JP5423094B2 - Image input apparatus, image input method, and paper sheet processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus, an image input method, and a paper sheet processing apparatus including the image input apparatus.

The sorting device, which is one of the paper processing devices, normally performs sorting processing for each destination for postcards and standard mails called letters, or non-standard thin mails and mail services called flats. . The sorting device includes a supply device for supplying paper sheets, an image input device for character recognition for imaging paper sheets, a reading device for reading destination information of paper sheets, and paper sheets based on destination information. It is equipped with an integration device that collects various kinds of products.
Further, in the sorting apparatus, it is necessary to perform pre-processing for arranging address faces on paper sheets before performing sorting processing. That is, in the sorting device, when paper sheets with addressed faces are loaded, the supply device supplies paper sheets, and one image input device for character recognition that captures only one side is letter or flat. Only the address face of No. is imaged, and the address information is character-recognized for classification.

By the way, with regard to letters, a sorting and stamping device that detects stamps and fee meters called indicia, and prepares and stamps the side with the indicia has been put into practical use. In this assortment stamping device, a phosphorescence / fluorescence detector for detecting only one surface and a color image input device are arranged on the front and back surfaces, respectively. In other words, the sorting and stamping device is provided with two phosphorescence / fluorescence detectors and a color image input device to perform pre-processing for sorting addressed surfaces (usually surfaces with indicia).
On the other hand, as for the flat, a sorting apparatus such as the above letter has not been put into practical use.

Various techniques related to the present invention have been proposed.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of an information reading apparatus that forms an image of reflected light from a subject on an imaging unit via an optical system and reads information on the subject.
The information reading apparatus includes a transfer means, a light source, and a light interrupting means for alternately making the light reflected from one surface of the subject and the light reflected from the other surface incident on the imaging means. The system is characterized in that the light reflected from each surface of the subject is imaged on the imaging means.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-090862

  However, although the sorting device described above can efficiently read and sort letters and flat addresses, it is necessary to first perform pre-processing work to prepare the address surfaces before they are put in, thus promoting automation. It is requested. However, in order to realize further automation, it is necessary to clear various conditions. For example, in an image input device, there is a demand for downsizing, economy, or improvement in imaging quality for various subjects. Yes.

In addition, the letter stamping device that detects indicia has been put to practical use in letters, but phosphor and fluorescence detectors and color image input devices that detect only one surface are arranged on the front and back surfaces, respectively. ing. For this reason, there has been a problem that the size of the apparatus is increased correspondingly, and the apparatus cannot be reduced in size, and a problem that the manufacturing cost cannot be reduced.
Furthermore, for letters without indicia, there was a problem that work for aligning the address face manually would occur (it is not possible to reduce labor costs).

On the other hand, with regard to flats, all work is usually done manually. This is because there are fewer items than letters, so there is no cost-benefit effect to introduce a sorting device, there are few indicia objects to be stamped, and the automation effect is still weak, or companies such as catalogs give out to individuals There are many things, and there is a reason that they do not have to have the address side because they already have the address side.
However, for example, even if the address side of the catalog has already been prepared, there are cases where 10 books are actually packed with the front and back alternately reversed to make the packing size smaller. After all, there is a need to pay close attention to the address surface before applying to the sorting device.
Therefore, regarding the flat, it is desired to improve the efficiency of the division while suppressing the cost.

  Moreover, although the technique of patent document 1 is a technique relevant to this invention, the front surface and back surface of the to-be-moved subject are imaged alternately. For this reason, the image becomes every other line, and the image is lost. Therefore, restrictions are imposed on device specifications such as resolution and transport speed, and the above-mentioned problems cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-described problems, and can be downsized, and can improve economy, imaging quality, and the like, an image input device, an image input method, and An object is to provide a paper sheet processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image input apparatus according to the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a subject, a light source that irradiates light on the front and back surfaces of the subject transported by the transport unit, and the light. In addition, the imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that simultaneously images the front and back surfaces of the subject in a linear field of view that intersects the conveyance direction.

  In the image input method of the present invention, the conveying unit conveys the subject, the light source irradiates light on the front and back surfaces of the subject conveyed by the conveying unit, and the imaging unit irradiates the light. In this method, the front surface and the back surface of the subject are simultaneously imaged with a linear field of view that intersects the transport direction.

  Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present invention includes a supply device that supplies paper sheets, an image input device that images the paper sheets, a reading device that reads destination information of the paper sheets, and a list of addresses. At least one of an apparatus, a stamping apparatus, and a stacking apparatus on which the paper sheets are stacked based on the destination information, and the image input device includes a transport unit that transports the paper sheets, and the transport unit. A light source that irradiates light on the front and back surfaces of the paper sheet being transported, and a front and back surface of the paper sheet that has been irradiated with the light are simultaneously imaged in a linear field of view that intersects the transport direction. The image pickup means is provided.

  According to the image input device, the image input method, and the paper sheet processing device of the present invention, the image input device, the image input method, and the like that can be reduced in size and can improve economy, imaging quality, and the like. A paper sheet processing apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a main part for explaining the imaging optical system of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image data transmission circuit of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3c is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 a is a schematic diagram showing an output image of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing data output timing of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image data transmission circuit of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating illumination ON control timing of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram showing an output image of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing data output timing of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image data transmission circuit of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating illumination ON control timing of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 a is a schematic view showing an output image of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating data output timing of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the imaging optical system of the image input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A is a schematic perspective view showing the conveying means of the image input apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view showing the imaging optical system of the image input apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[First Embodiment of Image Input Apparatus and Image Input Method]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a conveying unit that conveys a subject 2 (such as a conveying belt 7 and upstream guide plates 3 and 4), and a front surface and a back surface of the subject 2 that is conveyed by the conveying unit. , A light source that emits light (white LED (Light Emission Diode) illumination unit 10) and an imaging unit that simultaneously images the front and back surfaces of the subject 2 irradiated with the light with a linear field of view 31 that intersects the conveyance direction 1 (Imaging unit 11, mirror unit 12, etc.).
The subject 2 is a paper sheet. Paper sheets refer to postcards, sealed letters, magazines, catalogs, books, and the like, and include flat delivery items such as CDs and video cassettes.

(Conveying means)
The conveying means includes a pair of opposed conveying belts 7 hung on the upstream roller 5, a pair of opposed conveying belts 7 hung on the downstream roller 6, an upstream guide plate (front side) 3, an upstream guide plate ( Back side) 4, a pair of photoelectric sensors 15, a rotary encoder 17, and the like.

  First, the transport means transports the subject 2 in the transport direction 1 at a constant speed so that the upstream transport belt 7 sandwiches the subject 2. Next, the upstream guide plate (front side) 3 and the upstream guide plate (back side) from the upstream conveyor belt 7 before the imaging position intersecting the camera optical axis (front side) 13 and the camera optical axis (back side) 14. ) 4, the subject 2 is handed over, and subsequently, a pair of glass (front side) 8 and glass (back side) 9 facing each other at the imaging position is passed. Further, the transport belt 7 on the downstream side transports the subject 2 in the transport direction 1 at a constant speed so as to sandwich the subject 2.

  For the purpose of imaging, the distance at which the nipping and conveying by the conveying belt 7 is temporarily interrupted (that is, the distance between the upstream roller 5 and the downstream roller 6 shown in FIG. 1) is at least the subject 2. It is set to 1/2 or less of the minimum size. As a result, the subject 2 moves at a constant speed without decelerating in the imaging section provided between the upstream roller 5 and the downstream roller 6. For example, if the postcard size (length in the transport direction 1 = 140 mm) is the minimum size of the subject 2, the upstream roller 5 and the downstream roller 6 are arranged so that the interval is 70 mm or less.

Further, when the thickness of the subject 2 fluctuates by a thickness of about 0.2 to 10 mm, for example, the distance between the upstream guide plate 3 and the upstream guide plate 4 and the distance between the glass 8 and the glass 9 are as follows. Of course, 10 mm or more is required. However, if the width of 10 mm or more is given and these are fixed, when the thin subject 2 is imaged, the subject 2 fluctuates in the range of the width of 10 mm or more, which adversely affects the imaging.
In order to prevent this, the rigid upstream guide plate 3 is fixed, and the upstream guide plate 4 having a predetermined spring property opens according to the thickness of the subject 2 and biases the subject 2 to the front side. It is as. Accordingly, the upstream guide plate 4 lightly presses the subject 2 against the upstream guide plate 3 (to the front side) regardless of whether the subject 2 is thin or thick.

Further, immediately after the pressing of the upstream guide plate 4 is finished, the clear image with the fluctuation of the subject 2 suppressed can be taken by bringing the imaging position as close to the upstream guide plate 3 as possible.
Further, although not shown, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of deformation of the upstream guide plate 4 that deforms according to the thickness of the subject 2 is detected, and the focus is adjusted according to the amount of deformation.
The distance between the glass 8 and the glass 9 is 10 mm or more, for example, 12 mm, and the upstream guide plate 3 is formed so that the contact surface of the upstream guide plate 3 and the contact surface 3 of the glass 8 form the same surface. Installed.
An imaging unit 11 is installed on the front side of the upstream guide plate 3, and a mirror unit 12 is installed on the back side of the upstream guide plate 4.

  The rotary encoder 17 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction 1 from the imaging position, and detects the moving speed of the transport belt 7. Further, the photoelectric sensor 15 is installed on the upstream side in the transport direction 1 from the imaging position, and detects the passage of the subject 2 depending on whether or not the photoelectric sensor beam 16 is blocked. By providing these, the timing from the photoelectric sensor 15 to the imaging position is detected, and the camera exposure time and the LED illumination light quantity are controlled according to the conveyance speed, so that stable imaging can always be performed.

(light source)
A total of four white LED illumination units 10 as light sources are installed so as to irradiate obliquely relative to the imaging positions on both sides of the subject 2.
Here, by irradiating in a relative manner, it is possible to obtain the necessary light amount and to suppress the occurrence of shadows due to fine irregularities on the surface of the subject 2 and distortion of the peripheral portion of the subject 2.
In the present embodiment, a white LED with an optical feedback function is used as the light source. Although not shown in particular, a plurality of high-brightness types are arranged in a line, and a diffusion plate is installed on the front surface thereof, so that it is possible to irradiate the imaging field of view uniformly with the required amount of light. Yes.

Here, as the light source, when reading the address, a light source that emits visible light is used. That is, as the light source, for example, a white LED having characteristics such as high stability, low power consumption, and long life is adopted. Moreover, the LED can be controlled to be lit only when the subject 2 has passed due to the speed of the lighting response, so that the power consumption can be further suppressed, and the heat generation of the LED itself can be suppressed to extend the life. I can plan.
Further, the LED illumination may be provided with an optical feedback function. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the amount of light due to deterioration over time due to temperature and life, and to keep the amount of light constant. Therefore, the stability of reading performance can be ensured, and maintenance due to aging is not necessary.

(Imaging means)
The imaging means includes one photoelectric conversion device (linear array CCD 27), and imaging means (first mirror 21, second mirror 22, and second mirror 22, respectively) for imaging the front and back surfaces of the subject 2 at predetermined positions of the photoelectric conversion device. A short focus lens 25, a long focus lens 26), a video signal processing means (video signal processing circuits 45 and 46), an image data transmission means (image data transmission circuit 47), and the like.
Further, the photoelectric conversion device is a linear coupled CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 27 that reads from both ends to the center, and the image forming means is positioned at one end side (lower position) of the linear array CCD 27. The surface of the subject 2 is imaged, and the back surface of the subject 2 is imaged at a position (upper position) on the other end side of the linear array CCD 27.

Next, the camera imaging optical system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a main part for explaining the imaging optical system of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, an illumination unit, glass, a conveyor belt, and the like are omitted.
In FIG. 2, the subject 2 is first transported, and the field of view 31 for imaging is taken in a line that intersects the transport direction 1.
The linear array CCD 27, the short focus lens 25, the long focus lens 26, and the like are housed in the imaging unit 11, and the first mirror 21 and the second mirror 22 are housed in the mirror unit 12.

The surface of the subject 2 is imaged on the effective pixel portion at the lower end of the linear array CCD 27 by the short focus lens 25 as indicated by the camera optical path (front side) 23.
Further, as shown by the camera optical path (back side) 24, the imaging of the back surface of the subject 2 is folded back by the first mirror 21 and the second mirror 22, and the effective pixels at the upper end of the linear array CCD 27 by the long focus lens 26. The image is formed on the part.

Here, as described above, the subject 2 is conveyed in a state of being lightly pressed against the upstream guide plate 3 on the front side. Therefore, regarding the imaging of the front surface (the surface of the subject 2 on the imaging unit 11 side), Even if the thickness fluctuates, the optical path length is constant without being affected by it. Therefore, the depth of field is not so necessary for capturing a clear image.
On the other hand, regarding the imaging of the back surface (the surface of the subject 2 on the mirror unit 12 side), when the thickness of the subject 2 fluctuates, the reading position varies by the thickness of the subject 2 at the maximum. Regardless of this variation, in order to perform clearer imaging, the imaging optical system requires a depth of field that is at least deeper than the imaging of the surface.

In general, the longer the focal length of the lens, the deeper the depth of field. Further, if the resolution is the same, the longer the focal length of the lens, the longer the optical path length, and inevitably the fluctuation range can be reduced with respect to the magnification fluctuation.
Therefore, a short-focus lens is used for the lens 25 and a longer-focus lens is used for the lens 26. As a result, the depth of field requirement can be satisfied, and at the same time, the optical path 23 of the short focus lens 25 can be shortened and the optical path 24 of the long focus lens 26 can be designed long as shown in FIG.

  Preferably, the shielding plate 28 is provided so as to be in close contact with the light receiving surface of the linear array CCD 27 for unused pixels (pixels in the center) of the linear array CCD 27. In this way, it is possible to avoid image quality deterioration due to overlap of the next exposure during the transfer of the exposed pixels. Further, by placing the shielding plate 28 in close contact with the light receiving surface of the linear array CCD 27, exposure to unused pixels due to light diffraction can be prevented.

Next, the circuit configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3 a, the front-side camera light beam (imaging light beam) 41 collected by the short-focus lens 25 and the back-side camera light beam (imaging light beam) 42 collected by the long-focus lens 26 are mounted on the CCD circuit 43. Photoelectric conversion is performed at both ends of the linear array CCD 27 thus transmitted and sent to a video signal processing circuit (front side) 45 and a video signal processing circuit (back side) 46, respectively.

The CCD drive circuit 44 generates each control clock signal for controlling the linear array CCD 27 and outputs it to the CCD circuit 43.
Although not shown, the video signal sent from the CCD circuit 43 to the video signal processing circuits 45 and 46 undergoes A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion through a sampling hold circuit, an offset correction circuit, and a gain circuit. And is output to the image data transmission circuit 47 as digital data.

The image data transmission circuit 47 performs frequency conversion for transferring the image data to the image recognition unit 50, and uses the signal obtained by adjusting the imaging timing from the external control circuit 49 as a frame valid signal to simultaneously display the front image and the back image. The data is transferred to the recognition unit 50 using an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the image data is output as a one-frame image 73 in which the front surface captured image 71 and the back surface captured image 72 are combined. Thereby, simplification of image transmission can be achieved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4b, the output timing of the image data transmission circuit 47 for performing this output is such that the line image 74 on the front surface and the back surface corresponding to the back surface in one section of the line valid signal 76 as image data. Line images 75 are connected and output continuously, and output as one line. It is possible to generate the frame valid signal 77 only for the time when the photoelectric sensor beam 16 of the photoelectric sensor 15 is interrupted, that is, the number of lines corresponding to the length of the subject 2 to generate the one frame image 73 of FIG. become.

Next, the internal configuration of the image data transmission circuit 47 for performing the output will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image data transmission circuit of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3b, the front surface line image 74 from the video signal processing circuit 45 and the back surface line image 75 from the video signal processing circuit 46 are input to the image data transmission circuit 47 at the same timing, and each is a front surface FIFO (First In First). Out) 52 and the backside FIFO 53 are simultaneously written.

Here, the front-side line image of the front-side FIFO 52 is read first, and then the back-side line image of the back-side FIFO 53 is read, thereby realizing the data output at the timing shown in FIG.
Further, in the front surface FIFO 52 and the back surface FIFO 53, the frequency conversion can be performed by changing the write clock and the read clock.

Next, the external control circuit 49 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3c is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3 c, the external control circuit 49 receives the signal from the photoelectric sensor 15, and uses the pulse signal of the rotary encoder 19 to adjust the imaging timing for the image data transmission circuit 47 and to the illumination control circuit 48. Adjust the lighting timing of all lights.
The pulse signal from the rotary encoder 17 is counted by the internal clock, the actual conveyance speed is calculated by the conveyance speed measurement circuit 61, and the information is output to the CCD drive circuit 44 and the illumination control circuit 48.

  Then, the CCD drive circuit 44 to which the information has been input performs CCD reset control corresponding to the speed, and controls so as to always have the same resolution in the transport direction 1 even if the transport speed fluctuates. That is, the CCD reset timing is made longer than a predetermined set value when the transport speed is slow, and the CCD reset timing is made shorter than the predetermined set value when the transport speed is fast.

However, with this alone, unless there is an electronic shutter function, changing the CCD reset timing also changes the sensor exposure time, resulting in gain fluctuations. In particular, unless it is an industrially expensive sensor, there are many that do not yet have an electronic shutter function.
Therefore, the speed information is also sent to the illumination control circuit 48 to cause the white LED illumination unit 10 to set the illumination light quantity according to the speed. That is, if the transport speed is slow, the illumination light quantity is set lower than a predetermined set value, and if the transport speed is fast, the illumination light quantity is set higher than a predetermined set value. Thereby, even when the conveyance speed fluctuates, it is possible to always capture the same quality image.

  In consideration of the light reception sensitivity of the linear array CCD 27 and the solid light quantity of the light source of the white LED illumination unit 10, the CCD reset timing time and the illumination light quantity setting value according to these transport speeds are fixed at the time of shipment. To determine the actual balance adjustment.

The external control circuit 49 receives and outputs an illumination alarm signal from the illumination control circuit 48 to the apparatus main body control unit 51.
Further, the unit control circuit 49 sets the offset setting value and gain setting value of the video signal processing circuits 45 and 46, and the clock count setting value of the rotary encoder 19 for adjusting the imaging timing for the image data transmission circuit 47. Received as parameters from the main body control unit 51, and stores those values in the register area. As a result, fine adjustment of the image input apparatus of the present embodiment can be performed remotely from the apparatus main body control unit 51.

  The illumination control circuit 48 sets the illumination light amount setting value according to the conveyance speed information from the external control circuit 49 to the white LED illumination unit 10, and according to the lighting timing signal from the external control circuit 49, The white LED lighting unit 10 is controlled to be turned on and off. Further, an illumination alarm signal from the white LED illumination unit 10 is detected and output to the external control circuit 49.

Next, the operation of the image input apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, first, the subject 2 is sandwiched between the transport belts 7 and transported in the transport direction 1 at a constant speed.
Next, the light passes through the photoelectric sensor 15 installed in front of the imaging position intersecting with the camera optical axis 13 and the camera optical axis 14, and then guided from the belt conveyance unit 7 to the upstream guide plates 3 and 4.
Subsequently, the subject 2 passes while being pressed lightly toward the upstream guide plate 3 by the variable upstream guide plate 4 and reaches between the glasses 8 and 9 at the imaging position.

  When the subject 2 blocks the beam 16 of the photoelectric sensor 15, the external control circuit 49 of the imaging unit 11 receives two signal counters, that is, an imaging timing adjustment counter 64 and a lighting timing adjustment counter 62. Start counting pulses. A signal from the rotary encoder 17 is used for the pulse. Then, when the imaging timing adjustment counter 64 finishes counting the amount of the subject 2 reaching the position of the camera visual field 31, the information is output to the image data transmission circuit 47 so that the frame valid signal 77 is turned on.

  On the other hand, the lighting timing adjustment counter 62 finishes counting at a timing just before the subject 2 reaches the camera visual field 31, and turns on the lighting lighting control signal to the lighting control circuit 48. Further, when the subject 2 has finished passing, it is turned OFF. That is, the illumination control circuit 48 outputs an illumination ON signal to the LED illumination unit 10 in a section where the illumination lighting control signal is ON. In this way, lighting up before the imaging position secures the time required for the light quantity of the LED illumination with the optical feedback function to be stabilized. That is, the LED illumination unit 10 is turned on for the margin and the length of the subject 2 and is turned off otherwise.

4b, the illumination ON signal 79 is turned on earlier in time than the frame valid signal 77 and turned off at the same timing as the frame valid signal 77.
When the gap between the front and rear subjects 2 is equal to or less than the margin, control is performed to keep the light on without being turned off after passing the previous subject 2.

  The reflected light of the subject 2 in the field of view 31 irradiated with light by the white LED illumination unit 10 is below and above the linear array CCD 27 by the short focus lens 25 for imaging the front surface and the long focus lens 26 for imaging the back surface, respectively. Is converted into an electrical signal by the amount of light incident on each pixel.

Here, the required number of pixels is determined according to the required resolution and the required reading field width.
For example, when the required resolution is 200 DPI (Dot per Inch) and the required reading visual field width is 175 mm, which is a letter size, approximately 1378 pixels is sufficient. Further, when the required width is 300 mm of the flat size with the same resolution, about 2362 pixels are sufficient.
In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, a commercially available double-side readout linear array CCD 27 is used, and, for example, 3800 pixels or 4096 pixels satisfy the above specifications with half the number of pixels. Yes, in any case, the number of pixels is extra calculation.

  In order to maintain the resolution in the transport direction even when the transport speed is increased, the exposure time is usually set to be shorter than the transfer time for all pixels. In such a case, the surplus pixels are shielded by the shielding plate 28 in order to avoid image quality deterioration due to overlap of the next exposure during the transfer of the exposed pixels. As described above, the shielding plate 28 is placed in close contact with the light receiving surface of the linear array CCD 27. Thereby, it is possible to prevent exposure to unused pixels due to light diffraction.

However, since the shielding is not completely performed by the shielding plate 28, it is necessary to perform CCD transfer including not only the effective pixels but also unused pixels that have wraparound exposure due to diffraction.
For example, when the diffraction distance is about 1 mm, the number of pixels required for additional transfer is obtained by dividing this by the size of one pixel of the CCD. When the size of one CCD pixel is 10 μm, it is necessary to transfer 100 pixels in addition to the effective pixels.

The linear array CCD 27 converts the imaged light into an electric signal, and sequentially outputs it in time series from both ends toward the center. Then, the two video signals at both ends outputted from the CCD circuit 43 of the linear array CCD 27 pass through a sampling hold circuit, an offset correction circuit, and a gain circuit in a video signal processing circuit 45 and a video signal processing circuit 46, respectively. A / D conversion is performed and output to the image data transmission circuit 47 as digital data.
Here, as the offset setting value and the gain setting value, values set in advance by parameters from the apparatus main body control unit 51 are used.

Next, in the image data transmission circuit 47, the two image data of the front surface and the back surface are rearranged as shown in FIG. 4b and output to the image recognition unit 50.
The conveyance speed measurement circuit 61 in the external control circuit 49 that receives the signal of the rotary encoder 17 and measures the conveyance speed monitors whether the conveyance belt 7 is moving regardless of the presence of the subject 2, and monitors it at a certain timing. Speed information is output to the CCD drive circuit 44 and the illumination control circuit 48.

Next, the image recognition unit 50 performs known address area recognition processing on the one-frame image 73 in FIG. 4A.
Here, by sending the address information together with the address information to the apparatus main body control unit 51, an apparatus main body (not shown, for example, a sorting apparatus) as a paper sheet processing apparatus described later is simply In addition to sorting, it is possible to sort and accumulate with the same address. That is, for example, if the address surface is the front surface, it is classified and collected as it is, or if the address surface is the back surface, through the facing route that reverses the front and back, What is necessary is just to accumulate. As a result, it is possible for the delivery worker to make it easier to see the destination as usual.

  As described above, according to the image input apparatus and the image input method of the present embodiment, the front and back surfaces of the subject 2 can be imaged using one linear array CCD 27, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Can be planned. In addition, since the front surface and the back surface of the subject 2 can be imaged at the same time, it is possible to avoid problems such as missing images and improve the image quality. Further, by using one linear array CCD 27, the image input device can be downsized.

[Second Embodiment of Image Input Apparatus and Image Input Method]
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 5, the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81 as a light source instead of the white LED illumination unit 10 as compared with the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment described above. The difference is that the lighting unit 81 is turned on and off not for each subject 2 but for each line scan. In addition, the other structure of this embodiment is as substantially the same as 1st embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In addition, the image input apparatus of the present embodiment irradiates ultraviolet rays and detects indicia (not shown). Therefore, the required resolution is lower than in the first embodiment, and the focal length of the specific lens is different accordingly.
Furthermore, the basic circuit configuration of the present embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3a).
Next, paying attention to different points from the first embodiment, the external control circuit 95 and the image data transmission circuit 92 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 6 a, the illumination control circuit 91 receives an illumination lighting control signal input from the lighting timing adjustment counter 62 in the external control circuit 95, a conveyance speed data input from the conveyance speed measurement circuit 61, and an ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81. The alarm signal is output to the illumination alarm receiving circuit 63. Further, the illumination control circuit 91 newly receives a clock signal synchronized with the control of one line of the linear array CCD 27 from the CCD drive circuit 44. As this signal, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, a reset signal 112 for resetting the scan of the one-line imaging 111 of the linear array CCD 27 is used.

  When the illumination lighting control signal 113 from the lighting timing adjustment counter 62 is valid, the illumination control circuit 91 outputs the illumination ON signal 114 so as to repeat lighting and extinction for each reset signal 112 received from the CCD drive circuit 44. Output to each ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the video signal processing circuit 93 (front side) and the video signal processing circuit (back side) 94 are respectively connected to the front and back video signals sent from the CCD circuit 43 by a sampling hold circuit and an offset correction circuit. A / D conversion is performed through the gain circuit, and the digital data is output to the image data transmission circuit 92.

However, regarding the gain, the illumination control circuit 91 refers to the illumination ON signal output to the ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81, and sets different gain setting values depending on whether the ultraviolet light is on or off. Read from 95 registers. That is, when the ultraviolet light is lit, the video signal processing circuits 93 and 94 store the lighting gain (front) register 96 for the front video signal and the lighting gain (back) register 97 for the rear video signal, respectively. Set. When the ultraviolet light is turned off, the gain amplification is performed by setting the extinction gain (front) register 98 for the front video signal and the extinction gain (back) register 99 for the rear video signal.
This is because the fluorescence indicia emitted when the ultraviolet rays are lit is higher than the phosphorescent indicia that emits as afterglow when the ultraviolet rays are extinguished, so the gain setting is suitable for each imaging. Is going for.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, the image output in the present embodiment includes the front surface image 121 and the back surface image 122 when the ultraviolet LED is irradiated, and the front surface when the ultraviolet LED irradiation is turned off. The sum of the image 123 and the back image 124 is output as a one-frame image 125 to simplify the image transmission.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8b, the output timing of the image data transmission circuit 92 for performing this output is as follows. The line image 127, the front surface line image 128 and the back surface line image 129 when the ultraviolet LED is extinguished are connected together and continuously output, and output as one line.

  As shown in FIG. 6b, the internal configuration of the image data transmission circuit 92 for performing this timing output is such that the front line image from the video signal processing circuit 93 and the back line image from the video signal processing circuit 94 have the same timing. Is input to the image data transmission circuit 92.

Here, the illumination control circuit 91 refers to the illumination ON signal output to the ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81. When the ultraviolet light is lit, the surface line image from the video signal processing circuit 93 is input to the FIFO 103 at the same time. The back-side line image to be written is written to the FIFO 105, and when the ultraviolet light is extinguished, the front-side line image from the video signal processing circuit 93 is written to the FIFO 104, and the back-side line image inputted simultaneously is written to the FIFO 106. To control.
Further, by reading out the front line image 126 when the FIFO 103 is turned on, the back line image 127 when the FIFO 105 is turned on, the front line image 128 when the FIFO 104 is turned off, and the back line image 129 when the FIFO 106 is turned off. The data output at the timing shown in FIG. 8b is realized.

Next, the operation of the image input apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
Compared with the first embodiment, this embodiment includes an ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81 as a light source instead of the white LED illumination unit 10, and the timing of turning on and off the ultraviolet LED illumination unit 81 for each subject 2. Instead, it is different for each line scan. That is, the illumination ON signal 114 to the ultraviolet LED unit 81 uses the frame valid signal 77 as an enable signal, and repeats lighting and extinction alternately in synchronization with the reset 112 of the one-line scan of the linear array CCD 27 during that interval. The video signal processing circuits 93 and 94 amplify the video line signal by setting the gain separately when the ultraviolet LED is turned on and when the ultraviolet LED is turned off.

Thereby, it is possible to simultaneously perform imaging for detecting fluorescence emission with a low gain when the ultraviolet LED is turned on and imaging for detecting phosphorescence emission with a high gain when the ultraviolet LED is turned off.
In the case of indicia detection, it is often necessary to distinguish between red and green light emission for both fluorescence emission and phosphorescence emission, and it is often necessary to distinguish between them. Green, blue color linear array CCD is used.

  As described above, according to the image input device and the image input method of the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and indicia (not shown) can be obtained by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Can be detected. Furthermore, by turning ON / OFF the infrared LED, it is possible to perform imaging of fluorescent indicia at the time of ON and imaging of phosphorescence (afterglow) indicia at the time of OFF, thereby improving the image quality. it can.

[Third Embodiment of Image Input Apparatus and Image Input Method]
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 9, the image input device of this embodiment includes a white LED + ultraviolet LED illumination unit 131 as a light source instead of the white LED illumination unit 10 as compared with the image input device of the first embodiment described above. The lighting unit 131 of white LED + ultraviolet LED is turned on and off not for each subject 2 but for each line scanning, and imaging is performed in a cycle in which only the white LED is lit, only the ultraviolet LED is lit, and both LEDs are turned off. Etc. are different. In addition, the other structure of this embodiment is as substantially the same as 1st embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 9, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the illumination unit 131 of white LED + ultraviolet LED, the arrangement of the LEDs in the illumination unit is an arrangement in which a plurality of rows of ultraviolet LEDs and white LEDs are arranged. However, it is not limited to this, For example, it is good also as arrangement | positioning by which it arrange | positions alternately within 1 row and arranged it in multiple rows.
The camera imaging optical system is almost the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).

Furthermore, this embodiment detects at least one of an address and an indicia. Here, a linear array CCD 27 having high speed and high sensitivity is used. Thereby, it is possible to perform up to address recognition as in the first embodiment by using a captured image that performs address detection when the white LED is lit, and it is possible to improve the added value as an apparatus.
The basic circuit configuration of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment (see FIG. 3a).
Next, paying attention to different points from the second embodiment, the external control circuit 145 and the image data transmission circuit 142 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the external control circuit of the image input apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 10 a, the illumination control circuit 141 receives the illumination lighting control signal from the lighting timing adjustment counter 62 in the external control circuit 145 and the conveyance speed data from the conveyance speed measurement circuit 61 in substantially the same manner as in the second embodiment. In response to the alarm signal from the illumination unit 131 of white LED + ultraviolet LED, the alarm output to the illumination alarm receiving circuit 63 is performed. Further, the illumination control circuit 141 receives a clock signal synchronized with the control of the linear array CCD 1 line from the CCD drive circuit 44, and outputs a lighting ON signal to the illumination unit 131 of white LED + ultraviolet LED as a video signal processing circuit 143. 144 and the image data transmission circuit 142.

However, the difference from the second embodiment is that this lighting ON signal is not simply one bit of ON or OFF, but distinguishes three states of white LED, UV LED ON, or all OFF. This is a signal of 2 bits or more.
This signal is, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, the illumination control circuit 141 performs white LED lighting, ultraviolet LED lighting, and both for each reset signal 112 received from the CCD drive circuit 44 when the lighting lighting control signal 113 from the lighting timing adjustment counter 62 is valid. The 2-bit illumination ON signal 162 is output to each illumination unit 131 so as to repeat the off state.

  The video signal processing circuit 143 (front side) and the video signal processing circuit (back side) 144 are similar to the second embodiment in that the front and back video signals sent from the CCD circuit 43 are sampled and held by the sampling hold circuit and offset correction, respectively. A / D conversion is performed through the circuit and the gain circuit, and the digital data is output to the image data transmission circuit 142.

  Regarding the gain, the gain is amplified by reading the gain register of the external control circuit 145 according to the illumination ON signal. That is, when the white LED is lit, the video signal processing circuit 143 has a white lighting gain (front) register 146 for the front video signal and a white lighting gain (back) register 147 for the back video signal. 144. Further, when the ultraviolet light is lit, the ultraviolet light lighting gain (front) register 96 for the front surface video signal and the ultraviolet light gain (rear) register 97 for the back surface video signal are stored in the video signal processing circuits 143 and 144, respectively. Set. Further, when the ultraviolet light is turned off, the video signal processing circuits 143 and 144 store the extinction gain (front) register 98 for the front video signal and the extinction gain (back) register 99 for the back video signal, respectively. Set.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12a, the image output of the present embodiment includes a front image 171 and its back image 172 when only the white LED is lit, a front image 173 and a back image 174 when only the ultraviolet LED is lit, and A combination of the front image 175 and the back image 176 when both LEDs are turned off is output as a one-frame image 177. Thereby, simplification of this image transmission can be achieved.

  The output timing of the image data transmission circuit 142 for performing this output is, as shown in FIG. 12B, in one section of the line valid signal 76 as image data, the front line image 178 and the back line image when the white LED is lit. 179, the front surface line image 180 and the back surface line image 181 when the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and the front surface line image 182 and the back surface line image 183 when both LEDs are turned off are connected together and continuously output as one line image. Output.

  The internal configuration of the image data transmission circuit 142 for performing this timing output is shown in FIG. 10b. That is, the front surface line image from the video signal processing circuit 143 and the back surface line image from the video signal processing circuit 144 are input to the image data transmission circuit 142 at the same timing.

  Here, the illumination control circuit 141 refers to the illumination ON signal output to the illumination unit 131, and when the white LED is lit, the front surface line image is input to the FIFO 153, and the back surface line image input at the same time is input to the FIFO 154. When the ultraviolet rays are lit to write, the front surface line image is written to the FIFO 103, and the back surface line image inputted at the same time is written to the FIFO 105. When both LEDs are off, the front surface line image is written. Are controlled to write to the FIFO 104, and to the FIFO 106, the back-side line image input at the same time is controlled.

  Also, the front line image when the white LED of the FIFO 153 is lit, the back line image when the white LED of the FIFO 154 is lit, the front line image when the ultraviolet LED of the FIFO 103 is lit, the back line image when the ultraviolet LED of the FIFO 105 is lit, and both LEDs of the FIFO 104 By reading out the front line image when the LED is turned off and the back line image when both the LEDs of the FIFO 106 are turned off, the data output at the timing shown in FIG. 12B is realized.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in comparison with the second embodiment.
Compared with the second embodiment, this embodiment performs illumination irradiation in a cycle in which only the white LED is turned on, only the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and both LEDs are turned off when the subject 2 passes through the imaging position. Take an image with. That is, the illumination ON signal 162 to the illumination unit 131 of the white LED + ultraviolet LED uses the frame valid signal 77 as an enable signal, and is turned on and off in synchronization with the reset signal 112 of one line scan of the linear array CCD 27 during that period. Repeat alternately.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the illumination ON signal 162 includes a white LED illumination ON signal 163 and an ultraviolet LED illumination ON signal 164, and the white LED illumination ON signal 163 is ON or OFF. , OFF, and the UV LED illumination ON signal 164 repeats OFF, ON, OFF. Thereby, the illumination unit 131 of the white LED + ultraviolet LED performs illumination irradiation in a cycle in which only the white LED is turned on, only the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and both LEDs are turned off. Then, the video signal processing circuits 143 and 144 perform gain setting according to the state of the cycle, and amplify the video line signal.

Thereby, it is possible to perform imaging with an appropriate gain in each of address detection when the white LED is lit, fluorescence detection when the ultraviolet LED is lit, and phosphorescence detection when both LEDs are turned off.
As in the case of the indicia detection, in the case of indicia detection, it is often necessary to distinguish between red light and green light separately in the case of fluorescence emission or phosphorescence emission. It is a readout system, and red, green, and blue color linear array CCDs are used.

  As described above, according to the image input device and the image input method of the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, it is possible to improve the address detection when the white LED is lit, the fluorescence detection for the indicia when the ultraviolet LED is lit, and the phosphorescence detection for the indicia when both LEDs are turned off. Added value can be improved. In other words, a single device can be used to collect address surfaces even when there is no indicia.

[Fourth Embodiment of Image Input Apparatus and Image Input Method]
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the imaging optical system of the image input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, illumination, glass, a conveyor belt, etc. are omitted.
In FIG. 13, the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment has a focal point instead of a camera imaging optical system using two lenses 25 and 26 having different focal lengths as compared with the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment described above. A difference is that a camera imaging optical system using two lenses 194 and 195 having the same distance is provided. In addition, the other structure of this embodiment is as substantially the same as 1st embodiment.
Therefore, in FIG. 13, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the subject 2 is transported, and the field of view 31 for imaging is taken in a line that intersects the transport direction 1.

The camera imaging optical system of the present embodiment includes a first mirror (left) 191, a first mirror (right) 192, a second mirror 193, a lens (left) 194, a lens (right) 195, and the like. Yes.
The first mirror (left) 191 and the first mirror (right) 192 are disposed so as to face the position of the field of view 31 of the subject 2 and at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the field of view 31. .
The second mirror 193 reflects the reflected light at the position of the visual field 31 of the first mirror (left) 191 and the reflected light of the visual field 31 of the first mirror (right) 192 in a direction parallel to the transport direction 1. To be installed.
Further, the linear array CCD 27 is installed so as to be in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction 1 and the visual field 31 and the center thereof is on the axis on which the subject 2 is transported.

  The lens 194 is installed so that the image of the field of view 31 reflected from the first mirror 191 and the second mirror 193 is connected to the effective pixel portion at one end of the linear array CCD 27. Further, the lens 195 having the same focal length as the lens 194 is installed so that the image of the field of view 31 reflected from the first mirror 192 and the second mirror 193 is connected to the effective pixel portion at the other end of the linear array CCD 27. Is done. Thereby, it becomes possible to image both surfaces of the subject 2 with the same resolution.

In the present embodiment, the linear array CCD 27 is provided above the subject 2 and on the conveyance direction 1 side with respect to the visual field 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first mirrors 191 and 192 may be installed so that the reflection direction faces downward, or the second mirror 193 is installed so that the reflection direction faces the direction opposite to the transport direction 1. Also good.
Further, the linear array CCD 27 may be installed above or below the field of view 31 without using the second mirror 193.

Here, as described above, the subject 2 is transported while being pressed lightly against the upstream guide plate 3 on the front side. Therefore, regarding the imaging of the rear surface (the surface of the subject 2 on the mirror unit 12 side), the thickness of the subject 2 is increased. When the distance fluctuates, the reading position fluctuates by the thickness of the subject 2 at the maximum. Therefore, lenses 193 and 194 that have a long focal length that can secure the necessary depth of field are employed. Thus, the depth of field requirement can be satisfied, and the camera optical paths 196 and 197 of the lenses 193 and 194 can be designed longer as shown in FIG.
Other configurations and operations are almost the same as those in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the image input device and the image input method of the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the degree of design freedom can be increased.
In this embodiment, the camera imaging optical system using the two lenses 194 and 195 having the same focal length is provided in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the camera imaging optical system using the two lenses 194 and 195 having the same focal length may be provided in the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment of Image Input Apparatus and Image Input Method]
FIG. 14A is a schematic perspective view showing the conveying means of the image input apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14a, the imaging system and illumination are omitted.
FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view showing an imaging optical system of the image input apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14b, illumination and the like are omitted.
14a and 14b, in the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment, the subject 2 is conveyed in the conveyance direction 1 by the inclined bottom belt 201 and the side belt 202 as compared with the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment described above. There are differences. In addition, the other structure of this embodiment is as substantially the same as 1st embodiment.
Therefore, in FIGS. 14a and 14b, the same components as those in FIGS.

The conveying means of this embodiment includes a bottom belt 201, a pair of side belts 202, glass 203, and the like.
The bottom belt 201 is provided in a state inclined by a predetermined inclination angle 204 (for example, 30 °). Further, the pair of side belts 202 are arranged in parallel so as to sandwich the glass 203, and the pair of side belts 202 and the glass 203 are provided in a direction perpendicular to the bottom belt 201. Accordingly, the subject 2 is transported in a state where the lower end abuts against the bottom belt 201 and a pair of side belts 202 and the glass 203.
Compared to the first embodiment using the conveyor belt 7 and the like, this conveying means has a disadvantage that it floats with respect to a light subject 2 and the like, but the thickness of the subject 2 varies. On the other hand, it has an advantage that the width that can be handled is large.

  The imaging unit 11 and the mirror unit 12 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are provided in a state in which the subject 2 conveyed in an inclined state is inclined by a predetermined inclination angle 204 (for example, 30 °). . That is, the glass 203 is installed between the side belts 202, the imaging unit 11 is installed on the side that images through the glass 203, and the mirror unit 12 is installed on the opposite side.

Thus, in the optical system that images the side belt 202 side of the subject 2, the optical path length is almost constant at the position facing the glass 203 due to the weight of the subject 2, so that almost no depth of field is necessary. Therefore, the short focus lens 25 can obtain a clear image.
On the other hand, since the optical path length of the opposite surface changes according to the thickness of the subject 2, a depth of field corresponding to the thickness is required. Therefore, a clear image can be obtained by using the long focus lens 26.
Other configurations and operations are almost the same as those in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the image input device and the image input method of the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the degree of design freedom can be increased.
In addition, although this embodiment is set as the structure which provided the conveying means using the inclined bottom belt 201, the side belt 202, and the glass 203 in 1st embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which provided the conveying means using the inclined bottom belt 201, the side belt 202, and the glass 203 in 2nd embodiment or 3rd embodiment.

[One Embodiment of Paper Sheet Processing Apparatus]
The present invention is also effective as an invention of a paper sheet processing apparatus.
The paper sheet processing apparatus of the present embodiment is an apparatus (sorting apparatus) that processes paper sheets (for example, flat) using the image input device of the first embodiment described above. That is, although not shown, the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present embodiment is a supply device that supplies paper sheets, the image input device of the first embodiment that images paper sheets, and the destination of the paper sheets A reading device for reading information and a stacking device for stacking paper sheets based on the destination information are provided.

In this way, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform the sorting process without the pre-processing for arranging the address surfaces because the image input device can simultaneously capture both sides of the sheet. , Productivity and added value can be improved.
In addition, the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may not only be simply sorted but may be sorted and accumulated with the address planes aligned. That is, for example, if the address surface is the front surface, it is classified and collected as it is, or if the address surface is the back surface, through the facing route that reverses the front and back, You may accumulate. As a result, it is possible for the delivery worker to make it easier to see the destination as usual.

Furthermore, as described above, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment enables the image input apparatus to capture the front and back surfaces of the subject 2 using one linear array CCD 27, and thus the manufacturing cost is reduced. You can go down. In addition, since the front surface and the back surface of the subject 2 can be imaged at the same time, it is possible to avoid problems such as missing images and improve the image quality. Further, by using one linear array CCD 27, the image input device can be downsized.
In addition, although the paper sheet processing apparatus of this embodiment is set as the structure provided with the image input device of 1st embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure provided with the image input device of 2nd embodiment or 3rd embodiment.

The image input apparatus, the image input method, and the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the image input apparatus, the image input method, and the paper sheet processing according to the present invention have been described. It goes without saying that the apparatus is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, although one embodiment of the paper sheet processing apparatus described above is used as a sorting apparatus, the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as a sorting stamp apparatus provided with the sorting apparatus and the stamp apparatus. In this way, the sorting and stamping device can consolidate the image input devices that are separately mounted on the front and back surfaces into one, so that it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the device.

  Further, it may be a sorting and stamping device provided with the image input device of the third embodiment. According to this sorting and stamping apparatus, it is possible to realize sorting by detecting the address side even for paper sheets (for example, letters) without indicia with a single image input device.

1 Transport direction 2 Subject 3 Upstream guide plate (front side)
4 Upstream guide plate (back side)
5 Upstream roller 6 Downstream roller 7 Conveyor belt 8 Glass (front side)
9 Glass (back side)
10 White LED illumination unit 11 Imaging unit 12 Mirror unit 13 Camera optical axis (front side)
14 Camera optical axis (back side)
15 Photoelectric sensor 16 Photoelectric sensor beam 17 Rotary encoder 21 First mirror 22 Second mirror 23 Camera optical path (front side)
24 Camera optical path (back side)
25 Short focus lens 26 Long focus lens 27 Linear array CCD
28 Shielding plate 29 CCD reading direction (front side)
30 CCD readout direction (back side)
31 Field of view 41 Camera rays (front side)
42 Camera rays (back)
43 CCD circuit 44 CCD drive circuit 45 Video signal processing circuit (front side)
46 Video signal processing circuit (back side)
47 Image data transmission circuit 48 Illumination control circuit 49 External control circuit 50 Image recognition unit 51 Main unit control unit 61 Conveyance speed measurement circuit 62 Lighting timing adjustment counter 63 Illumination alarm reception circuit 64 Imaging timing adjustment counter 65 Imaging timing register 66 Offset (table) ) Register 67 Offset (rear) register 68 Gain (front) register 69 Gain (rear) register 71 Front captured image 72 Back captured image 73 1 frame image 74 Front line image 75 Back line image 76 Line valid signal 77 Frame valid signal 78 Time Shaft 79 Illumination ON signal 81 UV LED illumination unit 91 Illumination control circuit 92 Image data transmission circuit 93 Video signal processing circuit (front side)
94 Video signal processing circuit (back side)
95 External control circuit 96 Gain register for UV LED lighting (table)
97 Gain register when UV LED is lit (back)
98 Gain register when UV LED is turned off (table)
99 Gain register when UV LED is off (back)
101 Branch of video signal (table)
102 Video signal branch (back)
103 FIFO when UV is lit (table)
104 FIFO when UV light is extinguished (table)
105 FIFO when illuminated with UV light (back)
106 FIFO when UV light is turned off (back)
107 Image Output Circuit 111 Linear Array CCD 1-Line Imaging 112 Linear Array CCD 1-Line Scan Reset Signal 113 Illumination Lighting Control Signal (Enable)
114 Illumination ON signal 121 Front image when UV LED is on 122 Back image when UV LED is on 123 Front image when both LEDs are off 124 Back image when both LEDs are off 125 1 frame image 126 Front line image 127 when UV LED is on Back side line image 128 when both LEDs are turned off 129 Front side line image when both LEDs are turned off 131 Back side line image when both LEDs are turned off 131 White LED + UV LED lighting unit 141 Lighting control circuit 142 Image data transmission circuit 143 Video signal processing circuit (front side) )
144 Video signal processing circuit (back side)
145 External control circuit 146 White LED lighting gain register (front side)
147 Gain register when white LED is lit (back side)
151 Video signal branch (front side)
152 Video signal branch (back side)
153 FIFO when white LED is lit (front side)
154 FIFO when white LED is lit (back side)
155 Image output circuit 161 One-line imaging 162 of linear array CCD Illumination ON signal 163 Illumination ON signal (white LED)
164 Illumination ON signal (UV LED)
165 Front image 166 when both LEDs are turned off 166 Back image 171 when both LEDs are turned off Front image 172 when white LEDs are lit Back surface image 173 when white LEDs are lit Front image 174 when UV LEDs are lit Front surface image 176 when the LEDs are turned off Back surface image 177 when both LEDs are turned off One frame image 178 Front line image when the white LEDs are turned on 179 Back side line image when the white LEDs are turned on 180 Front line image when the LEDs are turned on Back side line image 182 Front side line image 183 when both LEDs are turned off Back side line image 191 when both LEDs are turned off First mirror (left)
192 First mirror (right)
193 Second mirror 194 Lens (left)
195 lens (right)
196 Camera light path (left)
197 Camera optical path (right)
201 Bottom belt 202 Side belt 203 Glass 204 Tilt angle

Claims (5)

Conveying means for conveying the subject;
A light source for irradiating light on the front and back surfaces of the subject conveyed by the conveying means;
Imaging means for simultaneously imaging the front and back surfaces of the subject irradiated with the light with a linear field of view intersecting the transport direction;
The conveying means is provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction from the imaging position, the conveying belt that conveys the subject, and installed on the upstream side in the conveying direction from the imaging position, and a rotary encoder that detects the moving speed of the conveying belt. And a photoelectric sensor for detecting passage of the subject,
The imaging means is one photoelectric conversion device, an imaging means for imaging the front and back surfaces of the subject at predetermined positions of the photoelectric conversion device, a video signal processing means, an image data transmission means , A CCD drive circuit, an external control circuit, and an illumination control circuit ;
The photoelectric conversion device is a linear array CCD that reads from both ends to the center, and the imaging means forms an image of the surface of the subject at a position on one end side of the linear array CCD, The back surface of the subject is imaged at a position on the other end side of the linear array CCD,
The light source includes a white LED that emits light in a visible light region, and an ultraviolet LED that emits light in an ultraviolet region,
The subject is a paper sheet,
The external control circuit receives a signal from the photoelectric sensor, and uses the pulse signal of the rotary encoder to adjust the imaging timing for the image data transmission circuit and the illumination control circuit. Adjust the lighting timing,
The white LED is turned on from the state where the white LED and the ultraviolet LED are turned off, the first state where the white LED is turned on and the ultraviolet LED is turned off, and the white LED is turned off from the first state. The second LED is turned on, the white LED is turned off and the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and the ultraviolet LED is turned off from the second state, the white LED is turned off, and the ultraviolet light is turned off. The subject is imaged in the third state where the LED is turned off, the address of the paper sheet is detected in the first state, and the indicia of the paper sheet is detected in fluorescence in the second state. An image input device characterized in that the indicia is phosphorescent-detected in the third state .   The image input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes two lenses having different focal lengths and a plurality of mirrors.   The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes two lenses having equal focal lengths and a plurality of mirrors. The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport unit transports the subject, and the light source is on the front and back surfaces of the subject transported by the transport unit. Irradiating light, and the imaging means simultaneously images the front and back surfaces of the subject irradiated with the light in a linear field of view intersecting the transport direction,
The external control circuit receives a signal from the photoelectric sensor, and uses the pulse signal of the rotary encoder to adjust the imaging timing for the image data transmission circuit and the illumination control circuit. Adjust the lighting timing,
The white LED is turned on from the state where the white LED and the ultraviolet LED are turned off, the first state where the white LED is turned on and the ultraviolet LED is turned off, and the white LED is turned off from the first state. The second LED is turned on, the white LED is turned off and the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and the ultraviolet LED is turned off from the second state, the white LED is turned off, and the ultraviolet light is turned off. The subject is imaged in the third state where the LED is turned off, the address of the paper sheet is detected in the first state, and the indicia of the paper sheet is detected in fluorescence in the second state. An image input method comprising phosphorescent detection of the indicia in the third state. A supply device for supplying paper sheets;
The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A reading device for reading the address information of the paper sheet;
An address plane arrangement device, a stamp device, and a stacking device on which the paper sheets are stacked based on the destination information,
The external control circuit receives a signal from the photoelectric sensor, and uses the pulse signal of the rotary encoder to adjust the imaging timing for the image data transmission circuit and the illumination control circuit. Adjust the lighting timing,
The white LED is turned on from the state where the white LED and the ultraviolet LED are turned off, the first state where the white LED is turned on and the ultraviolet LED is turned off, and the white LED is turned off from the first state. The second LED is turned on, the white LED is turned off and the ultraviolet LED is turned on, and the ultraviolet LED is turned off from the second state, the white LED is turned off, and the ultraviolet light is turned off. The subject is imaged in the third state where the LED is turned off, the address of the paper sheet is detected in the first state, and the indicia of the paper sheet is detected in fluorescence in the second state. The paper sheet processing apparatus, wherein the indicia is phosphorescent-detected in the third state.

Images