JP5380222B2 - Sorting machine and stamping machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, for example, read-image information such as fluorescence or afterglow in the paper sheet being conveyed, read on the basis of the image information, sorter to determine the destination information indicated by a bar code, and, stamps The present invention relates to a stamping machine that detects

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many scanners as image input devices read image information by scanning paper sheets with a line sensor in which image sensors such as CCDs are arranged. Many of such scanners perform shading correction in order to correct unevenness of output pixel values caused by non-uniform illumination, non-uniform optical systems, non-uniform sensitivity of each sensor, and the like. In the shading correction, the output signal of each pixel of the line sensor is corrected based on a preset correction coefficient. The correction coefficient for shading correction is a set value for correcting variation in the output of each pixel from the line sensor. The correction coefficient for shading correction is a value that is set so that the output value of each pixel in the line sensor becomes a constant value when a medium with uniform brightness is scanned. Such a correction coefficient for shading correction is set in advance before reading an image of a sheet to be actually read.

  In a conventional scanner, a shading correction correction coefficient is generally calculated based on pixel data obtained by reading a medium called a shading correction plate. In the conventional scanner, in the adjustment of the correction coefficient, the shading correction plate fixed at the reading position of the scanner is scanned, and the correction coefficient is set so that the read pixel value of the shading correction plate becomes constant. For this reason, the shading correction plate is required to have uniform luminance without unevenness in luminance (density) at least in the reading region by the scanner.

  However, conventionally, a scanner configured to read an image of a conveyed paper sheet with the position of the line sensor fixed is required to adjust the shading correction plate each time the correction coefficient for shading correction is adjusted. The work of fixing to the reading position must be performed. In such a conventional method, it takes time and effort to fix and remove the shading correction plate each time correction coefficient adjustment processing is performed.

  Further, as described above, the shading correction plate is required to have uniform luminance without unevenness in luminance at least in the reading region by the scanner. In particular, when the line sensor and the shading correction plate are both fixed, the position on the shading correction plate scanned by the line sensor is also fixed. For this reason, the shading correction plate is required to have uniform brightness with as high accuracy as possible and without uneven brightness. However, in general, the higher the required luminance uniformity, the more technically difficult to prepare the shading correction plate itself, and the more expensive it becomes.

Also, some sorters of paper sheets have a fluorescent scanner that reads image information printed on paper sheets with special ink such as fluorescent ink (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a scanner (fluorescent scanner), it is necessary to prepare a medium in which the reading area on the shading correction plate is in a uniform light emission state. It is considered that it is not technically easy and costly to prepare such a medium that emits light uniformly as a shading correction plate.
An afterglow scanner that reads afterglow (also referred to as phosphorescence) is configured to detect afterglow with a photoelectric conversion sensor after irradiating light with a specific wavelength (light for exciting the afterglow component). For this reason, in the afterglow scanner, if the position of the excitation light source or the line sensor for detecting the afterglow is fixed, the medium with the shading correction plate fixed cannot scan the afterglow. That is, the conventional afterglow scanner cannot read the fixed shading correction plate, and therefore cannot adjust the correction coefficient for shading correction.

JP 2009-157817 A

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sorting machine and a stamping machine that can reduce the labor of the adjustment of the scanner and can easily adjust the scanner without much cost.

A sorting machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports paper sheets, and a line sensor that reads a fluorescent component of each pixel in a main scanning direction in a predetermined reading region, and the paper sheets by the transport unit fluorescence sheet based a fluorescent scanner conveying direction are disposed such that the sub-scanning direction, the paper sheet to be processed is conveyed by said conveying means to an image of fluorescent ink read by the fluorescent scanner Determination means for determining information indicating a sorting destination provided with ink, sorting means for sorting the paper based on information indicating the sorting destination determined by the determination means, and transported by the transport means. A calculation method for averaging pixel data in a main scanning direction for a plurality of lines obtained by sequentially reading an adjustment card including a fluorescent component in a corresponding area of the reading area with a line sensor of the fluorescent scanner. And setting means for setting a correction amount for shading correction for each read pixel of the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner, based on pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the read results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculation means Have

A stamping machine according to one aspect of the present invention irradiates a light having a predetermined wavelength that excites an afterglow ink onto a paper sheet transported by a transport unit that transports paper sheets and the paper transport unit . A line sensor that reads the light emission state of the afterglow ink at each pixel in the main scanning direction of the paper sheet after irradiation with light of a wavelength as an afterglow component, and the transport direction of the paper sheet by the transport unit is An afterglow scanner installed so as to be in the scanning direction, and a paper sheet to be processed conveyed by the conveying unit is applied to the paper sheet based on an image of an afterglow component read by the afterglow scanner. adjustment comprising a detection unit for detecting specific information are, a stamping means for stamping for specific information detected based on the image of the afterglow component by the detecting unit, the afterglow component conveyed by the conveying means Card Based on calculation means for averaging pixel data in the main scanning direction for a plurality of lines sequentially read by the line sensor of the optical scanner, and pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the reading results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculation means And setting means for setting a correction amount for shading correction for each read pixel of the line sensor of the afterglow sensor.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an image input device, a sorting machine, a stamping machine, and an image input that can reduce the labor of the adjustment of the scanner and can easily adjust the scanner without enormous cost. A method for adjusting the apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting machine as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a barcode reader having a fluorescent scanner. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an adjustment card for a fluorescent scanner. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a scan position with respect to the shading correction target range. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of pixel data of each line obtained by reading the shading correction target range in the adjustment card by the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating pixel data for one line obtained by averaging the pixel data in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a correction coefficient used for shading correction. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of scanner adjustment processing for the barcode reader. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a paper sheet sorting and stamping machine as the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the afterglow detection unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an afterglow scanner. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an adjustment card for an afterglow scanner.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, as a first example of the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment, a sorting machine 1 that sorts paper sheets based on destination information will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting machine 1 as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
This sorter 1 recognizes and classifies information (destination information) indicating the sort destination of paper sheets. In other words, it is assumed that the destination information is described with numerals and characters on the first surface of the paper sheets to be processed by the sorting machine 1. Further, it is assumed that some paper sheets have information indicating a sorting destination printed with a barcode with a fluorescent ink.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting machine 1 is provided with an operation panel 10 on the front surface. The operation panel 10 includes a display device with a built-in touch panel. The operation panel 10 is used for an operator (operator) to designate a processing mode and a processing start, and to display an operation state of a sorting machine.

  The sorter 1 includes a supply unit 11 that stores paper sheets to be processed. A plurality of sheets (a plurality of sheets) are set in the supply unit 11 in the same direction. The supply unit 11 supplies paper sheets to the transport path 12 one by one at a predetermined interval. The paper sheets supplied by the supply unit 11 at regular intervals are conveyed by the conveyance path 12 at a constant conveyance speed. A BCR (bar code reader) 13, a character recognition unit (OCR) 14, a BCW (bar code printer) 15, a BCR (bar code reader) 16, and a sorting unit 17 are provided on the conveyance path 12. . These units are controlled by the sorting control unit 18 according to the processing status for each paper sheet.

  The BCR 13 reads a barcode (ID barcode or destination barcode) printed with fluorescent ink on a paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 12. The BCR 13 has a fluorescent scanner 13a as a reading unit and a control unit 13b having a function as a barcode recognition unit. The fluorescent scanner 13a is a scanner that reads an image of fluorescent ink used for printing a barcode. The control unit 13b has a function of detecting a barcode from the fluorescent image read by the fluorescent scanner 13a and recognizing the detected barcode. The barcode recognition result by the BCR 13 is supplied from the control unit 13b to the sorting control unit 18.

  The OCR 14 reads an image (black and white image or color image) of a paper sheet conveyed by the conveyance path 12, and recognizes information indicating a classification destination from the read image. The OCR 14 includes a scanner 14a and a control unit 14b having a function as a character recognition unit. The scanner 14a optically reads an image on a paper sheet as a monochrome image or a color image. The control unit 14b of the OCR 14 is supplied with the image of the paper sheet read by the scanner 14a. The control unit 14b recognizes the destination information described in numerals or characters on the paper sheet based on the supplied paper sheet image.

  The BCW 15 prints a barcode (ID barcode or destination barcode) on a sheet as necessary. For example, the BCW 15 prints a destination barcode obtained by converting the destination information into a barcode on a paper sheet whose destination information has been recognized by the OCR 14. For the paper sheets whose destination information could not be recognized by the OCR 14, the BCW 15 converts the identification information (ID code) given from the sorting control unit 18 into a bar code. Print the ID barcode. That is, the BCW 15 prints the recognition result as a destination barcode on paper sheets for which the destination information was recognized, and prints an ID barcode on paper sheets for which the destination information could not be recognized.

  Here, the destination barcode is a barcode indicating destination information as a recognition result by OCR, and the ID barcode is a barcode indicating identification information for identifying the paper sheet. For example, paper sheets on which an ID barcode is printed are temporarily collected together. The destination information of the temporarily accumulated paper sheets is determined separately. For example, the destination information of paper sheets that could not be recognized by the OCR 14 is determined by a system called a video coding system (VCS). The VCS is a system in which an operator who views an image of a paper sheet inputs key information for destination information. In this case, the destination information input by key entry is stored in a database (not shown) in association with the ID code. Such paper sheets are again supplied to the sorting machine and sorted based on destination information corresponding to the ID code indicated by the ID barcode read by the BCR 13.

  A BCR (bar code reader) 16 is provided on the downstream side of the BCW 15. The BCR 16 is used for confirming reading (verify reading) the barcode printed by the BCW 15. Similar to the BCR 13, the BCR 16 has a fluorescent scanner 16a and a control unit 16b. Since the fluorescent scanner 16a and the control unit 16b can be realized by the same configuration as the fluorescent scanner 13a and the control unit 13b described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The paper sheet whose barcode is confirmed by the BCR 16 is sorted by the sorting unit 17. The sorting unit 17 includes a plurality of sorting pockets (not shown) partitioned into a plurality of stages and a plurality of rows. Each pocket is associated with destination information. Thereby, the sorting unit 17 sequentially accumulates the paper sheets in the pocket corresponding to the destination information.

Next, the configuration of the BCRs 13 and 16 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the BCRs 13 and 16. Note that, as described above, the BCR 13 and the BCR 16 can be realized with the same configuration, and therefore will be described as a configuration example of the BCR 13 here. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluorescent scanner 13a is installed so that the image of the paper sheet P conveyed through the conveyance path 12 can be read. The fluorescent scanner 13a is connected to the control unit 13b. In particular, an image read by the fluorescent scanner 13a is input to the control unit 13b via the image input board 13c. Further, the control unit 13b is connected to the operation panel 10.

  The fluorescent scanner 13 a reads a fluorescent image on the paper sheet P conveyed through the conveyance path 12. The fluorescent scanner 13a has a line sensor in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in the main scanning direction. The fluorescent scanner 13a reads the fluorescent image on the paper sheet P by sequentially scanning each line in the main scanning direction. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the paper sheet P is transported on the transport path 12. For this reason, the fluorescent scanner 13a installed at a fixed position captures each line in the main scanning direction at a constant interval, thereby scanning the paper sheet P in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction).

  The fluorescent scanner 13a corrects and outputs an output signal from the line sensor based on a preset correction amount (correction coefficient). For this reason, the fluorescent scanner 13a has a correction table indicating the correction amount for each signal for one line. The correction table is set by the control unit 13b. However, the output signal of the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner 13a may be corrected by the control unit 13b. In this case, the correction table is provided in the control unit 13b.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, BCRs 13 and 16 applied to a sorting machine for sorting paper sheets P are assumed. Further, it is assumed that the paper sheets processed by the sorting machine are those in which barcodes are printed with fluorescent ink in a predetermined area. For this reason, the fluorescent scanner 13a sets a predetermined reading area on the paper sheet P conveyed on the conveying path 12 as a fluorescent image reading target. That is, the reading area of the fluorescent scanner 13a is set to be an area where a barcode can be printed with fluorescent ink.

Next, adjustment for the fluorescent scanner will be described.
In the fluorescent scanner as described above, as in a general scanner, unevenness in output values may be caused by non-uniform illumination, non-uniform optical systems, non-uniform sensitivity of each sensor, and the like. Such unevenness of the output value should be corrected by shading correction. The shading correction is a process for correcting a signal output from each pixel of the line sensor based on a preset correction coefficient. In the present embodiment, the correction coefficient for the fluorescent scanner is set based on image information obtained by the fluorescent scanner reading the adjustment card (fluorescent scanner adjustment card) in the transport state.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an adjustment card for a fluorescent scanner.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment card for the fluorescent scanner is composed of cardboard containing a fluorescent light emitting component. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3, there is printing with black ink on a cardboard containing a fluorescent light emitting component. The adjustment card has a size corresponding to the size of the paper sheet P to be processed by the sorting machine 1. For example, the adjustment card shown in FIG. 3 assumes a C5 size.

  The adjustment card for the fluorescent scanner is provided with a reading area (shading correction target range) for shading correction. Nothing is printed in this reading area. That is, the shading correction target range (lower right hatched portion in FIG. 3) in the adjustment card is a state of a cardboard containing a fluorescent light emitting component and is not completely uniform, but is a substantially uniform fluorescent image region. It is. Further, the shading correction target range in the adjustment card indicates an area where a barcode can be printed with fluorescent ink on a paper sheet to be processed by the sorting machine 1, and corresponds to a reading area of the fluorescent scanner. . That is, the fluorescent scanner reads the shading correction target range when the adjustment card is conveyed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a scan position by the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner with respect to the shading correction target range.
As described above, the fluorescent scanner reads the shading correction target range in the adjustment card in the transport state. The line sensors of the fluorescent scanner are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the adjustment card. For this reason, the line sensor sequentially reads each line as indicated by an arrow in FIG. For example, the resolution of the fluorescent scanner is 5 lines / mm. As a result, the fluorescent scanner outputs a result of reading the shading correction target range in the adjustment card for a plurality of lines.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner reads the shading correction target range in the adjustment card.
In FIG. 5A, each graph shows a pixel value for each line read by the line sensor. As described above, since the shading correction target range in the adjustment card is not completely uniform, there is minute unevenness. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5A, it seems that random noise (variation) is mixed in the pixel data of each line read by the line sensor. Here, all the reading results of these lines are averaged. Then, pixel data for one line as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. In the pixel data for one line shown in FIG. 5B, noise (variation) in each line is canceled.

  Therefore, it can be considered that a graph showing averaged pixel data for one line can obtain a result close to a smooth curve as shown in FIG. 5B. If such averaged pixel data for one line is obtained, the averaged pixel data for one line is displayed and the operator is inquired about the necessity of shading correction (necessity of adjustment of the correction coefficient). It is possible. Further, according to the averaged pixel data for one line, a correction coefficient used for shading correction can be calculated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a correction coefficient used for shading correction. FIG. 6 shows a state of shading correction for each pixel for one line.
Here, for example, pixel data for one line as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. When pixel data for one line is obtained, a value having the highest luminance is set as a correction target value. In other words, with the maximum pixel value as a reference, a target is set such that the reading result of the shading correction plate with uniform brightness becomes a constant value for all pixels.

  When a correction target value is set, a correction coefficient for each pixel is calculated that converts each pixel value for one line into a target value. According to such a correction coefficient, as shown in FIG. 6, each pixel value is converted into a target value. Such correction coefficients for each pixel are stored as a correction table. Such a correction table is set in each fluorescent scanner, for example, and performs correction (shading correction) using a correction coefficient for each pixel value of the read image.

Next, scanner adjustment procedures for the BCR 13 (16) will be described.
The scanner adjustment for the BCR 13 (16) can be realized with the configuration shown in FIG. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 13b (16b) or the division control unit 18 connected to the fluorescent scanner 13a (16a) mainly performs each process of scan adjustment. The control unit 13b (16b) has the same hardware configuration as an electronic computer having a CPU, various memories, and various interfaces. Therefore, the control unit 13b (16b) implements each process by executing a scanner adjustment program. It should be noted that the section control unit 18 may perform the scan adjustment processes mainly, but here, the control unit 13b (16b) performs the scan adjustment processes. . The scanner adjustment may be performed by a personal computer (PC) in which a scanner adjustment program is installed in the fluorescent scanner.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of scanner adjustment processing for the BCR 13 (16).
First, the operator sets an adjustment card in the supply unit 11 and instructs the operation panel 10 to start the adjustment tool. Then, the control unit 13b activates a scanner adjustment program (adjustment tool) (step S11). When the scanner adjustment program is activated, the control unit 13b conveys the adjustment card set in the supply unit 11 along the conveyance path 12 (step S12). When the shading correction target range of the adjustment card conveyed through the conveyance path 12 reaches the reading position of the BCR 13 (scanning position of the line sensor of the fluorescence scanner 13a), the fluorescence scanner 13a starts scanning (step S13). When the adjustment card is further conveyed, the shading correction target range is scanned by the fluorescent scanner 16a of the BCR 16 (step S13). Although the adjustment of the BCR 13 will be described here, the same adjustment can be performed for the BCR 16 as well.

  That is, when the shading correction target range of the adjustment card conveyed through the conveyance path 12 reaches the scanning position of the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner 13a, the fluorescent scanner 13a sequentially captures output signals from the line sensor at regular intervals. This output signal is pixel data of each line in the main scanning direction read by the fluorescent scanner 13a as shown in FIG. The captured pixel data of each line is sequentially stored in a buffer memory (not shown) (step S14).

  When such pixel data acquisition processing for each line is performed on the entire shading correction target range, the control unit 13b calculates an average value for each pixel of pixel data for each line accumulated in a buffer memory (not shown). With this calculation, the control unit 13b calculates pixel data for one line averaged as a result of reading the entire shading correction target range (step S15). The averaged pixel data for one line is, for example, shown in a graph as shown in FIG.

  When the pixel data for one line is calculated, the control unit 13b displays a selection screen for allowing the operator to select whether or not shading correction is necessary on the operation panel 10 (step S16). This selection screen can be realized, for example, as shown in FIG. In the example of the selection screen shown in FIG. 2, an icon (button) “Adjust” (adjustment execution) is displayed together with a graph indicating pixel data for one line. The operator sees a graph showing pixel data for one line and determines that shading correction (adjustment) is necessary. When it is determined that shading correction is necessary, the operator instructs an “Adjust” button for requesting execution of adjustment.

  When it is instructed that adjustment is necessary (step S17, YES), the control unit 13b performs a process of calculating a correction coefficient for shading correction from the averaged pixel data for one line (step S18). In this case, the control unit 13b sets a target value and calculates a correction coefficient for each pixel such that each pixel for one line becomes the target value. The target value is a value that should be all pixel values after correction. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a pixel value having the maximum luminance among the averaged pixel data for one line is set as the target value.

  When the correction coefficient as described above is calculated, the control unit 13b sets the calculated correction coefficient for each pixel in the correction table (step S19). In the form in which the fluorescent scanner 13a outputs image data after shading correction, a correction coefficient is set in a correction table provided in the fluorescent scanner 13a. However, when shading correction is performed in the control unit 13b, a correction coefficient is set in a correction table provided in the control unit 13b.

  When the calculated correction coefficient is set in the correction table, the control unit 13b re-executes (retry) the re-scanning (reading for readjustment or confirmation) of the shading correction target range to which the shading correction by the set correction coefficient is applied. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S20). For example, the retry may be executed in accordance with an instruction from the operator, or may be repeatedly executed until it is instructed that adjustment is unnecessary on the selection screen displayed in step S16.

  When it is determined that the retry is executed based on the above determination (step S20, YES), the control unit 13b returns to step S11 and repeatedly executes the above-described processing. In this case, when the operator sets the adjustment card in the supply unit 11 again, the adjustment card is conveyed again. If it is determined that retry is not necessary (NO in step S20), the control unit 13b determines that the scanner adjustment process is to be ended, and ends the adjustment tool (step S21).

  As described above, instead of using a fixed shading correction plate, a correction coefficient for performing shading correction of the line sensor is calculated based on image information scanned by carrying a correction card for correction. Thereby, it is not necessary to attach or remove the correction plate for shading correction at the reading position of the scanner, and adjustment processing can be performed only by transporting the adjustment card.

  When calculating a correction coefficient using a fixed shading correction plate, if the scanner is fixed, the line sensor scans the same line many times. For this reason, in order to calculate a highly accurate correction coefficient, the quality and brightness of the reading position on the shading correction plate must be uniform. This means that a high cost is required to prepare a fixed shading correction plate. For example, a medium on which fluorescent ink is uniformly printed is required. On the other hand, in the shading correction using the adjustment card according to the present method, an average value obtained by scanning a plurality of times while gradually shifting on the medium is used. For this reason, the uniformity of the fluorescence image on the adjustment card does not need to be uniform, and the adjustment card can be created at low cost.

Next, as a second example of the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment, a stamping machine 2 that stamps a specific area such as a stamp on a paper sheet will be described.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a paper sheet sorting and stamping machine (hereinafter also simply referred to as a stamping machine) 2 as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
The paper sheet sorting and stamping machine 2 as shown in FIG. 8 detects paper stamps such as stamps, postpayment stamps or fee meters attached to paper sheets such as postal items. The front and back of the leaves are aligned, and a date stamp (postmark) is further stamped on a stamp or the like, and is classified according to the type of paper sheet (for example, ordinary mail or express mail).

As shown in FIG. 8, the stamping machine 2 includes a control unit 30, a supply unit 31, a conveyance path 32, an afterglow detection unit 33, a fee stamp detection unit 34, a reversing unit 35, a stamping unit 36, a sorting unit 37, and an operation. A panel 38 is provided. In the stamping machine 2, a feeding unit 31, an afterglow detection unit 33, a fee stamp detection unit 34, a reversing unit 35, a stamping unit 36, and a sorting unit 37 are arranged on the transporting path 32 in the order in which the paper sheets are transported. Is provided. Note that a character recognition unit (OCR) for recognizing characters written on paper sheets may be provided between the supply unit 31 and the afterglow detection unit 33.
First, paper sheets are supplied to the supply unit 31 by an operator. At this time, the operator supplies the paper to the supply unit 31 without aligning the front and back of the paper sheet. The supply unit 31 takes out the sheets one by one and supplies them to the conveyance path 32.

  The afterglow detection unit 33 reads an image formed with afterglow ink on a paper sheet by detecting afterglow (also referred to as phosphorescence) from the paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 32. It is. The afterglow detection unit 33 includes afterglow scanners 33a and 33b that read an afterglow image on a paper sheet, and an identification unit 33c that identifies a stamp based on the afterglow image read by the afterglow scanner 33a or 33b. Have. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two afterglow scanners 33 a and 33 b are installed in the afterglow detection unit 33 so as to face each other across the conveyance path 32. By these two afterglow scanners 33a and 33b, the afterglow detection unit 33 can read afterglow images on both sides of the paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 32. Further, the identification unit 33c realizes various processing functions when a control element such as a CPU executes a control program.

  The fee stamp detection unit 34 performs processing for detecting a fee stamp assigned to a paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path. The fee stamp detection unit 34 includes scanners 34a and 34b that read an image of a paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path, and a detection unit 34c that detects a fee stamp from the read image. In the fee stamp detection unit 34, the two scanners 34a and 34b are installed facing each other across the conveyance path 32. By these two scanners 34 a and 34 b, the fee stamp detection unit 34 can read images on both sides of the paper sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 32.

  Two images of the front and back surfaces of the paper sheets read by the scanners 34a and 34b are sent to the detection unit 34c. The detection unit 34c detects the fee stamp from the two-sided image of the paper sheet read by the scanners 34a and 34b. The detection unit 34c supplies the control result to the control unit 30. For example, the detection unit 34c uses, as a processing result, information indicating whether or not a fee stamp has been detected, information indicating a surface on which the fee stamp has been detected, information indicating a position of the detected fee stamp, and the like. It is supplied to the control unit 30. The detection unit 34c may be a function realized by a control element such as a CPU executing a control program.

  The control unit 30 performs processing for discriminating the type of the fee stamp and identifying the stamp based on the identification result by the afterglow detection unit 33 and the processing result supplied from the fee stamp detection unit 34. Then, the processing for the paper sheet is determined. For example, the control unit 30 uses the stamping unit 36 in the current conveyance state based on information indicating the surface where the stamp or the fee stamp is detected and information indicating the position where the fee stamp is detected. It is determined whether or not it is possible to seal the paper amount stamp. If it is determined that the sheet can be stamped by this determination, the control unit 30 conveys the sheet to the stamping unit 36 in the current conveyance state without reversing the sheet by the reversing unit 35. Let Further, when it is determined that the paper sheet cannot be stamped in the current transport state, the control unit 30 reverses the paper sheet by the reversing unit 35 and transports the paper sheet to the stamping unit 36. To control.

  The detection unit 34c also has a fee stamp recognition function for recognizing the detected fee stamp. The detection unit 34c recognizes the type, face value, and the like of the fee stamp by performing a pattern recognition process between the detected fee stamp image and a fee stamp image pattern stored in a dictionary (not shown). Based on the recognition result of the fee stamp by the detection unit 34c, the control unit 30 determines the type of the paper sheet. For example, the control unit 30 determines the type of the paper sheet based on the face value of the fee stamp detected by the fee stamp detector 34. The determination result is supplied from the control unit 30 to the sorting unit 37.

  Paper sheets processed by the fee stamp detection unit 34 are conveyed to the reversing unit 35 via the conveyance path 12. The reversing unit 35 performs a reversing process for arranging the orientation of the paper sheets based on the control by the control unit 30. For example, the control unit 30 determines whether or not to reverse the paper sheet until the paper sheet is conveyed from the fee stamp detection unit 34 to the reversing unit 35. As a result, the reversing unit 35 executes the reversing process for the paper sheets in accordance with the control by the control unit 30. That is, the reversing unit 35 conveys the paper sheet to the stamping unit 36 in a state where it can be stamped on the fee stamp according to the control of the control unit 30.

Paper sheets are conveyed from the reversing unit 35 to the stamping unit 36 via the conveyance path 32. In addition, information indicating the position of a fee stamp such as a stamp is supplied from the control unit 30 to the stamping unit 36. As a result, the stamping unit 36 performs a stamping process on the position of the fee stamp on the paper sheet.
The sorting part 37 is provided with a plurality of collecting parts (sorting ports) (not shown). The sorting unit 37 transports the paper sheets subjected to the stamping process by the stamping unit 36 via the transport path 32. Further, information indicating the type of paper sheet is supplied from the control unit 30 to the sorting unit 37. Accordingly, the sorting unit 37 sorts the paper sheet for each type.

Next, the configuration of the afterglow detection unit 33 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the afterglow detection unit 33, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b. As shown in FIG. 9, the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b are installed so that images on both sides of the paper sheet P conveyed through the conveyance path 32 can be read. The afterglow scanners 33a and 33b are connected to the identification unit 33c. In particular, the read image by the afterglow scanner 33a is input to the identification unit 33c through the image input board 33d, and the read image by the afterglow scanner 33b is input to the identification unit 33c through the image input board 33e. Further, the identification unit 33c is connected to the operation panel 38.

  The afterglow scanners 33 a and 33 b read an afterglow image on the paper sheet P conveyed through the conveyance path 32. Since the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b can be realized with the same configuration, the configuration of the afterglow scanner 33a will be mainly described here. As shown in FIG. 10, the afterglow scanners 33 a and 33 b are arranged with respect to the conveyance path 32 in a state where the casing 52 having the light source 51 and the casing 54 having the line sensor 53 are shielded from each other. Formed by the unit 50.

  The light source 51 emits light (for example, ultraviolet light) for exciting the afterglow ink, and emits light having a wavelength corresponding to the characteristics of the afterglow ink. The line sensor 53 includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts afterglow into an electric signal for one line in the main scanning direction, and is a sensor that detects the emission state (afterglow image) of afterglow ink for each line. .

  The casing 52 provided with the light source 51 and the casing 54 provided with the line sensor 53 are provided with slits 52a and 54a for allowing light to pass through the surfaces contacting the conveyance path 32, respectively. The slit 52a is for irradiating light from the light source 51 to the paper sheet transported through the transport path 32. The slit 52a is for taking in light from the paper sheet transported through the transport path 32 into the line sensor. However, the position of the slit 52a for allowing the light from the light source 51 to pass through the paper sheet is disposed in front of the light passing through the line sensor 53 in the transport direction of the paper sheet P by the transport path 32. The

  Transport rollers 41a and 41b (41a and 41b) are provided on both sides of the unit of the afterglow scanner 33a (33b) on the side in contact with the transport path 32, and the afterglow scanner 33a (33b) is sandwiched between the transport paths 32. Sponge rollers 42 a (42 b) are provided at positions facing the unit 50. By this sponge roller 42a, the paper sheet P conveyed through the conveyance path 32 is conveyed while being pressed against the unit 50 side of the afterglow scanner 33a. As a result, the paper sheet is conveyed in close contact with the unit 50 of the afterglow scanner 33. For this reason, the light shielding property is maintained by the paper sheet P and each slit.

  That is, the paper sheet P is further transported through the transport path 32 in a state where it is shielded after being irradiated with light from the light source 51, and scanned by the line sensor 53. For example, the position irradiated with light from the light source 51 is designed to be scanned by the line sensor 53 after several milliseconds. That is, in the unit 50 of the afterglow scanner 33a, the line sensor 53 does not receive the light reflected from the paper by the light source 51, but the light excited by the light from the light source 51 (afterglow). ) Is received through the slit 54a.

  The afterglow scanner 33a (33b) reads an afterglow image on the paper sheet P by sequentially scanning each line in the main scanning direction with the line sensor 53. In the configuration example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the line sensor 53 of the afterglow scanner 33a (33b) installed at the fixed position keeps the afterglow from the conveyed paper sheet P constant for each line in the main scanning direction. By taking in at intervals, the paper sheet P is scanned in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction). For example, the resolution of the afterglow scanner 33a (33b) is assumed to be 2 lines / mm.

Further, the afterglow scanner 33a (33b) corrects and outputs an output signal from the line sensor based on a preset correction amount (correction coefficient). For this reason, the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b each have a correction table indicating the correction amount for each signal for one line. The value of each correction table is set by the identification unit 33c. However, the output signals of the line sensors of the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b may be corrected by the identification unit 33c. In this case, the correction table as described above is provided in the identification unit 33c.
In the present embodiment, an afterglow detection unit 33 for detecting a stamp or the like in the paper sheet P is assumed. For this reason, the afterglow detection range by the afterglow detection unit 33 assumes that both surfaces of the paper sheet P are to be detected in front.

Next, adjustment of the afterglow scanner will be described.
In the afterglow scanner as described above, as in the case of a general scanner or the above-described fluorescent scanner, unevenness in output values may occur due to non-uniform illumination, non-uniform optical systems, non-uniform sensitivity of each sensor, and the like. is there. Such unevenness of the output value should be corrected by shading correction. The shading correction is a process for correcting a signal output from each pixel of the line sensor based on a preset correction coefficient. In the present embodiment, the correction coefficient for each afterglow scanner is set based on image information obtained by the afterglow scanner reading an adjustment card (afterglow scanner adjustment card) in the transport state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an adjustment card for an afterglow scanner.
In the example shown in FIG. 11, the adjustment card for the afterglow scanner is printed with black ink and afterglow ink on a white plastic plate. The adjustment card has a size corresponding to the size of the paper sheet P to be processed by the stamping machine 2. For example, the adjustment card shown in FIG. 11 assumes a C5 size. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the shaded area is the area where the afterglow ink is applied. The area where the afterglow ink is applied is a reading area (afterglow shading correction target range) for adjusting a correction coefficient for shading correction. In this afterglow shading correction target range, afterglow ink is applied almost uniformly throughout, but it is assumed that the afterglow shading correction target range is not completely uniform.

  Here, it is assumed that the two afterglow scanners 33a and 33b facing the conveyance path 32 read both sides of the paper sheet. In this case, both sides of the adjustment card are configured as shown in FIG. Such an adjustment card can be realized, for example, by bonding two adjustment cards. Further, if such an adjustment card is used, the adjustment to both afterglow scanners 33a and 33b becomes possible if the adjustment card is conveyed once.

  Even in the adjustment of the afterglow scanner, the afterglow shading correction target range is averaged for a plurality of lines read in the sub-scanning direction, and the operator can select whether adjustment is necessary based on the averaged pixel data, Or calculating a correction coefficient. That is, it is difficult to apply afterglow ink completely and uniformly over the entire reading area, but the adjustment card can be obtained by averaging pixel data obtained by reading a plurality of reading areas for shading correction. The influence of unevenness of afterglow ink can be reduced.

Next, the adjustment procedure of the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b in the afterglow detection unit 33 will be described.
Adjustment of the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b in the afterglow detection unit 33 can be realized with a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, the identification unit 33c or the control unit 30 connected to the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b mainly performs the afterglow scanner adjustment processing. The identification unit 33c has the same hardware configuration as an electronic computer having a CPU, various memories, and various interfaces, and each process is realized by the CPU executing a scanner adjustment program. In addition, although the control unit 30 may perform the adjustment process mainly, it is assumed here that the identification unit 33c performs the adjustment process. Further, the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b may be adjusted in a state in which the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b are connected to a personal computer (PC) in which a scanner adjustment program is installed.

The adjustment process for the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b can be executed in the same flow as the adjustment process for the fluorescent scanner 13 described above. Therefore, the flow of adjustment processing for the afterglow scanners 33a and 33b will also be described with reference to FIG.
First, the operator sets an adjustment card in the supply unit 31 and instructs the activation of the adjustment tool through the operation panel 38. Then, the identification unit 33c activates a scanner adjustment program (adjustment tool) (step S11). When the scanner adjustment program is activated, the identification unit 33c conveys the adjustment card set in the supply unit 31 along the conveyance path 32 (step S12). When the afterglow shading correction target area on one side of the adjustment card conveyed through the conveyance path 32 reaches a predetermined position of the afterglow scanner 33a (a position where light from the light source 51 of the afterglow scanner 33a is irradiated), the afterglow The scanner 33a starts afterglow scanning (processing for scanning afterglow after irradiating light) (step S13). When the adjustment card is further conveyed, the afterglow scanner 33b scans the afterglow shading correction target range on the opposite surface of the adjustment card (the reading surface opposite to the afterglow scanner 33a) (step S13). Although the adjustment of one afterglow scanner 33a will be described here, the same adjustment is performed on the other afterglow scanner 33b.

  That is, when the afterglow shading correction target range of the adjustment card conveyed through the conveyance path 32 reaches the scanning position of the line sensor of the afterglow scanner 33a, the afterglow scanner 33a outputs the output signal from the line sensor at regular intervals. Capture sequentially. This output signal is pixel data of each line in the main scanning direction read by the afterglow scanner 33a. The captured pixel data of each line is sequentially stored in a buffer memory (not shown) (step S14).

  When such pixel data acquisition processing for each line is performed on the entire afterglow shading correction target range, the identification unit 33c calculates an average value for each pixel of pixel data for each line accumulated in a buffer memory (not shown). To do. With this calculation, the identification unit 33c calculates pixel data for one line averaged as a result of reading the entire afterglow shading correction target range (step S15). The averaged pixel data for one line is, for example, shown in a graph as shown in FIG.

  When the pixel data for one line is calculated, the identification unit 33c displays on the operation panel 38 a selection screen for allowing the operator to select whether or not shading correction is necessary (step S16). This selection screen can be realized, for example, as shown in FIG. In the example of the selection screen shown in FIG. 9, a graph indicating pixel data for one line and an icon (button) “Adjust” (adjustment execution) are displayed as a result of reading by one afterglow scanner. (Adjustment) The “Right” icon and the “Left” icon for switching the afterglow scanner to be targeted are displayed. When the operator determines whether or not shading correction (adjustment) is necessary by looking at the displayed graph showing the pixel data for one line, if the operator determines that shading correction is necessary, the operator performs the adjustment. Instruct the "Adjust" button to request. Also, when displaying the reading result of the other afterglow scanner, either the “Right” icon or the “Left” icon is instructed. Thus, the operator can determine whether or not adjustment is required for the two afterglow scanners by appropriately referring to the reading results of the respective afterglow shading correction target ranges.

  When it is instructed that adjustment is necessary (step S17, YES), the identification unit 33c performs a process of calculating a correction coefficient for shading correction from the averaged pixel data for one line (step S18). In this case, the identification unit 33c sets a target value and calculates a correction coefficient for each pixel such that each pixel for one line becomes the target value. The target value is a value that should be all pixel values after correction. For example, the pixel value having the maximum luminance among the averaged pixel data for one line is set as the target value.

  When the correction coefficient as described above is calculated, the identification unit 33c sets the calculated correction coefficient for each pixel in the correction table corresponding to each afterglow scanner 33a and 33b (step S19). When the calculated correction coefficient is set in the correction table, the identification unit 33c determines whether or not to re-execute (retry) the afterglow shading correction target range to which the shading correction based on the set correction coefficient is applied (step). S20). For example, the retry may be executed according to an instruction from the operator, or may be repeatedly executed until an instruction is given to the operator that adjustment is unnecessary.

  When it is determined that the retry is executed based on the above determination (step S20, YES), the identification unit 33c returns to step S11 and repeatedly executes the above-described processing. In this case, when the operator sets the adjustment card in the supply unit 31 again, the adjustment card is conveyed again. If it is determined that retry is not necessary (NO in step S20), the identification unit 33c determines that the scanner adjustment process is to be ended, and ends the adjustment tool (step S21).

  As mentioned above, considering the principle of afterglow scanner, when the medium coated with afterglow ink is fixed to the reading range as a shading correction plate, it is structurally difficult to scan afterglow after light emission, The adjustment of shading correction performed by fixing the shading correction plate cannot be used for the afterglow scanner. However, as long as the afterglow scanner is used for the shading correction adjustment based on the result of reading the afterglow shading correction target range by transporting the adjustment card as in the present method, it can be easily realized. Further, even when a plurality of afterglow scanners are installed as in a stamping machine, the plurality of afterglow scanners need only be conveyed once by transferring an adjustment card having the same contents printed on both sides as described above. Adjustments can be performed.

  P ... paper sheets, 1 ... sorter, 2 ... stamping machine, 10 ... operation panel, 11 ... supply section, 12 ... transport path, 13, 16 ... bar code reader (BCR), 13a, 16a ... fluorescent scanner, 13b , 16b ... control unit, 13c, 16c ... image input board, 14 ... character recognition unit (OCR), 15 ... bar code writer (BCW), 17 ... division unit, 18 ... division control unit, 30 ... control unit, 31 ... Supply unit, 32 ... transport path, 33 ... afterglow detection unit, 33a, 33b ... afterglow scanner, 33c ... identification unit, 33d, 33e ... image input board, 34 ... fee stamp detection unit, 35 ... reversing unit, 36 ... Stamping part, 37 ... Sorting part, 38 ... Operation panel, 41a, 41b ... Conveyance roller, 42a ... Sponge roller, 50 ... Unit for afterglow scanner, 51 ... Light source, 52 ... Housing part, 52a, 54a ... DOO, 53 ... line sensor, 54 ... housing.

Claims (8)

Conveying means for conveying paper sheets;
A fluorescent scanner having a line sensor that reads a fluorescent component of each pixel in a main scanning direction in a predetermined reading region, and installed so that a conveyance direction of a sheet by the conveyance unit is a sub-scanning direction;
Determining means for determining information indicating the sorting destination granted in fluorescent ink on the paper sheet based on the image of the fluorescent ink of the processing target sheet read by the fluorescent scanner to be conveyed by said conveying means,
Sorting means for sorting the paper sheets based on information indicating the sorting destination determined by the determining means ;
A calculation means for averaging pixel data in a main scanning direction for a plurality of lines obtained by sequentially reading an adjustment card including a fluorescent component in a corresponding area of the reading area conveyed by the conveying means with a line sensor of the fluorescence scanner;
Setting means for setting a correction amount for shading correction for each read pixel of the line sensor of the fluorescent scanner, based on pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the read results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculation means;
Sorting machine characterized by that. The fluorescent scanner reads a barcode printed on a paper sheet with fluorescent ink,
The determination means extracts a barcode printed with fluorescent ink from the fluorescent ink image read by the fluorescent scanner, and determines information indicating a classification destination by the extracted barcode.
The sorting machine according to claim 1. Further, pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the reading results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculating means are displayed, and a selection screen for selecting whether or not shading correction is required for the reading results of the scanner is displayed on the display device. Having a display means,
The sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2. Further, a character recognition unit that reads an image of a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying unit and recognizes character information indicating a classification destination from the read image;
A printing unit that prints information indicating the sorting destination recognized by the character recognition unit on the paper sheet with fluorescent ink,
The fluorescent scanner reads information indicating a sorting destination printed on a paper sheet by the printing unit with fluorescent ink.
The sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Conveying means for conveying paper sheets;
The paper sheet transported by the transport means is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength that excites the afterglow ink, and the residual light in each pixel in the main scanning direction of the paper sheet after the light of the predetermined wavelength is irradiated. An afterglow scanner having a line sensor that reads the light emission state of the optical ink as an afterglow component, and installed so that the conveyance direction of the paper sheets by the conveyance unit is the sub-scanning direction;
A detection unit that detects specific information given to the paper sheet based on an image of an afterglow component obtained by reading the paper sheet to be processed conveyed by the conveyance unit with the afterglow scanner;
Stamping means for stamping specific information detected based on the image of the afterglow component by the detector ;
Calculation means for averaging pixel data in the main scanning direction for a plurality of lines obtained by sequentially reading the adjustment card including the afterglow component conveyed by the conveyance means by the line sensor of the afterglow scanner;
Setting means for setting a correction amount for shading correction for each read pixel of the line sensor of the afterglow sensor, based on pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the read results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculation means;
Having a stamping machine. The afterglow scanner reads an image of afterglow components,
The detection unit detects a stamp on a paper sheet based on an image of an afterglow component read by the afterglow scanner,
The stamping means stamps the stamp detected by the detection unit;
The stamping machine according to claim 5. Further, pixel data in the main scanning direction obtained by averaging the reading results of the adjustment card calculated by the calculating means are displayed, and a selection screen for selecting whether or not shading correction is required for the reading results of the scanner is displayed on the display device. Having a display means,
The stamping machine according to any one of claims 5 and 6. Furthermore, it has a reversing unit for reversing the sheets so that the surface having the image formed with afterglow ink becomes the surface to be imprinted by the imprinting means,
The afterglow scanner comprises a first afterglow scanner and a second afterglow scanner installed so as to face a conveyance path for conveying paper sheets,
The adjustment card has a region where afterglow ink is applied on both sides,
The calculation means averages pixel data in a main scanning direction for a plurality of lines obtained by sequentially reading the adjustment card with a line sensor of the first afterglow scanner, and the adjustment card is used for the line of the second afterglow scanner. Average the pixel data in the main scanning direction for multiple lines read sequentially by the sensor,
The setting means sets a correction amount for shading correction for the first afterglow scanner and a correction amount for shading correction for the second afterglow scanner, based on a calculation result by the calculation means.
The stamping machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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