JP2003182271A - Embedded data processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an embedded data processing system capable of efficiently performing electronic recognition accurately with respect to a pasting valuable paper piece and enabling accurate totalization processing. <P>SOLUTION: A stamp making apparatus 1 redundantly describes stamp price data or the like being embedded data at a plurality of places as code blocks and an extraction processor 20 arranged in a mail collection and delivery station 2 takes out one code block per each stamp to decode the same and outputs the decoded result to a totalization device 30. The totalization device 30 operates stamp distribution quantity at every price data as distribution quantity data not only to output the same but also to transmit the same to an adding-up device 40. The adding-up device 40 forms the statistic data related to the stamp distribution quantity of the whole country on the basis of the distribution quantity data received from mail collection and delivery stations of various places. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an embedding information processing system for processing embedding information on a valuable paper piece attached to a distribution item.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, it is an important issue to grasp information about the amount of stamps issued. For example, 2000
The "Research Report on Postal Information Systems Using Two-dimensional Bar Codes" issued by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Research Institute of the month issued a two-dimensional bar code called "Electronic postage stamp digitization and point-of-sale system". The system used for the postal business is described. This prints sales information of postage stamps such as ticket type code and face value as a two-dimensional bar code on one place on the stamp, reads the two-dimensional bar code with a bar code reader at the time of stamp sale, and manually inputs the number of sales. It is a system that obtains sales information by doing.

Further, it is necessary to grasp the circulation amount of stamps as well as the issued amount of stamps. However, valuable paper pieces such as stamps are actually used as valuable paper pieces, that is, where the function as valuable paper pieces is exercised in the regular distribution process (for example, product exchange and service provision process). If it does not appear in), it is difficult to accurately grasp the amount of distribution. For example, in the case of postage stamps, all purchased stamps are not necessarily attached to and used for postal items, and if they are not actually used, it is not possible to grasp the total circulation amount.

Therefore, it is desirable to grasp at least the distribution amount (partial distribution amount) of valuable paper pieces in the distribution process.

[0005]

However, there is a limit to manual measurement in order to measure the amount of valuable paper pieces distributed without disturbing smooth distribution during the distribution process. On the other hand, if mechanical recognition is to be performed, there are various attachment modes of valuable paper pieces, and electronic recognition is not easy.

[0006] Specifically, in the case of a stamp as a kind of valuable paper piece for sticking, when the sticking is too flexible, for example, when a part of the sticking piece is stuck, the image recognition is extremely difficult. It will be difficult.

On the other hand, since it is a valuable piece of paper, it must be possible to visually confirm that it has not already been used. For example, in the case of a stamp, a stamp (postmark) indicating that it has been used is stamped. I am trying to do it. In some cases, punching holes may indicate that the exercise has been completed. Therefore, in the simple image matching, the accuracy of the matching process is deteriorated due to the postmarked image and the punch holes.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to accurately electronically recognize a valuable piece of paper for pasting and to embed information that can be accurately counted. The purpose is to provide a processing system.

[0009]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art includes, in an embedded information processing system, a creating apparatus for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedded information is printed, An extraction processing device for electronically recognizing the valuable paper piece by performing image reading in the distribution process to which the valuable paper piece is pasted to extract the embedded information. Is characterized by.

Further, the valuable paper pieces are stamps, and the distributed items are postal items.

Further, the embedding information includes at least type information for specifying a stamp type, and the extraction processing device is
It is preferable to include an aggregating unit for aggregating the circulation amount for each stamp type based on the type information.

Further, it is preferable that the amount of valuable paper pieces produced is adjusted based on the embedding information extracted by the extraction processing device.

Further, it is preferable that the embedding information extracted by the extraction processing device is transmitted to the creating device side, and the amount of valuable paper pieces produced in the creating device is adjusted based on the transmitted embedding information. .

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedding information processing system, a preparation device for preparing a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedded information is printed, and the valuable paper piece being stuck. A distributed product or the valuable paper piece itself, by performing image reading in the distribution process, and by extracting the embedded information, an extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the valuable paper piece, The extraction processing device,
It is characterized in that it is provided in a plurality of stages in the distribution process of the distribution product, and the embedded information printed on the valuable paper piece is extracted in the plurality of stages.

Further, at least the steps are:
It is characterized in that it includes a step of selling the valuable paper piece and a step of using the valuable paper piece.

[0016] Also, including a counting means, based on the embedded information extracted at the time of sale of valuable paper pieces by the counting means,
The feature is that the sales amount is totaled, and the usage amount is totaled based on the embedded information extracted when the valuable paper pieces are used.

Further, the totalizing means is further characterized by further totaling the difference between the sales amount and the usage amount.

Further, the embedding information extracted in the plurality of steps is the same embedding information.

Further, the extraction processing device separates a distribution product to which the valuable paper piece whose embedding information was successfully extracted is attached and a distribution product to which the valuable information piece whose extraction of the embedding information has failed is attached. It is characterized by including.

In addition, when a plurality of valuable paper pieces are pasted for the distribution product to which the valuable paper pieces for which the embedding information extraction has failed are pasted, and the embedding information is successfully extracted for some of the valuable paper pieces. Is characterized in that the embedded information successfully extracted is made unusable.

[0021] In addition, in the case of the distribution product to which the valuable paper piece for which the embedding information extraction has failed is pasted, a plurality of valuable paper pieces are pasted, and the embedding information extraction is successful for some of the valuable paper pieces. Is characterized by including means for making it possible to distinguish a valuable paper piece that has failed in extraction from a valuable paper piece that has been successfully extracted.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedding information processing system, a creation device for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedded information is printed, and the valuable paper piece being stuck. For the distributed product, by performing image reading in the distribution process, by extracting the embedded information, an extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the valuable paper piece,
It is characterized in that the circulation amount of valuable paper pieces is totaled based on the embedding information.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedding information processing system, a creation device for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedded information is printed, and the valuable paper piece being stuck. A plurality of extraction processing devices that electronically recognize the valuable paper piece by reading the image in the distribution process and extracting the embedded information from the distributed products. And a totalizing device that acquires the result of electronic recognition of the valuable paper pieces and totalizes the circulation amount of the valuable paper pieces based on the electronic recognition result.

Further, the production amount of valuable paper pieces is adjusted on the basis of the information on the circulation amount totaled by the totalizing device.

Further, the information on the circulation amount totaled by the totalizing device is transmitted to the creating device side, and the production amount of valuable paper pieces in the producing device is adjusted based on the transmitted information on the distribution amount. Is characterized by.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedding information processing system, a creating apparatus for creating a stamp on which the stamp information is printed and installed on the stamp issuing organization side, and a mail collection and delivery service. For postal items installed at the station and attached with the stamps, images are read in the distribution process,
An extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the stamp by extracting the embedding information, and the embedding information includes at least type information for identifying a stamp type,
It is characterized in that the result of electronic recognition in the extraction processing device is provided to a process of totalizing the circulation amount for each stamp type.

Further, it is characterized in that it further comprises a totalizing device which is provided on the side of the management center and generates information on the total amount of distribution based on the amount of distribution processed by each mail collection and delivery station side.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedding information processing method, a step of preparing a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedding information is printed, and the valuable paper piece is stuck. And a step of electronically recognizing the valuable paper piece by performing image reading on the distributed material during the distribution process and extracting the embedded information.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is, in an embedded information processing method, a stamp issuing organization,
A step of creating a stamp with embedded information printed on it, and a mail collection / delivery office reads an image of the postal matter to which the stamp is attached during the distribution process to extract the embedded information. According to the method, the stamp is electronically recognized, and the embedding information includes at least type information for identifying a stamp type, and a result of electronic recognition of the stamp is a distribution amount for each stamp type. It is characterized in that it is provided for the aggregation processing of.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the case where the distribution status of stamps in the postal business is totaled will be described as an example. First, a general distribution route of mail will be briefly described. Mail items that are posted to a small-scale post office (non-collection office) that does not carry out post or collection / delivery business are collected at the postal collection / delivery office (usually simply called the "collection / delivery office") that has jurisdiction over the region. In this collection and delivery station, the destination of each mail item is discriminated, and the mail is transported to the general post office (regional division office) in each region. This collection and delivery station is about 2 in Japan
There are 500 stations. The regional divisions further distribute and transport mail to each collection and delivery station according to region, and carry out transportation and delivery work from these collection and delivery stations to each destination. In other words, postal items are generally transported by a route of non-collection / delivery station → collection / delivery station (from / delivery side collection / delivery station) → regional division station → collection / delivery station (destination side / delivery station) → destination, and postmarks are accepted at reception offices (non-collection / delivery station Will be stamped at the collection / delivery office that directly accepted.

The embedded information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention is, as shown in FIG. 1, a stamp creating device 10 arranged on the side of the stamp issuing organization 1 and an extraction arranged on the side of the mail collection and delivery office 2. The processing device 20, the aggregation device 30, and the management center 3
And a totalizing device 40 arranged on the side. Here, the stamp issuing organization 1 may have two or more,
Each stamp issuing organization 1 has a unique issuing number. Each of these parts will be described below.

[Stamp Making Apparatus] As shown in FIG. 2, the stamp making apparatus 10 includes a picture print section 11 and an adhesive application section 12.
The embedded information accumulative printing unit 13, the cutting unit 14, and the control unit 15 are provided. The pattern printing unit 11 prints a stamp design on paper. This pattern printing unit 11
Print multiple stamp designs on a single sheet. The adhesive application section 12 applies an adhesive (a water-soluble material that exhibits adhesion by adsorbing moisture) to the back side of the printed surface of the stamp design of the paper. The embedding information cumulative printing unit 13 prints predetermined embedding information for a plurality of sheets by superimposing it on a stamp design according to an instruction input from the control unit 15. A specific example of this embedded information will be described later in detail. The cutting unit 14 forms perforations for cutting a plurality of stamps on a sheet. Although the adhesive is applied here after the pattern is printed, a sheet to which the adhesive is applied in advance may be used if there is no problem in the pattern printing. In this case, the adhesive application section 12 is not always necessary. Although the pattern printing unit 11 and the embedded information cumulative printing unit 13 are integrally included in the stamp creating apparatus 10 here, they may be provided as separate devices.

The control unit 15 is a general computer, and executes the printing process of the embedded information according to the program stored in the storage unit (not shown). Here, the embedded information is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode or US Pat.
It is printed as a code block optically readable by a computer, such as the "glyph" shown in No. 1,966. In addition, the code block (C1,
C2 ...) is, as shown in FIG. 3, inside the outline of the stamp (the line where the perforations are formed in the cut portion 14),
A plurality of them are densely arranged near the center. For example, it is printed inside the blank area, which is the outside of the stamp design, that is, in an area excluding the blank area. Here, the reason for making a plurality is that the necessary information is made redundant by paying attention to the fact that there is a portion that is obscured by postmarking, etc. The code block was designed so that it will not be cut even if the value is slightly shifted. It is preferable that the embedding information is printed on the postal matter to which the valuable paper piece is attached by using a material having a property different from that of the ink used for the imprinting performed in the collecting and delivering process. That is, it is assumed that printing is performed with toner or ink having a property (for example, light absorption property) different from that of the postmark ink. Preferably, this embedded information is invisible to the human eye, for example printed with infrared absorbing transparent toner. Further, here, the pattern printing unit 11 prints the code block with a single color black ink (K), whereas when printing the black color of the stamp design portion, a single color is used so that the embedded information can be distinguished from the pattern. It is preferable to print as so-called process black obtained by mixing cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks instead of the black ink (K). This is because the black ink (K) absorbs infrared rays, and this is avoided to facilitate mechanical discrimination from the embedded information by the infrared absorbing transparent toner.

Each code block includes, as common information, a stamp amount (price information) and a unique design number assigned to each design of the stamp, and each code block on the stamp is mutually associated with each other. Position information indicating the existing position is included as different individual information. Here, the position information may be information on an identifier for identifying the code block. Further, in this code block, area information indicating the print area of the code block group including a plurality of code blocks, shape information indicating the shape of the stamp, and the stamp issue date and the stamp issuer identification number are common. It may be included as information.

[Stamp making device for printing embedding information together with a pattern] The stamp making device 10 of the present embodiment does not print the embedding information and the design individually, but prints them integrally. May be As shown in FIG. 4, the stamp creating device 10 in this case includes a printing unit 16, an adhesive applying unit 12, a cutting unit 14, and a control unit 15.
The printing unit 16 receives an instruction from the control unit 15
A color printer that integrally prints a predetermined design and embedded information. The adhesive application section 12 and the cut section 1
Since 4 has the same configuration as that already described, its detailed description is omitted.

The control unit 15 operates almost the same as the control unit 15 described above, but the printing unit 1 issues an instruction to integrally print the embedding information and the design of the stamp.
6 is different. That is, this control unit 15
Causes the embedding information to be printed together with the design of the designated design according to the program stored in the storage unit (not shown). Here, the embedded information may be printed as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code, a “glyph” shown in US Pat. No. 5,091,966, or the like as a computer optically readable code block. Alternatively, it may be fusedly printed as a halftone glyph (halftone glyph) so as to blend into the stamp design.
Furthermore, the screen of the color print may be modulated and fused with the stamp design for printing.

The arrangement of each code block and the type of information included in the code block (or the type of information printed in a fused manner) are different from those in the case where the stamp design and the code block described above are individually printed. Since they are the same, detailed description will be omitted. In the case of fusion printing, it is preferable that common information is repeatedly and redundantly included and a unique identifier is associated with each repeating unit. Also here, the adhesive is applied after printing, but a sheet to which the adhesive is applied in advance may be used if there is no problem in printing. Also in this case, the adhesive application section 12 is not always necessary.

[Extraction Processing Device] Next, the extraction processing device 20
Will be described. The extraction processing device 20 includes a scanner unit 21 and an image processing unit 22 as shown in FIG. 5, and the image processing unit 22 is connected to a totaling device 30 described later. The scanner unit 21 is, for example, a CCD (Char
ge Coupled Device) camera, which is provided on the conveyance path that conveys postal items, images the surface of each postal item flowing along the conveyance route, and outputs the imaged image data to the image processing unit 22 as a sample image. To do. This scanner unit 2
1 corresponds to the reading means of the present invention.

The image processing unit 22 is a computer,
As shown in FIG. 5, it is configured to include a CPU 51, a storage unit 52, a hard disk 53, and a communication unit 54. The image processing unit 22 includes a display unit such as a display,
An operation unit including a keyboard and a mouse may be provided. In accordance with the image processing program stored in the hard disk 53, the CPU 51 stores the sample image input from the scanner unit 21 in the storage unit 52, analyzes the sample image, and analyzes at least one valuable paper piece ( The embedded information on the stamp) is extracted, each valuable paper piece (stamp) is electronically recognized, and the recognition result is output to the totaling device 30 via the communication unit 54. The CPU 51 detects a plurality of pieces of embedding information from one stamp because of redundant information included in a plurality of places in consideration of obscuration due to postmarking or the like, which may cause an error in detecting the number of stamps. Predetermined image processing is performed so as not to exist. That is, one embedding information is extracted for one stamp, and the details of the specific processing will be described later.

The storage unit 52 operates as a work memory of the CPU 51. The hard disk 53 stores a program executed by the CPU 51. The communication unit 54 is connected to the totaling device 30 and the scanner unit 21, and is, for example, a serial communication line such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a network communication line such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication unit 54 sends data (information about the electronic recognition result of a stamp, etc.) to a predetermined destination according to an instruction input from the CPU 51, and receives data (for example, the scanner unit 21) via a communication line. (Sample image data from) is output to the CPU 51. The CPU 51, the storage unit 52, the hard disk 53, the communication unit 54, etc. are communicably connected to each other via a bus.

The operation of the image processing program executed by the CPU 51 of the image processing section 22 will be described. C
The PU 51 receives the input of the sample image data from the scanner unit 21, stores it in the storage unit 52, and starts the execution of the image processing program. Since the sample image data is data obtained by capturing an image of a postal matter on the conveyance route of the postal matter, the orientation of the postal matter is undefined, and the stamp (T) is imaged in a state in which it is inclined with respect to the imaging range (R). (FIG. 6A). Note that FIG. 6 shows a state in which four code blocks are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix. The sample image data is a set of a plurality of pixels, and the CPU 51
The sample image data is divided into pixel blocks, and each pixel block of the sample image data is scanned in a predetermined sequence (S) along one side of the rectangular imaging range. CPU51
Scans each pixel block and checks whether or not a part of the code block is included in the pixel block. If it is not included, the scanning is continued. If it is included, the pixel block is "Base point block" (Fig. 6 (b);
Base point detection).

Then, the CPU 51 determines a predetermined rectangular area (r) including the base point (P) on one side (shown in FIG. 6B), and sequentially scans the pixel blocks in the predetermined rectangular area (r). , Based on the information indicating whether or not a part of the code block is included, (1) is a pixel block located at the lower right of the base point and including a part of the code block, and A pixel block (first end point) that does not include a part of the code block in both the right side pixel block and the lower side pixel block, and (2) is located at the lower left of the base point and includes a part of the code block And a pixel block (second end point) that does not include a part of the code block in both the left pixel block and the lower pixel block.

Here, if the predetermined rectangular area (r) is, for example, a rectangular block formed of pixel blocks of a × b (b> a), the pixel block position (x0, y) at the base point
0), and (x0-b, y0)

[Equation 1] A rectangular area with and as diagonal lines (note that the x-axis is the right side of the stamp in the positive direction and the y-axis is the downward direction of the stamp in the positive direction)
And it is sufficient.

The CPU 51 uses the pixel block position (x0, y0) at the base point and the pixel block position (x
1, y1) and the pixel block position of the second end point (x2, y
2), the vector value of the difference between the base point and the first end point is (Δx, Δy) = (x1, y1) − (x0, y).
0) is calculated, and this vector value is used as the position (x
2, y2), and the pixel block position (x3, y3) of the third end point that determines the rectangle of the code block (x3, y3) = (x
2, y2) + (Δx, Δy) is calculated (determination of code block).

The code block is included in the range surrounded by the rectangular area defined by the base point, the first end point, the second end point, and the third end point. The CPU 51 decodes the code block surrounded by this rectangular area and stores the result in the storage unit 52. Here, based on the vector of the difference between the base point and the first endpoint, the inclination θ of the code block is θ = ta.
Since n-1 (Δy / Δx) is obtained, an image rotated with respect to the sample image data so as to correct this inclination θ depending on the nature of the code (when decoding cannot be performed without correcting the inclination). After performing the processing, the code block in the rectangular area defined by the points after the rotation processing may be decoded (code block decoding).

The characteristic of this embodiment is that C
The PU 51 extracts information on the existing position of the code block from the decoding result, recognizes the area in which the code block group is arranged based on the information on the existing position, and uses the recognized area as the scan exclusion area. It is to be used for later processing. Specifically, there are four code blocks,
As shown in FIG. 7, the information is arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix, and the information on the respective positions of the upper left (upper left in the design of the stamp) is “1” for identifying each code block, and the upper right is “1”. 2 ”, lower left one is“ 3 ”, lower right one is“ 4 ”, and so on.
If the PU 51 recognizes the information of the existence position of the identifier “1” by the above process, the predetermined first coordinate on the extension of the line connecting the base point and the first end point and the base point and the second end point are connected. Information of the rectangular area (Rg) surrounding the four code block groups defined by the predetermined second coordinates on the line extension is stored in the storage unit 52 as the scan exclusion area (determination of the scan exclusion area).

Here, the predetermined first and second coordinates on the extension line are
Vector value of the difference between the base point and the first end point (Δx1, Δy
1) = (x1, y1) − (x0, y0), the base point and the second
The vector value of the difference from the end point (Δx2, Δy2) = (x
2, y2)-(x0, y0) is used to determine the first coordinate as (x0, y0) + α (Δx1, Δy1) and the second coordinate (x0, y0) + β (Δx2, Δy2). . These α and β are α> 2 and β> 2 when the code blocks are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix (values larger than “2” in consideration of the blank portion between the code blocks). . However, in the case of a 2 × 2 matrix, it is preferable that α and β are not so large as to exceed “3”.

Then, the CPU 51 repeats the processing of detecting the base point, determining the code block, decoding the code block, and determining the scan exclusion area. Here, the scanning range of the pixel block is the part excluding the scan exclusion area, and when a part of the code block is no longer included in the scanning range excluding the scan exclusion area (the code blocks on all stamps are decoded. Processing is completed).

In this way, the CPU 51 stores at least one decoding result for one mail piece in the storage unit 52, and outputs the accumulated decoding result set to the totaling device 30 via the communication unit 54 after the processing is completed. To do. This set of decoding results corresponds to recognition result information.

[Operation of Extraction Processing Device] Here, it will be described that the extraction processing device 20 correctly acquires information on stamps attached in various modes, by giving some examples. First, in the detection of the base point, when the upper right code block is detected (FIG. 8A), the base point (P0), the first endpoint (P1), and the second endpoint (P2) are detected and are to be decoded. A rectangular area (Rd) including the code block is obtained, and it is recognized from the result of decoding that the position information is “2”, that is, the upper right (the stamp is inclined upward to the right with respect to the scanning direction). It is recognized that the scanning exclusion area (Rg) is determined from each of the base point, the first end point, and the second end point. The same processing is performed when the lower left code block is found in the detection of the base point (FIG. 8B) and when the lower right code block is found in the detection of the base point (FIG. 8C). This Figure 8
The examples shown in (b) and FIG. 8 (c) correspond to the case where the stamp is attached upside down, and the like.

A case where a plurality of stamps are attached will be described. When the stamps are separated from each other as shown in FIG. 9A, but are attached with different inclinations, first, the base point (P0) is detected for the first stamp (T1), From this, the first end point (P1) and the second end point (P2) are detected, and a rectangular area (Rd1) including the code block to be decoded is obtained. Further, the scanning exclusion area (Rg1) is determined from these.
When the CPU 51 continuously scans, the base point (Q0) of the second stamp (T2) is detected in a portion other than the scan exclusion area (Rg1), and the first end point (Q1) and the second end point (Q2) are detected. ) Is detected, a rectangular area (Rd2) including the code block to be decoded is obtained. Also,
From these, the scan exclusion area (Rg2) is determined. In this way, the code blocks Rd1 and Rd2 to be decoded are obtained from each stamp, and the information regarding each stamp is correctly obtained.

Further, since the scanning exclusion area is provided, the information for each stamp can be correctly obtained even when a part of the stamps are pasted and stuck together. ) -FIG. 9 (d) will be described. FIG. 9B shows the case where the second stamp is attached on the first stamp. For the first stamp, the base point (P0), the first endpoint (P1), the second endpoint (P)
The code block to be decoded is determined by the rectangular area (Rd1) and the scanning exclusion area (Rg1) based on the information in 2). This scan exclusion area (Rg
Since 1) includes the code block of the second stamp, the CPU 51 scans the area excluding the scan exclusion area (Rg1) and, as a result, scans the code block in the upper right corner of the second stamp (C).
The base point (Q0) is detected at 2) and the first end point (Q
1), the second end point (Q2) is detected, and the upper right code block is used as the decoding target code block, and the rectangular area (R
The scanning exclusion area (Rg2) is also determined in accordance with d2). Also in this case, the information regarding each of the two stamps can be correctly obtained.

As shown in FIG. 9C, when the first stamp is pasted with the code blocks on the upper left and the upper right of the second stamp hidden, the decoding target of the first stamp is similarly decoded. Code block (C1) and the scan exclusion area (R
g1) is determined, and the code block (lower left code block; C3) to be decoded of the second stamp is detected from the scan of the portion other than the scan exclusion area (Rg1). Therefore, also in this case, the information regarding each of the two stamps can be obtained correctly.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), even when two stamps have different inclinations but a part of them are overlapped and attached, the code block (C1) is formed on the first stamp. The decoding target code block (C1) is determined as the decoding target, the scanning exclusion region (Rg1) is determined accordingly, and the decoding target code block (C1) of the second stamp is determined from the portion other than the scanning exclusion region (Rg1). Therefore, even in such an unusual case, the information about each of the two stamps can be correctly obtained.

The code blocks other than the decoding target code block may be decoded and ignored. Further, when decoding a plurality of code blocks in this way, a majority decision is made using information obtained from a plurality of code blocks (for example, to obtain one decoding result for one valuable paper (stamp)). As the error correction, the information about each stamp may be obtained while using the information of the code block that is not the decoding target.

[Processing when decoding result is error] C
When the code block cannot be decoded for some reason as a result of decoding in the code block decoding process (when the code block is decoded in error), the PU 51 has a rectangular area (Rd) corresponding to the code block. ) Is excluded and the process is repeated from the detection of the base point. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the decoding of the first code block (C1) ends in an error, the second code block (C2) can be read from other than the rectangular area (Rd) corresponding to this code block. The base point (P0) is detected again, and thereafter, based on the second code block, the information regarding the stamp concerned can be obtained from the same processing as described above.

This is as shown in FIG.
The same applies when the code block has disappeared due to a part of the stamp being removed. In this case, the first
Even if the area (R) where the code block (C1) of FIG. From now on, the second code block (C2) becomes the code block to be decoded.

[Another Example of Scan Exclusion Area] Here, a predetermined first coordinate on the extension of the line connecting the base point and the first end point and the line connecting the base point and the second end point are defined as the scan exclusion area. While the information of the rectangular area (Rg) surrounding the four code block groups determined by the predetermined second coordinate on the extension is used, the embedding information in the code block includes the information about the outer shape of the stamp. In this case, the area surrounded by the shape of the stamp may be determined as the scan exclusion area by using the information of the outer shape. In this case, the information for determining the outer shape needs to be set so that the positional relationship with each code block is recognized. For example, coordinate information that determines the outer shape is set as a relative coordinate value from the base point of each code block to any one of the first to third end points.

[Narrowing down the scanning area] In the above description, the CPU 51 was supposed to scan the entire input sample image. However, in the actual situation of the postal service, a stamp is attached to a predetermined rectangular area on the upper left side of the mail. I'm asking you to. Since there is an area defined in the mail collection and delivery regulations in this way, only the area defined by the regulations (hereinafter referred to as the regulated area) may be scanned as the scanning range.
In this case, it is preferable that the scanner unit 21 perform processing for aligning the orientation of the postal matter in a predetermined direction. For example, the top side of the mail in the direction of conveyance of the conveyance path (direction in which the destination can be read)
Align. As the processing for aligning the directions, a method widely known in the recognition processing of the destination (postal code) can be used. Moreover, the CPU 51 determines the scanning range after recognizing the outer shape of the mail in order to determine the upper left side of the mail. A widely known outline extraction process can be applied to the process of recognizing the outer shape of the mail.

[Totaling Device] Next, the operation of the totaling device 30 will be described. The tallying device 30 has a configuration similar to that of a general computer, and as shown in FIG.
1, CPU 62, storage unit 63, and hard disk 6
4, an output unit 65, and an input unit 66. Here, these respective units are bus-connected to each other.

The communication unit 61 is connected to the extraction processing device 20 and outputs the information about the set of decoding results input from the extraction processing device 20 to the CPU 62. The CPU 62 operates according to a program stored in the hard disk 64, and uses a price information of stamps as a key, and a price totaling database (FIG. 12 (a)) in which a numerical value representing the number of appearances of stamps of each price is associated. Using the design number as a key, it manages a design totaling database (FIG. 12 (b)) in which numerical values representing the number of appearances of stamps of each design are associated.

The CPU 62 refers to the price information of each stamp based on the result of each decoding from the set of decoding results input via the communication unit 61, and searches the price totaling database using the price information as a key. . And
If there is a value of the number of occurrences with the price information as a key, the value is incremented. If there is no value of the number of occurrences with the price information as a key, an entry of a database in which the number of occurrences is associated with "1" as the price information is created and registered in the price totaling database.

Further, the CPU 62 refers to the design number of each stamp based on the result of each decoding, and searches the design totaling database using the design number as a key. Then, if there is a value of the number of occurrences with the design number as a key, the value is incremented. If there is no value of the number of appearances with the design number as a key, a database entry is created with the design number as a key and the number of appearances as “1” and registered in the design totaling database.

Further, the CPU 62 outputs the contents of the price totaling database and the contents of the design totaling database (circulation amount information) to the output unit 65 according to the instruction input from the input unit 66. Further, the CPU 62 responds to the instruction by
The contents of the price totaling database and the contents of the design totaling database are output to the totaling device 40 as distribution amount information via the communication unit 61.

The storage section 63 operates as a work memory of the CPU 62. The hard disk 64 stores a counting program executed by the CPU 62. The output unit 65 is a display, a printer, or the like, and a CPU
When the contents of the price totaling database and the contents of the design totaling database are input from 62, these are displayed or printed out. The input unit 66 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and transmits the content of the user's instruction operation to the CPU 62.

That is, the totaling device 30 receives the information of the set of the decoding result of the code block on each stamp from the extraction processing device 20, and receives the distribution amount of the stamp for each price,
Display and aggregate distribution volume information such as distribution volume for each design.
Alternatively, the information is printed out and the distribution amount information is transmitted to the totalizing device 40.

The totaling device 30 may perform other predetermined statistical processing, output the statistical processing result, or transmit the statistical processing result to the totalizing device 40. For example, the circulation amount for each stamp issuing organization 1 may be calculated using the issuing office number, or statistics according to the issue date may be calculated.

[Totaling Device] Next, the operation of the totaling device 40 will be described. The totaling device 40 is arranged in the management center 3, receives communication volume information via a network such as the Internet by communication from the totaling device 30 of the postal collection and delivery office 2 in various places, and calculates the total number of appearances for each price. Calculate In addition, the total number of appearances for each design is calculated. In other words, the totalizing device 40 collects information about the distribution amount of stamps nationwide from both the price side and the design side. The result of tabulation by the totaling device 40 is used as determination of the stamp issuance amount and statistical information indicating which design of the stamp is popular in actual use of the postal service. For example, the totalized result is transmitted to the stamp creating apparatus 10 and used for adjusting the amount of stamp making. As a result, if a large number of 50-yen stamps are used, it is possible to adjust the production amount (issue amount) of the 50-yen stamps to increase accordingly.

The totalizing device 40 is used in the mail collection and delivery office 2
By collecting the distribution amount information from the totalizing device 30 for each region, the statistical information of the distribution amount for each usage region can be obtained. For example, if the sender-side collection / delivery station performs the above-mentioned tabulation, information about the distribution of stamps frequently used by senders in the area can be obtained.

Further, the totalizing device 40 may obtain the result of statistical processing by the totaling device 30 at each place and calculate the national statistical processing result.

[Operation] Next, the operation of the embedded information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case of collecting the distribution status of stamps in the postal service. Each stamp issuing organization uses the stamp creating device 10 to print the embedding information including the price information and the design number of the stamp on the stamp. Here, the embedded information is included in each of the plurality of code blocks and is redundantly described in each of the plurality of locations on the stamp.

This stamp is affixed to a mail item and is posted.
These mail items are collected by the mail collection and delivery office 2. Collection and delivery station 2
On the side, the scanner unit 21 of the extraction processing apparatus 20 generates sample image data that images the surface of each mail and outputs the sample image data to the image processing unit 22, and the image processing unit 22 determines a pixel block of this sample image data in a predetermined manner. Scan in accordance with the sequence to determine the rectangular area of the code block to be decoded (detect the base point and determine the code block) and perform decoding based on the code block (decode the code block). The scan exclusion area surrounding the code block group is determined from the position information included as the embedded information (determination of the scan exclusion area).

Then, the portion other than the scan exclusion area is scanned to further detect the base point, determine the code block, decode the code block, determine the scan exclusion area, and repeat the decoding of the determined code block. In this way, a process of determining and decoding the code blocks on each stamp on the postal matter one by one is performed, a set of decoding results for each stamp is totaled, and the set of decoding results is stored in the totaling device 30. Is output.

The totaling device 30 receives the input of the set of the decoding results, calculates the distribution amount information such as the distribution amount for each price of the stamp, and outputs the distribution amount information to the display or the printer. Send to 40. Total device 4
At 0, the distribution amount information is received from the aggregation device 30 arranged on the side of the postal collection / delivery station 2 in all parts of the country, and statistical information based on the distribution amount information in all parts of the country is calculated and output.

This output result is used as a decision-making agency for the amount of stamps issued and as statistical information indicating which design of stamps is popular in the actual use of the postal service.

[Example of Arrangement of Code Blocks] According to the description so far, the stamp creating apparatus 10 has code blocks of 2 × 2.
Although it is supposed that they are arranged and printed in a matrix of, the arrangement is not limited to this, but may be arranged in two positions on a diagonal line as shown in FIG. 13A, or in FIG. 13B.
As shown in FIG. 5, the central portion and four points around the central portion may be arranged at a total of five places. According to the arrangement as shown in FIG. 13B, for example, when the stamp is attached so that only a part of the center of the stamp is exposed (as shown in FIG. 14, the first and second stamps T
1, T2 partially obscured its upper and lower ends 3
Correct information can be obtained even in the case of the third stamp T3).

Further, invisible ink, such as infrared ink that reacts with infrared rays, may be used for printing the code block.

[Another Example of Valuable Paper Piece for Sticking] In the description of this embodiment, the postage stamp has been described as an example of the valuable paper piece for sticking, but such a sticking valuable paper piece may be a revenue stamp or a patent stamp. Those used by administrative agencies such as, and those used within universities and other organizations such as so-called certificate stamps are also included. The postal paper includes postcards, envelopes, and other papers on which stamps are printed in advance.

Further, here, a valuable paper piece for pasting is read by a series of reading processings such as detection of a base point, determination of a code block, decoding of a code block, and determination of a scan exclusion area, and then the value paper for embedding is embedded in the code block. Although the case of performing classification and aggregation based on price information etc. has been described, for example, in the code block, together with the information for aggregation,
Alternatively, processing parameter information for performing a predetermined processing may be included instead of the information for counting. In this case, based on the set of decoding results output by the extraction processing device 20,
Predetermined processing is performed on the adherend (postal matter here) to which the valuable paper piece is adhered. Examples of the predetermined process include a sealing process and a finisher process such as stapling.

[Aggregation at Multiple Stages in Distribution Process] Further, in the description of this embodiment, the case where the extraction processing device 20 and the aggregating device 30 are arranged in the collection / delivery post office 2 has been described as an example. In consideration of the fact that a piece of paper may not be used even if it is sold (it may not be left in a state of exercising its value), the extraction processing device 20 and the aggregating device 30 are sold not only to the collection and delivery post office 2 but also to the stamp sales. It is also placed on the facility side (local post offices and shops), and the embedded information is extracted not only from the stamp attached on the mail at the time of collection and delivery, but also from the stamp itself which is the valuable paper piece itself at the time of sale. It is also preferable that the totaling device 30 performs totaling, and the totaling device 40 totals the distribution amount at the time of sale and the distribution amount at the time of use in each place as the sales amount and the usage amount, respectively. In this case, the non-use amount (the amount that has been accumulated without being exercised) is calculated by subtracting the used amount from the sold amount, and this is reflected in the adjustment of the amount of stamps, which are valuable pieces of paper. It is suitable. In this case, if the embedding information includes the type of valuable paper piece (information about a design in terms of stamps, etc.), it is possible to obtain information as to which stamp is used (or is not used). Further, the embedded information extracted in these plural stages may be the same embedded information.
This is because it is not necessary to embed the information to be read at each time point.

[Correspondence when Extraction Fails] Further, when the extraction processing device 20 fails to extract the embedded information, the distribution product to which the valuable paper piece is attached can be distinguished from other distribution products. It is also preferable to For example, in the case of postal items, the postal items for which the embedded information was successfully extracted from all the pasted valuable paper pieces and the postal items for which the valuable paper pieces for which the embedded information was failed were pasted Separate. This sorting can be easily realized by combining a widely used belt conveyor and a sorting device.

Here, when a plurality of valuable paper pieces are attached to the distribution product to which the valuable paper pieces for which the embedding information extraction has failed are attached, the embedding information is successfully extracted for some valuable paper pieces. It is also possible that For example, A and B 2
It is possible that the postal information with the stamps attached thereto succeeded in extracting the embedded information for the stamp A but failed in extracting the embedded information for the stamp B. At this time, it is also preferable to disable the embedded information of the stamp A, that is, the embedded information that has been successfully extracted. Here, disabling means preventing information from being transmitted to the aggregation device 30 side, such as deleting information, or preventing aggregation by the aggregation device 30 (for example, adding a flag indicating that the information is invalid). Etc.) means that. This allows, for example, when collecting manually the valuable paper pieces attached to the distribution items that have been classified as having failed in extraction, double counting of the successfully collected and the manually collected It is prevented from being aggregated in.

Further, it is possible to distinguish between the valuable paper piece for which the extraction of the embedded information has failed and the valuable paper piece for which the extraction of the embedded information has succeeded. For example, the extraction processing device 20 performs predetermined printing on a valuable paper piece for which the embedded information extraction has failed. Alternatively, on the sample image data read by the scanner unit 21, the valuable paper piece that failed in extraction and the successful valuable paper piece may be displayed on the display so as to be distinguishable (by changing the color, etc.).

[0084]

According to the present invention, the creation device creates a valuable paper piece for sticking on which the embedding information is printed, and the extraction processing device performs a distribution process on a distributed product to which the valuable paper piece is stuck. It is an embedded information processing system that electronically recognizes the valuable paper piece by reading the image with, acquiring a sample image, and extracting the embedded information from the sample image. Can be performed efficiently, and accurate tabulation processing can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall image of an embedded information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a stamp creating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a stamp created by the stamp creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram showing another example of the stamp creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of an extraction processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the extraction processing device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the extraction processing device.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the extraction processing device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the extraction processing device.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the extraction processing device.

FIG. 11 is a configuration block diagram of a tallying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a database that aggregates distribution information.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a stamp created by the stamp creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pasted state of stamps.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 stamp issuing organization, 2 postal collection and delivery office, 3 management center,
10 stamp making device, 11 pattern printing part, 12 adhesive applying part, 13 embedded information accumulating printing part, 14 cutting part,
15 control unit, 16 printing unit, 20 extraction processing device, 2
1 scanner unit, 22 image processing unit, 30 totalizing device,
40 total device, 51, 62 CPU, 52, 63 storage unit, 53, 64 hard disk, 54, 61 communication unit, 65 output unit, 66 input unit.

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 F term (reference) 2C005 HB10 JA12 JA16 JB12 JB22 KA01 KA40 LA17 LB03 LB16 LB38 LB55 5B057 AA11 AA20 BA02 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CA19 CB01 CB12 CB16 CB19 CE09 CG07 DA08 DC05 5B072 BB00 CC21 CC24 DD01 LL19 5C076 AA14 BA06

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A creating apparatus for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking, on which embedding information is printed, and an image is read in a distribution process for a distributed product to which the valuable paper piece is stuck, so as to perform the embedding. An embedded information processing system, comprising: an extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the valuable paper piece by extracting information. 2. The embedded information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the valuable paper piece is a stamp, and the distributed item is a postal item. 3. The embedded information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the embedded information includes at least type information for identifying a stamp type, and the extraction processing device includes the stamp based on the type information. An embedded information processing system including a counting means for counting the distribution amount of each type. 4. The embedded information processing system according to claim 1, wherein based on the embedded information extracted by the extraction processing device,
An embedded information processing system characterized in that the amount of valuable paper pieces produced is adjusted. 5. The embedded information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the embedded information extracted by the extraction processing device is transmitted to the creating device side, and based on the transmitted embedded information,
An embedded information processing system characterized in that the amount of valuable paper pieces produced in the producing device is adjusted. 6. A creating device for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking, on which embedding information is printed, and a distribution product to which the valuable paper piece is pasted, or the valuable paper piece itself, for reading an image in the distribution process. And an extraction processing device for electronically recognizing the valuable paper piece by extracting the embedded information, wherein the extraction processing device is provided at a plurality of stages in the distribution process of the distribution product. An embedded information processing system, wherein the embedded information printed on the valuable paper piece is extracted in a plurality of stages. 7. The embedded information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of steps include at least a step of selling the valuable paper piece and a step of using the valuable paper piece. system. 8. The embedded information processing system according to claim 7, further comprising a counting means, wherein the counting means totals the sales amount based on the embedded information extracted when the valuable paper pieces are sold. An embedded information processing system characterized in that the usage amount is totaled based on the embedded information extracted when the valuable paper pieces are used. 9. The embedded information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the totalizing unit further performs totalization regarding a difference between the sales amount and the usage amount. 10. The embedded information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the embedded information extracted in the plurality of stages is the same embedded information. 11. The embedded information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the extraction processing device fails to extract the embedded information and the distribution item to which the valuable paper piece for which the embedded information has been successfully extracted is attached. An embedded information processing system characterized by including a means for separating a distributed product to which a valuable paper piece is attached. 12. The embedded information processing system according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of valuable paper pieces are pasted, and a part of the valuable paper pieces is attached to the distribution item to which the valuable paper pieces whose extraction of the embedded information has failed are pasted. With respect to the embedded information processing system, when the embedded information is successfully extracted, the embedded information that has been successfully extracted is made unusable. 13. The embedded information processing system according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of valuable paper pieces are affixed to a distribution item to which a valuable paper piece whose extraction of the embedded information has failed is affixed, and a part of the valuable paper affixed. The embedded information processing system is characterized by including means for making it possible to distinguish a valuable paper piece that has failed to be extracted from a valuable paper piece that has been successfully extracted when the embedded information has been successfully extracted. 14. A creation device for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking, on which embedding information is printed, and an image is read in a distribution process for a distributed product to which the valuable paper piece has been stuck, so that the embedment is performed. An embedding information processing system comprising: an extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the valuable paper piece by extracting information, and totalizing the circulation amount of the valuable paper piece based on the embedding information. . 15. A creating device for creating a valuable paper piece for sticking, on which embedding information is printed, and an image is read in a distribution process for a distributed product to which the valuable paper piece is stuck, so as to perform the embedding. A plurality of extraction processing devices that electronically recognize the valuable paper pieces by extracting information, and obtain the electronic recognition results of the valuable paper pieces from the plurality of extraction processing devices, and the electronic recognition results. An embedding information processing system comprising: a totalizing device that totalizes the circulation amount of the valuable paper pieces based on the above. 16. The embedded information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the amount of valuable paper pieces produced is adjusted on the basis of the information of the circulation amount aggregated by the aggregation device. Processing system. 17. The embedded information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the information on the circulation amount aggregated by the aggregation device is transmitted to the creating device side, and based on the transmitted information on the circulation amount, An embedded information processing system characterized in that the amount of valuable paper pieces produced in the producing device is adjusted. 18. A stamping device installed on the side of a stamp issuing organization to create a stamp with embedded information printed thereon, and a distribution process for a postal matter installed at a mail collection and delivery office, to which the stamp is attached. And an extraction processing device that electronically recognizes the stamp by extracting the embedded information by performing image reading with, and the embedded information includes at least type information for identifying a stamp type. The embedded information processing system is characterized in that the result of electronic recognition in the extraction processing device is provided to the processing of totalizing the circulation amount for each stamp type. 19. The embedded information processing system according to claim 18, wherein the management center side is configured to generate information on a total distribution amount based on the distribution amount processed by each postal collection and delivery station side. An embedded information processing system further comprising a totaling device. 20. A step of creating a valuable paper piece for sticking on which embedding information is printed, and an image is read in a distribution process for a distributed product to which the valuable paper piece is stuck, so that the embedded information And a step of electronically recognizing the valuable paper piece by extracting the embedded information processing method. 21. A stamp issuing organization creates a stamp on which embedding information is printed, and a mail collection / delivery office reads an image of a postal matter to which the stamp is attached during the distribution process. And recognizing the stamp electronically by performing extraction of the embedded information, wherein the embedded information includes at least type information for identifying a type of stamp, and the electronic stamp The embedded information processing method, wherein the result of the static recognition is provided to the processing of totalizing the circulation amount for each stamp type.