one-by-one from the top of the stack. The method also consists in automatically forming (310) digital images (14) of the top of the stack at a certain rate, the digital image of each article of the top of the stack including a sorting indication. Finally, on the basis of the digital image of said article on the top of the stack, the method further consists in automatically generating (330) said identification signal as a flat article is being taken from the top of the stack of flat articles.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting sort operators in identifying the appropriate location to sort an item. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for identifying a particular bin from a plurality of bins for sorting a package is provided. The system includes a plurality of bins configured to receive sorted packages; an optical reader positioned to capture destination indicia associated with the package; a keypad comprising a plurality of keys, where in at least some of the keys are associated with individual bins of the plurality of bins and at least some of the keys include lights; and a control system. The control system is configured to: receive data from the optical reader relating to the destination indicia; identify a particular bin within the plurality of bins associated with the received data; and trigger illumination of one or more lights on the keypad.