| 摘要 |
<p>In the field of, e.g., mail processing apparatus, it is known to provide encoding marks on settable members such as thumbwheels for setting the date to be printed on envelopes. The encoding marks in known apparatuses are detectable by retro reflective sensors to determine the setting of the settable members. Previous such apparatuses are disadvantageous because it is necessary to provide a sensor circuit and a set of encoding marks for each thumbwheel, etc. Thus, the arrangement is complicated and the processing of the resulting signals time consuming. The disclosure relates to a settable apparatus for use in a mail processing apparatus, in which at least one settable member (10) includes encoding marks such as digits marked thereon. A charge coupled device (17) is arranged to detect the encoding mark of one or more settable members simultaneously. A lens (18) is disposed between the settable member and the charge coupled device to focus the image of the encoding marks onto the surface of the charge coupled device. Thus, the settings of a number of settable members such as thumbwheels may be determined simultaneously. An optional feature of the invention is a shutter which may be closed across the charge coupled device to protect it from damage, dust contamination etc. <IMAGE></p> |
