JP3332048B2 - Optical counting device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical counting device which is most suitable as a counting device for counting the number of stamps remaining at present from a stamp seal at a post office, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a staff member counts the stock of a stamp for each type of stamp and replenishes the shortage so that the stock of the stamp becomes a fixed amount at the start of the business as a post office service. Was. Also, the number of stamps is counted for each type of stamp in order to know the stock amount of the stamp.

[0003]

However, counting the number of stamps manually involves many mistakes in counting, is troublesome, and requires time and effort. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to quantitatively count and output the degree of cutting of a stamp sheet or the like as an object to be measured.

[0004]

The means of the present invention are as follows. (1) The plurality of optical sensors are arranged in a matrix on a mounting table on which a sheet constituted by pieces that can be separated in a matrix direction as an object to be measured is mounted. Here, the sheet that can be left in the row and column direction is, for example, a sheet composed of pieces such as stamps and income stamps. The optical sensor is disposed below a mounting table made of, for example, transparent glass or transparent synthetic resin on which a stamp sheet or the like is mounted, or is disposed above the mounting table. (2) The counting means quantitatively counts the number of remaining sheets based on the detection output of each optical sensor. In this case, the counting means counts the number of remaining stamps constituting, for example, a stamp sheet or the like. (3) The output means is a printing device or a display device for outputting the count value obtained by the counting means. (4) The plurality of light sensors are arranged in a matrix with respect to the mounting table, and the plurality of light emitting elements are sequentially driven in a time-division manner, and a single light receiving element receives irradiation light from each of the light emitting elements. The counting means may quantitatively count, for example, the number of remaining stamps constituting a stamp sheet based on the detection output of the light receiving element. Therefore, in a sheet from which each piece as the object to be measured can be separated, the number of remaining pieces of each piece can be quantitatively counted and output.

[0005]

[0006]

First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an optical counting device for automatically counting the number of stamps. The apparatus main body 1 is entirely formed in a flat plate shape. On the upper surface thereof, a mounting table 2 made of transparent glass or transparent resin on which the stamp sheet is mounted is formed slightly larger than the size of the stamp sheet. I have. The mounting table 2 is mounted at a position slightly lower than the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1, and the step portion forms a stamp sheet guide wall 3. A large number of optical sensors 4 arranged in a 10 × 10 matrix are provided below the mounting table 2. That is, in a state where the stamp sheet is placed on the mounting table 2, each optical sensor 4 is installed at regular intervals so as to face each piece (stamp) constituting the stamp sheet at a fixed interval of 1: 1. Irradiates light from The optical sensor 4 includes a pair of light emitting diodes and a phototransistor, and irradiates a stamp sheet placed on the mounting table 2 with light from below, and receives reflected light to determine whether or not there is a stamp at a facing position. It is configured to output a sense signal indicating whether or not it is. In general, stamp sheets are the same size, regardless of the denomination (one yen stamp, two yen stamp, etc.), except for special stamps such as commemorative stamps. Since the size is the same irrespective of the type of stamp, in this embodiment, 10 × 10 optical sensors 4 are arranged at regular intervals in association with the shape of the stamp sheet, so that the number of remaining sheets for all types of stamp sheets Is possible.

On the other hand, a keyboard 5 for inputting amount data, various commands, and the like, and a liquid crystal display 6 for displaying a counted value obtained by counting the number of stamps are provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1. Further, an LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) constituting an electronic circuit is provided inside the apparatus main body 1, and the entire optical counting apparatus is electronically controlled by the electronic circuit.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the keyboard 5. On this keyboard 5, a numeric keypad AK, an arithmetic operation key BK, a power-on key CK, and the like for setting the amount of money per stamp for each type of stamp are shown. Power off key DK,
A count key EK, an equal key FK, a clear key GK, and an all clear key HK are provided. Here, the counting key EK is operated when starting the counting operation for counting the number of stamps, and is operated every time the counting operation is started while placing the stamp sheets one by one on the mounting table 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the optical counting device. The optical counting device has a CPU 11 as a core. The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that controls the entire operation of the optical counting device according to various programs in a ROM 12. The input unit 13 has the keyboard 5 and the like, and the CPU 11 takes in the data input from the input unit 13, processes the data, gives the processed data to the display unit 14 including the liquid crystal display 6 and the like, and outputs the data. Sensor unit 15
Has an optical sensor 4 and the like, and the CPU 11 counts the current number of stamps remaining on the stamp sheet based on the detection signal.

The RAM 16 stores a preset value, a counted number of sheets, a deficient number of sheets, an accumulated amount, and the like for each type of stamp.
Here, the preset value is arbitrarily set in advance for each type of stamp, and is a proper stock quantity indicating how many stamps must be prepared for each type at the start of work. The counted cumulative number is the current cumulative number obtained by counting the number of stamps for each type of stamp, and the count value counted for each stamp sheet is added to the corresponding cumulative number of stamps for each type. . The number of missing stamps is a value obtained by subtracting the corresponding accumulated number of sheets until now from the preset value (appropriate stock number) for each type of stamp, and indicates the number of stamps that are currently missing. In addition, the accumulated amount is amount data obtained by multiplying the total number of stamps by the amount per stamp for each type of stamp.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart that is started when the power is turned on. First, in step A1, it is checked whether the count key EK has been operated. If a key other than the count key EK has been operated, the process proceeds to step A2 to perform other input processing. For example,
When a key operation is performed according to a predetermined key operation procedure determined in advance and a preset mode is designated, in this preset mode, the appropriate number of stamps for each type of stamp is entered from the input unit 13. Then, the numeric data is set in the RAM 16 as a preset value.

On the other hand, when the count key EK is operated in a state where the stamp sheet is placed on the placing table 2, each optical sensor 4
Is driven, whereby the irradiation light from the light emitting diode is reflected by the back surface of the stamp sheet, and the reflected light is received by the phototransistor, so that a sense signal indicating whether or not there is a stamp at the installation position of each optical sensor 4 is provided. Is output from each optical sensor 4, the CPU 11 starts a counting operation based on the sense signal (step A3). That is, if there is a stamp at a position facing the optical sensor 4, light from the light emitting diode is reflected by the stamp and received by the phototransistor. If the sense signal is turned off in this case, if a stamp is cut out of the sheet, the light sensor 4 at the position facing the portion cannot receive light from the light emitting diode, so that the sense signal is Turns on. Therefore, when the ON number of the sense signal output from each optical sensor 4 is counted, the value is the number of stamps remaining on the stamp sheet. The current count value thus obtained is stored in an internal register (not shown) (step A3). And the next step A
Proceed to 4 to perform a money amount calculation process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the money amount calculation processing. First, it is checked whether the numerical data is held in the CPU 11 (step B1). That is, it is checked whether the amount data per stamp which is currently being counted has already been input. At first, since no number is detected, the process proceeds to step B2, and it is checked whether or not the amount data has been input by the ten keys AK. Now, when the amount data per stamp is input, the number processing is performed and the number data is stored and held in the internal register (step B3). Next, it is checked whether the multiplication key has been operated (step B4). If not operated, the process returns to step B2. Here, when the multiplication key is operated, the current count value stored and held in the CPU 11 is read out, and the count value is multiplied by the data of the number of moneys to calculate the amount of money according to the number of remaining stamps. This amount is stored as an accumulated amount in the RAM 16 for each type of stamp (step B6).

When such amount calculation processing is completed, the process proceeds to step A6 in FIG. 4, in which the current count value held in step A4 is read, and the counted accumulated number in the RAM 16 corresponding to this type is read. This count value is accumulated. Next, the accumulated number is subtracted from the preset value in the RAM 16 corresponding to this type, and the value is set as an insufficient number.
The number is stored in the AM 16 (step A7), and the shortage number and the accumulated number are displayed and output (step A7).
8). Next, it is checked whether the all clear key HK has been operated (step A9). Here, the all clear key HK is operated when the counting of all stamp sheets of the same type is completed. If the all clear key HK is not operated, the process returns to step A1. The counting key EK is operated on the mounting table 2.

Now, when all the stamp sheets of the same type have been counted and the all clear key HK is operated, the process proceeds to the next step A10, where the set number data (money amount data per stamp of the type counted this time). Is cleared. Then, it is checked whether or not the equal key FK has been operated (step A11). Here, the equal key FK is operated when the counting of all types of stamps is completed. If the equal key FK is not operated, the process returns to step A1, and thereafter, the next type of stamp sheet is placed on the mounting table. 2 and the counting key EK is operated. When the counting operation is completed for all types of stamp sheets, the equal key FK is operated. Then, the process proceeds to step A12, where the accumulated amount, the accumulated number, and the insufficient number stored in the RAM 16 for each type of stamp are read out and displayed.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a stamp sheet is placed on the mounting table 2 and the count key EK is operated, the current number of remaining stamp sheets is counted and displayed. In this case, if the amount of money data per stamp is set, the accumulated amount, the accumulated number, and the number of deficient numbers are obtained and displayed for each type of stamp, so that the inventory management of stamps can be performed extremely easily. Become.

[0017]

Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the light sensor 4 including the light emitting diode and the phototransistor is provided for each piece constituting the stamp sheet. However, in the present embodiment, the number of phototransistors that are more expensive than the light emitting diode is reduced. It is a reduction. That is, the light emitting diodes are arranged in a 10 × 10 matrix as in the first embodiment, and are sequentially lit according to the dynamic driving method, and the irradiation light from the light emitting diodes is introduced into a single phototransistor. It is something to do. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the optical counting device. A keyboard 23 and a liquid crystal display 24 are provided on the upper surface of the device main body 21 in addition to a mounting table 22 on which a stamp sheet is mounted. The mounting table 22 is formed to be slightly larger than the size of the stamp sheet similarly to the above-described embodiment, the surrounding wall forms a stamp sheet guide wall, and the light emitting diodes 25 arranged in a matrix are provided below the guide sheet guide wall. ing. That is, in the present embodiment, the light sensors composed of a pair of light emitting diodes and a phototransistor are not arranged in a matrix as in the first embodiment, but only the light emitting diodes are arranged in a matrix.

The apparatus main body 21 is provided with a cover 26 that can be opened and closed. This cover 26
A reflection plate 27 that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting diode 25 is provided on the inner surface (the surface facing the mounting table 22). The reflection plate 27 allows light to be introduced into a light collecting port 28 provided at one end of the cover 26, and the light emitted from the light collecting port 28 is transmitted to a single phototransistor provided inside the apparatus main body 21. be introduced.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the optical counting device.
The PU 29 outputs row drive signals A1 to A10 and column drive signals B1 to B10 to dynamically drive the light emitting diodes 25 arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. 8, and turns on / off the corresponding switching transistor 30. The operation is controlled so that the light emitting diodes 25 are sequentially turned on in a time division manner. The irradiation light from the light emitting diode 25 is reflected by the reflection plate 27 and introduced into the light collecting port 28, and the phototransistor 31 facing the light collecting port 28 receives the light and gives the sense signal to the CPU 29.

In this embodiment constructed as described above, when the counting operation is started in a state where the stamp sheet as the object to be measured is placed on the mounting table 22, the CPU 29 causes the row drive signals A1 to A10, By outputting the signals B1 to B10 and controlling the on / off operation of the corresponding switching transistor 30, the light emitting diodes 25 arranged in a matrix are sequentially turned on in a time-division manner according to a dynamic driving method. FIG. 9 shows the driving signal A in this case.
1 shows signal waveforms a1 to a10 and b1 to b10 on the output side of a switching transistor 30 whose on / off operation is controlled in accordance with 1 to A10 and B1 to B10. As a result, the light emitting diodes 25 are sequentially driven for lighting in a time-division manner. In this case, in the portion where the stamp is cut off, the irradiation light from the light emitting diode 25 passes through the mounting table 22 and strikes the reflection plate 27, is introduced into the light collecting port 28 and is received by the phototransistor 31. If the sense signal in this case is turned on (low level), the light emitted from the light emitting diode 25 is blocked by the stamp in the portion where the stamp is present.
In this case, the sense signal is turned off (high level). Therefore, the CPU 29 can count the number of stamps remaining on the stamp sheet by counting the number of ON of the sense signal until all the light emitting diodes 25 are turned on by the dynamic driving. The present embodiment thus configured has the same effects as the first embodiment, and the present embodiment requires only a single phototransistor, which is extremely advantageous in terms of cost.

Although the number of remaining stamp sheets is counted in each of the above embodiments, the number of cut sheets may be counted. Further, the setting position of the optical sensor is not limited to the position below the stamp sheet, but may be disposed above the stamp sheet.

[0022]

According to the present invention, in a stamp sheet or the like from which each piece can be separated as an object to be measured, the number of remaining pieces of each piece of the stamp sheet or the like can be quantitatively counted and output. This makes it possible to accurately and easily determine the stock quantity of each piece, and is optimal for inventory management of each piece such as a stamp.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an optical counting device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical counting device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the optical counting device which is started when the power is turned on.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of step A5 (money amount calculation processing) in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of an optical counting device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration diagram of an optical counting device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a dynamic driving state of the light emitting diode 25.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation of the optical counting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 21 Device main body 2, 22 Mounting table 4 Optical sensor 6, 24 Liquid crystal display 11, 29 CPU 12 ROM 13 Input part 14 Display part 15 Sensor part 16 RAM 25 Light emitting diode 30 Switching transistor 31 Photo transistor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06M 11/00 G06M 7/00 G01B 11/28 G01V 9/04

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An object to be measured can be separated in a matrix direction.
A plurality of optical sensors arranged in a matrix on a mounting table on which a sheet constituted by each piece is mounted, and a sheet is configured based on the detection output of each optical sensor.
An optical measuring device, comprising: counting means for quantitatively counting the number of remaining pieces of each piece; and output means for outputting a count value obtained by the counting means. A plurality of light sensors arranged in a matrix with respect to the mounting table and driven in a time-division manner; and a single light sensor for receiving irradiation light from the light-emitting elements. The optical system according to claim 1, further comprising a light receiving element, wherein the counting means quantitatively counts the number of remaining pieces of each sheet based on a detection output of the light receiving element. Measuring device.