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

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10/885,125, filed Jul. 7, 2004; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of provisional application No. 60/520,658, filed Nov. 18, 2003; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of mail processing and more particularly to a system and method for resolving non-address attributes on an address face of a postal item. 
         [0003]    Non-address attributes as used herein include: stamps, pictorial representations, alpha numeric characters, stylized and non-formatted textual fields, postal endorsements, logos, and markings and the like whose resolution is desired and/or necessary for effective sorting of the respective mail piece and for associated applications such as Mail Forwarding and Return to Sender functions. 
         [0004]    Current and prior attribute resolution systems perform automatic address reading via optical character recognition software (OCR). An example system is set out in German Patent DE 195 31 392 C1. Ideally, current mail handling automation would include some form of non-address attribute recognition. However, non-address attributes defy current automation rules including a lack of redundancy and standardization among the many non-address attribute candidates. Accordingly, with current resolution techniques, reject and error rates are higher than with address attribute resolution. As with address attributes, when an unresolveable non-address attribute is encountered with current automatic resolutions means, the image containing the unresolvable attribute is forwarded to a video coder for manual resolution. Per standard encoder techniques, a video encoder, sitting at a video encoding station, receives an image on a display (typically a computer monitor), analyzes the image for the missing/unresolvable attributes and manually keys in or enters information which could not have otherwise been obtained automatically. Thresholds of confidence are used to determine when an attribute has not been resolved and the entire image must be manually encoded. 
         [0005]    To assist encoders, methods have been proposed wherein the encoder&#39;s attention is brought to a particular portion of the image (area of interest) where it is believed (by the method) that the non-resolvable attribute is present. Additionally, encoder communication of information has been reduced, in some circumstances to a single key stroke. However, despite such aids, manual encoding remains an inefficient solution because oftentimes, zooming and other manually scanning is required and information is not always communicatable with a single key stroke. Attempts have been made in making manual encoding more efficient by reducing the number of steps required by an encoder to arrive at a non-address attribute image location as well as the number of key strokes required for resolution. One solution, proposed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,875, includes the use of truthing tables. In truthing tables, portions of images are presented in matrix format. The truthing matrix per the above patent contains non-resolvable attributes clustered by what the recognition logic believed them to be. The belief is based on a partial resolution of the unresolvable attribute, wherein the partial resolution fell below a confidence threshold. A prior art matrix from the &#39;875 patent is depicted in  FIG. 1  (with reference numbers added for clarity). The matrix entries include different backgrounds to denote where the operator flagged non-matches. 
         [0006]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a matrix  10  is presented to a viewer on computer screen  22 . The matrix comprises a plurality of boxes  12  having or depicting a “◯” therein. Exceptions flagged by the operator are depicted as having a hatched background and depict a “6” (element  14 ), “L” (element  20 ) and “5” (element  18 ). The matrix of  FIG. 1  is limited in application to distinguishing single, well recognizable to the operator, alpha-numeric characters. Likewise, non-address attributes comprise more than the single digits analyzed by the &#39;875 reference and complex ad hoc classes of patterns are not effectively handle by the method. Accordingly, a need exists for increasing mail sorting throughput via recognition of complex, non-address attributes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An objective of the present invention is to provide a system and method for more effective video coding of non-address attributes as required for automation of mail processing and, in particular, to increase productivity while at the same time decrease operator error rate from existing methods of video coding non-address attributes. An additional objective is that the basic system and method to be described can be application-wise extended beyond the previously mentioned examples of non-address attributes (i.e. stamp classification and endorsement) to include filtering of patterns whether they are structured, such as conventional alphabets, or are an arbitrary grouping of shapes. Yet another objective is to increase the level of work satisfaction of coding operators through exposure to non-keying intensive tasks and ones that use aspects of the operators&#39; cognitive intellect. These and other advantages are made available by the present invention. 
         [0008]    The present system comprises means for executing the above described inventive method. The present system includes a feeding mechanism for handling the mail pieces, the feeding mechanism comprising means for running mail pieces past a high resolution scanner or similar image lift device. An image, created by the scanner, is forwarded to at least one processor for resolution. In the event the non-address attributes are unresolveable, a second processor and database are consulted for creation of the aforementioned matrix, however, the present matrix includes a Cognitive Zone. The cognitive zone includes example non-address attributes which may match the unresolved non-address attributes. The Cognitive Zone is centrally located and may comprise a single or column entry or row entry. The matrix is then forwarded via appropriate means to one of a plurality of video coding stations for decoding. 
         [0009]    The present invention also comprises a method for performing non-address attribute resolution using the above mentioned system. According to the present method, an image is created and non-address attributes therein are resolved by automatic means. A determination as to whether Automatic resolution was successful is performed. A successful determination is one that rises above a particular threshold. Unsuccessfully resolved attributes that have a recognition affinity to a given attribute class but where below the successful recognition threshold are assigned to a matrix designated for said attribute class. A cognitive zone made up of example attribute(s) is inserted into the matrix and the matrix forwarded to an encoder for manual encoding. The example attributes in the cognition zone are arrived at by matching the non-resolved attributes with example attributes believed to be a match, the matching rated by level of confidence. Because the confidence level of the initial resolution is not high, it is not always a guarantee that the example attribute displayed in the cognitive zone will match the non-resolved attribute. If the encoder indicates that the non-resolved attribute does not match the example attribute in the cognitive zone, the subject reject attribute is reassessed according to its next highest likelihood recognition and inserted as one of the candidates in a second matrix with a cognitive zone composed of examples related to this new recognition alternative. The present method includes other steps detailed below. 
         [0010]    When an non-match is indicated, a second matrix is created using example attributes having a next highest match confidence level. The second matrix is presented to the encoder for manual matching. This occurs for additional matrices until the match confidence level falls below a preset threshold; at which time the entire image is presented to encoder for manual encoding. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The novel features and method steps believed characteristic of the invention are set out in the claims below. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the detailed description, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art matrix without a cognitive zone; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts the present system in schematic form; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  depict a flow chart of the present method; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a 3×3 matrix with a cognitive zone comprising a single central entry; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a 5×5 matrix with a cognitive zone comprising a central column; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts 5×4 matrix with a cognitive zone comprising a central column; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a 5×4 matrix with two non-matching non-address attributes; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a 5×4 matrix with one non-matching non-address attribute; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts a 5×4 matrix with another example attribute from  FIG. 8  in the cognitive zone; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts an image containing an example non-resolvable non-address attribute. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]      FIG. 2  depicts a schematic of a non-address attribute resolution system according to the present invention. As shown, the present system includes a mail sorter  100  for removing and sorting mail pieces or items  102 . The mail sorter is able to sort mail when the non-address attributes are automatically resolved or resolved by coding. 
         [0023]    Mail sorter  100  includes a feeding mechanism  104  which pulls successive mail pieces  102  from magazine  106 . The mail pieces  102  are transported to a high-resolution video scanner  108  for automatic scanning of a mail piece address surface  110  and generating an image  112  thereof. The mail pieces  102  may be transported at a rate of approximately 10 mail pieces per second by means known in the art. Although the scanning of the mail piece address face is discussed herein, such should be understood as an embodiment of the present invention with another embodiment including the scanning of a non-address face of the mail piece. 
         [0024]    The image  112  is directed to OCR and pattern matching element  114 . Element  114  includes at least one microprocessor  122 , memory  124 , and address register or database  126  interconnected so as to be to automatically resolve and decode image  122  with a high degree of confidence. The actual level considered “high” is set by application as known to one skilled in the art. High confidence degree resolution includes resolution of both address and non-address attributes. Address attributes include alphanumeric characters indicative of a postal or destination address. Non-address attributes include stamps, pictorial representations, alpha numeric characters (i.e. endorsements), markings and the like. 
         [0025]    Prior to and concurrent with image resolution at element  114 , the mail piece  102  is held in a delay loop a delay loop  116 . Should the image be resolvable with the high degree of confidence, a bar code is made to be printed on the mail piece at printer  118  and the mail piece is forwarded to sorting bins  120  where further sorting with the aid of the bar code ensues. Unsuccessfully read images are stored in database  127 . 
         [0026]    Processor  128  is arranged in communication with database  127  and processors  114 . Processor  128  as with processors  114 , receives an image and resolves it. However, with processor  128 , the image is taken or received from database  127  and the resolution is to a lower or functional degree of confidence. In an alternative embodiment, the lower or functional degree resolution may be effected by processors  114 . A functional degree of confidence is one where it is likely or possible to identify the general nature of the non-address attribute to a degree so as to find possible matches in the form of example non-address attributes. Once obtained, the functional degree is then compared with example attributes stored in database  127  for a possible match. To facilitate this, a search is made of database  127  for best possible matches ranked upon their degree of match confidence. Typically, more than one possible match is determined given the lower degree of confidence from which the process begins. Alternatively, database  126  may substitute for database  127 . Typically, the search will produced Confidence for the match may be at least at the functional level. Finally, processor  128  includes appropriate programming for the creation of a matrix including the cognitive zone. The functional non-address attributes occupy the matrix but for the cognitive zone which is made to be occupied by the example attributes. The newly created matrix is then forwarded to an order sorting element  130  for further communication to one of a plurality of video coding stations  132 . By way of example, four video coding stations  132  are depicted. The video coding stations  132  may be networked via a local area network  134 . The bar code printer  136  is included and arranged in communication with sorting device  130 . In operation, when an image is unsuccessfully read, the printer  136  is made to print a tracking (TID) bar code on the respective mail piece which is then directed to a suitably long delay loop to enable manual/on-line resolving or specially held to enable off-line resolving. As is known in the art, the TID bar code enables the mail piece to later rejoin the successfully read mail pieces in sorting via, e.g. bins  120 . As an alternative to the TID printer actually printing the bar code, bar code printer  118  can be made to print the bar code as is depicted in  FIG. 2 . Should the video encoder indicate that a non-match occurred between the resolved non-address attribute and the example non-address attribute in the cognitive zone, the processor  128  is made to create a second matrix with another attribute having a lower degree of confidence. Should another non-match occurs, another matrix is created an so on until no more example attributes are available. At this point, the entire image is shown to the encoder for manual encoding. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  depicts a flowchart of the present method for resolving unsuccessfully read non-address attributes. The unsuccessfully read image  112  is stored in database  127  and it is with this image that the method starts (step  200 ). 
         [0028]    In step  202 , an analysis of the unresolvable non-address attribute is made. Given that the information was not automatically readable, a lower recognition level is herein employed. 
         [0029]    In step  204 , the now somewhat resolved non-address attribute is matched or associated with an appropriate attribute category. This step is effected by the substeps of searching the various available categories and determining which category and/or attribute that best matches what is known about the functionally resolved attribute. The categories and example attributes (resolution permitting) are ranked by degree of matching confidence. In step  206 , a validation matrix is created comprising a plurality of attributes from an appropriate matching attribute category arranged in the cognitive zone. The matrix and cognitive zone may vary in size by application. In step  208 , the matrix is stored in one of the above mentioned databases, i.e. database  127 . 
         [0030]    In step  210 , the matrix is forwarded to at least one of the video coding stations  132  via means described above. 
         [0031]    In step  212 , the matrix is displayed for the coding station operator. The operator then indicates where a match exists or non-match by application. Should all the unresolved non-address attributes match the example attributes, it would be at the coders option to indicate this via a single key stroke. Such indication may be effected by known man-machine interfaces. In step  214 , acceptance or non-acceptance are indicated by the operator and transmitted to processor  128 . 
         [0032]    In step  216 , a determination is made whether a non-match was indicated. If a match was indicated  218 , the method via connector D,  252 , to step  240  set out below. If a match was not indicated  220 , the method continues, via connector A  222 / 224 . 
         [0033]    In step  224 , the method continues to a determination. In step  226 , a determination is made whether there are untried example attributes available for a matrix. If there are no more example attributes  230 , the image containing the non-resolved non-address attribute is forwarded to the encoder in step  234 . 
         [0034]    In step  238 , the encoder&#39;s match indication is transmitted to database  128 . 
         [0035]    In step  240 , a bar code is printed or a TID is updated to reflect the final decision arrived at using the resolution of the non-address attribute by the encoder. The mail piece may be sorted accordingly. 
         [0036]    In step  242 , a determination is made whether there are other mail piece images to be resolved. If no more are present,  248 , the method ends  250 . If additional images are present  244 , the method loops back via connector C,  246 , to start  200 . 
         [0037]    Returning to step  226 , if it is determined that additional example attributes are available, a new matrix comprising the new example attributes in the cognitive zone is created and, via connector B,  236 , the method loops back to step  208  whereby the new matrix is considered as was the previous one. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  depicts a 3×3 matrix  300  with a cognitive zone  302  being a single example attribute located at the center thereof. The non-address attribute is an American flag. Herein, the encoder would depress a single key indicating the entire matrix  300  matches the cognitive zone  302  attribute. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  depicts a 5×5 matrix  500  of American flags with a cognitive zone  502  being a column running the center of the matrix. Again, the encoder would indicate an overall match via a single key stroke. Alternatively, the encoder may highlight a match or non-match with a pointer and a mouse click. Other such indication methods may be employed as envisioned by one skilled in the art. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  depicts a 5×4 matrix  600  as would be displayed on a computer monitor  602 . The cognitive zone  604  runs the center of the matrix. The matrix  600  comprises American flags with all matches which again could be so indicated with a single key stroke. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  depicts a 5×4 matrix  700  of stamps depicting George Washington. The matrix is depicted as it would appear on a computer monitor  702 . The cognitive zone  704  is a column running the center of the matrix. Herein there are two non-matching attributes  706 . The encoder would indicate the non-match via man-machine interface, such as a key stroke or mouse pointer. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  depicts a 5×4 matrix  800  of American flags as would be depicted on a computer monitor  802  with cognitive zone  804  running down the center. Herein a single attribute  806  is non-matching. In operation, another matrix would be created with another example attribute that may match attribute  806 . The current example attribute of an American flag was initially considered because the cancellation of the non-matching attribute  806  included wavy lines akin to the flag. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  depicts a 5×4 matrix  900  of Madonna and Child as would be depicted on a computer monitor  902  with cognitive zone  904  running down the center. Herein a match is exhibited and the present invention would print an appropriate bar code based on the match indication, sort the mail piece and return to start.  FIG. 10  depicts a whole image of a non-resolvable non-address attribute that would be depicted to the encoder in the event all the example attributes were exhausted. 
         [0044]    The present invention having been presented above will be further set out in the appending claims. The above description is one embodiment of the invention leaving open the possibility for other embodiments and uses which would not depart from the spirit of the invention. For example, the present application may be used for the resolution of stamps, various groupings of letters and/or numbers and/or pictures, signatures, markings and so forth.