JP3379449B2 - Transportation fee processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charge processing apparatus for a package such as a postal scale used in a post office, and more particularly to a function for converting a postal code of a transportation destination into a transportation section number. The present invention relates to an improved charge processing apparatus for packages.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional charge processing apparatus of this kind, there is a charge processing apparatus in which the charge is different for each area (zone) to be delivered, such as domestic parcel post. In this case, it is difficult to know which zone the delivery classification of the mail is, so a postal code / zone number conversion table for converting the postal code into a zone number is provided, and the zone can be set by entering the postal code. What has been done is being developed.

However, since the zone varies depending on the place of origin or the place of origin, a separate zip code / zone number conversion table is stored for each area of use. Therefore, after the area to be used is determined, it is necessary to write the zip code / zone number conversion table in the memory or mount a ROM chip storing the zip code / zone number conversion table. Further, when changing the use area, it is necessary to perform a difficult and troublesome operation such as rewriting the postal code / zone number conversion table or replacing the ROM chip.

[0004] As a device which does not require the above-mentioned work, there is a device described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-226464. This apparatus stores a memory for storing a table for converting a postal code of a transportation destination created for each usage area into a transportation section number, a first input means for inputting a usage area, and a postal code of the transportation destination. Based on the second input means, the use area input from the first input means, a selecting means for selecting a table created for the use area, and a transportation destination input from the second input means. A conversion means for converting a postal code into a transportation section number using the table selected by the selection means, and a type determination means for determining a handling type of a package based on the transportation section number converted by the conversion means Is.

By adopting the above-mentioned configuration, this device has an effect that it is possible to eliminate the complexity of writing the memory or mounting the ROM chip after the use area or the changed area is determined. Is.

[0006]

However, although the postal code has been changed to 7 digits recently, it is troublesome to enter all the 7-digit postal code, and the probability of input error becomes high, and the input of the postal code is required. There was a problem that it was a difficult task to identify the zone. Also, only enter 5 digits as before,
There are quite a few postal items that do not include all 7-digit postal codes, and there is also a problem in such postal items that the delivery zone cannot be specified by entering the postal code.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fee processing apparatus for a packaged goods, which can simplify the operation for specifying a delivery division zone by inputting a zip code. To do.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with an input unit, a processing unit and a display unit, and the processing unit is operated by inputting a zip code from the input unit. In the charge processing device for a package of a delivery, the delivery fee zone of the package is set by inputting the first M digits (M <N) of the N digit postal code in the input section. If the delivery zone can be identified from the M-digit postal code, set the identified delivery zone,
With delivery classification zone from M-digit zip code and the input in the case can not be specified, a message to that effect on the display unit,
The remaining P = (N- except for the first M digits already entered
M) A means for requesting input of a digit is provided.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 2 is the input section,
A charge processing apparatus for a package of goods, comprising a processing section and a display section, wherein the postal code is inputted from the input section to set the delivery division zone of the package of the package. The first M digits (M <
By inputting N), if the delivery segment zone can be identified from the input M-digit zip code, the identified delivery segment zone is set, and the delivery segment area is identified from the input M-digit zip code. If it cannot be specified, a message to that effect is displayed on the screen, and the city specified by the entered zip code is displayed.
It is characterized by displaying a list of prefecture names and providing a means for selecting one of them.

[0011]

[0012]

The invention according to claim 3 is the input section,
A charge processing apparatus for a package of goods, comprising a processing section and a display section, wherein the postal code is inputted from the input section to set the delivery division zone of the package of the package. The first M digits (M <
By inputting N), if the delivery segment zone can be identified from the input M-digit zip code, the identified delivery segment zone is set, and the delivery segment area is identified from the input M-digit zip code. If it cannot be specified, a message to that effect is displayed on the screen, and the city specified by the entered zip code is displayed.
You can display a list of prefecture names and select one of them
And remove the first M digits you have already entered
It is characterized in that means for requesting input of the remaining P = (N−M) digits is provided.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claim 1.
The charge processing device for a package according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a weighing unit for measuring the weight of the package, and calculating the package fee from the package weight and the set delivery division zone. It is characterized by

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a charge processing apparatus for a package according to the present invention. In the figure,
Reference numeral A is a weighing unit, B is a main body unit, C is an operation unit, and D is a customer display unit. The weighing section A, the operation section C, and the customer display section D are connected to the main body section B via cables (not shown).

The weighing section A is provided with a weighing pan a1 and the weighing pan a1
Weigh the mail placed on it. The body B is
The postage and the like are calculated based on the measured value input from the weighing unit A and various operation information input from the operation unit C, and the floppy disk insertion port b1 and the paper discharge port b2 of the printer provided inside are provided. ing.

The operation section C includes a key input section c1 and an operation display section c2. The key input part c1 is a mail type key for setting the type of mail (normal mail, registered mail, etc.), a numerical value input key, a preset key for resetting the weighing display, a display holding key for holding various displays, and the like of the postage scale. It consists of various keys necessary for operation.
Further, the operation display part c2 is configured by a touch panel type liquid crystal display having a touch switch part c3 composed of a plurality of transparent touch switches on its surface, and by the setting information input from the key input part c1 and the main body part B. Display the calculated postage etc. and touch the switch c
In 3, the touch operation is detected.

Further, in the operation section C, an auto-zero switch is provided for displaying the weight display as zero when the weight of the measured mail piece is less than a predetermined weight. The customer display unit D displays the type, weight, postage, etc. of the mail to the customer.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the charge processing apparatus for a package. In the figure, the main body B
Are CPU (Central Processing Unit) b3, ROM (Read Only Memory) b4, RAM (Read / Write Memory)
b5, communication 1 part b6, communication 2 part b7, communication 3 part b8, printer b9, floppy disk drive b10, and communication device b11. These units are connected by an internal bus b12. CPUb3 is internal bus b
The operation of each unit described above is controlled via 12.

In the RAMb5, the CPUb3 is in the ROMb4.
There is provided a working area for setting various flags or registers necessary for executing the above-described control program described in 1., a performance data area for storing the measured value measured by the measuring unit A at the time of measurement, and the like.

The communication unit 1b6 communicates with the control communication unit c4 provided in the operation unit C in accordance with the CPU b3, receives the operation signal output from the operation unit C, and transmits the display data displayed on the operation display unit c2. I do. Communication Part 2 b7 is CP
Display data to be displayed on the customer display unit D is transmitted according to Ub3. The communication unit 3b8 uses the weighing unit A according to the CPUb3.
Receives the weighing data of the mail item weighed by.

The operation section C includes a control communication section c4 and a key input section c.
1, an operation display section c2, and a touch switch section c3. The control communication unit c4 communicates the operation signal input from the key input unit c1 and the touch switch unit c3.
At the same time as transmitting to the section b6, the display data transmitted from the communication section 1b6 is output to the operation display section c2.

The weighing section A transmits the weight of the mail or the like placed on the weighing pan a1 to the communication section 3b8 as weighing data. In addition, the customer display unit D displays the weight, type, and postage of the postal item weighed by the weighing unit A based on the display data transmitted from the communication second unit b7.

The ROMb4 stores a control program for the CPUb3, a charge table, and a table for setting delivery division zones of mails, which will be described in detail later. Each control procedure in the charge calculation mode and various setting modes is shown in the control program. In the charge table, types of postal items, weight categories, and charges are associated with each other. As will be described in detail later, the table for setting the delivery division zone of mail is a prefecture number / zone conversion table, a postal code (first 2 digits) / zone conversion table, a postal code (7 digits) / prefecture number. It consists of a conversion table.

In the charge processing apparatus for a package having the above-mentioned structure, the operation section C is operated to input the first two digits of the seven-digit zip code, and the delivery division zone is specified from the input two-digit zip code. If possible, the specified delivery zone is set, and if the input two-digit postal code cannot identify the delivery zone, the fact is displayed on the display unit and all the postal codes ( The N-digit) input request is made. Hereinafter, the procedure will be described in detail when the package is an internal parcel post.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a prefectural number / zone conversion table for a domestic parcel post. As shown,
Delivery division zones of "1" to "4" are provided corresponding to the prefecture numbers of the places of use "1" to "47" and the prefecture numbers of the destination. For example, if the place of use is Aomori prefecture of “2” and the destination is Okinawa prefecture of “47”, the delivery division zone is set to “4”.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a postal code (first two digits) / zone conversion table. As shown, "1" ~
It can be identified in response to the first two digits of the use area of up to "47" State number and zip code "N _1" - "N _P", "1" to
The delivery division zone of "4" is set. Here, when the zone cannot be specified by the first two digits of the postal code, "9" is set as data indicating that. For example, has become a "9" as the first two digits of the zip code prefectures number of destinations in the M of use land can not be identified zone in the case of N _K. Specifically, if the prefecture code "M" of the place of use is "13" (Tokyo), the first two addresses
Digit zip code "N _K " is "51", "52", "64"
In case of, the zone cannot be specified.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a postal code (7 digits) / prefecture number conversion table. As shown in the figure, the prefecture code is provided corresponding to the 7-digit postal code. The postal code (7-digit) / prefecture number conversion table is set for a 7-digit postal code whose prefectural code cannot be specified by the first two digits.

Next, the operation of the transportation fee processing apparatus will be described. [Processing Procedure for Setting Use Zone] The operator operates the operation unit C.
To set the charge processing device to the setting mode, the CPU
When the domestic parcel zone setting is selected, the operation display section c2 displays a list of prefecture names as shown in FIG. If the part where the prefecture name using the charge processing device is displayed is touched, the number of the prefecture name is entered. For example, "13" is entered as the prefecture number to touch Tokyo, and RAMb
Stored in the 5 zone of use register. A nonvolatile RAM is used as the RAMb5 so that the stored contents of the usage zone register are not erased even when the power is turned off.

[Charge Calculation Mode] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the flow of the charge calculation process. First, as the mail type selection, here, the domestic parcel is selected (step ST1).
Next, the destination zone is input (step ST2). This destination zone input is the main point of the present invention and will be described later. Next, the parcel is placed on the weighing pan a1 of the weighing section A and weighed (step ST3). Next, a charge is calculated based on the input zone and the weight of the measured parcel (step ST4). Next, the calculated fee is printed on a label or the like and issued, and is stored in the RAMb 5 as actual data (step ST5).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the zone input processing in step ST2 of FIG. When domestic parcel is selected as the mail type in step ST1 of FIG. 7, a weighing screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation display portion c2. In this case, the default for the zone is "1". Further, it is the zone selected in the zone selected in the previous processing.

First, the operator looks at the weighing screen of the operation display section c2 and determines whether or not the zone needs to be changed (step ST21). If it is determined that the zone does not need to be changed, the operator selects "NO". Go to "YES" if you want to change or confirm the zone.

In the case of proceeding to "YES", the operator confirms "zone confirmation" displayed at the lower right of the weighing screen of FIG.
Touch the key (step ST22). This allows
A zone confirmation and postal code input screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the operation display portion c2 (step ST23).

The operator operates the ten-key pad or the like of the operation section C to input the zip code (first two digits) (step ST
24). The CPUb3 judges the zone based on the inputted postal code (step ST25). This judgment is made using the first two-digit / zone conversion table of the postal code shown in FIG. Then, if the zone can be specified by the input zip code (first two digits), the process proceeds to "YES", and if it cannot be specified (when the stored data is "9"), the process proceeds to "NO".

When the determination cannot be made and the process proceeds to "NO", the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation display portion c2 (step ST26). The operator operates the ten-key pad or the like of the operation unit C to input the 7-digit zip code (the first 2 digits have already been input, so the remaining 5 digits are input) (step ST
27). If the process proceeds to “NO” in step ST21 or the postal code is input in step ST27,
The CPUb3 performs a process of specifying the zone.

In the zone specifying process, the prefecture name is specified using the postal code (7 digits) / prefecture number conversion table shown in FIG. 5, and the prefecture number shown in FIG. 3 is specified from the specified prefecture name. / Specify a zone using the zone conversion table. For example, in the case of Tokyo where the place of use is “13”, the zone cannot be specified when the input two-digit zip code is “52”. In this case, the 7-digit postal code is "520046.
When "2" is entered, it is determined as "26 (Kyoto)" from the postal code (7 digits) / prefecture number conversion table in FIG. 5, and the zone "from the prefecture code / zone conversion table shown in FIG. 2 ". Then, the specified zone is set, and the weighing screen of FIG. 12 is displayed on the operation display section c2 (step ST28). Then, the process proceeds to step ST3 and subsequent steps in FIG.

In steps ST26 and 27 of FIG. 8, the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation display section c2, that is, the message requesting the input of the last five digits of the postal code is displayed, and the operator operates the ten-key pad of the operation section C or the like. Although the case where the lower five-digit postal code is input is shown by operating, the step ST26,
The processing of 27 can be changed and the following processing can be performed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow when the processing of steps ST26 and ST27 of FIG. 8 is changed. If the region cannot be specified in step ST25 of FIG. 8, a prefecture selection screen as shown in FIG. 14 is created based on the contents of the 7-digit postal code / prefecture number conversion table shown in FIG.
It is displayed on the operation display section c2 (step 26a). When the operator looks at the prefecture selection screen displayed on the operation display portion c2 and touches the prefecture name to be selected (step ST2
7a), CPUb3 transfers to step ST28 of FIG. 8 and specifies a zone from the prefecture number / zone conversion table.

In the above example, the prefecture selection screen shown in FIG. 11 or 14 is displayed on the operation display portion c2, and a message requesting the input of the last five digits of the postal code or the request for selecting the prefecture is displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 15, a message “whether to select a prefecture or enter the last five-digit zip code” may be displayed on one prefecture selection screen, and any one may be selected. .

In the above embodiment, the weighing section A, the main body section B, the operation section C, and the customer display section D are configured as separate devices in consideration of usability, and the control of each section is controlled by the main body section B.
The CPU b3 built into the CPU has been used, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is conceivable that the main body portion B and the operation portion C are integrally formed, or that all of them are integrally formed as a single device. Further, if the weight data is not necessary for the charge calculation, the weighing unit A is not necessary. In addition to the CPU b3 of the main body B, a CPU is provided in the operation unit C,
A configuration in which the control according to the present invention is executed by U is also conceivable.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the domestic parcel of the postage scale (postal scale) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the charge varies depending on the delivery area, it can be applied to a charge calculation device for a courier service operated by a private company.

In the case of the above embodiment, the charge varies depending on the weight of the postal matter (transportation), but the present invention can be applied even when the charge varies depending on the size (volume) instead of the weight. It is also applicable when the price is fixed only in the delivery zone, regardless of weight or size.

The present invention is applicable not only in Japan but also in any country where a postal code is used.

In the above embodiment, the postal code is 7 digits and the first 2 digits are input in Japan, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the touch keys such as the postal code are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, key input or voice input is also conceivable.

[0046]

As described above, according to the inventions described in the claims, most of the delivery division zones are specified by only inputting the first M digits of the N digit postal code. , N digits can be input more easily, and the probability of making an input error can be reduced.

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the input M digit cannot be specified, the first M already input is input.
By inputting the remaining P = (N−M) digits excluding the digits , the delivery zone is specified, so there is no need to check the delivery zone with a table or the like and enter it.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the entered M-digit cannot be specified, the displayed prefecture is displayed.
Since the zone is specified by selecting the corresponding one from the list of names , it is not necessary to check the delivery division zone with a table or the like and enter it. In addition, the delivery zone can be specified even if all postal codes are not known.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the operator cannot specify the M digits that have been input, all the digits are input or the corresponding one is selected from the displayed list of prefecture names. You can choose whether to do it each time,
Operability is further improved.

Since the charge of the package is calculated from the weight of the package and the set delivery segment area, the package of the package can be automatically set.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a charge processing device for a package according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a package fee processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a prefecture number / zone conversion table.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a postal code (first two digits) / zone conversion table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a postal code (7 digits) / prefecture number conversion table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of prefecture names.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of a flow of fee calculation processing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of zone input processing in step ST2 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a weighing screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a zone confirmation and zip code input screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an all-zip code input request screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a weighing screen.

13 is a diagram showing a processing flow in which parts of steps ST26 and 27 in FIG. 8 are changed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a prefecture selection screen.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for requesting selection of prefectures and input of all postal codes.

[Explanation of symbols]

A weighing section a1 weighing pan B body b1 Floppy disk insertion slot b2 Paper outlet b3 CPU b4 ROM b5 RAM b6 Communication section 1 b7 Communication section 2 b8 Communication Part 3 b9 printer b10 floppy disk drive b11 communication device b12 internal bus C operation part c1 key input section c2 Operation display section c3 Touch switch part c4 Control communication unit D Customer display

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-226463 (JP, A) JP-A-3-108058 (JP, A) JP-B 61-44353 (JP, B1) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07B 17/02

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A charge for a package comprising an input section, a processing section, and a display section, wherein a postal code is entered through the input section to set the delivery division zone of the package for the package. In the processing device, the first M digits (M <M <
By inputting N), if the delivery segment zone can be identified from the input M-digit zip code, the identified delivery segment zone is set, and the delivery segment area is identified from the input M-digit zip code. If it cannot be specified, the fact is displayed on the display and the first M digits already entered are deleted.
A charge processing apparatus for a packaged article, which is provided with means for requesting input of the remaining P = (N−M) digits . 2. A charge for a package comprising an input section, a processing section, and a display section, wherein the delivery section zone of the package is set in the processing section by inputting a zip code from the input section. In the processing device, the first M digits (M <M <
By inputting N), if the delivery segment zone can be identified from the input M-digit zip code, the identified delivery segment zone is set, and the delivery segment area is identified from the input M-digit zip code. If it cannot be specified, a message indicating that fact is displayed on the display unit, and a list of prefecture names specified by the input zip code is displayed so that one of them can be selected. A charge processing device for packages characterized by the above. 3. A charge for a package comprising an input section, a processing section, and a display section, wherein the delivery section zone of the package of the package is set by inputting a postal code from the input section. In the processing device, the first M digits (M <M <
By inputting N), if the delivery segment zone can be identified from the input M-digit zip code, the identified delivery segment zone is set, and the delivery segment area is identified from the input M-digit zip code. If you can not identify, along with a message to that effect on the display unit, to display a list of prefecture names specified by zip code the input, you can select one of them
The first M digits that you have already entered.
An apparatus for processing a fee of a packaged article, further comprising means for requesting input of the remaining P = (N−M) digits . 4. The charge processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: a weighing unit for weighing the weight of the package, and a delivery division zone set with the weight of the package. An apparatus for processing a fee for a package, characterized by calculating a fee for a package from