EP0227569A1 - Method for sorting and grouping objects according to their destination and arrangement for carrying out said method - Google Patents

Abstract

The method will find application, in particular, in the case of despatching objects, such as printed documents or catalogues, by mail according to the distributing office. According to the invention, the objects are sorted and grouped according to their destination, the said objects bearing, in particular, the addressee's address and being ordered by the place on the address, by providing at least one identifying graphical marking on each of the addressed and ordered objects (1), the markings all being identical for the same place on the address, by passing the addressed, ordered and marked objects (1) one by one in front of detection and reading means (8) in order to identify each identifying marking read successively, by analysing the sequence of the identifying markings read and by comparing each reading of the marking with the preceding reading and with the following one, and by detecting a confirmed break in the sequence of the identifying markings read with a view to grouping the objects addressed to the same place. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination as well as to an installation authorizing the implementation of the method.

It will find its application in particular in the case where it is necessary to group objects according to their destination before their transfer to this place and will be used in particular in the case of dispatch of objects such as documents, printed or catalogs, by post according to the distributor office.

In different commercial fields, such as mail order or catalog sales, it is common to present the different items or objects sold by publishing a catalog showing them, the catalogs then being sent by post to potential customers.

Besides, nowadays, advertising techniques also use this shipping principle; indeed, it is commonly sent by post advertising objects or documents in all directions according to destination listings defined for the needs of these advertising campaigns. In addition, these are very frequent and it is therefore necessary to automate these expeditions.

Finally, in another field such as that of the press, it is also common to send newspapers, print, periodical or other journals to subscribers by post.

In all these cases, whatever the nature of the object to be sent, it generally carries a label or an area mentioning the name of the recipient, his address and the reference of the final distributor office of the object. Generally, to facilitate and avoid the congestion of the postal sorting centers, the senders carry out beforehand a grouping of the objects to send by places of destination and more precisely by distributing offices. To carry out this grouping, it is then necessary to detect a difference between two documents or objects, bearing different addresses and in particular having two different distributor offices.

In this regard, it is known different methods of sorting and grouping of objects and installations allowing their implementation which use either simple techniques which are then unreliable or then much safer techniques but which are then very sophisticated. and expensive.

A first known method of sorting and grouping of objects consists in printing the destination addresses in an orderly manner, for example by numerical order of the postal code of the office of the destination, and when changing the distributor office, to be provided in addition to address a landmark alternately alternating every other series or on the last document. of a series.

Generally, this mark is formed of any type of printing so as to blacken an area which will then be recognized by an optical device, such as a photoelectric cell, which will detect the presence or non-presence of this mark. A signal will then be emitted to actuate downstream the command for grouping objects.

These systems are relatively simple to implement but have a major drawback: they are limited and very unreliable.

Indeed, these systems work in all or nothing and do not allow precise identification, only two choices are possible: presence or absence of the reference; there is no identification of the benchmark.

In addition, these systems are subject to external parameters which cause false reading. In fact, they are particularly sensitive to the positioning of the mark relative to the optical device, depend on the inking of the marks and on the quality of the support, in particular its material and its color, which essentially plays on the contrast and therefore on the reliability. of the presence or absence measurement of the benchmark.

For these reasons, these devices although inexpensive to implement are unreliable and inevitably cause poor grouping of the objects to be shipped.

In addition, as most of the time, the object of these postal shipments is the sending of catalogs or advertising documents, the latter are therefore misdirected towards the postal sorting centers and consequently, never reach their recipient, this causing a double loss for the sender, on the one hand the cost of the undistributed catalog which increases the advertising campaign costs and on the other hand, the loss of a potential or loyal customer due to his non-information.

To overcome these drawbacks, certain companies have implemented a method of sorting and grouping of objects, which uses very sophisticated tracking techniques such as devices for reading particular codes, generally known as "bar codes". ". These techniques are much more reliable but require significant investments to be made in the grouping installation, in particular at the level of printing the code and at the level of reading the identification of the code.

The main drawback of this other technique is that it increases the cost of shipping documents, printed matter, catalogs or objects, this additional cost being more harmful during very frequent shipments. In addition, another non-negligible aspect in the case of advertising is the unsightly appearance of these bar codes which are used.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a method for sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, which can overcome the drawbacks of the techniques currently known and used in order to increase the reliability of the system in order to reduce, or even eliminate the risks. grouping error while implementing reliable devices and not requiring too large investments to minimize shipping costs.

One of the aims of the present invention is to propose a method of sorting and grouping of objects according to their destination and an installation allowing its implementation, which can allow the identification of graphic markings provided on the objects in order to analyze them. and compare them to the benchmarks of the adjacent objects in order to group the objects of the same place of destination reliably.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of sorting and grouping of objects and an installation authorizing its implementation, which does not require any particular devices for printing specific marks, such as bar code or the like. , but which, on the contrary, allows the use of graphic markings made up of characters available on typing machines or classic printers.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of sorting and grouping of objects according to their destination as well as an installation authorizing its implementation, which to increase the reliability of grouping, performs a control of the reading of each identification marking read.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will emerge during the description which follows, which is however given only for information.

• - on prévoit au moins un repérage graphique d'identification sur chacun des objets adressés et ordonnés, les repérages étant tous identiques pour un même lieu de destination,
• - on fait défiler les objets adressés, ordonnés et repérés, un à un devant des moyens de détection et de lecture pour identifier chaque repérage d'identification lu successivement,
• - on analyse la séquence des repérages d'identification lus et on compare chaque lecture de repérage, désignée par Ln, à la lecture qui la précède, désignée par Ln-1, et à celle qui la suit désignée par Ln+1,
• - on détecte une discontinuité confirmée dans la séquence des repérages d'identification lus en vue du groupage des objets de même lieu de destination.

According to the invention, the method of sorting and grouping of objects according to their destination, in particular used in the case of shipping of objects, such as documents, printed matter, or catalogs, by post according to the distributor office, said objects bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by place of destination, is characterized by the fact that:

• at least one graphical identification marking is provided on each of the addressed and ordered objects, the marks being all identical for the same place of destination,
• the addressed, ordered and marked objects are scrolled one by one in front of detection and reading means to identify each identification marking read successively,
• the sequence of identification markings read is analyzed and each marker reading, designated by Ln, is compared to the reading which precedes it, designated by Ln-1, and to that which follows it designated by Ln + 1,
• - a confirmed discontinuity is detected in the sequence of identification markings read with a view to grouping objects from the same destination.

• - des moyens d'impression associés à des moyens d'alimentation pour délivrer des objets séparés, adressés, ordonnés et portant au moins un repérage graphique d'identification,
• - des moyens de convoyage, placés en aval des moyens d'impression et d'alimentation, aptes à faire défiler lesdits objets un à un dans l'ordre préétabli,
• - des moyens de détection et de lecture placés au droit des moyens de convoyage, aptes à identifier chaque repérage d'identification lu successivement sur les objets en défilement et aptes à former une séquence de repérages lus,
• - des moyens de traitement des informations lues, aptes à analyser la séquence de repérages d'identification et à comparer chaque lecture de repérage Ln à la lecture précédente Ln-1 et à la lecture suivante Ln+1, et selon des données de référence prédéterminées aptes à détecter une discontinuité confirmée dans la séquence des repérages d'identification et à commander le groupage des objets de même lieu de destination. L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description suivante accompagnée des dessins en annexe qui en font partie intégrante.

To this end, the installation for sorting and grouping objects authorizing the implementation of the method of the present invention is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• printing means associated with supply means for delivering separate objects, addressed, ordered and carrying at least one graphical identification marking,
• conveying means, placed downstream of the printing and feeding means, capable of scrolling said objects one by one in the pre-established order,
• detection and reading means placed in line with the conveying means, capable of identifying each identification marking read successively on the moving objects and capable of forming a sequence of read marks,
• means for processing the information read, able to analyze the sequence of identification markings and to compare each mark reading Ln with the previous reading Ln-1 and with the following reading Ln + 1, and according to predetermined reference data able to detect a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of identification markings and to order the grouping of objects from the same place of destination. The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by the accompanying drawings which form an integral part thereof.

FIG. 1 schematically represents an installation for sorting and grouping objects authorizing the implementation of the method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically represents a series of addressed, ordered, identified, periodic objects, according to the method of the present invention.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show modes of graphic identification markings used in the method of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a postal address supplemented by graphic markings used in the sorting and grouping method of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, as well as an installation allowing its implementation. In the following example, which will be described, it is notably applied to the shipment of objects by post according to the distributor office. However, it could quite well apply to other cases, the objects to be transferred requiring grouping, this could be the case of transferring parts to a manufacturing workshop.

In the present case, the objects to be grouped will generally be printed documents or even catalogs intended to be dispatched to customers or potential customers. This practice is very widespread today and shipments are made by post, each customer being identified by an address, a place of distribution and a postal code. However, in the case of manufacturing parts as specified above, the objects could consist of all kinds of articles at least identified by a label or a previously printed location area.

Therefore, although initially intended to perform the sorting and grouping of catalogs and documents necessary for mail order sales, the present invention could find its application in other cases and could be used for the shipment of grouped orders by post or to transfer objects in the course of manufacture delivered in an orderly manner in production lines, to shops or to other work stations.

FIG. 1 represents an installation for sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, in particular enabling the method of the present invention to be implemented.

This installation makes it possible in particular to sort and group flat objects (1) substantially constituted by advertising printed matter or catalogs. These objects (1) will be delivered one by one by an installation, not shown in the figure, allowing in particular the formatting of the documents, their choice and their packaging.

These objects will in particular be delivered by transfer means (2) on which said objects can be placed flat. However, they could be constituted by any other means known to those skilled in the art, such as depilatory systems or the like.

At this stage, the objects (1) may already bear their destination address previously printed in the order of their place of destination or more exactly according to the postal code of the PTT distributor office.

However, it could be envisaged to carry out this printing of address at the entrance to the sorting and grouping installation of the present invention.

In this regard, the installation of the present invention comprises printing means (3) associated with the supply means (2) delivering the separate objects (1). The printing means (3) will comprise at least one printer allowing to address in an orderly manner according to the places of destination, the objects (1) and making it possible to provide at least one identification marking necessary for the method of the invention.

In FIG. 4 is illustrated by way of example a label mode (4) bearing the recipient's references, his address and in particular his place of destination and his postal code as well as a graphic identification location (5).

It should be noted that the expression "graphic identification marking" must be taken in a very broad sense, this is why the absence of marks vis-à-vis the presence of marks can constitute a mode of marking.

According to the present invention, to constitute these graphic identification markings (5), one or more graphic characters and / or one or more white spaces is used, that is to say an absence of marks, positioned relatively to each other. compared to the others, compact and contrasted to facilitate their detection and reading.

These characters used will advantageously be of the same font as that used for printing the address. Thus, the printer machine constituting the printing means (3) will be of a very common type and will in particular have a typeface of the "typing machine" type.

Downstream of the supply (2) and printing (3) means, conveyor means (6) are placed, capable of scrolling said objects (1) one by one in the pre-established order. Thus, the objects will scroll according to the arrow marked (7) in the figure, according to their printing order, for example ordered successively by place of destination.

The installation of the present invention also comprises detection and reading means (8) placed in line with the conveying means (6) so as to be opposite the inscriptions (4) affixed to each object (1).

Finally, the installation includes processing means (9) for information read by the detection and reading means (8). It is in particular these processing means (9) which will control the grouping of objects from the same destination destination at exit (10) at a grouping station (10).

• - lesdits objets (1) portant notamment une adresse de destination et étant ordonnés par lieu de destination, on prévoit sur chacun des objets adressés et ordonnés un repérage graphique d'identification (5), ces repérages (5) étant tous identiques pour un même lieu de destination,
• - on fait défiler les objets (1) adressés, ordonnés et repérés, un à un devant des moyens de détection et de lecture (8) pour identifier chaque repérage (5) lu successivement, ces successions de repérages constituant alors une séquence de repéragesd'identification lus,
• - on analyse cette séquence et on compare chaque lecture de repérage , désignée par Ln, à la lecture qui la précède, désignée par Ln-1, et à celle qui la suit, désignée par Ln+1,
• - on détecte une discontinuité confirmée dans la séquence des repérages d'identification lus en vue du groupage des objets (1) de même lieu de destination.

These essential components of the sorting and grouping installation of objects of the present invention will in particular allow the following process to be implemented:

• - Said objects (1) bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by place of destination, there is provided on each of the addressed and ordered objects a graphic identification marking (5), these markings (5) all being identical for the same place of destination,
• - We scroll the objects (1) addressed, ordered and identified, one by one in front of detection and reading means (8) to identify each location (5) read successively, these successions of locations then constituting a sequence of locations identification read,
• this sequence is analyzed and each locating reading, designated by Ln, is compared to the reading which precedes it, designated by Ln-1, and to that which follows it, designated by Ln + 1,
• - a confirmed discontinuity is detected in the sequence of identification markings read with a view to grouping objects (1) from the same place of destination.

In the installation of the present invention and according to the method of sorting and grouping of objects, as shown in particular in Figure 2, there is provided a periodic ordered sequence (11) of objects (1) to be shipped. This series of objects will scroll past the detection and reading means (8) in the direction of travel, marked (7), imposed by the conveying means (6).

Via the supply (2) and printing (3) means, the objects (1) to be dispatched are placed successively in series according to their place of destination. As shown in Figure 2, the objects (1) designated by A constitute the first series then the objects identified by B constitute the second series then those by C the third series and so on for the objects of series D, E, F , G, etc.

During their identification, these different series A, B, C, D, etc. receive a graphic identification identification (5). To facilitate the mode of detection and reading of these locations, a restricted mode of identification locations is used which is considerably less than the number of destination locations.

Thus, a periodic ordered sequence (11) is produced by placing the series A, B, ..... F, ... successively according to the different graphic markings (5) and periodically according to the number of different graphic markings.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, at least three different graphic identification marks are used which are then printed alternately on three successive series of objects. For example, Figures 3e, 3b and 3c show three types of different markings that can be used.

In FIG. 2, to facilitate the representation, the location represented in FIG. 3a is identified by (a), that of FIG. 3b by (b) and that of FIG. 3c by (c). These three markings are arranged successively and periodically on the successive series of objects delivered by the means (2) and (3).

For example, the series marked A carries the identification marking (5) designated by (a), the series B carries the identification designated by (b), the series C carries the identification designated by (c) and so on, series D again bears the first marking designated by (a), series E the second marking designated by (b), series F the third designated by (c), etc.

This organization of identification tracking makes it possible to detect the grouping of objects (1) in a reliable manner and while minimizing the taking into account of erroneous readings. In fact, according to the sorting and grouping method of the present invention, the order of grouping of the objects is given after the reading, called Ln + 1, of the identification marking (5) of the object according to the one whose reading, called Ln, caused the first discontinuity in the sequence. Thus, the reading Ln + 1 therefore confirms the discontinuity caused by the reading Ln. This technique eliminates possible reading anomalies.

For example, if a sequence of identification markings read by the means (8) is constituted by a series of markings of type (a) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in which is inserted a reading error, caused either by a bad impression, either by a defect order or reading, the installation will not cause grouping because the discontinuity has not been confirmed and we will consider that it is always the same series of objects.

On the other hand, if the discontinuity of the sequence is confirmed, then there will be every chance that it is indeed another series of objects and then we will cause grouping. For example, if Ln-1 = e, Ln = b, Ln + 1 = b, we will say that the series of objects marked A ends at reading Ln-1 and the new series of objects marked B starts at Ln, this decision being confirmed by reading Ln + 1.

It should be noted that, to simplify the identification markings, it could be envisaged to use the identification marking only once, for example in the identification mode represented in FIG. 3 by using a character (12) in the CES of the location designated by (a), two characters (13) in the case of location (b) and three characters (14) in the case of location (c). However, voluntarily according to the present invention, the same graphic identification marking is printed on each object (1) several times, which is successively read during the passage of the object under consideration in front of the detection and reading means (8). to improve the reliability of information gathering. For example, in the illustrated case, the identification character is successively measured three times, these three characters being spaced apart.

Furthermore, it should be recalled that the identification markings (5) can be constituted by an absence of printing of characters. Therefore, for example, one of the benchmarks used (a), (b) or (c) could be of this type while allowing the proper functioning of the process da present invention. This blank marking being provided on one of the series, the installation will detect each time the absence of an identification character (5) and will interpret it as a type of identification marking.

In addition, in certain cases, to facilitate and trigger the reading of said graphic identification markings (5), according to the invention, printed on the addressed and ordered objects bearing a printed mark (5), that is, that is to say other than the blanks, at least one graphic positioning marker (15).

Advantageously, the arrangement of the graphic identification markings (5) and the graphic positioning markings (15) will have a shape which will make it possible to highlight them in relation to the characters constituting the postal address for dispatch. In particular, according to Figures 3 _. shown, a flat tee is formed, the horizontal bar (16) of which substantially defines the identification marking line (5) and the vertical bar (17) triggers the reading of the identification marking.

The installation for sorting and grouping of objects authorizing the implementation of the method of the present invention, which has been described above, can be carried out using various devices which, taken separately, are known to man. business. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the devices will be used, the description of which will follow by way of example.

As regards the printing means (3), they will generally be in the form of a completely conventional printing machine which will have a character of the "typing" type. This printer machine will printing of the address and, where appropriate, of the various locations simultaneously, these prints being able to be carried out either on labels which will then be fixed on the articles, or directly on the object if it allows it.

As regards the means for detecting and reading (8) identification markings, they will be able to identify each identification mark read successively on the moving objects and will make it possible to form a sequence of read markings.

These means (8) will in particular consist of shooting means of the "charge transfer" type capable of producing a video signal representative of the mark read and of delivering, by means of a comparator circuit and of pre-programmed reference, a sequence of analog signals representative of the sequence of marks read.

These shooting means (8) will be constructed according to techniques known to those skilled in the art and will in particular be placed at such a distance from the grouping station (10) so that there are at least two objects (1 ) corresponding to the readings Ln and Ln + 1 on the conveying means (6) between the means (8) and (10) in order to be able to carry out the analysis of the tracking sequence and make the comparisons according to the method of the invention before to order grouping.

In addition, the shooting means will include a device for focusing, lighting means provided with heat filters to improve the quality of the captured image, and a window of a device for transferring loads oriented perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the objects.

Thus, the shooting means will capture point by point a detailed image of the area observed. This image will in particular be digitized in electronic circuits known to those skilled in the art so that useful data is extracted therefrom with a view to transmitting them to the information processing means (9).

More precisely, these electronic means will include a comparator circuit and a programmable memory circuit into which the reference reference values will be entered. These two cooperating circuits will in particular make it possible to format a sequence of analog signals representative of the sequence of markings read and usable by the aforementioned information processing means (9).

In addition, the shooting means comprise a circuit for locating and triggering the reading of the identification markings (5) which, using the positioning marks (15) makes it possible to locate the identification markings ( 5) affixed to the object and synchronize the reading of the identification markings (5).

Thus, thanks to these means and to the respective particular arrangement of identification and positioning markings, only part of the image will be taken into account, which will make it possible to reduce the reaction times of the devices.

As regards the processing means (9) of the information read, they will in particular be able to analyze the sequence of identification markings and to compare each reading of markings Ln with the preceding Ln-1 and with the following Ln + 1, and according to predetermined reference data, suitable for detect a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of identification markings read and order the grouping of objects from the same destination.

These processing means (9) will further comprise input interfaces with the detection and reading means (8) and output interfaces with the grouping station (10), at least one sequence analysis circuit. read markings compare each mark Ln with respect to the previous reading Ln-1 and the following reading Ln + 1 to control and decide on the grouping of objects when a discontinuity noted in the reading sequence is confirmed by the reading next.

This analysis circuit will be constituted according to techniques known to those skilled in the art and will in particular include means for cutting the sequence of information into slices and for storing them in memories, means which will come sequentially to search in the memories. the information and means for carrying out the comparison at each reading Ln with the readings Ln-1 and Ln + 1.

In addition, these processing means may include signaling means to prevent detected anomalies which can essentially be due to a poor reading, a bad impression, or an order defect.

As regards the grouping station (10), it will also be constituted according to the objects considered by means of techniques known to those skilled in the art. In particular, it will receive the grouping orders from the information processing circuit, these orders being slightly deferred to trigger grouping when the last object constituting the series reaches the level of this position (10).

Naturally, other types of installations, as well as other forms of identification tracking, within the reach of the skilled person, could be envisaged to implement the sorting and grouping process of objects of the present invention, without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims (12)

1. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to their destination, in particular used in the case of the dispatch of objects, such as documents, printed matter or catalogs, by post according to the distributor office, said objects (1) bearing in particular a destination address and being ordered by place of destination, characterized in that: at least one graphical identification marking (5) is provided on each of the addressed and ordered objects (1), the markings (5) all being identical for the same place of destination, - the objects (1) addressed, ordered and marked are scrolled one by one in front of detection and reading means (8) to identify each identification marking (5) read successively, the sequence of identification markings read is analyzed and each reading of markings, designated by Ln, is compared to the reading which precedes it, designated by Ln-1, and to that which follows it, defined by Ln + 1, - a confirmed discontinuity is detected in the sequence of identification markings read with a view to grouping objects from the same destination. 2. A method of sorting and grouping of objects according to claim 1, characterized in that one carries out a periodic ordered sequence (11) of objects (1) to be shipped, the objects (1) being placed successively by series according to their place of destination (A, B, C, ...), the series being placed successively according to the different graphic markings (5) and periodically according to the number of these different markings. 3. A method of sorting and grouping of objects according to claim 2, characterized in that at least three different graphic identification markings (5) are used corresponding to three successive series of objects (1). 4. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 1, characterized in that there is provided on each object several times the same graphic identification marking (5) which is read successively during the passage of the object (1) considered in front of the detection and reading means (8) in order to improve the reliability of the taking of information. 5. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 4, characterized in that, to constitute the graphic identification markings (5), one or more graphic characters and / or one or more white spaces are used, that is to say an absence of markers, positioned relatively with respect to each other, compact and contrasting, to facilitate their detection and reading, these characters advantageously being of the same font as that used for printing the 'shipping address. 6. A method of sorting and grouping objects according to claim 4, characterized in that, to facilitate and trigger the reading of said graphic character (s) of the identification marking (5) printed on the objects (1) addressed and ordered, a graphic positioning marker (15) is printed in the form of compact and contrasting graphic characters. 7. Method of sorting and grouping objects according to the claim 1, characterized in that the order of grouping of the objects is given after the reading Ln + 1 of the identification marking of the object according to the one whose reading Ln has caused the first discontinuity in the sequence, this reading Ln + 1 confirming the discontinuity caused by the reading Ln. 8. Installation for sorting and grouping of objects, authorizing the implementation of the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: supply means (2) associated with printing means (3) for delivering separate objects (1), addressed, ordered, and carrying at least one identification marking (5), conveying means (6), placed downstream of the feeding (2) and printing (3) means, capable of scrolling said objects (1), one by one in the pre-established order, - detection and reading means (8) placed in line with the conveying means (6), capable of identifying each identification marking (5) read successively on the objects (1) in scrolling and forming a sequence of read marks , - processing means (9) of the information read, capable of analyzing the sequence of identification markings and of comparing each mark reading Ln with the preceding Ln-1 and with the following Ln + 1, and according to reference data predetermined, capable of detecting a confirmed discontinuity in the sequence of identification markings read and controlling the grouping of objects from the same place of destination. 9. Installation according to claim 8, charac terized in that the printing means are in the form of a printing machine, the typeface is of the "typing machine" type. 10. Installation according to claim B, charac terized in that the detection and reading means (8) of the identification markings (5) are constituted by shooting means of the "charge transfer" type capable developing a video signal representative of the mark read and delivering, by means of a comparator circuit and preprogrammed reference signals, a sequence of analog signals representative of the sequence of markings read. 11. Installation according to claim 8, charac terized in that the means for processing the information read (9) comprise at least one circuit for analyzing the sequence of markings read performing the comparison of each mark reading Ln with respect to the previous reading Ln-1 and the following reading Ln + 1 to control and decide on the grouping of objects (1) when a discontinuity noted in the reading sequence is confirmed by the following reading. 12. Installation according to claim 10, authorizing in particular the implementation of the method according to claim 5, characterized in that the shooting means comprise a circuit for locating and triggering the reading of identification markings (5 ) which, using positioning marks (15), makes it possible to locate the identification marks (5) affixed to the object (1) and to synchronize the reading of the identification marks.

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