WO2020194463A1 - Image acquisition device, paper-sheet handling device, image acquisition system, image acquisition method, and image acquisition program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an image acquisition device, a paper-sheet handling device, an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image acquisition program with which it is possible to flexibly change the light emission pattern in accordance with the usage environment. An image acquisition device according to the present invention acquires an image of a paper sheet by using a plurality of kinds of light sources that illuminate the paper sheet and a line sensor including a plurality of image-capturing elements disposed in line. The image acquisition device is provided with: an information acquisition unit that acquires setting information; a program acquisition unit that acquires a light-emission control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and an image-capturing control unit that acquires at least one kind of image of the illuminated paper sheet by synchronizing reading by the line sensor with a light emission pattern of the plurality of kinds of light sources, while controlling the light emission pattern on the basis of the light-emission control program acquired by the program acquisition unit.

Description

Image acquisition device, paper leaf processing device, image acquisition system, image acquisition method and image acquisition program

The present invention relates to an image acquisition device, a paper leaf processing device, an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image acquisition program. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image acquisition device for acquiring images of a plurality of types of paper leaves using a plurality of types of light sources, a paper leaf processing device, an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image acquisition program.

A paper leaf processing device that processes paper leaves such as banknotes (banknotes), gift certificates, checks, and securities acquires images of paper leaves, and based on the acquired images, the type of paper leaves, true It is common practice to determine false, positive loss, etc. In recent years, in order to make a stricter determination, images corresponding to each type of light source have been acquired by using a plurality of types of light sources. This makes it possible to identify paper sheets more precisely than when using a small number of light sources.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image acquisition device including a plurality of types of light sources having different wavelengths for each scan line. In the image acquisition device described in Patent Document 1, images of banknotes to be conveyed are acquired while switching the light emission timings of a plurality of types of light sources.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes a bill counter provided with a plurality of types of detectors having different discrimination principles. In the bill counter described in Patent Document 2, the corresponding detector group stored in advance in the bill type storage means is specified according to the bill being selected by the bill type selection means, and the specified detector is specified. Authenticity is determined by the group.

Japanese Patent No. 3674289 Japanese Patent No. 3917412

By the way, the paper leaf processing apparatus is required to process paper leaves at the highest speed possible. For this reason, it is not desirable to reduce the transport speed of the paper leaves in the apparatus in order to acquire an image of the paper leaves.

On the other hand, when multiple types of light sources are emitted at different timings in order to accurately identify paper sheets, the more types of light sources there are, the shorter the time during which one type of light source can be emitted. , The brightness of the image acquired from each type of light source is reduced. This may make it difficult to detect the characteristics of paper sheets depending on the brightness of the image, so it was necessary to set an upper limit on the number of types of light sources to emit light.

From the above, there has been a demand for a means for acquiring a plurality of types of bright images using a plurality of types of light sources without reducing the processing speed of paper sheets.

Here, the image acquisition device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a configuration for solving the above problems. Further, the banknote counter described in Patent Document 2 performs authenticity discrimination based on the output level of each detector, and does not acquire an image.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and is an image acquisition device, a paper sheet processing device, an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image capable of flexibly changing the light emission pattern according to the usage environment. The purpose is to provide an acquisition program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention uses a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating paper sheets and a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row. An image acquisition device that acquires an image of leaves, an information acquisition unit that acquires setting information, a program acquisition unit that acquires a light source control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and the program. At least one type of illuminated paper leaf by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources based on the light emission control program acquired by the acquisition unit. It is characterized by including an image pickup control unit for acquiring an image.

Further, in the present invention, the present invention further includes a storage unit for storing the light emission control program associated with the setting information, and the program acquisition unit corresponds to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The light emission control program is acquired from the storage unit.

Further, in the present invention, the present invention further includes a reception unit that receives input of the setting information, and the information acquisition unit acquires the setting information via the reception unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting information is at least a part of reference information used for identifying paper sheets.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting information is information indicating the type of paper sheets.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting information is position information.

Further, the present invention is a paper leaf processing device characterized in that the image acquisition device is mounted.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the setting information is information indicating the transport speed of paper sheets in the paper leaf processing apparatus.

Further, the present invention is an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of paper leaves, wherein a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating the paper leaves and light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources depending on the type of the paper leaves are used. A control unit that controls different types of light sources is provided, and the control unit is characterized in that when an image of a specific type of paper sheet is acquired, at least one of the plurality of types of light sources is not turned on. And.

Further, the present invention is an image acquisition system for acquiring an image of paper leaves by using a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating the paper leaves and a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row. The information acquisition unit for acquiring the setting information, the storage unit for storing the light source control program associated with the setting information, and the light source control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit are described. By synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources based on the program acquisition unit acquired from the storage unit and the light emission control program acquired by the program acquisition unit. It is characterized by comprising an image pickup control unit that acquires at least one kind of image of illuminated paper sheets.

Further, the present invention is an image acquisition method for acquiring an image of paper sheets, which includes an information acquisition step for acquiring setting information, a program acquisition step for acquiring a light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information, and the like. Imaging that acquires at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of a plurality of types of light sources based on the acquired light emission control program. It is characterized by having steps.

Further, the present invention is an image acquisition program for causing an image acquisition device to acquire an image of paper leaves, and includes a program acquisition step for acquiring a light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information, and the acquired light emission control. The imaging step of acquiring at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of a plurality of types of light sources based on the program. It is characterized in that it is executed by an image acquisition device.

According to the image acquisition device, the paper leaf processing device, the image acquisition system, the image acquisition method, and the image acquisition program of the present invention, the light emission pattern can be flexibly changed according to the usage environment, so that various paper sheets can be used. It is possible to acquire images of the same kind, and it is possible to improve the image quality of the acquired paper leaves without reducing the processing speed of the paper leaves.

It is sectional drawing when the image sensor 100 is cut in the plane perpendicular to the transport surface of the bill 800 and parallel to the transport direction of the bill 800. It is a figure which shows typically the structure when the reflection light source and transmission light source shown in FIG. 1 are viewed from the direction parallel to the transport direction. This is an example of the arrangement of the LED elements in the LED headers 11 and 21. It is a timing chart which showed an example of control of a light emission pattern. It is a timing chart which showed another example of the control of a light emission pattern. (A) is a diagram schematically showing image data of paper leaves created by adding all kinds of images obtained by the light emission pattern of FIG. 4, and (b) is a diagram showing the image data of paper sheets of (a). It is a figure which showed by extracting one kind of image included in the image data of a leaf. (A) is a diagram schematically showing image data of paper leaves created by adding all kinds of images obtained by the light emission pattern of FIG. 5, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing image data of paper leaves (a). It is a figure which showed by extracting one kind of image included in the image data of a leaf. It is a functional block diagram which showed an example of the processing system of an image acquisition apparatus. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the processing flow of an image acquisition apparatus. It is a schematic diagram explaining the acquisition method of setting information. (A) is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the setting information and the light emission control program, and (b) is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the relationship between the setting information and the light emission control program. (A) is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the banknote processing device according to the embodiment, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the outline of the structure inside the banknote processing device according to the embodiment. It is a perspective schematic diagram which showed the appearance of another banknote processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an image acquisition device, an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image acquisition program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be used for acquiring images of various types of paper sheets such as banknotes (banknotes), gift certificates, payment slips, checks, securities, and card-like media. In each embodiment, image acquisition of banknotes will be described as an example.

The image acquisition device according to the present embodiment includes an image sensor provided with a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating paper sheets and a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row. The emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources are controlled based on the emission control program. The light emission pattern can be configured by combining the timing and light emission time of each of a plurality of types of light sources in the imaging period (1 cycle) of one sheet of paper, and the order in which the plurality of types of light sources are emitted. And the number of times are specified. It also specifies a combination of a light source that emits light and a light source that does not emit light at each timing.

In the image acquisition device according to the present embodiment, the illuminated paper is obtained by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the emission pattern while controlling the emission pattern of a plurality of types of light sources and the program acquisition unit that acquires the emission control program. The image pickup control unit or the like that acquires an image of leaves may be provided as a part of the image sensor, or may be provided in another device independent of the image sensor and connected to the image sensor. You may.

(Configuration of image sensor)
An example of the configuration of the image sensor will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image sensor 100 cut along a plane perpendicular to the transport surface of the bill 800 and parallel to the transport direction of the bill 800. The image sensor 100 sandwiches a transport path for transporting the bill 800, and is located on the A-side first unit 110 of the bill 800 located above in the drawing and on the B-side of the bill 800 located below in the drawing. The second unit 120 and the third unit 130 are included.

In the first unit 110, light is emitted from the light sources 111 and 112 toward the bill 800, and the reflected light reflected by the bill 800 is received by the line sensor 114 via the condensing lens 113. The line sensor 114 includes a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a line in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote 800. The plurality of image pickup elements may be arranged in a single row or may be arranged in a plurality of rows. The image pickup device is preferably an element that converts light and darkness into an electric signal, and for example, CCD, CMOS, or the like is used. A transparent plate 116 is provided at the lower portion of the first light receiving unit 110 facing the transport path. A substrate 115 that supports the line sensor 114 is provided above the first light receiving unit 110. According to the first unit 110, a reflected light image on the A side of the conveyed banknote 800 can be obtained.

The second unit 120 is provided at a position facing the first unit 110 with the transport path in between. When light is emitted from the light source 20 of the second unit 120 toward the bill 800, the light transmitted through the bill 800 enters the first unit 110 and is received by the line sensor 114 via the condensing lens 113. A transparent plate 126 is provided on the upper portion of the second unit 120 facing the transport path. By providing the second unit 120, a transmitted light image of the banknote 800 can be obtained.

The third unit 130 is provided adjacent to the second unit 120. In the third unit 130, light is emitted from the light sources 131 and 132 toward the bill 800, and the reflected light reflected by the bill 800 is received by the line sensor 134 via the condensing lens 133. The line sensor 134 includes a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a line in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote 800. A transparent plate 136 is provided on the upper portion of the third unit 130 facing the transport path. Further, a substrate 135 for supporting the line sensor 134 is provided below the third unit 130. According to the third unit 130, a reflected light image on the B side of the banknote 800 can be obtained.

Each of the light sources 20, 111, 112, 131, and 132 is composed of a line-shaped light guide extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 and a plurality of types of LED arrays. Since the light sources 111, 112, 131, and 132 have the same configuration and are light sources for obtaining a reflected light image, they are also referred to as reflected light sources below. Further, since the light source 20 is a light source for obtaining a transmitted light image, it is also referred to as a transmitted light source below.

Next, the configurations of the reflection light source and the transmission light source shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reflection light source 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a light guide body 12 extending in the main scanning direction and an LED header 11 as a light source on both end faces in the main scanning direction. By irradiating light from both end faces of the light guide 12 by the LED header 11 in the direction of the arrow shown on the drawing, the light guide 12 emits light uniformly at the wavelength of the irradiated light.

The transmission light source 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes an LED header 21 which is a light source on both end faces of the light guide body 22 and its main scanning direction. By irradiating light from both end faces of the light guide 22 by the LED header 21 in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing, the light source 22 emits light uniformly at the wavelength of the irradiated light. It is the same as 10. However, the wavelength of the light emitted from the LED header 21 is different from the wavelength of the light emitted from the LED header 11. Details will be described later.

In FIG. 2, the reflection light source 10 and the transmission light source 20 are provided with LED headers 11 and 21 at both ends of the light guide bodies 12 and 22. By providing the light sources at both ends, it becomes easy to secure the light emission intensity of the light guide bodies 12 and 22 and minimize the difference in the light emission intensity depending on the location of the light guide bodies 12 and 22. However, depending on the light emission intensity of the LED element used for the LED headers 11 and 21 and the performance of the light guides 12 and 22, the LED headers 11 and 21 may be provided only at one end of the light guides 12 and 22.

Next, the arrangement of the LED elements in the LED headers 11 and 21 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an example of the arrangement of the LED elements in the LED headers 11 and 21. In the LED header 11 shown in FIG. 3, nine LED elements are arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns. The breakdown of the nine LED elements includes four LED elements 11a that emit green light (G) with a peak wavelength of 550 nm and LED elements 11b that emit infrared light (IR) with a peak wavelength of 950 nm. The LED element 11a that emits green light (G) and the LED element 11b that emits infrared light (IR) are arranged so as not to be adjacent to each other.

In the LED header 21 shown in FIG. 3, nine LED elements are arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns. The breakdown of the nine LED elements is one LED element 21a that emits blue light (B) having a peak wavelength of 465 nm and one LED element 21b that emits green light (G) having a peak wavelength of 525 nm. There are one LED element 21c that emits red light (R) with a peak wavelength of 625 nm, and three LED elements 21d that emit purple light (V) with a peak wavelength of 415 nm. There is one LED element 21e that emits infrared light (IR) having a peak wavelength of 940 nm, one LED element 21f that emits infrared light (IR) having a peak wavelength of 870 nm, and a peak wavelength of 800 nm. It is composed of one LED element 21g that emits infrared light (IR).

By using the reflected light source 10 and the transmitted light source 20, seven types of reflected light images of R, G, B, V, IR1, IR2 and IR3 and two types of transmitted light images of IR and G can be obtained. The type of light source provided in the image sensor is not particularly limited, and for example, a light source that emits ultraviolet light (UV) having a peak wavelength of 370 nm may be added.

Next, the control of the light emission pattern in the image acquisition device will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The image acquisition device according to the present embodiment acquires a light emission control program corresponding to the setting information, and controls the light emission pattern based on the light emission control program. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of control of the light emission pattern, and FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing another example of control of the light emission pattern. The A-side light source in FIGS. 4 and 5 represents the emission colors of the light sources 111 and 112 located on the A-side side of the banknote 800, and the A-side reading is a line located on the A-side side of the banknote 800. It represents the light receiving color of the sensor 114. The B-side light source in FIGS. 4 and 5 represents the emission colors of the light sources 20, 131, and 132 located on the B-side side of the banknote 800, and the B-side reading is a line located on the B-side side of the banknote 800. It represents the light receiving color of the sensor 134. Further, the arrow from the A-side light source to the A-side reading in FIGS. 4 and 5 indicates that the reflected light image of the A-side is taken, and the arrow from the B-side light source to the B-side reading is B. This indicates that the reflected light image of the surface is collected. The arrow from the B-side light source to the A-side reading in FIGS. 4 and 5 indicates that a transmitted light image is taken.

The image acquisition device sequentially measures all types of light sources based on a specific light emission pattern during one cycle (one cycle) of the light emission period corresponding to two cycles of the clock (master clock: MCLK) generated by the rotary encoder. Let it emit light 18 times. The emission period of each light source is controlled according to the continuous scan signal T1 (9.55 μs) or T2 (9.55 to 36.5 μs). Since each cycle of MCLK is not stable and an error may occur in one cycle, fluctuations are absorbed by making T2 a variable length. That is, T1 is determined by defining the number of light sources and T2 (variation amount).

For example, when paper leaves are transported by 0.254 mm in one cycle of MCLK, if a specific type of light source is emitted once during one cycle of MCLK, the 0.254 mm wide portion of the paper leaves Images can be acquired at a resolution of 100 dpi. On the other hand, if a specific type of light source is emitted a plurality of times in one cycle of MCLK, the resolution of the partial image can be improved. Further, instead of improving the resolution of the partial image, a plurality of partial images acquired in one cycle of MCLK may be combined into one partial image, and the brightness (SN ratio) of the partial image may be improved. By synthesizing a plurality of partial images obtained by repeating a plurality of cycles, an entire image of one sheet of paper is created.

In the light emission pattern of FIG. 4, R reflected light image, G reflected light image, B reflected light image, IR1 transmitted light image, G transmitted light image, R reflected light image, G reflected light image, B Reflected light image, V reflected light image, R reflected light image, G reflected light image, B reflected light image, IR1 reflected light image, IR2 reflected light image, R reflected light image, G reflection The light image, the reflected light image of B, and the reflected light image of IR3 are imaged in this order, and seven types of reflected light images of R, G, B, V, IR1, IR2 and IR3, and two types of IR and G are taken. A transmitted light image is obtained. On the other hand, in the light emission pattern of FIG. 5, the reflected light image of V, the reflected light image of G, the reflected light image of G, the transmitted light image of IR1, the transmitted light image of G, the reflected light image of G, and the reflected light image of G. , V reflected light image, V reflected light image, V reflected light image, G reflected light image, G reflected light image, IR1 reflected light image, IR1 reflected light image, IR1 reflected light image, G The reflected light image of G, the reflected light image of G, and the reflected light image of V are performed in this order, and three types of reflected light images of G, V, and IR1 and two types of transmitted light images of IR and G are obtained.

The light emission pattern of FIG. 4 is suitable for imaging, for example, paper sheets with enhanced security elements. Since there are many types of images to be acquired, the light emission pattern of FIG. 4 is advantageous for detecting a security element. On the other hand, as the number of types of images to be acquired increases, the light emission time and the reading time of the light source that can be assigned to acquire one type of image become shorter, so that the S / N ratio decreases and the resolution of each image decreases. Therefore, the image acquisition device according to the present embodiment controls to switch the light emission pattern according to the paper sheets to be imaged, and does not acquire an image of a type unnecessary for the identification process. According to the light emission pattern of FIG. 5, the resolution of each image is improved, so that the identification performance can be improved. Further, since the amount of data processing can be reduced by reducing the types of images to be acquired, the data processing time can also be shortened.

FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing image data of paper sheets created by adding all types of images obtained by the light emission pattern of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6B is a diagram. It is the figure which extracted and showed one kind of image included in the image data of the paper leaf of 6 (a). When acquiring images of paper sheets with multiple types of light sources, no image data is lost in the main scanning direction, but in principle, there are no gaps in the transport direction (secondary scanning direction) for specific types of images. Image data cannot be collected. As shown in FIG. 6B, all of the specific types of images are obtained by thinning out the image data of the entire paper leaf, and the resolution is low.

FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing image data of paper sheets created by adding all kinds of images obtained by the light emission pattern of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7B is a diagram. It is a figure which showed by extracting one kind of image included in the image data of the paper leaf of 7 (a). As shown in FIG. 7B, when the image is taken with the light emission pattern of FIG. 5, the resolution of the specific type of image can be made higher than that of the case of taking the image with the light emission pattern of FIG.

It is preferable that the light emission pattern is changed according to the setting information by changing the ratio of the light emission time for each light source within the imaging period (1 cycle) of one sheet of paper. In the light emission patterns of FIGS. 4 and 5, the light emission time of each light source is equalized and the number of light emission of each light source is changed, but the light emission time of each light source may be changed. ..

The setting information used for acquiring the light emission control program may be, for example, (1) an identification symbol or number (ID) for specifying the light emission pattern, or (2) specific information regarding the light emission pattern. It may be (3) at least a part of the reference information used for identifying paper leaves, or (4) information on usage conditions.

(3) The reference information used for identifying the paper leaves includes, for example, a template for each denomination (type of paper leaves). That is, the setting information may be included in the template for each denomination for the identification process. For example, by including detailed data such as resolution, number of light emitting light sources, and light emitting time in the template, it is possible to switch the template and the light emitting control program at the same time. In addition, when a plurality of different reference information exists corresponding to a plurality of types of paper sheets, a light emission control program combining light emission patterns corresponding to each reference information may be used. For example, in a paper leaf processing device that processes 1000-yen bills and 5000-yen bills, the light-emitting pattern corresponding to the 1000-yen bill specifies R light emission, and the light-emitting pattern corresponding to the 5000-yen bill is B light emission. When is specified, a light emission pattern that causes both R and B to emit light may be used. The reference information may be stored in advance in a storage unit included in the image acquisition device, or may be acquired from an external server that manages the reference information.

The information regarding the above (4) usage conditions includes (4A) position information indicating the country or region where the image acquisition device is used, (4B) information indicating the type of paper leaves, and (4C) the image acquisition device. Information indicating the transport speed of paper sheets in the paper leaf processing apparatus (for example, the type of transport mode) and information representing the processing content such as positive / loss determination (for example, the type of processing mode) can be mentioned.

Next, a method of obtaining setting information used for controlling a light emission pattern in the image acquisition device and a method of acquiring a light emission control program will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a processing system of the image acquisition device, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the image acquisition device.

The image acquisition device shown in FIG. 8 includes an image sensor 100, a reception unit 180, a control unit 200, and a storage unit 300. Although the control unit 200 is provided independently of the image sensor 100, it can also be provided as a part of the image sensor 100. Further, the storage unit 300 may be provided outside the image acquisition device, or may be provided outside the paper leaf processing device in which the image acquisition device is incorporated.

In the processing system shown in FIG. 8, the setting information 310 is input from the reception unit 180 (start). The reception unit 180 may be an operation display unit of the paper leaf processing device. For example, the setting information 310 is input to the touch panel from the initial setting screen at the time of delivery and installation of the paper leaf processing device or the setting screen for the staff. It may be a thing.

The information acquisition unit 210 acquires the setting information 310 via the reception unit 180 and stores it in the storage unit 300 (information acquisition step S11). Then, the program acquisition unit 220 reads the setting information 310 in the storage unit 300, and acquires a predetermined light emission control program 320 corresponding to the setting information 310 acquired by the information acquisition unit 210 from the storage unit 300 (program acquisition step). S13). The program acquisition unit 220 may acquire a predetermined light emission control program 320 from an external server that manages the light emission control program 320. Further, the acquisition of the predetermined light emission control program 320 may be performed at the same time as the acquisition of the reference information (template for each denomination) used for identifying the paper sheets. When the program acquisition step S13 is completed, the preparation for imaging the paper sheets is ready.

When the imaging of paper sheets was started, the imaging control unit 230 was illuminated while controlling the light emission patterns of the light sources 20, 111, 112, 131, and 132 based on the light emission control program 320 acquired by the program acquisition unit 220. An image of paper leaves is acquired (imaging step S15). Specifically, by synchronizing the light emission timings of the light sources 20, 111, 112, 131, and 132 with the reading timings of the line sensors 114 and 134, a plurality of types of reflected light images having different types of light sources used for illumination and / Or acquire a transmitted light image. The image pickup control unit 230 performs processing such as amplification, A / D conversion (digitization), imaging, and image correction on the information generated by the image sensor, and then stores the information in the storage unit 300 as image data 330. Imaging may be performed by combining a plurality of different image information.

Subsequently, the identification processing unit 240 collates the obtained image data 330 with the determination data 340 including the banknote template, the threshold value, etc. stored in the storage unit 300, and the type of paper leaf imaged (gold). Species), authenticity, correctness, etc. are determined (identification step S17). The determination data 340 is obtained by converting the position and amount of the characteristic of the banknote, the image of the banknote, and the like into data for identification processing. Further, four types of determination data 340 are prepared, which have different front and back sides and orientations for each denomination.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of acquiring setting information. As the reception unit 180 that receives the input of the setting information, the operation display unit of the paper leaf processing device 600 may be used. Further, the setting information may use the information of the current position (for example, country information) specified by the Global Positioning System (GPS) 610 or the like, and is acquired from an information recording medium 620 such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM. Alternatively, it may be acquired from a higher-level device such as a server 630 using a communication device provided in the paper leaf processing device 600. When the setting information is acquired from the information recording medium or the host device, the reference information (template for each denomination) used for identifying the paper sheets and the setting information can be acquired at the same time.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the setting information and the light emission control program. The light emission control program may include a plurality of program units and select a program unit for executing the corresponding specific light emission pattern according to the setting information. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the program unit A for executing the light emission pattern A corresponding to the setting information A and the program unit B for executing the light emission pattern B corresponding to the setting information B are included. You may be.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the relationship between the setting information and the light emission control program. The light emission control program may be a program configured to execute the corresponding specific light emission pattern according to the setting information. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the control content of the light emission pattern by the light emission control program is different between the case where the setting information A is acquired and the case where the setting information B is acquired.

As described above, the image acquisition device of the present embodiment switches the light emission pattern based on the setting information such as the position information indicating the country or region where the image acquisition device is used and the information indicating the type of paper leaves. Is possible. The light emission pattern can be switched by a light emission control program designed in advance. The setting information and the light emission control program can be acquired at the time of template switching by a simple method such as downloading from a higher-level device such as a server. By switching the light emission pattern, it is possible to prevent the acquisition of an image of a type unnecessary for the identification process, prevent a decrease in the resolution of each image, and shorten the data processing time.

In order to sell a paper leaf processing device incorporating a single type of image acquisition device to different countries and regions, in order to limit the types of light sources that emit light to below the upper limit, each country or region that uses the device It is required to create a program for controlling the light emission pattern of the light source and install it in the device. On the other hand, according to the image acquisition device of the present embodiment, the light emission pattern can be flexibly changed according to the usage environment by a simpler method.

The light emission pattern can be changed by, for example, the following method.
(1) Collect data in advance and determine the optimum light source for imaging paper leaves for each country and denomination.
(2) The optimum light emission pattern is narrowed down to several types, and a light emission control program corresponding to each light emission pattern is mounted on the image acquisition device.
(3) When the image acquisition device is delivered, at least the template corresponding to the country in which the device is used is downloaded, and the country in which the image acquisition device is used is specified from the higher-level device.
(4) The light emission control program is switched based on the position information (country information) representing the country designated by the host device and the light emission pattern information included in the template.

In the conventional image acquisition device, all types of light sources are turned on when acquiring an image of paper leaves, but in the image acquisition device of the present embodiment, at least one of a plurality of types of light sources is turned on. It differs from the conventional image acquisition device in that it is controlled so as not to be caused. That is, it is an image acquisition device that acquires an image of paper leaves, and controls to make a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating the paper leaves and different light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources depending on the type of the paper leaves. The image acquisition device also includes a control unit for performing the control, and the control unit controls not to turn on at least one of the plurality of types of light sources when acquiring an image of a specific type of paper sheet. This is one aspect of the invention.

Although the above description has been made based on the image acquisition device according to the present embodiment, the present invention also has aspects as an image acquisition system, an image acquisition method, and an image acquisition program. That is, it is an image acquisition system that acquires an image of paper leaves by using a plurality of types of light sources that illuminate the paper leaves and a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row, and setting information. The information acquisition unit for acquiring the image, the storage unit for storing the light source control program associated with the setting information, and the light source control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit are acquired from the storage unit. Illumination was performed by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources based on the program acquisition unit and the light emission control program acquired by the program acquisition unit. An image acquisition system including an image pickup control unit that acquires at least one type of image of paper sheets is also an aspect of the present invention. Further, it is an image acquisition method for acquiring an image of paper sheets, that is, an information acquisition step for acquiring setting information, a program acquisition step for acquiring a light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information, and the acquired light emission. An imaging step of acquiring at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of a plurality of types of light sources based on a control program. The provided image acquisition method is also an aspect of the present invention. Further, there are a plurality of image acquisition programs for causing the image acquisition device to acquire an image of paper leaves, based on a program acquisition step of acquiring a light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information and the acquired light emission control program. The image acquisition device includes an imaging step of acquiring at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of a line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission pattern of each type of light source. An image acquisition program to be executed is also an aspect of the present invention.

The image acquisition device according to the present embodiment can be mounted on a paper leaf processing device. Examples of the paper leaf processing device include a banknote processing device and a banknote inspection device.

(Configuration of banknote processing device)
The configuration of the banknote processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The banknote processing device according to the present embodiment may have, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. The banknote processing device 1200 shown in FIG. 12 includes a hopper 1210 capable of placing a plurality of banknotes, a transport path 1211 for transporting the banknotes placed on the hopper 1210, and a banknote identification device 1100 that performs banknote identification processing. It includes an accumulating unit 1213 for accumulating banknotes identified by the banknote identification device 1100, and a reject unit 1214 for separately accumulating banknotes satisfying predetermined conditions from other banknotes.

The banknote processing device 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is a small banknote processing device installed and used on a table, and a banknote identification device (not shown) that performs banknote identification processing and a plurality of banknotes to be processed are stacked. Two hoppers 1301 placed in a form and two rejected banknotes are ejected when the banknotes drawn out from the hopper 1301 into the housing 1310 are rejected banknotes such as fake banknotes or uncertain authenticity tickets. The reject unit 1302, the operation unit 1303 for inputting instructions from the operator, and the four collection units 1306a for classifying and accumulating banknotes whose denomination, authenticity, and correctness are identified in the housing 1310. It is provided with 1306d and a display unit 1305 for displaying information such as a bill identification count result and an accumulation status of each of the accumulation units 1306a to 1306d.

The bill identification device includes an image acquisition device. By using the banknote identification device built into the banknote processing device, it is possible to continuously process a plurality of banknotes and separate banknotes determined to be fake banknotes, lossy banknotes, or uncertain banknotes. The bill identification device has, for example, a configuration in which a first photo sensor, an image sensor, a thickness detection sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a second photo sensor are arranged side by side along a bill transport path.

The first photo sensor detects the banknotes that are sequentially conveyed to the banknote identification device, and generates a banknote detection signal for determining the timing of starting detection of the banknotes in the banknote identification device. On the other hand, the second photo sensor detects that the bill has passed. When the banknotes are conveyed in the opposite directions, the second photosensor detects the arrival of the banknotes and the first photosensor detects the passage of the banknotes. As the first and second photosensors, light reflection type or light transmission type optical sensors are used. Instead of the first and second photo sensors, a sensor that mechanically detects the passage of banknotes may be provided. The bill detection signal can be used as a starting point for controlling the lighting of the light source in the image sensor.

The thickness detection sensor detects the thickness of the bill. Examples of the thickness detection sensor include a sensor that detects the amount of displacement of the rollers facing each other across the transport path when the banknotes pass by a sensor provided on each roller.

The magnetic sensor is used to detect magnetic information contained in banknotes. The magnetic sensor preferably has a plurality of magnetic detection elements (magnetic heads) arranged in a line. As the magnetic detection element, an element that outputs a change in magnetic flux density as a signal fluctuation (differential magnetic detection element) is preferably used, and specifically, a magnetoresistive element (MR element), a coil, and a fluxgate (FG). Element), magnetic impedance (MI element) and the like. The type of magnetoresistive element (MR element) may be an anisotropic magnetoresistive element (AMR element), a giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element), a tunnel magnetoresistive element (TMR element), or the like. Further, the magnetic detection element may output the strength (absolute value) of the magnetic flux density of the thread 101, and for example, a Hall element or the like may be used.

Further, the bill processing device is provided with a transport mechanism, a branch mechanism, and the like so that bills can move in the transport path. The transport mechanism is not particularly limited, and for example, a mechanism in which a roller, a belt, or the like is driven by a drive device such as a motor is used. The branching mechanism is provided in the transport path and switches the transport destination of banknotes.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments. Each configuration described in the embodiment may be appropriately deleted, added, modified, or combined without departing from the gist of the present invention.

As described above, the present invention flexibly changes the light emission pattern according to the usage environment to acquire images of various paper sheets without reducing the processing speed of the paper sheets. Since the image quality of the acquired paper leaves can be improved, it is a useful technique for acquiring images of various paper leaves.

10: Reflective light source 11, 21: LED header 11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g: LED element 12, 22: Light guide body 20: Light source (transmission light source)
100: Image sensor 110: First unit 111, 112, 131, 132: Light source 113, 133: Condensing lens 114, 134: Line sensor 115, 135: Substrate 116, 126, 136: Transparent plate 120: Second unit 130 : Third unit 180: Reception unit 200: Control unit 210: Information acquisition unit 220: Program acquisition unit 230: Imaging control unit 240: Identification processing unit 300: Storage unit 310: Setting information 320: Light emission control program 330: Image data 340 : Judgment data 600: Paper leaf processing device 610: Global positioning system 620: Information recording medium 630: Server 800: Bill 1100: Bill identification device 1200: Bill processing device 1210: Hopper 1211: Transport path 1213: Accumulation unit 1214: Reject unit 1300: Bill processing device 1301: Hopper 1302: Reject unit 1303: Operation unit 1305: Display units 1306a to 1306d: Accumulation unit 1310: Housing

Claims (12)

1. An image acquisition device that acquires an image of paper leaves by using a plurality of types of light sources for illuminating the paper leaves and a line sensor including a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row.
   Information acquisition unit to acquire setting information and
   A program acquisition unit that acquires a light emission control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a program acquisition unit.
   At least one of the illuminated paper sheets is obtained by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources based on the light emission control program acquired by the program acquisition unit. An imaging control unit that acquires different types of images,
   An image acquisition device characterized by comprising.
2. A storage unit for storing the light emission control program associated with the setting information is further provided.
   The image acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein the program acquisition unit acquires a light emission control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit from the storage unit.
3. It also has a reception unit that accepts the input of the setting information.
   The image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the setting information via the reception unit.
4. The image acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting information is at least a part of reference information used for identifying paper sheets.
5. The image acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting information is information indicating the type of paper sheets.
6. The image acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting information is position information.
7. A paper leaf processing apparatus comprising the image acquisition apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The paper leaf processing device according to claim 7, wherein the setting information is information representing a transport speed of paper leaves in the paper leaf processing device.
9. It is an image acquisition device that acquires images of paper leaves.
   Multiple types of light sources that illuminate paper leaves,
   It is provided with a control unit that controls the emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources to be different depending on the type of paper sheets.
   The control unit is an image acquisition device characterized in that when an image of a specific type of paper sheet is acquired, control is performed so that at least one of the plurality of types of light sources is not turned on.
10. It is an image acquisition system that acquires an image of paper leaves by using a plurality of types of light sources that illuminate the paper leaves and a line sensor that includes a plurality of image pickup elements arranged in a row.
    Information acquisition unit to acquire setting information and
    A storage unit that stores the light emission control program associated with the setting information,
    A program acquisition unit that acquires a light emission control program corresponding to the setting information acquired by the information acquisition unit from the storage unit, and a program acquisition unit.
    At least one of the illuminated paper sheets is obtained by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of the plurality of types of light sources based on the light emission control program acquired by the program acquisition unit. An imaging control unit that acquires different types of images,
    An image acquisition system characterized by being equipped with.
11. This is an image acquisition method for acquiring images of paper leaves.
    Information acquisition step to acquire setting information and
    A program acquisition step for acquiring a light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information, and
    Imaging that acquires at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of a plurality of types of light sources based on the acquired light emission control program. Steps and
    An image acquisition method characterized by comprising.
12. It is an image acquisition program for making an image acquisition device acquire an image of paper leaves.
    The program acquisition step to acquire the light emission control program corresponding to the acquired setting information, and
    Imaging that acquires at least one type of image of illuminated paper sheets by synchronizing the reading of the line sensor with the light emission pattern while controlling the light emission patterns of a plurality of types of light sources based on the acquired light emission control program. Steps and
    An image acquisition program, characterized in that the image acquisition device is executed.
    
    

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