JPH06160301A - Apparatus and method for inspecting hologram card - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a hologram card inspection apparatus and a method which enables the performing of an inspection processing of hologram in multiple kinds and large quantities automatically and accurately at a time and continuously. CONSTITUTION:This hologram card inspection apparatus inspects the surface condition of a hologram card on which a hologram sheet is stuck having a hologram image formed thereon. The apparatus has a light source means 11 to reproduce a hologram sheet and a hologram image, a detection means 12 to detect a reproduced image obtained, a first collation judgment means which compares the reproduced image obtained with a reference reproduced image in collation to judge the propriety, a light source means 13 to form a reflection image of the hologram sheet, a detection means 14 to detect the reflection image obtained and a second collation judgment means which compares the reflected image obtained with a reference reflected image in collation to judge whether the hologram sheet is stuck properly or not.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the surface condition of a magnetic card, an IC card, a prepaid card or the like, particularly a hologram card having a hologram formed on the surface of the card to prevent forgery. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cards such as magnetic cards, IC cards, and prepaid cards have become widespread, and many people have come to easily use these cards. Among these cards, for example, a magnetic card has a structure in which a magnetic stripe is attached to a single card composed of a single-layer or a multi-layer laminated body, and an IC card is obtained by embedding an IC module having an IC chip. The structure has an information recording portion. By the way, in such a card, for example, a cash card or a credit card, which causes a great loss to the society when it is forged and abused, a hologram is attached to the surface of the card in recent years to prevent the forgery. It is supposed to be done.

In order to attach such a hologram to a card, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a transfer sheet 5 is prepared in which a hologram sheet 4 on which a hologram image 3 is formed via a foil material 2 is attached to a base 1. Then, this is thermally transferred to the card 6 and the hologram sheet 4 is attached on the card 6. Here, the hologram sheet 4 is one in which the hologram image 3 having a predetermined shape is formed on the reflection layer, and an adhesive layer is formed on the back surface of the reflection layer so that it can be attached to the card 6. There is.

In a card having such a hologram sheet formed thereon, the hologram image forming state varies depending on the material of the transfer sheet and the transfer conditions thereof. It is necessary to inspect the transfer position of the hologram sheet. In other words, these cards are generally based on contracts with card companies and banks, and are treated as a type of product.Therefore, in order to enhance the product value and create a high-class feeling, the hologram image is defective. It is not allowed to exist.

Here, as the defect of the hologram image,
Strictly speaking, there are the following if roughly classified, including those with defective transfer of the hologram seal. (A) Transfer position shift of hologram seal. (B) Deprinting of the hologram sticker, multiple printing, and different transfer position. (C) Chips, burrs, pinholes, swelling, and displacement of hologram image position.

[0006]

In order to inspect (a) of such defects, an inspection apparatus for monitoring the hologram formation state before hologram transfer, that is, in the hologram manufacturing process is conventionally provided. However, since this device is a system that inspects whether there is a predetermined hologram under a fixed sensor, the types of holograms to be inspected are limited. Since it is necessary to adjust the sensitivity of
There is an inconvenience that an operator's skill is required to perform this sensitivity adjustment.

Regarding the inspections of (b) and (c),
For example, a method in which a hologram on a card is read as an image by a CCD camera and compared with a reference screen is conceivable, but in that case, normal illumination causes irregular reflection in the hologram image, which makes it impossible to capture a hologram in a mirror state as an image. There is. Therefore, with respect to these (b) and (c), it is the current situation that a visual inspection is manually performed, but since the inspection is performed manually, the inspector has a different determination level, and there is a variation in those determined to be non-defective. There is a problem that the quality is not constant,
In addition, there is a possibility that a defective item may be overlooked due to the carelessness of the inspector. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hologram card inspection device and an inspection device capable of automatically and accurately inspecting a large number of holograms of a wide variety of products at once and continuously. To provide a method.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Claim 1 in the present invention
In the hologram card inspection apparatus described above, first light source means for irradiating the hologram sheet on the hologram card with light to reproduce the hologram sheet and the hologram image, and a reproduced image obtained by the first light source means are detected. First collation determination for determining whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are appropriate by comparing and collating the first detection means and the reproduced image obtained by the first detection means with a reference reproduced image stored in advance. Means, second light source means for irradiating the hologram card with light to form a reflected image of the hologram sheet, and second means for detecting the reflected image of the hologram card and the hologram sheet obtained by the second light source means. Of the hologram image and the reflection image obtained by the second detection means are collated and compared with a reference reflection image stored in advance to obtain a hologram car. By comprising and a second matching determination means for determining whether the hologram sheet is properly attached to the upper and the solutions of the problems. In the hologram card inspection method according to claim 4, the hologram sheet on the hologram card is irradiated with light to reproduce the hologram sheet and the hologram image, the obtained reproduced image is detected by the first detecting means, and then, A hologram sheet and a hologram sheet inspection step of determining whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper by comparing and comparing the reproduced image obtained by the first detecting means with a reference reproduced image stored in advance by the first collation judging means. Irradiating the hologram card with light to form a reflection image of the hologram card and the hologram sheet, detecting the obtained reflection image by the second detecting means, and then detecting the hologram obtained by the second detecting means. The sheet reflection image is collated with the reference reflection image stored in advance by the second collation judging means to make a hologram on the hologram card. That over bets are made by and a hologram card inspection step of determining whether or not it is properly attached to the solutions of the problems.

[0009]

According to the hologram card inspection apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the reproduced image obtained by the first detecting means and the reference reproduced image stored in advance by the first collation judging means are used as the first reproduced image. The collation determining means collates and compares to determine whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper, so that the hologram sheet can be reliably removed and the hologram image can be displaced. Further, the reflection image obtained by the second detection means and the reference reflection image stored in advance by the second collation determination means are collated and compared by the second collation determination means, and the hologram sheet is properly placed on the hologram card. Since it is determined whether or not the hologram sheet is attached to the hologram sheet, deprinting of the hologram sheet, attachment of a large number of sheets, and positional deviation thereof can be reliably detected.

[0010]

The present invention will be described in detail below. 1 and 2 are views showing an embodiment of a hologram card inspection apparatus according to the present invention. In these drawings, reference numeral 10 is a hologram card inspection apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as inspection apparatus). This inspection device 10 is for inspecting the surface state of a hologram card A formed by sticking a hologram sheet 4 having a hologram image 3 formed thereon, and a ring light 11 serving as a first light source means and a first light source means. The camera 12 as the first detecting means and the surface light source 13 as the second light source means
A camera 14 serving as second detecting means, and an image inspection device 15 incorporating first and second collation judging means,
A monitor 16 connected to the image inspection device 15 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ring light 11 has a rectangular plate shape and has a circular hole 11a formed in the center thereof.
A ring-shaped light source unit is formed around a, and the light source unit is arranged immediately above a conveyor 21 described later, and the irradiation direction of the light source unit is arranged downward. That is, the ring light 11 is for irradiating the hologram sheet 4 on the hologram card A sent by the conveyor 21 with light to reproduce the hologram sheet 4 and the hologram image 3. The ring light 11
Is compatible with various types of hologram sheet 4,
The amount of light or the distance to the hologram sheet 4 can be adjusted.

The camera 12 is composed of a lens, an image pickup element, an amplifier circuit, a synchronizing signal circuit, etc., and is arranged directly above the circular hole 11a of the ring light 11, and its field of view is the circular hole 11a. It is arranged so as to extend through the entire area of the hologram sheet 4 located immediately below the circular hole 11a and its peripheral portion. Thus, the camera 12 detects the hologram reproduced image obtained by the ring light 11. The surface light source 13 is of a rectangular plate shape having a light source part on almost one side as a light source part, is arranged directly above the conveyor 21, and is arranged so that the irradiation direction of the light source part is directed obliquely downward. . That is, the surface light source 13 irradiates the entire area of the hologram card A sent by the conveyor 21 with light, and the hologram card A
To reflect the hologram sheet 4 above,
The hologram sheet 4 is adjusted to an angle most suitable for reflection according to the type of the hologram sheet 4. The surface light source 13 is
It is rotatably supported by a stand 13a which is erected on the side of the conveyor 21, whereby the irradiation angle to the hologram card A can be adjusted.

Like the camera 12, the camera 14 is composed of a lens, an image pickup element, an amplifier circuit, a synchronizing signal circuit, etc., and is opposite to the surface light source 13 with respect to the hologram card A to be illuminated by the surface light source 13. Is for detecting reflected light of the hologram card A from the surface light source 13, and is arranged so that the field of view is the entire area of the hologram card A. These cameras 1
2. The cameras 14 are all connected to the image inspection device 15. The image inspection device 15 is connected to a computer system such as a personal computer or a minicomputer, or has these functions built therein. As shown in FIG. 3, a first collation judging means 17 and a second collation judging means 18 are provided. With.

The first collation judging means 17 is connected to the camera 12 and receives a reproduced image obtained therefrom, and performs a binarization process (a process for converting a grayscale image into a binary image, specifically, a reproduced image). The first recognition unit 1 for recognizing the processing result by converting the reflected light from the reference portion of the reference intensity into a binary image such that the reference intensity is black and light different from the reference intensity is white.
7a and a hologram sheet that serves as a reference in advance by the camera 12
And a processing result of the reproduced image recognized by the first recognition unit 17a and a first storage unit 17b that stores the result obtained by binarizing the detected result as a reference reproduced image. The first comparison unit 17c compares the reference reproduction image stored in the storage unit 17b.

The first recognition section 17a is specifically shown in FIG.
When the camera 12 detects the hologram sheet 4 having the hologram image 3 as shown in (a), the reflected light from the reference portion of the reproduced image (the portion where the hologram image 3 is not formed in this example) is used as the reference intensity. Assuming that, this is black, and the light different from the reference intensity (reflected light from the hologram image 3 formed with unevenness on the sheet) is binarized into white, and the area of the part recognized as white is measured. And the reference point P of the hologram image 3 determined in advance.
(For example, the center of gravity) is measured.

Therefore, according to such a recognition unit 17a, when the camera 12 detects the chip Q of the hologram sheet 4 as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the chip Q is recessed with respect to the sheet and is reproduced. The light in the image is different from the light of the standard intensity, so it should be white.
Since the value image is formed, the area of the white portion obtained by measurement becomes larger than the reference area. Similarly, FIG.
When the pinhole (or swelling) R of the hologram sheet 4 as shown in FIG. 4 and the burr S as shown in FIG. 4D are detected by the camera 12, the reflected light from these portions has the reference intensity. Since they are different from light, they are also binary imaged so as to be white, and the area of the white portion measured as a result is larger than the reference area.

On the other hand, when the displacement of the hologram image 3 as shown in FIG. 4 (e) is detected, the area of the white portion becomes small because the hologram image 3 is missing from the hologram sheet 4, and it is predetermined. The reference point P is measured at a position deviating from the reference point of the hologram image 3. Further, the first storage unit 17b is based on the hologram sheet 4 in the normal state as shown in FIG. 4A, and stores the reproduced image after the binarization processing of the hologram sheet 4 in advance. Specifically, the area of the hologram image 3 in the reproduced image and its reference point P
And remembered. In addition, this storage unit 17b,
It can be configured by a recording medium such as a memory card or a floppy disk. Therefore, if these are used as the storage unit 17b, the storage unit 17b corresponding to each type of the hologram sheet 4 to be inspected should be prepared in advance. Therefore, even when the type of the hologram sheet 4 changes, it is possible to quickly cope with this.

Then, the first comparing section 17c stores the reproduced image recognized by the first recognizing section 17a, specifically the area of the white portion and its reference point, and the first storing means 17b. By comparing the reference reproduced image, specifically, the reference area and its reference point, whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper, that is, the defect Q, the pinhole (or swelling) R, the burr S, and the hologram It is determined whether or not the image 3 is displaced.

The second collation judging means 18 is connected to the camera 14, receives a reflection image obtained from the camera 14, binarizes the reflection image, and recognizes the processing result.
A second storage unit 18b that detects a hologram card serving as a reference in advance by the camera 14 and stores the result obtained by binarizing the hologram card as a reference reflection image, and the second recognition unit 1
8a and the processing result of the reproduced image recognized by the second storage unit 18
Second comparing section 1 for comparing with the reference reproduced image stored in b
8c. Specifically, when the camera 14 detects the hologram card A having the hologram sheet 4 as shown in FIG. 5A, the second recognition unit 18a has a reference portion of the reflected image (in this example, the hologram sheet 4).
(A portion where is not adhered) is used as a reference intensity for black, and the light having a different intensity from the reference intensity (reflected light from the hologram sheet 4 having the reflection layer) is converted into a binary image so as to be white, Further, the area of the part recognized as white is measured, and the predetermined reference point P of the hologram sheet 4 is measured.
(For example, the center of gravity) is measured.

Therefore, according to the recognition section 18a, when the camera 14 detects a large number (two in the figure) of the hologram sheets 4 as shown in FIG. 4 is the correct hologram sheet 4
Similarly to the above, since the binary image is formed so as to become white, the area of the white portion obtained by measurement becomes larger than the reference area. On the other hand, when the hologram card A in which the hologram sheet 4 as shown in FIG. 5C is blank and is not adhered is detected, naturally, there is no portion which becomes a binary image and becomes white. The area of the white part is smaller than the reference area. Further, when the displacement of the hologram sheet 4 as shown in FIG. 5D is detected, the reference point P is measured at a position deviating from the predetermined reference point of the hologram sheet 4.

The second storage section 18b is shown in FIG.
The hologram sheet 4 in the normal state as shown in FIG. 2 is used as a reference and the reflected image after binarization of the hologram sheet 4 is stored in advance. Specifically, the hologram sheet 4 in the reflected image is stored.
The area and the reference point P are stored. Of course, this storage unit 18b can also be configured by a recording medium such as a memory card or a floppy disk. Then, the second comparing unit 18c receives the reflection image recognized by the second recognizing unit 18a, specifically, the area of the white portion and its reference point, and the reference reflection image stored in the second storage unit 18b. Specifically, by comparing the reference area and its reference point, it is determined whether or not the hologram sheet is properly attached, that is, whether or not there is a plurality of attachments, blanking, or misalignment.

The monitor 16 is capable of visually recognizing the images before and after the binary image of the inspection object by switching, and whether the inspection itself is performed normally or not, and further, the inspection device 10 is performed.
It is possible to check whether is operating normally. The inspection device 10 having such a configuration is used by being incorporated in a hologram card sticking device as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 20 is a feeder for accommodating the cards before the hologram sheet 4 is attached. The feeder 20 picks up the cards in the feeder 20 one by one and places them on the conveyor 21.
And a cleaner unit 23 for cleaning the surface of the card placed on the conveyor 21 and sent by the picker unit 22.
And are arranged in sequence. Further, behind the cleaner section 23, a hot stamp main body 24 for accommodating and further sending out the transfer sheet 5 and for sticking the hologram sheet 4 on the card sent by the conveyor 21 by hot stamping is provided. ing. Then, behind the hot stamp main body 24, the inspection device 1 of this embodiment is provided.
0 is provided. Further, a delivery 25, which is useful for the hologram card after the inspection, is disposed behind the inspection device 10.

In the pasting device, for example, when the inspection device 10 determines that the hologram card A is inappropriate, a means for receiving the signal and removing the corresponding card A from the conveyor 21 is provided. Is provided at the rear of the vehicle or when it is determined to be improper, a function is provided to stop the conveyor 21 at the same time when an alarm sounds, and a card determined to be improper is sent to the delivery 25 by this. There is no such thing.

Next, an inspection method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention will be described based on the inspection method by the inspection device 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. First, when the hologram card A sent by the conveyor 21 reaches a predetermined position directly below the ring light, the conveyor 21 is stopped for a predetermined time. Then, the ring light 11 irradiates the hologram sheet 4 on the hologram card A with light, and the camera 12 detects the obtained reproduced image.

Prior to this, the area and reference point of the reference reproduced image are stored in the first storage section 17b of the first collation judging means 17 of the image inspection apparatus 15. As the storage unit 17b, one that is input in advance on a memory card, a floppy disk or the like is preferably used. And
The reproduced image obtained by the camera 12 is used as the first recognition unit 1
A binary image is formed by 7a, and the area of the portion corresponding to the hologram image 3 and its reference point are measured. Subsequently, the area and reference point of the obtained reproduced image and the area and reference point of the reference reproduced image stored in advance are compared with each other by the first comparison unit 17
It is determined by comparing in c whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper, that is, whether there is a chip, a pinhole (or a bulge), a burr, or a positional deviation of the hologram image 3.

Next, the conveyor 21 is operated again, and when the hologram sheet A and the hologram card A whose hologram image has been inspected reach a predetermined position below the surface light source 13, the conveyor 21 is stopped again. Prior to this,
The area and the reference point of the reference reflection image are stored in the second storage section 18b of the second collation judging means 18 of the image inspection device 15. Then, the reflection image obtained by irradiating the hologram card A with light from the surface light source 13 is detected by the camera 14, the obtained reflection image is converted into a binary image by the second recognition unit 18a, and then the hologram sheet 4 is formed. Measure the area of the corresponding part and its reference point. Subsequently, the area and reference point of the obtained reflection image and the area and reference point of the reference reflection image stored in advance are compared by the second comparison unit 18c, and whether the hologram sheet is properly attached or not. That is, it is determined whether or not there are multiple sticks, blank shots, and positional deviations.

In the inspection device 10 as described above, defective items such as chipping of the hologram sheet, displacement of the hologram image, deprinting of the hologram sheet, pasting of multiple sheets, and displacement are automatically and continuously performed. In addition, it can be performed accurately, and therefore can be used in equipment for mass production, and moreover, variations can be eliminated and quality can be made uniform as compared with visual inspection by an inspector.

Although the ring light 11 is used as the first light source means in the above embodiment, for example, a fiber light may be used instead of the first light source means. The whole area of the sheet 4 and its peripheral portion are irradiated. Further, in the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, the hologram sheet and the hologram image are inspected for properness, and then it is configured to inspect whether or not the hologram sheet is properly adhered on the hologram card. The order of these is not particularly limited and may be reversed.

[0030]

As described above, the hologram card inspection device according to the first aspect of the present invention and the hologram card inspection method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention include a hologram sheet chipping, a hologram image position shift, and a hologram sheet inspection. Since it is designed to automatically, continuously and accurately inspect defective items such as deprinting, multiple sticking, and misalignment, it can be sufficiently used in equipment for mass-producing hologram cards. Moreover, there is no variation as compared to the visual inspection by the inspector, and the quality can be made uniform. Further, if the inspection device according to claim 1 is incorporated into the hologram sheet sticking device, all the processes such as automatic card feeding, conveyance, thermocompression bonding of the hologram sheet to the card, inspection, pass / fail judgment, and sorting and stacking are automated. Therefore, it is possible to save labor by eliminating the visual inspection by the inspector.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a hologram card inspection device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the hologram card inspection device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image inspection apparatus.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a proper state of the hologram sheet, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a state of the hologram sheet having a chip, and FIG. 4C is a state of the hologram sheet having a pinhole or a bulge. The figure which shows, (d) the figure which shows the state of the hologram sheet where the burr has occurred, (e) the figure which shows the state of the hologram sheet where the position gap of the hologram image occurs.

5A is a diagram showing a state of a proper hologram card, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state of a hologram card in which two pieces are pasted, and FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a state of a hologram card in which blanking has occurred. , (D) are views showing the state of the hologram card in which the hologram sheet is displaced.

6 is a perspective view showing an example of a hologram card sticking apparatus incorporating the inspection apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a transfer sheet having a hologram sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 hologram image 4 hologram sheet 10 hologram card inspection device 11 ring light 12 camera 13 surface light source 14 camera 15 image inspection device 17 first collation determination means 18 second collation determination means A hologram card

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A hologram card inspection apparatus for inspecting the surface condition of a hologram card, which comprises a hologram sheet having a hologram image formed thereon, the hologram sheet being irradiated with light to illuminate the hologram. A first light source means for reproducing the sheet and the hologram image; a first detecting means for detecting a reproduced image obtained by the first light source means; and a reproduced image obtained by the first detecting means, First collation determining means for collating and comparing with a prestored reference reproduced image to determine whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper, and irradiating the hologram card with light to form a reflected image of the hologram sheet. Second light source means, and the reflected images of the hologram card and hologram sheet obtained by the second light source means are detected. The second detection means and the reflection image obtained by the second detection means are collated and compared with a reference reflection image stored in advance to determine whether or not the hologram sheet is properly attached to the hologram card. A hologram card inspection apparatus comprising: a second collation judging means for judging. 2. The hologram card inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the first collation determination means binarizes the reproduced image, and then the area on the side recognized as a hologram image and its reference point A hologram card inspection device for making a judgment by comparing the position with the area of a reference reproduced image and the position of a reference point stored in advance. 3. The hologram card inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the second collation determination means binarizes the reflection image, and the area and reflection of the side recognized as the hologram sheet image. A hologram card inspection device for making a determination by comparing the position of a reference point in an image with the area of a reference reflection image and the position of the reference point stored in advance. 4. A hologram card inspection method for inspecting the surface condition of a hologram card, comprising a hologram sheet having a hologram image formed thereon, the hologram sheet being irradiated with light on the hologram card. And replay the hologram image,
The obtained reproduced image is detected by the first detecting means, and then
A hologram sheet and a hologram sheet inspection step of determining whether or not the hologram sheet and the hologram image are proper by comparing and comparing the reproduced image obtained by the first detecting means with a reference reproduced image stored in advance by the first collation judging means. Irradiating the hologram card with light to form a reflection image of the hologram card and the hologram sheet, detecting the obtained reflection image by the second detecting means, and then detecting the hologram obtained by the second detecting means. A hologram card inspection step of determining whether or not the hologram sheet is properly attached to the hologram card by collating the sheet reflection image with the reference reflection image stored in advance by the second collation determining means. A method for inspecting a hologram card, which comprises: