JP7003398B2 - Encapsulation inspection device, encapsulation sealing inspection system and encapsulation inspection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an encapsulation inspection device, an encapsulation / sealing inspection system including the encapsulation inspection device, and an encapsulation inspection method.

It is common practice to enclose various documents in an envelope and mail it to a designated address. However, there was a risk that personal information would be leaked because there were many cases of misdelivery in which personal information was mistakenly sent to another person in a document enclosed in an envelope.

As a countermeasure, when checking the enclosed items in the envelope, it is easy to confirm the address of the document before the envelope is sealed, but if you try to confirm the address after the enclosed seal. , You have to open it once and check it.

However, once the package is opened for confirmation, there is a possibility that erroneous contamination may occur when the package is re-enclosed, and it is difficult to say that the above-mentioned erroneous delivery can be prevented 100% by measures by human work. Therefore, as a countermeasure by a machine, an envelope permeation technology has been proposed that confirms whether a document enclosed in an envelope should be sent to the correct address without opening the envelope.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a halogen lamp is used to irradiate an envelope with visible light as a light source, and an electromagnetic wave, which is a terahertz wave of 0.01 THz to 100 THz, is irradiated to absorb or reflect the electromagnetic wave and transmit the envelope. It has been proposed to detect the contents of the envelope and the contents of the enclosure by detecting the terahertz wave.

Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to identify the type of inclusions, it is associated with a color code formed of a plurality of types of reversible thermochromic recording materials, and the number is the same as the color code, but the amount of light differs depending on the color. By providing a plurality of floodlights, the combination of inclusions is detected.

However, if the terahertz wave described in Patent Document 1 is used, the light source and the detection device become expensive. In addition, halogen lamps may be used as a light source for visible light to identify envelope information, but the product cost is high and the size increases because a separate cooling device is required due to the high temperature caused by heat. .. Further, since terahertz electromagnetic waves take a long time to be exposed, it takes time to detect a transmission result, which is not suitable for high-speed processing and mass processing.

Further, in Patent Document 2, since the same number of light sources are required according to the number of a plurality of types of identification codes associated with the pages of the inclusions to be inspected, the device becomes large and expensive. turn into.

Further, in Patent Document 1, for identification purposes, the identifier is printed with an ink in which an ink material is mixed with calcium carbonate or graphite and easily absorbed by an electromagnetic wave, or an ink in which an ink material is mixed with a metal material and easily reflected by an electromagnetic wave. In Patent Document 2, since it is necessary to print a code with a reversible thermochromic recording material for identification, a step of preparing a special ink is required in the printing process, and the printing time is required. It will increase.

Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention is inexpensive and high-speed for erroneous encapsulation of the encapsulation in the envelope and matching of the inclusions of a plurality of pages without opening the encapsulation enclosed in the envelope after the encapsulation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inclusion inspection device capable of inspecting.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an inclusion inspection device for inspecting an inclusion contained in an envelope.
An irradiation unit including a near-infrared LED that irradiates the front surface or the back surface of the envelope with a specific near-infrared wavelength.
Using an image pickup element having near-infrared sensitivity characteristics, when the envelope is irradiated by the irradiation unit, the area containing page identification information for identifying the page printed on the envelope and / or the envelope. An image formed by absorbing or reflecting the near-infrared light emitted from the irradiation unit in a region containing the address identification information for identifying the address, and is a transmitted image by the light transmitted through the envelope. And the shooting department to shoot
A discriminating unit that compares the transparent image with the print data of the page identification information and / and the print data of the address identification information to determine whether or not the inclusion is a conforming product.
It comprises a storage unit that stores the page identification information and / and the address identification information detected for the inclusions of the transparent image compared for discrimination by the discrimination unit as one image .
An inclusion inspection device is provided.

According to one aspect, in an encapsulation inspection device, an encapsulation enclosed in an envelope is inexpensive for erroneous encapsulation of the encapsulation in the envelope and matching of the inclusions on multiple pages without opening the encapsulation after the encapsulation. In addition, it can be inspected at high speed.

The figure of an example of the integrated encapsulation and sealing inspection system provided with the encapsulation inspection apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram of the whole flow of the encapsulation and sealing inspection system including printing, encapsulation, sealing, confirmation, and sorting including the encapsulation inspection apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention. The schematic schematic diagram and the top view of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The hardware block diagram of the information processing apparatus included in the inclusion inspection apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positions and folding methods of page identification information and address identification information in the inclusions used in the inclusion inspection apparatus of the first embodiment of FIG. The figure which shows the position of the identification mark area for page identification of the specific inclusions of FIG. The figure which shows the example of the envelope which can be inspected by the inclusion inspection apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the envelope including the part which is not permeated even by the inclusion inspection apparatus of this invention. The figure explaining the image processing performed by the inclusion inspection apparatus of this invention. Schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device of the second embodiment of the present invention and irradiation / detection image diagram in an envelope. Schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device of the third embodiment of the present invention and an irradiation / detection image diagram in an envelope. The block diagram of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the position of the address identification information in the enclosure used in the inclusion inspection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of FIG. The schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 5th Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention, and the figure which shows the example of the inclusions used in the 6th Embodiment. The schematic external view of the inclusion inspection apparatus of 7th Embodiment of this invention. The schematic external view of the stand-alone inclusion inspection apparatus which concerns on one composition of this invention. The figure which shows the state which is inspecting by the manual pressing type stand-alone inclusion inspection apparatus which concerns on other configurations of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

<Overall system>
FIG. 1 shows an example of an integrated encapsulation and sealing inspection system 1 provided with an encapsulation inspection device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system (enclosed and sealed inspection system) 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a folded portion 20, an enclosed portion 30, a sealed portion 40, an enclosed material inspection unit (enclosed material inspection device) 50, and a sorting unit 60.

Here, the folding portion 20, the sealing portion 30, and the sealing portion 40 are inserters (sealing devices) 10.

The folded portion (folded portion) 20 folds the document which is the inclusion (contents) C as necessary. The details of the folding method will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

The folding portion 20 is provided with a channel portion, and the channel portion reads (name identification) address information by, for example, an OMR mark or a bar code so as to associate the envelope E (see FIG. 2) with the enclosure C, and accumulator. And other sorting means, each document is sorted separately into each section of the encapsulation portion 30 in the subsequent stage.

The folded portion 20 may be provided with a cutter that automatically cuts the protruding portion by bending.

Below, a document will be described as an example of the inclusion, but the inclusion is not limited to "paper" as long as it is a printing recording medium (object) that can be stored in an envelope. The recording medium may be capable of recording information and may have the property of transmitting near-infrared light, which is the irradiation light of the present invention.

In the encapsulation section 30, the encapsulation C is placed in the envelope E. Since the enclosure shown in FIG. 1 uses a swing arm type, it can be used for a wide range of enclosed items. For example, one document can be supplied for each compartment (swing arm), and when one envelope E is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, one or a plurality of compartments are to be enclosed. Alternatively, a plurality of documents (encapsulations) C are sequentially supplied and inserted into the envelope E being transported.

At the sealing portion 40, the envelope E in which the inclusion C is enclosed is glued and closed. That is, it is sealed.

The processing speed of such a sealing device 10 is, for example, a medium-speed range multi-purpose enclosing and sealing machine having a processing speed of up to 10,000 messages / hour (1 sheet of name identification), but the speed and usage are different. Not limited to this.

The inclusion inspection device 50 inspects the inclusion C in the envelope E. Specifically, it is a solution that uses a near-infrared camera to check the sealed contents (envelopes contained in the envelope). Details of the inclusion inspection device 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like.

The inclusion inspection device 50 may be provided with a touch panel (an example of a display unit) 56, and the inspection result may be displayed by the touch panel, and the registration / setting of the work content and the work state may be displayed by input. .. By providing a touch panel, it is possible to reduce the operation load and idling time.

The sorting unit 60 sorts the destinations of the envelopes (passed products and rejected products according to the inspection results) after the inspection according to the inspection result of the envelope C in the envelope E by the envelope inspection device 50.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the overall flow of the encapsulation and sealing inspection system 1 including printing, encapsulation, sealing, confirmation, and sorting including the encapsulation inspection device 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

S1: Print instruction. The server 70 instructs the printing device to print. The encapsulation inspection system 1 of FIG. 1 is connected to a printing system (for example, an inkjet printer (IJ)) 90 or a server 70. Alternatively, the server 70 may be a component of the encapsulation inspection system 1.

S2: Printing. Print images, characters, and identification marks on documents based on image data and identification mark data. When the identification mark uses the same characters and numbers as the contents, it is printed together with other description contents, but if the identification mark is dedicated and special, the identification mark may be incorporated in the PDF file.

S3: Folding. Fold the enclosed document (enclosed object) C. The folding method will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

S4: Enclosed. Envelope E is filled with Document C. The envelope to which the present invention is applicable is a general envelope, and may be either an envelope with a window (WE) having a visible transparent window or an envelope without a window (BE) without a visible window. Further, the special abuse prevention envelopes E1 and E2 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be used.

S5: Sealing. Seal.

S6: Inspection. Read the contents by near-infrared fluoroscopy.

S7: Content matching. Matching is performed between the scanned data (perspective image) and the master data (identification mark and identification information of the address on the first page).

After that, they may be sorted according to the result of content matching.

In this way, by using the server in cooperation with the printing work and the sealing work and inspecting the sealed object while referring to the master data, the inspection can be performed at a higher speed.

<Encapsulation inspection device of the first embodiment>
FIG. 3 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The inclusion inspection device 50 inspects the envelope E containing the inclusion C.

The inclusion inspection device 50 of the present embodiment is a permeation method, and all pages of the encapsulation C, which is the contents of the envelope E, are permeated to confirm all the contents (all pages).

The inclusion inspection device 50 includes a first irradiation unit 51, a first photographing unit 53, an information processing unit 55, a transporting means (transporting section) 57, and a pressing means (pressing section, pressing member) 58.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the envelope E is irradiated in a state of being placed on an inspection path including at least a part of the transparent plate 573.

The first irradiation unit 51 is an example of the irradiation unit, and is composed of a near-infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode), and irradiates the front surface or the back surface of the envelope E with a specific near-infrared wavelength. More preferably, the near-infrared LED constituting the first irradiation unit 51 irradiates near-infrared light having a frequency of 1200 nm to 1550 nm. Further, in the transmission type inspection device 50 of the first embodiment, the infrared LED is suitable for a diffusing surface type.

Although the irradiation unit 51 can be a halogen lamp, an LED is most suitable because a cooling device is required due to high temperature and the cost is high for commercialization. By adopting a near-infrared LED as a transmitted light source, the time for detecting the transmitted result can be shortened and the speed can be increased as compared with the case of using an electromagnetic wave (terahertz band). Since no cooling device is required, the size can be reduced.

The first imaging unit 53 is an example of an imaging unit, and is arranged on the opposite side of the inspection path from the first irradiation unit 51 so as to face the first irradiation unit 51.

As shown in FIG. 6, the enclosure C is encapsulated in the envelope E in a layered manner by a plurality of pages or in a layered manner by folding each page of the plurality of pages.

On each page of the enclosure C, an identification mark associated with each page is printed exclusively for identification as page identification information.

The first photographing unit 53 uses an image pickup element having near-infrared sensitivity characteristics to obtain page identification information for identifying a page printed on the enclosure C when the envelope E is irradiated by the first irradiation unit. An image formed by absorbing the near-infrared light emitted from the first irradiation unit 51 in the including region, and the transmitted image transmitted through the envelope E is photographed.

That is, by absorbing the light of the first irradiation unit 51, a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page of the plurality of pages of the inclusion C is photographed.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the near-infrared light emitted from the first irradiation unit 51 is transmitted through the envelope E and the light of the portion other than the printing of the enclosure C.

Then, the first photographing unit 53 photographs a plurality of pages of the inclusion C, which have absorbed the near-infrared light from the first irradiation unit 51, for exclusive identification marks for identifying each page. That is, the first photographing unit 53 captures a transparent image in which the portion of the dedicated identification mark for identifying each page is absorbed and appears dark.

The information processing unit 55 acquires the detected transparent image information. Then, the transmitted image is analyzed by OCR (Optical character recognition) software or the like, the identification mark is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the inclusion C contained in the envelope E has the correct content.

In the present embodiment, the envelope E is photographed by the first photographing unit 53 while being transported on the transport line or in a state where the transport is temporarily stopped.

Here, the transport means includes a transport belt 571, a transport roller 572, and the like.

A part of the transport belt 571 includes a transparent plate 573 that is made of at least transparent glass, resin, or the like and that transmits near infrared rays. Near-infrared rays are assumed to be hardly attenuated when passing through the inside of the transparent plate 573.

Further, the pressing means 58 is, for example, a roller or a metal plate for feeding the envelope E. In the example of FIG. 3, the pressing means 58 shows an example of the guide plate 581.

As shown in the top view of FIG. 3B, guides having a predetermined width are provided on both sides, and the envelope thickness is regulated by the guide plate 581 pressed by the guide support portion 582.

With the envelope E pressed by the pressing means 58, near-infrared rays are irradiated by the irradiation unit 51, and the envelope E is photographed by the first photographing unit 53.

Here, when the near-infrared light passes through the envelope E, if air is contained in the paper, the air diffusely reflects the near-infrared rays and the lens is out of focus, so that the image is deteriorated. .. Therefore, by providing the pressing means 58, when light is transmitted, the detection state of the identification information can be improved by detecting the inclusion C in the envelope E while being pressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 56 may be provided to display / notify the inspection result.

In the inclusion inspection device having such a configuration, for example, in the case of a high-speed inserter, it is preferable that a detection speed of 20 messages / sec or more can be realized.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The server 70 is connected to the printing system (printing device) 90, the sealing device (inserter) 10, and the inclusion inspection device 50 via an interface or via a network.

The server 70 includes an image data generation unit 71, an identification mark data generation unit 72, and a transparent image storage unit 73.

The image data generation unit 71 generates general printing image data for forming the content (described content) of the enclosure C, which is a document, and transmits the image data to the printing system 90.

Here, in the present embodiment, all pages are targeted for inspection and can be confirmed at once by one photographing unit, so that dedicated page identification information is required. Therefore, the data generation unit for the identification mark of the server 70 is printed so that the identification mark associated with each page is printed exclusively for identification on each page of the document to be the enclosure C as the page identification information. At 72, an identification mark is created.

The generated identification mark is printed in the printing system 90 together with image data for printing for forming the contents (described contents, printed contents) of the inclusion C.

Further, the identification mark generated by the identification mark data generation unit 72 is sent to the master image storage unit 556 as data referred to by the inclusion inspection device 50 for determining whether or not the inclusion is correctly enclosed. Be done.

Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the image data for printing and the data of the identification mark are created by the server 70, the image data for printing and the data of the identification mark may be created by the printing system. In this case, the inclusion inspection device 50 may be directly connected to the printing system 90, and the image data for printing and the identification mark may be acquired directly from the printing system 90 without going through the server 70.

Further, the transparent image storage unit (photographed image storage unit) 73 accumulates and stores the transmitted images of the envelope E photographed by the inclusion inspection device 50.

At this time, the pages before and after the captured image are stored so that the association relationship can be understood. For example, the identification marks detected for the inclusions (documents) C on a plurality of pages contained in one envelope E may be combined into one image, or a string can be understood every two pages so that the front-back relationship can be understood. You may make an image while attaching it.

By accumulating the identification mark (log) of the contents in this way, the integrity can be guaranteed. In addition, a record confirming the inclusion C (all pages of the inclusion C), which is the contents of all the envelopes E, can be left as evidence.

The transmission image storage unit 73 may be provided on the inclusion inspection device 50 side. Alternatively, the transparent image storage unit 73 may be independently provided as a dedicated database means different from the inclusion inspection device 50 and the server 70.

The inclusion inspection device 50 includes an information processing unit 55 in addition to the first irradiation unit 51, the first photographing unit 53, the pressing means 58, and the transporting means 57, as shown in FIG. 3, and further, a display unit. 56 or a weight / thickness detecting unit 59 may be provided.

The first photographing unit 53 is composed of a lens (near infrared ray compatible lens) 531 and a camera (first camera) 532 as a detection unit.

The near-infrared ray compatible lens 531 is compatible with near infrared rays. For example, the corresponding wavelength is 800 nm to 1900 nm. Further, it is assumed that the focal length of the lens 531 is, for example, 8 mm to 50 mm from the position of the envelope E, which is a detection object.

In the first camera 532, for example, an InGaAs sensor is used as the image pickup element (near infrared ray image pickup element 533) that detects near infrared rays.

The near-infrared image pickup device 533 is a photodiode (PD), and uses InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) as the photoelectric device, and has excellent sensitivity characteristics in the wavelength band of 900 nm to 1700 nm. InGaAS is ideal for optical communications and near-infrared wavelength photodetection applications.

In the case of using the photodiode (PD) using InGaAs as the image pickup device described here, the above range is applicable, but in the present invention, another near-infrared wavelength range (900 nm to 1700 nm) can also be applied. ..

However, if it is outside the above range of 900 nm to 1700 nm, the amount of light of the LED required for detection increases, and the irradiation portion becomes large and expensive in order to increase the amount of light, so 900 nm to 1700 nm is more preferable.

In the first camera 532, the identification mark area transparent image generation unit 534 creates a transparent image of the area including the identification mark which is the page identification information.

The information processing unit 55 includes an image processing unit 551, a determination unit 554, and a transport control unit 559.

The image processing unit 551 performs edge processing and binarization processing from the transparent image of the region including the identification mark. Specific examples of image processing will be described later with reference to FIG. The image processing unit 551 includes an edge processing unit 552 and a binarization unit 553.

The determination unit 554 compares the captured transparent image (an image in which the identification mark can be seen through the envelope E) with the original data acquired from the printing system 90 or the server 70, and is enclosed in the envelope E. It is determined whether or not the product C is a conforming product. The determination unit 554 includes an identification mark recognition unit 555, a master image storage unit 556, and an information determination unit 557.

The identification mark recognition unit 555 performs optical character recognition on the image-processed transparent image of the region including the identification mark, and extracts the identification mark.

The master image storage unit 556 stores the data of the identification mark that identifies each page as the original data referred to for determining whether or not the image is correctly enclosed.

The information determination unit (discrimination unit) 557 compares the identification mark extracted by the identification mark recognition unit 555 with the original data stored in the master image storage unit 556, and the inclusion C contained in the envelope E is included. Determine if the content is correct (match).

For example, the identification marks enclosed in the envelope E and printed on a plurality of pages are different for each page. Therefore, by checking all the pages in the information determination unit 557, the identification marks of the original data can be used. By comparison, if the shortage of the identification mark is detected, the shortage of the page can be detected. Alternatively, if different identification marks are detected, erroneous page contamination can be detected.

However, since it is possible that a plurality of pages having the same identification mark are erroneously mixed, it is preferable that the determination by the information determination unit 557 is executed in consideration of the result of the mass / thickness detection unit 59.

The mass / thickness detection unit 59 checks the number of pages of the document (enclosement) C contained in the envelope E by measuring the thickness and the weight.

For example, if multiple pages of the same type with the same page identification information are mistakenly mixed in, the thickness of the envelope E and the weight of the seal consisting of the envelope E and the contents C can be checked to obtain the document. Excessive mixing can be prevented.

The image processing and determination by the information processing unit 55 provided in the inclusion inspection device 50 of FIG. 4 may be executed by an external computer.

Further, the transport means 57 transports the envelope E so that the envelope E can be photographed at, for example, 20 messages / sec or more.

As the pressing means 58, for example, a guide plate-shaped guide plate 581 as shown in FIG. 3 or a roller-shaped transport roller 572 as shown in FIG. 15 may also be used as the pressing means. Alternatively, an air suction machine may be used in the transport path to suck the air into the transport path side. By transporting while pressing in this way, the detection rate of the identification information at the time of transmission can be further improved.

In this way, by inspecting the enclosed material as in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether the first sheet and the remaining enclosed items are of the same destination without opening the envelope, and the integrity is guaranteed. can do.

FIG. 5 shows a hardware block diagram of the information processing unit (information processing device) 55 included in the inclusion inspection device 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing unit 55 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 84, an input device 85, and an auxiliary. A storage driver 86, an external interface 87, a communication interface 88, and the like are provided, and each of them is connected to each other by a bus 80.

The communication interface 88 is an interface that can be connected to the printing system 90 or the server 70 by a wireless connection or a wired connection. The information processing unit 55 acquires the identification mark (page identification information) and the character information (address identification information, see FIG. 12) of a specific page (for example, the first page) via the communication interface 88.

The HDD 82 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and data. The stored programs and data include, for example, an information processing system that controls the entire information processing unit 55 (for example, an OS (Operating System) that is basic software such as "Windows (registered trademark)" and "UNIX (registered trademark)". In addition, there are applications that provide various functions (for example, "document creation / table creation / editing functions") on an information processing system.

Further, the HDD 82 may store a part of an application such as an image processing program and an information determination program according to the embodiment of the present invention. Further, the HDD 82 manages the stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or a DB (Data Base).

Further, the data such as the identification mark and the character information (see FIG. 13) of the first page acquired via the communication interface 88 may be stored in the HDD 82, or may be stored in NVRAM or the like.

The external interface 87 is an interface that connects to an external device by a wired connection, and is, for example, a USB driver. In the present embodiment, the external interface 87 can be connected to the photographing units 53, 54 (camera). Then, the transparent image taken by the camera 532 (533) is transferred to the information processing unit 55.

The ROM 84 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 84 stores data such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the information processing unit 55 is started, system settings of the information processing unit 55, and network-related settings.

The RAM 83 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data read from the various storage devices.

By executing the program read out on the RAM 83, the CPU 81 realizes the overall control of the information processing unit 55 and the operation of various mounted functions.

The auxiliary storage driver 86, which is an example of the drive device, is an interface with a removable external recording medium such as a CD-ROM 4. The auxiliary storage driver 86 is used in the stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

With the above hardware configuration, the information processing unit 55 can perform image processing, information determination, and transfer control by, for example, executing a program related to an inspection driver or an application read from the HDD 82 onto the RAM 83 by the CPU 81.

The display unit (display device) 56 connected to the information processing unit 55 includes a display, a touch panel, and the like, and processing results by the information processing unit 55 (for example, display of original data, transparent captured image, and inspection result, see FIG. 20). Etc. are displayed.

<< Enclosement >>
FIG. 6 shows the position and folding method of the identification information in the enclosure C used in the inclusion inspection device 50 of the first embodiment of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the enclosure C is encapsulated in the envelope E in a layered manner by a plurality of pages or in a layered manner by folding each page of the plurality of pages.

In the inclusion inspection device 50 of the present embodiment, since all pages are transparent, it is necessary to print an identification mark (confirmation mark) in order to confirm each page. At this time, it is necessary to print the identification marks one by one so that they do not overlap.

As shown in FIG. 6, identification marks, which are dedicated images indicating page identification information associated with each page of the inclusion C, are provided at different positions for each page of the inclusion C.

The identification mark, which is the page identification information for confirming whether the contents of the envelope E indicating the identification information associated with each page of the enclosure C is correct, may be anything as long as it is identified by the shape.

However, in order to detect an unclear image more accurately, it is preferable to select it in consideration of the following. The detection rate of Chinese characters is higher than that of barcodes, and the detection rate of numbers is even higher than that of Chinese characters. Therefore, the identification mark is preferably a number, a figure (including a symbol), or a character rather than a barcode.

Furthermore, when a number is used as an identification mark, it is "0", "1", "2", "4", "7" rather than "3", "5", "6", "8", "9". Is relatively less likely to make mistakes, so it is more preferable to select and use these numbers.

Further, as the identification mark, a figure such as ■, □, ▲, Δ, X or the like may be used as a figure that is easy to detect.

Alternatively, the identification mark is a part of any number, character, or symbol that becomes "some number, figure, or character" by stacking a predetermined number of documents that are the inclusion C. You may.

For example, as an example of any of them, when five envelopes C are put in an envelope, only one stroke of the "positive" character is described, and if the "positive" can be taken by stacking the five sheets. It can be confirmed that there are 5 sheets (more than 5 sheets to be exact).

Here, the identification mark is formed on the document which is the enclosure C by using a material that does not transmit near infrared rays. Materials that do not transmit near infrared rays are toners and pigment inks, which will be described later. Further, since a dark color is easier to detect, it is more preferable to form an identification mark using the above-mentioned material that does not transmit near infrared rays, such as black or a color close to black.

In the present invention, since each page is identified by the shape of the identification mark, it is not necessary to change the material and color of the identification mark for each page.

Therefore, since it is not necessary to use special ink for printing the identification mark, there is no need to change the printing system, and there is an advantage that it is easy to apply to the current operation.

However, as the number of pages of the inclusions in the envelope increases, the detection image of all pages tends to deteriorate.

Therefore, the folded portion 20 (see FIG. 1) of the sealing device 10 has a size that allows the inclusion C to be inserted into the envelope E, and for each inclusion C, the identification information for specifying the printed destination is the other portion. Fold it so that it does not overlap with.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram showing the position of the identification mark of the specific inclusion in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when A4 paper is folded in three in a standard envelope, the number of pages is tripled. In that case, devise a way to fold the paper, and fold it with the dimensions shown in FIG. 7 so that the identification marks do not overlap. With this folding method, since only one layer is transparent per page, the accuracy of detection by transmission can be improved as compared with folding in layers.

<< Envelope >>
FIG. 8 shows an example of an envelope inspected by the inclusion inspection device 50 of the present invention.

In general, some types of envelopes have a tint block on the inner surface to prevent information leakage during delivery.

Here, in the detected object (envelope) in the inclusion inspection device 50, the printed matter (toner or pigment ink) is a substance that does not transmit light having a wavelength of near infrared rays, and therefore is displayed in black in the transmitted image. The paper (non-printed portion) of the envelope E and the enclosure C is displayed in white because it transmits the wavelength of near infrared rays.

Basically, paper is transmitted, but since the toner carbon part does not transmit (absorb / reflect) light, it is possible to detect characters written with toner in the envelope. Further, the ink basically transmits water-based (dye ink), but the pigment ink absorbs and reflects, so that it can be detected. That is, detection is possible by selecting a component of the detected object, irradiating it with near-infrared rays, and confirming the property of transmitting or not transmitting.

Some envelopes have a tint block printed on the inside so that personal information cannot be seen through. Here, since the water-based ink is transmitted, if a tint block is printed with the water-based ink to create a watermark-preventing envelope, even if an attempt is made to see through the envelope with visible light to check the contents, the tint block cannot be visually recognized. Moreover, with the system of this configuration, it is possible to confirm (imaging) the contents.

By selecting the ink of this lining pattern, it is possible to see the contents through the tint block with the human eye, but it is possible to check the contents by transmitting it with near infrared rays. That is, since the transparent ink can be transmitted and confirmed, the inclusions can be inspected by the inclusion inspection apparatus of the present invention even if the watermark prevention tint block by visible light is applied to the entire surface.

FIG. 8A shows an example of an envelope E1 (envelope WE with a window) provided with a visible light transmission prevention tint block (visible light transmission prevention tint block) P1 without providing a tint block-less portion.

Further, in order to further improve the detection rate of the identification information, as shown in FIG. 8B, a region in which the lining pattern (visible light transmission prevention pattern P1) is not formed as the mark confirmation portion M is provided on the envelope E1. It may be provided.

When the envelope E1 as shown in FIG. 8B is used, in the plurality of pages of the enclosure C, the identification mark area (see FIG. 7) on which the identification mark which is the page identification information is formed is within the mark confirmation unit M. It is preferable that it is printed so that it fits.

However, it is also possible to abuse this technology to detect the contents of an envelope without opening it. For example, bank account numbers, card numbers, My Numbers, stock holding information, hospital test results, etc. are particularly sensitive information.

Therefore, even if the inclusion inspection device of the present invention is misused and used, the portion of confidential information is not transmitted, and as an envelope capable of preventing information leakage, the portion that is not transmitted even by the inclusion inspection device of the present invention is shown in FIG. Here is an example of an envelope containing.

In the extraction prevention envelope shown in FIG. 9, the material of the lining pattern is opaque toner or ink (all personal information is hidden in the area inside the pattern).

For example, as an example in which near-infrared rays cannot be transmitted, a special ink that does not transmit near-infrared rays may be used. , It is possible to create an envelope to prevent misuse without using special ink.

As a method for detecting the contents in that case, it is possible to check only the mark without applying a tint block only to the mark confirmation unit M and verify that the contents are correct.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the abuse prevention envelope E2, the mark confirmation portion M is provided with a tint block-free portion and the visible light transmission prevention tint block P1 is provided in other portions, and visible light and near-infrared rays are provided in the portions corresponding to confidential information. Permeation prevention tint block (visible light and near infrared see-through prevention tint block) P2 may be provided.

As another example of the abuse prevention envelope E2 that prevents transmission of visible light and near infrared rays, the mark confirmation portion M is used as a tint block-free portion without providing the visible light transmission prevention tint block P1, and the portion corresponding to confidential information is used. , Visible light and near-infrared ray transmission prevention tint block P2 may be provided.

As yet another example of the abuse prevention envelope E2S2 that prevents transmission in visible light and near infrared rays, a visible light transmission prevention tint block P1 is provided in the mark confirmation portion M without providing a tint block-free portion to deal with confidential information. Visible light and near-infrared light transmission prevention tint block P2 may be provided in a portion other than the mark confirmation portion M including the portion.

As a result, by using an envelope that is completely invisible even when the technique of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is used, higher security can be realized while preventing erroneous delivery.

<< Image processing >>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating image processing performed by the inclusion inspection device 50 of the present invention. The acquired image may not be clear depending on the envelope, paper, and detected object. Therefore, in order to improve the detection rate, it is preferable to perform image processing. As image processing, for example, edge processing and binarization are performed.

The edge processing performed by the edge processing unit 552 (see FIG. 4) is, for example, a kind of feature detection and feature extraction, and the brightness of the captured transparent image changes discontinuously. The location is identified and detected, and the discontinuity is highlighted.

Then, an example of binarization performed by the binarization unit 553 in FIG. 4 is shown. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, when binarizing a slightly unclear transparent image, the reflectance threshold is set, and if it is less than that, it is converted to black, and if it is more than that, it is converted to white. As shown at the bottom of 10, it is possible to clarify the image.

In this way, the sharpness can be increased by performing image processing before performing character recognition (OCR).

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 11A shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11A, in the present embodiment, two transmission type inspection units that are turned upside down are provided.

As the first detection unit, the lower first irradiation unit 51L arranged below the transport path and the upper first imaging unit 53H arranged above the transport path and facing the lower first irradiation unit 51L. And are provided.

Further, as the second detection unit, the upper first irradiation unit 51H arranged above the transport path and the lower first imaging unit arranged below the transport path and facing the upper first irradiation unit 51H. A portion 53L is provided. The order of photographing from below and detecting from above may be reversed.

FIG. 11B shows an image of irradiation / detection inside the envelope E. FIG. 11B shows an enlarged schematic view of the side surface of the envelope E containing the enclosure C, that is, the side surface of the envelope, and shows a state in which 10 inclusions C are enclosed in the envelope E.

In the first detection unit, the upper first photographing unit 53H identifies each page printed on the plurality of pages on the upper side of the inclusion C by absorbing the light emitted from the lower first irradiation unit 51L. Take a picture of the dedicated identification mark.

In the second detection unit, the lower first photographing unit 53L identifies each page printed on the plurality of lower pages of the inclusion C by absorbing the light emitted from the upper first irradiation unit 51H. Take a picture of the dedicated identification mark.

When the near-infrared rays pass through the envelope and the inclusions, if the number of sheets is large, the images are deteriorated as the first sheet, the second sheet, and so on. Specifically, when focusing on a layer closer to the camera, the higher the layer away from the camera, the less clear the quality of the captured image obtained.

Therefore, for example, in the first embodiment, if the number of pages of the envelope to be inspected exceeds the number of detectable pages and the envelope is thick, it is necessary to turn the envelope over and inspect it again. there were.

In this way, if the inclusions are thick, in the case of this configuration, the identification process is performed from above and below, so it is possible to detect twice the number of pages of the inclusions without turning over and inspecting again. can.

For example, although it depends on the type of the identification mark, it is assumed that the number of pages in which the identification mark can be detected in the enclosure is about 6 in the configuration of the first embodiment. In this case, if the detection unit is provided as in the second embodiment, it is possible to detect from both the upper and lower sides, so that it is possible to detect up to about 10 to 13 sheets, which is twice the number.

For example, in Japan, the minimum charge for standard envelopes is 25g, so if you put tri-fold A4 plain paper as an envelope, you can enclose about 7 sheets.

Since this configuration can be detected from the vertical direction, the identification marks on all pages can be detected even if the above number of sheets is included. By making it transparent as described above, all the contents of the envelope can be pre-verified.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the images are detected from above and below, the number of captured images that can be acquired increases, so that deterioration of the detected image quality is prevented, the detection quality is improved, and the number of pages of the detectable inclusions is increased. be able to.

<< Third Embodiment >>
FIG. 12 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the inclusion inspection device 50B of the present embodiment, the contents are confirmed by passing through the page (layer) of the inclusions C, which is the contents of the envelope E, closest to the second photographing unit 54, which is a reflection method.

The top page of the contents usually contains information such as the customer's name, address, customer number, etc. that the customer should first check, and the location of the information depends on the layout of the sender, and is diverse. Placed in position.

In the present embodiment, the second photographing unit 54 uses an image pickup element having near-infrared sensitivity characteristics to form an envelope E printed on the enclosure C when the envelope E is irradiated by the second irradiation unit 52. This is an image formed by reflecting the near-infrared light emitted from the second irradiation unit in the area containing the address identification information (destination identification information) that identifies the address, and is a transmitted image transmitted by the envelope E. To shoot.

In the case of irradiation of light of the reflection method as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), it is preferable that the second irradiation units 52L and 52H, which are irradiation units, use a bar-type light source having a narrow irradiation angle. be.

In the present embodiment, the second photographing unit 54L, 54H, which is the photographing unit, is arranged on the same side as the second irradiation unit 52L, 52H with respect to the inspection path.

In the configuration of FIG. 12A, the second photographing unit 54L arranged on the lower side of the inspection path reflects the near-infrared light from the second irradiation unit 52 arranged on the lower side of the inspection path. 2 An area containing ordinary (general) characters, numbers, or figures that identify a printed address is photographed on the page (lowest layer) closest to the photographing unit 54L. That is, the second photographing unit 54L photographs a transparent image in which the normal (general) character, number, or graphic portion that identifies the address is absorbed and appears dark.

Then, in the information processing unit (information processing device) 55B (see FIG. 13), image processing and optical character recognition processing are performed on the transparent image of the lowest layer, and characters, numbers, or figures that identify the address are processed. To detect.

As described above, the contents are formed in layers in the envelope. At this time, not only the layer is formed by a plurality of sheets of recording paper, but also the aspect in which one content is folded into two or more to form a layer is included.

In the reflection method as in the present embodiment, only one envelope needs to be transmitted, so that the first irradiation unit 51 of the transmission type inclusion inspection devices 50 and 50A shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 is more suitable. 2 The irradiation unit 52 may have a small amount of light.

When creating a transmission image by reflecting off the lower side of the transport path as described above, at least a part of the inspection path is transparent so that the destination portion of a specific page (for example, the first page) can be transmitted. It is preferable to arrange the board.

Here, the contents are formed in layers in the envelope, and one content is folded into two or more to form a layer as well as one in which a layer is formed by a plurality of sheets of recording paper. Also includes aspects that have been used.

The page closest to the second photographing unit (camera) 54 (specific one page) in a layered state of the inclusion C is the uppermost layer when the camera is arranged above, and the camera is arranged below. If so, it corresponds to the lowest layer.

FIG. 12B shows another example of the reflection type inclusion inspection device of the third embodiment. In FIG. 12A, an example of irradiating from below and photographing from below is shown, but irradiation may be performed from above and imaging may be performed from above.

In the configuration of FIG. 12B, the second photographing unit 54H arranged on the upper side of the inspection path is the second photographing unit in which the near infrared light of the second irradiation unit 52H arranged on the upper side of the inspection path is reflected. On the page closest to the part 54H (top layer), ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that identify the printed address are photographed. Then, the information processing unit 55B (see FIG. 13) detects characters, numbers, or figures that identify the address by image processing of the lowest layer and optical character recognition processing.

FIG. 12C is an image of irradiation / detection inside the envelope E, showing an enlarged schematic view of the side surface of the sealed object. It should be noted that this figure is shown corresponding to the example of the configuration of FIG. 12 (b), but the same applies when the top and bottom are reversed. In the following, above and below, when the same explanation is given, H and L will be removed.

The second photographing unit 54 uses the ordinary characters or symbols printed on the enclosure C on the page (layer) closest to the second photographing unit 54 of the inclusion C as the destination identification information, and the light of the second irradiation unit 52. The envelope E is transmitted through the reflection of the image.

In the reflection method as in the present embodiment, only one envelope needs to be transmitted, so that the near infrared rays radiated by the second irradiation unit 52 rather than the first irradiation unit 51 of the transmission method shown in the above embodiment. The amount of light may be small.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The outline of this embodiment is the same as that of the inclusion inspection device 50 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but what is detected by the second camera is the destination information of the first page (specific one page). , The configuration for its identification is different. Only the differences from FIG. 4 will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the address identification information for identifying the destination on the first page is detected from the existing printed matter as a part of the general print contents pre-printed without providing the identification mark. Therefore, in the server 70B of the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to create a dedicated mark (identification mark), the identification mark data generation unit 72 is not provided.

Further, the second camera 542 of the second photographing unit 54 includes a destination information area transparent image forming unit 544 used for generating a transparent image.

Further, the determination unit 554B of the information processing unit 55B includes a first page character / numerical value recognition unit 558 instead of the identification mark recognition unit 555.

The master image storage unit 556B stores data of ordinary characters, numbers, or figures for identifying an address as original data to be referred to for determining whether or not the first page is correctly enclosed.

The information determination unit 557B compares the data of characters, numbers or figures for identifying the address extracted by the character / numerical value recognition unit 558 on the first page with the original data stored in the master image storage unit 556B, and forms an envelope. It is determined whether or not the first page of the inclusion C contained in E is correct.

With such a configuration, even in an envelope without a window, it is possible to confirm whether the destination of the envelope and the contents are the same destination without opening the envelope.

In addition, the collation state can be stored by accumulating the log of the contents.

FIG. 14 shows the position of the address identification information in the enclosure C used in the inclusion inspection device 50B of the third embodiment of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, since one of the envelopes is transparent and the destination is collated, it is mainly assumed to be applied to an envelope without a window.

In this embodiment, since the inspection target is only the first page or the last page (top layer or bottom layer) which is a specific one page by the reflection method, only the first page is viewed even if the lower paper and characters overlap. The position is not limited because it can be.

With this configuration, even in an envelope without a window, the destination described in the envelope can be compared and verified with the destination inside, so it is possible to check whether the destination of the envelope and the contents are the same destination without opening the envelope. ..

Furthermore, for address confirmation, even if it overlaps with the characters on the paper below, it can be applied as it is in the current printing.

In the reflection type inspection of the present embodiment, it is not premised that a plurality of inclusions are overlapped and transmitted, and only the envelope needs to be transmitted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, it is necessary to specify a dedicated mark and place. Instead, a general printed image such as a character, a number, or a figure may be inspected as it is as destination identification information.

Therefore, since the current printing status can be confirmed without changing the current printing status, the inspection can be easily performed without imposing any burden on the printing side.

When the abuse prevention envelope E2 as shown in FIG. 10 is used, the destination identification information is printed in a place other than the visible light and near infrared transmission prevention tint block P2 that prevents the transmission of confidential information.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the description of the inclusions to be inspected, as an example of "specific one page", "the page closest to the second photographing unit 54", "the highest layer", and "the lowest layer". Although the explanation is given using expressions such as, the explanation is not limited to this, and for example, even if a thin paper or a transparent sheet exists between the envelope and the enclosure to be inspected, it can be obtained by reflected light. Needless to say, it would be good if the captured image could be inspected.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment includes a transmission method detection unit of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and a reflection method detection unit of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 (a).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the first detection unit inspects by the reflection method, and the second detection unit inspects by the transmission method.

The first detection unit of the reflection method photographs an area including ordinary characters, numbers, or figures printed on the page (lowest layer) closest to the second photographing unit 54L to identify the address.

Further, in the second detection unit of the transmission method, the first photographing unit 53H photographs a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page printed on all the plurality of pages of the inclusion C from above.

At this time, it is better to separate the irradiation unit from the bar type irradiation LED in the reflection method and the surface type LED in the transmission method to obtain a better image.

In the present embodiment, since the detection units of different methods are combined, it is possible to prevent erroneous delivery to the destination and to confirm that all the pages are aligned in the envelope, so that the detection accuracy can be improved. .. The example shown in FIG. 15 is an example, and may be turned upside down or the order may be changed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 15, as another example of the pressing means, the conveying roller 572, which is a conveying means, may also serve as the pressing means. In an envelope, the front end and / or the rear end in the transport direction may be held down by being transported in a state of being sandwiched between a pair of transport rollers.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 16 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment includes a vertical detection unit of the transmission method of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and a detection unit of the reflection method of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 (b).

The first detection unit of the reflection method photographs an area including ordinary characters, numbers, or figures printed on the page (lowest layer) closest to the second photographing unit 54L to identify the address.

Further, by the second detection unit of the transmission method, a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page printed on a plurality of pages on the upper side of the enclosure C is photographed by the first photographing unit 53H from above.

Further, by the third detection unit of the transmission method, a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page printed on a plurality of pages under the enclosure C is photographed by the first photographing unit 53L from below.

In this embodiment, since the detection units of different methods are combined, it is possible to prevent erroneous delivery of the destination, and it is possible to confirm that all the pages are aligned in the envelope, and it is also applicable when the number of sheets is further increased. It is possible, and the detection accuracy can be further improved. The example shown in FIG. 16 is an example, and may be turned upside down or the order may be changed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 17 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50E of the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the position of the identification information in the inclusion C used in the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, two irradiation units and one photographing unit are provided.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, the first irradiation unit 51H used for linear transmission and the first irradiation unit 51H are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path as the two irradiation units. 2 Irradiation unit 52L is provided.

Further, as one imaging unit, an integrated imaging unit 53W which is on the opposite side of the transport path from the first irradiation unit 51 and is arranged on the same side as the second irradiation unit 52L is provided.

By absorbing the light of the first irradiation unit 51H, the integrated photographing unit 53W photographs a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page printed on a plurality of pages of the enclosure C, and also photographs the second irradiation unit 52L. By reflecting the light of the above, the page closest to the integrated photographing unit 53W (a specific page) is photographed with ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that identify the printed address. The configuration example shown in FIG. 17A is an example, and may be turned upside down.

FIG. 17B shows an example of the inclusion C used in the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17B, the areas (areas) to be photographed are different.

Specifically, in a specific page (for example, the first page or the last page) of the inclusion C used in the present embodiment, an area including a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page is usually used to identify an address. It is provided at a position different from the letters, numbers or figures of.

In this configuration, the cameras of the first detection unit and the second detection unit are shared. By reducing the number of installed cameras, it is possible to save space and reduce costs while realizing transmission through two types of methods.

<7th Embodiment>
FIG. 18 shows a schematic schematic diagram of the inclusion inspection device 50F according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one irradiation unit and two irradiation units are provided.

As shown in FIG. 18, the irradiation unit 51 used for both the transmission method and the reflection method is provided.

As an imaging unit, the first imaging unit 53H, which is arranged opposite to the integrated irradiation unit 51W on the opposite side of the transport path from the integrated irradiation unit 51W, and the same side as the integrated irradiation unit 51W and the transport path. It is provided with a second photographing unit 54L arranged in.

By absorbing the light of the integrated irradiation unit 51W, the first photographing unit 53H photographs a dedicated identification mark printed on a plurality of pages (all pages) of the inclusion C to identify each page.

By reflecting the light of the integrated irradiation unit 51W, the second photographing unit 54L photographs ordinary characters, numbers, or figures printed on the page closest to the second photographing unit 54L to identify the address.

In the present embodiment, the irradiation unit used by the first imaging unit 53H and the second imaging unit 54L is integrated and shared. Therefore, by reducing the number of installed LEDs, it is possible to save space and cost while realizing transmission by two types of methods.

However, since the transmission method is preferably a surface type light source and the reflection method is preferably a bar type light source, it is necessary to use a common light source, and either type of light source is selected and used. Therefore, they are installed separately. Since the detection accuracy may be lower than that of the above, the design should be selected appropriately in comparison with the detection accuracy and the advantages of space and cost.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of the inclusion inspection device included in the inclusion sealing inspection system has been described, but the inclusion inspection device according to the present invention may be a stand-alone type.

<Stand-alone inclusion inspection device>
FIG. 19 shows a schematic external view of the stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500 according to one configuration of the present invention. The stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500 also inspects the envelope E containing the inclusion C.

As the configuration, any of the configurations of the first embodiment to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 18 may be applied.

Such a stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500 may be provided in connection with an existing sealing device. In this case, the sealed material, which is an inspection medium, is supplied from an upstream portion (feeder or the like), and the sealed material can be permeated and inspected by the inclusion inspection device 500 while being conveyed.

Further, since the enclosed material inspection device 500 shown in FIG. 19 is a stand-alone type, it can be used offline, and for example, it is possible to inspect a sealed material mechanically sealed at another place or a sealed material manually enclosed.

Further, when the inclusion inspection device 500 is operated offline, the auxiliary storage driver 86 of the information processing unit 55 shown in FIG. 5 can be used to display identification information (identification mark) from an external storage medium 4 such as a CD-ROM or a USB memory. The print information may be acquired and collated with the captured image.

The stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500 shown in FIG. 19 can also be connected to the sorting unit 60, and according to the inspection result, the sealed product is sorted into a pass product and a reject product, and the inspection nonconforming product is used. Can also be discharged to the NGBOX (failed product discharge part) in the downstream part.

<Manual stand-alone seal inspection device>
FIG. 20 shows a state of inspection by a manual pressing type stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500A according to another configuration of the present invention. In any of the above embodiments, the sealed material is inspected while being transported or while being transported and paused, but the stand-alone inclusion inspection device may not be provided with a transport line.

Since there is no transport line, the worker W can inspect the envelope E containing the inclusion C by placing it on a transparent plate (glass or resin). At this time, in order to make the focal length of the camera provided on the lower side uniform, it is preferable that the operator W presses the envelope E against the transparent plate 573 for detection, because the detection rate is improved.

In this case, the inspection result is displayed on the display unit 56 such as a display or a touch panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, it is preferable to display the original data for identification and the detected data in comparison and side by side.

FIG. 20 shows an example in which one transmission type detection unit and one reflection type detection unit are provided. In such a manual inclusion inspection device 500A, the first one shown in FIGS. 3 to 18 is shown. Any of the configurations of 1st embodiment to 7th embodiment may be applied.

Since this configuration is stand-alone, it is possible to inspect various media such as machine-enclosed seals elsewhere and manually enclosed seals. Depending on the display result, for example, the rejected products may be sorted into the trolley 65.

Since the manual stand-alone inclusion inspection device 500A shown in FIG. 20 does not have a transfer line, the cost can be reduced accordingly. Further, even in this configuration, since the detection is performed by using infrared rays that are close to each other, the exposure time is not required as compared with the electromagnetic wave, and the time for detecting the transmission result can be shortened.

As described above, in each of the plurality of embodiments of the present invention, near-infrared rays are used for detection, so that it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous delivery with an "inexpensive configuration" as an action.

In the above description, a document is taken as an example as an enclosure, but the inclusion is limited to "paper" as long as it is a printed recording medium (object) that can be stored in an envelope. I can't. The recording medium may be capable of recording information and may have the property of transmitting the irradiation light of the present invention.

For example, the inclusion may be a "sheet-like object" that can be enclosed in an envelope. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recorded media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, and includes everything to which liquids and powders adhere, unless otherwise specified. For example, the material of the above-mentioned "encapsulation" is paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc. It is assumed that infrared rays can be transmitted.

Although the present invention has been described above based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the gist of the present invention can be changed to the extent that the gist of the present invention is not impaired, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form thereof.

1 Enclosed seal inspection system 10 Sealing device 20 Folded part 30 Enclosed part 40 Sealed part 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F Encapsulation inspection device 51 First irradiation part (irradiation part)
51H Upper first irradiation part 51L Lower first irradiation part 51W Integrated irradiation part 52 Second irradiation part (irradiation part)
52H Upper second irradiation unit 52L Lower second irradiation unit 53 First imaging unit (imaging unit)
53H Upper 1st imaging unit 53L Lower 1st imaging unit 53W Integrated imaging unit 531 Near-infrared compatible lens 532 1st camera 533 Near-infrared image pickup element 534 Identification mark area transmission image creation unit 54 2nd imaging unit (imaging unit)
54H Upper 2nd shooting unit 54L Lower 2nd shooting unit 541 Near infrared compatible lens 542 2nd camera 543 Near infrared image pickup element 545 Identification mark area transmission image creation unit 55,55B Information processing unit (information processing device)
551 Image processing unit 552 Edge processing unit 553 Binarization unit 554, 554B Judgment unit 555 Identification mark recognition unit 556 Master image storage unit 557 Information judgment unit (matching unit, discrimination unit)
558 1st page 559 Transport control unit 56 Display unit 57 Transport means 571 Transport belt (inspection path)
571 Conveying roller 573 Transparent plate 58 Pressing means 581 Plate-shaped pressing means 582 Pressing support 59 Mass / thickness detection unit 60 Sorting device 70, 70B Server 71 Image data generation unit 72 Identification mark data generation unit 73 Transmission image storage unit (photographing) Image storage unit)
500,500A Encapsulation inspection device (stand-alone type)
C Envelope E Envelope E1 Visible light transmission prevention envelope E2 Visible light and near infrared transmission prevention envelope (abuse prevention envelope)
WE Envelope without window BE Envelope with window P1 Visible light transmission prevention tint block (Visible light see-through prevention tint block)
P2 Visible light and near-infrared light transmission prevention tint block (visible light and near-infrared light transmission prevention tint block)
Envelope E + Sealed Material C Sealed Material (Inspection Medium)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-186104 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-141233

Claims (19)

An inclusion inspection device that inspects the inclusions contained in envelopes.
An irradiation unit consisting of a near-infrared LED that irradiates the front surface or the back surface of the envelope with a specific near-infrared wavelength.
Using an image pickup element having near-infrared sensitivity characteristics, when the envelope is irradiated by the irradiation unit, the area containing page identification information for identifying the page printed on the envelope and / or the envelope. An image formed by absorbing or reflecting the near-infrared light emitted from the irradiation unit in a region containing the address identification information for identifying the address, and is a transmitted image by the light transmitted through the envelope. And the shooting department to shoot
A discriminating unit that compares the transparent image with the print data of the page identification information and / and the print data of the address identification information to determine whether or not the inclusion is a conforming product.
It comprises a storage unit that stores the page identification information and / and the address identification information detected for the inclusions of the transparent image compared for discrimination by the discrimination unit as one image .
Encapsulation inspection device. The near-infrared LED irradiates the front surface or the back surface of the envelope with a wavelength of near-infrared rays of 1200 nm to 1550 nm, and the page identification information and / and the address identification information uses toner or pigment ink that does not transmit near-infrared rays. Printed on the enclosure,
The inclusion inspection device according to claim 1. The envelope was irradiated while being placed on an inspection path containing at least a transparent plate.
The irradiation unit includes a first irradiation unit.
The photographing unit includes a first imaging unit arranged so as to face the first irradiation unit on the opposite side of the first irradiation unit and the inspection path.
The inclusions are encapsulated in the envelope in layers by a plurality of pages or in layers by folding each page of the plurality of pages.
An identification mark associated with each page is printed exclusively for identification on each page of the enclosure as the page identification information.
A dedicated identification mark for identifying each page of a plurality of pages of the enclosure, which has absorbed the near-infrared light from the first irradiation unit, is photographed by the first imaging unit.
The inclusion inspection device according to claim 1 or 2. The envelope was irradiated while being placed on the inspection path and
The irradiation unit includes a second irradiation unit.
The photographing unit includes a second imaging unit arranged on the same side as the second irradiation unit and the inspection path.
On one specific page of the enclosure, ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that identify the address are printed as the address identification information.
The second imaging unit captures ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that reflect the near-infrared light from the second irradiation unit and identify the address on the specific page.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first irradiation unit includes an upper first irradiation unit arranged above the inspection path and a lower first irradiation unit arranged below the inspection path.
The photographing unit is arranged below the inspection path so as to face the lower first irradiation unit, and above the inspection path so as to face the lower first irradiation unit. Equipped with an upper first imaging unit, which is located in
In the lower first photographing unit, a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page on the plurality of pages below the enclosure, which has absorbed the near-infrared light emitted from the upper first irradiation unit, is photographed. death,
In the upper first photographing unit, a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page on a plurality of pages above the enclosure, which has absorbed the near-infrared light emitted from the lower first irradiation unit, is photographed. do,
The inclusion inspection device according to claim 3. The envelope was irradiated while being placed on the inspection path and
The irradiation unit includes a first irradiation unit and a second irradiation unit arranged on the opposite side of the first irradiation unit and the inspection path.
The imaging unit includes an integrated imaging unit that is on the opposite side of the first irradiation unit and the inspection path and is arranged so as to face the first irradiation unit.
The inclusions are encapsulated in the envelope in layers by a plurality of pages or in layers by folding each page of the plurality of pages.
An identification mark associated with each page is printed exclusively for identification on each page of the enclosure as the page identification information.
On one specific page of the enclosure, ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that identify the address are printed as the address identification information.
The integrated imaging unit provides a dedicated identification mark for identifying each page of a plurality of pages of the enclosure that has absorbed the near-infrared light from the first irradiation unit. At the same time as taking a picture, the integrated photographing unit photographs the characters, numbers, or figures that reflect the near-infrared light from the second irradiation unit and identify the pre-printed address on the specific page. death,
In the enclosure, the area including the dedicated identification mark for identifying each page is provided at a position different from the area containing ordinary characters, numbers or figures for identifying the address.
The inclusion inspection device according to claim 1 or 2. The envelope was irradiated while being placed on an inspection path containing at least a transparent plate.
The irradiation unit includes an integrated irradiation unit.
The imaging unit is located on the opposite side of the integrated irradiation unit and the inspection path from the first imaging unit, which is arranged so as to face the integrated irradiation unit, and the integrated irradiation unit and the inspection path. On the other hand, it has a second shooting unit located on the same side.
The inclusions are encapsulated in the envelope in layers by a plurality of pages or in layers by folding each page of the plurality of pages.
An identification mark associated with each page is printed exclusively for identification on each page of the enclosure as the page identification information.
On one specific page of the enclosure, ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that identify the address are printed as the address identification information.
A dedicated identification mark for identifying each page of a plurality of pages of the enclosure, which has absorbed the near-infrared light from the integrated irradiation unit, is photographed by the first photographing unit.
The second photographing unit captures ordinary characters, numbers, or figures that reflect the near-infrared light from the integrated irradiation unit and identify the address on the specific page.
The inclusion inspection device according to claim 1 or 2. The dedicated identification mark for identifying each page is such that any of numbers, figures, or letters identified by the shape, or a predetermined number of sheets are overlapped to form "some number, figure, or letter". , A part of any number, letter, or symbol,
The photographing unit can confirm that a predetermined number of inclusions are enclosed by photographing "numbers, figures, or characters".
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 5 to 7. It is equipped with an information processing unit that discriminates the captured identification information.
The information processing unit performs optical character recognition processing on the transmitted image to obtain numbers, figures, characters, or /, which are dedicated identification marks for the page identification information, and the address identification information. Detects ordinary letters, numbers, or figures that identify the address.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to claim 4 or 8. The information processing unit performs the optical character recognition process after performing edge processing on the transparent image.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to claim 9. A transport means for transporting the envelope on an inspection path including at least a part of the transparent plate is provided.
The photographing unit photographs when the envelope conveyed on the inspection path reaches a position facing the photographing unit.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A holding means for pushing the envelope toward the inspection path is provided.
On the inspection path, with the envelope pressed, near-infrared rays are irradiated by the irradiation unit, and the image is taken by the imaging unit.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to claim 11. It has a display unit for displaying an image taken through the envelope in association with print data of page identification information for identifying the page and / and print data of address identification information for identifying the address of the envelope.
The inclusion inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A sealing device that seals the printed inclusions on the envelope,
The inclusion inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is provided.
The sealing device and the inclusion inspection device are connected to a printing device that prints the inclusions or a server that is connected to the printing device and creates data for printing.
Enclosed seal inspection system. It is provided with a photographed image storage unit for accumulating and storing images photographed through the envelope by the inclusion inspection device.
The encapsulation and sealing inspection system according to claim 14. The sealing device and the inclusion inspection device acquire print data corresponding to an address of a specific page and / or preset identification mark data for identifying the page from the printing device or the server. do,
The encapsulation inspection system according to claim 14 or 15. The inclusion inspection device identifies the image taken through the envelope, the print data of the page identification information for identifying the page acquired from the printing device or the server, and / and the address of the envelope. It has a discriminating unit that compares with the print data of the address identification information and determines whether or not the enclosed material enclosed in the envelope is a conforming product.
A sorting device for sorting the destinations of the envelopes in the discrimination result of the envelope inspection device is provided.
The encapsulation and sealing inspection system according to claim 16. The sealing device includes a folding portion for folding the enclosure in a layered manner.
The folded portion is sized so that it can be inserted into the envelope, and the portion of each enclosure containing the page identification information is folded so as not to overlap with other portions.
The encapsulation and sealing inspection system according to any one of claims 14 to 17. An irradiation step in which an envelope containing an enclosure is irradiated with a specific near-infrared wavelength using an LED,
Using an image pickup element having near-infrared sensitivity characteristics, when the envelope is irradiated, the area including the page identification information for identifying the page printed on the envelope and / or the address of the envelope are identified. An imaging step of photographing an image formed by absorbing or reflecting the irradiated near-infrared light in a region containing the address identification information, and photographing the transmitted image by the light transmitted through the envelope.
A determination step of comparing the transparent image with the print data of the page identification information and / and the print data of the address identification information to determine whether or not the inclusion is a conforming product.
It has a storage step of storing the page identification information and / and the address identification information detected for the inclusions of the transparent image compared for the discrimination as one image .
Encapsulation inspection method.

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