Prime Vision Key Vision video coding applications process some two million items per day globally. In a highly automated environment such as mail and logistics or automated document handling systems, costs can substantially increase when the automation fails to sort the item, i.e. if the bar code fails to read, or if the OCR fails to read important identification data. These “reject” items are usually sent to a manual handling area for processing by hand. This delays despatch of the item and substantially increases handling costs. Video coding provides a means of handling reject items whilst they are still within the automated process. In addition, many clients find video coding invaluable for many other applications, for example where batch processing of forms data and full data entry in the parcel or postal environment where the video coding complements OCR and other automated identification processes.
Prime Vision applies the golden rule for delivering stable software; keep it as simple as possible. That’s why we guarantee 24x7 availability.
How Does Key Vision Video Coding Work?
Video coding always starts with an image of the mail-piece, parcel or document. Increasingly, camera technology is being utilised for automated identification of mail and parcels and in the document-processing world there are many automated image capture techniques, from high-speed document scanning to camera-based systems. Once an image is captured it can be processed a number of ways, either for bar code reading or optical character recognition (OCR) processes (See PV OCR PAGE). If bar code reading and/or OCR is successful, then the item can usually be handled immediately and automatically by the sortation system. In the event that bar code reading and/or OCR was unsuccessful, that is where video coding begins. The image is sent to a video coding terminal while the item remains in the automated system. The video coding system will automatically detect the region of interest (ROI), i.e. where the label is or the address block, and rotate and zoom-in as necessary to present the operator with the image in it’s optimum condition for viewing. The operator will review the image and type the required information in to the video coding terminal as required for their application. This may be any relevant information, such as parcel number, post-code, city, street, hub number, etc. Prime Vision has a wide range of video coding applications running globally; from our experience we know that a video coding operator can process between 500 and 1,200 items per hour dependant upon the level of data to be keyed and the experience of the operator.
Once the data is keyed, the Prime Vision software ensures that the sortation system or database receives the data to finalise the processing or sortation of that item.
DID YOU KNOW
- Prime Vision maintains all video coding applications at TNT Mail and the Dutch Postal Service
- Video coding is available in multiple languages
- Video coding graphical user interface (GUI) can include your own colour scheme and logo’s and layouts
Video coding from Prime Vision is highly adaptable to your application; our breadth of experience in many industries and processes allow us to provide unique insight into the most efficient solution for your unique application.
Features of Prime Vision Video Coding: -
• As always with Prime Vision, there are no on-going licence fee’s
• Multi-side video coding, for example six-sides of a parcel
• Image capturing and archiving
• Reject classifier mode, locate ROI, resubmit to OCR or next video coding operation
• Automatic Region of Interest (ROI) finder
• Automatic rotation of image for viewing / storage
• Automatic zooming of image for viewing / storage
• Automatic image compression / cropping
• Live, on-line video coding
• Batch, off-line video coding
• Video coding can be done on-site or at a remote site
• Validation of keyed data against database
• Predictive fields based on database (i.e. type LON, to automatically get LONDON)
• Modular design approach means OCR can be easily added later
• Complements existing OCR processes; verification of OCR results or completing missed OCR fields
• GUI (Graphical User Interface) layouts and design are easily adaptable to your needs, including dual-screen video coding or two-step video coding.
• Management information reports
• Training modes
• Localisation, including multiple languages
• OEM
• Prime Vision can supply a complete turnkey solution, or just software
• Installation can be done by Prime Vision, your self or your integrator
Video coding software runs on standard PC architecture with standard Windows operating system. The design is inherently modular, flexible and scaleable with the ability to expand and adapt the video coding as your business needs change over time. This includes, but not limited to, expanded number of sorters, scan-points, sites etc.
Introduction:
Video coding comprises many standard elements and customised elements. There is a wide variety of installed applications in the parcel, mail, finance and warehousing markets. Prime Vision also uses video coding our selves for training our OCR neural network.
Hardware:
Prime Vision video coding does not require any special equipment, simply standard PC architecture. Prime Vision can supply a complete turnkey solution including all hardware and software, or alternatively the end-user or systems integrator can supply the hardware themselves according to the needs of the client. Prime Vision has already developed and implemented interfaces to the three major camera manufacturers on the market; SICK, Datalogic and Accu-Sort. For design consultancy and pricing, please contact our sales team at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Video coding represents a very powerful business case for logistics, mail and other automated handling clients. Full automation usually requires flawless automated identification, as a no-read / no-ID means that human intervention and processing is necessary. This is costly and time consuming. Video coding integrates seamlessly with camera imaging systems, OCR and Host Computers allowing the product to be processed within the automation system, rather than costly manual handling.
Better utilisation of your investment in automation and reducing manual handling to a minimum can generate huge cost savings for your business. Contact our sales team today for a consultation and we will be pleased to provide a personalised return on investment study for your business.
