EP2393065A2 - Procédé et dispositif pour vérifier si la surface d'un objet est pourvue d'un document de valeur - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour vérifier si la surface d'un objet est pourvue d'un document de valeur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2393065A2
EP2393065A2 EP11168383A EP11168383A EP2393065A2 EP 2393065 A2 EP2393065 A2 EP 2393065A2 EP 11168383 A EP11168383 A EP 11168383A EP 11168383 A EP11168383 A EP 11168383A EP 2393065 A2 EP2393065 A2 EP 2393065A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
image
security feature
value document
data memory
area
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11168383A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2393065A3 (fr
Inventor
Hauke LÜBBEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP2393065A2 publication Critical patent/EP2393065A2/fr
Publication of EP2393065A3 publication Critical patent/EP2393065A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • G07B2017/00443—Verification of mailpieces, e.g. by checking databases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00653—Special inks, e.g. fluorescent
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00709—Scanning mailpieces

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for checking whether a surface of an object is provided with a value document, in particular whether a surface of a flat postal item is provided with a franking mark.
  • a mail item to be sorted is provided with a valid stamp or other valid franking mark.
  • a sensor S of a symbol recognition unit ACR detects a graphical symbol on the mailpiece, e.g. B. a stamp.
  • a data processing unit compares the acquired graphical information with representations of indicia stored in a database.
  • a learning system learns symbols for the database. The learned symbols are graphic reproductions of valid stamps.
  • a stamp recognition unit BME checks whether a franking has a fluorescent area.
  • a superfluorescence sensor SFL-S checks whether a franking has a security feature or not.
  • the superfluorescence sensor SFL-S checks whether the franking on the mailpiece still has a second security feature. If this is the case, then the item of mail becomes a valid postal item treated and forwarded. Otherwise, the mailpiece is ejected.
  • a detected graphic information on a mail item is also compared with symbols which are stored in a database with valid symbols.
  • a learning system learns symbols for the database. If a detected symbol on a mail item does not match a stored symbol, then a superfluorescence sensor SFL-S checks whether a second security feature is present on the mailpiece. If this second security feature is present, then the item of mail is recognized as a valid mail item and forwarded.
  • a stamp recognition unit BME irradiates the surface of the mail piece with light, and a fluorescence sensor of the stamp recognition unit detects an area on the mail piece which is provided with a fluorescent agent and is excited by the irradiation.
  • a valid stamp often contains such a fluorescent agent.
  • Downstream of the stamp recognition unit BME is a checking means SFL-S, which checks a security feature. This checking means SFL-S can be designed as a superfluorescence sensor.
  • a symbol recognition unit determines graphical symbols on the mailpiece. Such a graphic symbol can, for. B. be a valid stamp.
  • the symbol recognition unit has a sensor that detects a symbol on the mailpiece.
  • a data processing system compares a detected graphical symbol or other information with stored representations of frankings. Before the symbol recognition unit ACR may be a turning course or another transport route.
  • the data processing unit accesses a database in which symbols are stored.
  • a learning system learns symbols for the database.
  • the stamp recognition unit BME whether a franking on the mailpiece is present. This franking should carry a security feature.
  • the subsequent checking means checks whether the franking actually carries such a security feature.
  • a valid franking without superfluorescence can be identified by the symbol recognition unit checking the presence of a corresponding graphic symbol.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for checking whether a surface of an object is provided with a value document without having to specify a complete data memory with pictures of all value documents used.
  • the security features data store stores computer-accessible identifications of predefined security features.
  • Computer-accessible images of value documents can be stored in the value documents data store, and in one embodiment some images of value documents are already stored.
  • the image evaluation unit searches for a value document in the check area. For this purpose, the image evaluation unit evaluates the image from the surface area of the object and searches for an image of a value document in this image. This examined image shows the complete test area.
  • the image evaluation unit when the image evaluation unit has found a value document in the check area, the image evaluation unit generates an image of this found value document. For this purpose, the image evaluation unit uses the image of the surface area. This generated image is stored in the value document data memory.
  • the invention eliminates the need to create in advance a value document data store containing images of all value documents used. Generating this data store takes time. In addition, the invention eliminates the need to manually update the value documents data store continuously.
  • the document of value data storage of the device according to the invention can be empty before the check, that is to say still contain no pictures of value documents, or already contain some pictures. Under no circumstances is it necessary for the value-document data store to contain in advance one image of each possible value document. Rather, the value documents data memory is filled while the method according to the solution is carried out. Although not a complete value documents data store before starting this Need to be predetermined procedure, a reliable test is possible.
  • the method according to the solution and the device according to the solution only provide a positive result, namely the result that the surface is provided with a value document if a genuine value document is present in a test area of a security feature detector. Only images of real value documents are included in the value documents data store.
  • the solution according to the test does not necessarily provide a reliable statement as to whether the surface is provided with a genuine value document, but a statement as to whether the surface is even provided with a value document.
  • the test according to the solution makes it possible to subsequently evaluate an image of the found value document, for. For example, to determine the value of the value document.
  • This security element is a two-dimensional structure that is applied to the value document, wherein two different substances are applied to the value document.
  • the two substances have the same color when irradiated in visible light, but different colors when irradiated with infrared light.
  • an image of a value document is already stored on the first occurrence of an object in the value document data memory, if this object has a security feature.
  • a candidate data store is used. The first occurrence of a value document on an item then, if that value document is not stored in the value documents data store and the security feature is detected on the item, triggers the step of storing the picture of the value document in the candidate data store. The image stored in the candidate data memory is then transferred to the value document data memory and stored in this value document data memory if a predetermined criterion is met. For example, count how many times a value document of which an image is stored in the candidate data memory occurs on an object.
  • the predetermined criterion is met when an acknowledgment signal for this image arrives. This confirmation signal comes from an external test, e.g. A manual check of images in the candidate data store.
  • the invention can be z. B. for value documents in the form of franking marks on mail, for promotion notes and seals u. ⁇ . on luggage or freight items, for fee stamps on official paper-based documents or for the detection of bills z. B. of different currencies.
  • the invention is applied to flat mail items which are each provided with a franking mark ("indicia").
  • the franking mark may take the form of a postage stamp, a postage stamp, a bar code or a matrix code.
  • Fig. 1 shows the flow of mail through the solution according to the device.
  • Fig. 2 shows further data flows in the material flow of the mailpiece through the device of Fig. 1 , Material flows are shown in the figures with solid arrows, data flows with dashed arrows.
  • the separator Ver generates a stream of upright and spaced mailpieces. These mail items leave the separator Ver as a stream of objects.
  • the optional address reader OCR-VCS is able to decode information about a destination address. This information is applied to the mailpiece.
  • the address reading device OCR-VCS evaluates an image from the surface of the mail pieces with the destination address information for deciphering. In one embodiment, the image is from a color image camera Bag.1, Bag.2.
  • the OCR unit OCR evaluates an address database Add-DB.
  • the address reader OCR-VCS provides the address information Add.
  • the sorting system with the address reading device OCR-VCS transports the mail items from the separator Ver up to the discharge device AE. If the sorting system has an address reading device, then the reject device AE discharges mail items into one of the many sorting end points Ae.1, Ae.2,... Depending on the deciphered information Add to the destination address. For this purpose, the discharge device AE applies a computer-available sorting plan which assigns each possible destination address in each case to a sorting end point Ae.1, Ae.2,...
  • the sorting system without address reading device generates in each sorting end point Ae.1, Ae.2,... Preferably in each case a stack with upright mailpieces that are oriented. "Oriented" means that the franking marks of all mail items in a sorting end point Ae.1, Ae.2,... All point in the same direction, eg. For example, all to the left. It is possible that the franking marks on mail items in individual sorting stations Ae.1, Ae.2, ... could not be canceled because the mail item was wrongly oriented during the passage through the sorting system.
  • the sorting system preferably has sorting outlets for non-machine-processible mailpieces and for postal items that are not sufficiently or not at all franked.
  • the sorting system sorts the mailpieces z. B. depending on a physical parameter or preferably according to whether the sorting system has discovered a valid franking mark on a mailpiece or not.
  • Each Color Image Camera Bag.1, Bag.2 Produces a Color Computer-Available Image (Color Image) Fig.1 . Fig.2 each of a surface of the mail piece.
  • these are an image Fig.1 from the front and an image Fig.2 from the back of the mailing.
  • each flat mail item is transported upright and with the longitudinal edges horizontally aligned between the two color image cameras Bag.1, Bag.2.
  • a color image camera Bag.1, Bag.2 generates multiple color images from the same surface of the same mailpiece, eg. B. computationally an image of a surface of a large mail piece composed of several individual images.
  • This at least one color picture Fig.1 . Fig.2 per surface is generated by light in the visible range.
  • a light source illuminates the surface of the mailpiece with light in the visible range.
  • the color image Fig.1 . Fig.2 shows all the objects with which this surface is provided, thus showing the entire surface of a mail piece and not just a partial area.
  • These objects on the interface include details of the destination address, details of the sender address, a franking mark and often a logo and / or an advertising imprint as well as an endorsement or a delivery note.
  • the address reading device OCR-VCS in one embodiment evaluates such a color image Fig.1 . Fig.2 from a color image camera Bag.1, Bag.2 to decipher the destination address.
  • each valid franking mark is provided with a luminescent security feature.
  • Luminescent is the generic term for “fluoresce” and “phosphoresce”.
  • a fluorescent security feature will only reflect light in a particular wavelength range for as long as the security feature is illuminated with that light.
  • a phosphorescent security feature illuminates for a few milliseconds after the end of such irradiation. This security feature distinguishes a true franking from a counterfeit, e.g. B. a real stamp from a color copy.
  • Each security feature detector (“indicia detector”) ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 has a light source LQ.1, LQ.2,... And at least one detection unit.
  • Each security feature detector preferably has in each case a recognition unit for a fluorescent security feature and for a phosphorescent security feature.
  • the light source LQ.1, LQ.2, ... emits light in a certain waveband, z. As ultraviolet light, infrared light or light in a particular color, z. B. in a certain blue. This light impinges on the surface of the mail piece.
  • the color filter lets only light in a certain wave range pass through, so that the security feature is better recognizable.
  • the photodiode array Ph.1, Ph.2, ... converts incident light that has passed the color filter into electrical signals. This electrical Signals are transmitted to the decision unit EE.1, EE.2, ....
  • the decision unit EE.1, EE.2,... Decides whether the light which strikes the photodiode array Ph.1, Ph.2,... And produces an image in certain light is one of a valid one Security feature comes.
  • the decision units EE.1, EE.2, ... are not necessarily able to determine whether or not this security feature is part of a franking mark and whether this franking mark is valid or not.
  • a valid security feature is a security feature that is used by this transport service provider for franking mailpieces and therefore belongs to a genuine postage indicium.
  • the decision unit EE.1, EE.2, ... evaluates the decision unit EE.1, EE.2, ... the security features data memory Sm-DB.1, Sm-DB.2, ... from to decide whether the photodiode array Ph.1, Ph.2, ... meets an image of a security feature whose identifier is stored in the security data memory Sm-DB.1, Sm-DB.2, ... is. It is sufficient that the decision unit EE.1, EE.2 is able to decide whether or not the generated image contains a given security feature, ie a security feature whose identifier is stored in the security feature data memory Sm-DB.1, Sm-DB.2 is. It is possible, but not necessary, for decision-making unit EE.1, EE.2, ... to decide whether or even which franking mark is present.
  • Each security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 is able to examine a surface of a mail item for the presence of a valid security feature. This mail item is preferably transported upright and aligned past the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4, and the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 examines the facing surface of the mail piece.
  • the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 can examine the entire surface. In a simpler embodiment, the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 is able to examine a specific subarea of the surface ("test area") and to provide the result as to whether there is an area in this subarea Security feature and therefore a real franking mark or not.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a mail item Ps with a franking mark Fm and a check area PB of a security feature detector (not shown).
  • An endless conveyor belt Fb and another, not shown endless conveyor belt of a shroud system transport the mail Ps in the transport direction TR.
  • the franking mark Fm is provided with a security feature Sm and a value Wa.
  • the mail item Ps is also provided with a logo Lo.
  • a security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ... sends light in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Fig. 3 on the surface of the mail item Ps.
  • This security feature detector ID.1, ID.2,... can then examine a checking area PB as to whether this checking area PB has a security feature.
  • the security feature detector is unable to detect the security feature Sm in the indicium Fm.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the situation of Fig. 3 according to which the orientation of the mail item Ps has been changed. Now again a test area is examined. However, this test area, which was examined during the renewed test, now occupies a different partial area of the surface of the mail item Ps and is therefore incorporated into Fig. 4 designated PB.1. Now, the security feature detector is able to detect the franking mark Fb with the security feature Sm.
  • the test area PB from Fig. 3 and the test area PB.1 of Fig. 4 may belong to different security feature detectors or to the same security feature detector.
  • the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 can additionally provide information about the position of the franking mark or at least the security feature in the examined subarea.
  • the subarea (check area) is z. B. a strip of a certain length and height, which begins in the leading edge of the mail piece and lies on the one longitudinal edge or runs parallel to the lower edge of the upright transported mailing. The height of this strip is determined by the dimensions of the lens Li.1, Li.2, Li.3, Li.4, the color filter and / or the photodiode array Ph.1, Ph.2, Ph.3, Ph. 4 limited.
  • the mail item is transported by means of an endless conveyor belt, which is located between the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 and the mail item Ps and limits the height of the strip upwards. This limitation illustrates Fig. 3 ,
  • each security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 is additionally capable of deciding which type is a security feature of a postage indicium.
  • the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 can not necessarily recognize which indicium is located in the subarea.
  • the sorting system has at least one security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4, because only one security feature detector can detect a security feature, but not the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE, which has a true franking mark Security features is indistinguishable from a counterfeit franking mark if the counterfeit is good enough.
  • Each security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 delivers its respective result to the detector evaluation unit De-AE.
  • the security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 each examine a surface of the mail item, in one embodiment only a partial area. In addition, their results may be subject to uncertainty or even in individual cases be inaccurate.
  • the detector evaluation unit De-AE By evaluating the results of the security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 and the test result test image from the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE, the detector evaluation unit De-AE generates a total test result strig -ges. This overall test result sketch-ges is transmitted to the control unit SE.
  • franking mark database Fm-DB colored images of valid franking marks are stored.
  • "Valid” means: of indicia accepted by a carrier of goods in a given period of time.
  • a valid franking mark may be a genuine or a fake franking mark.
  • the security features are not recognizable, because the pictures show the franking marks with visible, preferably white light and therefore the image of a true franking mark is not the image of a "good” Forgery, z. B. a good color copy to distinguish.
  • the indicium database Fm-DB has a record for each considered valid indicium.
  • This data record comprises an internal identifier as well as at least one computer-accessible color image, which shows the franking mark in the visible light.
  • the images in the franking mark database Fm-DB show the franking marks when illuminated in white or otherwise visible light. In this white light, the security features are not visible.
  • the updating unit Akt automatically complements this franking mark database Fm-DB with further pictures of valid franking markings during operation, which will be described in detail below.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE has read access to the franking mark database Fm-DB.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE evaluates a color image Fig.1 . Fig.2 from a color image camera Bag. 1, Bag 2, indicating whether this color image shows a franking mark which is stored in the franking mark database FM-DB and therefore treated as a valid franking mark. If the franking mark is valid, the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE furthermore determines which franking mark from the franking mark database Fm-DB carries the mailpiece.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE has to deliver its result within a predetermined period of time, typically less than one second, the franking mark database Fm-DB is a local part of the sorting system.
  • the predetermined time requirement would not be met if the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE would have to access a spatially remote database.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE transmits its test result sketch-Abb to the control unit SE.
  • this check result Test-Abb comprises an internal identifier of the franking mark recognized as valid. This internal identifier is with a record for this indicium in the franking mark database FM-DB. By means of the internal identifier, it is possible to determine automatically which item of value this franking mark carries, because this information is stored as part of the data record.
  • the first transport device comprises a so-called "pinch belt system”.
  • a mail item to be processed is temporarily clamped upright temporarily between two endless conveyor belts, which are guided around a plurality of rollers or shafts.
  • the axes of these rollers or shafts are all vertical.
  • the two endless conveyor belts rotate in the same direction and at the same speed and thereby transport an upright postal item.
  • the two color image cameras Bag.1, Bag.2 each produce a colored image Fig.1 . Fig.2 from a surface of the flat mailing.
  • the mail piece has a color image from both surfaces, ie from the front side and from the back side Fig.1 . Fig.2 in front.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE searches for an image of destination address information and / or indicia in the color image Fig.1 . Fig.2 from a surface of the mailing.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE can not recognize this franking mark and identify it as a valid franking mark. Namely, the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE can not distinguish a valid franking mark with sufficient certainty from a logo, an advertising imprint, a decorative sticker, a delivery note or a similar object with which a mailpiece can be provided.
  • the two security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2 in front of the turning device WE in each case analyze a partial area of a surface, that is to say a total of a partial area of the front side and a partial area of the rear side of the mailpiece.
  • each security feature detector ID.1, ID.2 analyzes a subarea, eg. B. a strip, that surface of the mail piece, which faces the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2. This portion is below or above the facing endless conveyor belt.
  • each security feature detector ID.1, ID.2 is able to analyze the entire surface of the mail piece that faces the detector.
  • not only two, but even four security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 are used, which are all located in front of the turning device WE.
  • Two security feature detectors analyze a portion of a surface below a facing endless conveyor belt of the shroud system.
  • the two others Security feature detectors analyze a portion of the surface above the facing endless conveyor belt.
  • the printing device Dru has a print head Dru-Ko and a pressure gate Dru-Ku.
  • the mail item is transported between the printhead Dru-Ko and the printing gate Dru-Ku, namely by the second transport device, which likewise comprises a shroud system.
  • the mail piece must therefore be oriented so that the surface with the franking mark (the front side) points to the print head Dru-Ko and not to the print area Dru-Ku.
  • the print head Dru-Ko is supposed to apply the imprint to the surface in such a way that the franking mark on the surface is invalidated.
  • the franking mark must be oriented in such a way relative to the print head Dru-Ko that - depending on the arrangement of the print head Dru-Ko - the franking mark is either always above or always below the endless conveyor belt.
  • the control unit SE controls the switches W-WST and W-Kbf.
  • the device according to Fig. 1 has two clearance detectors ID.1, ID.2 upstream of the inverter WE and two further security feature detectors ID.3, ID.4 downstream of the inverter WE.
  • each security feature detector ID.3, ID.4 downstream of the turning device WE is able to analyze a subarea above the endless conveyor belt or below the endless conveyor belt.
  • each security feature detector ID.3, ID.4 downstream of the inverter can analyze the entire surface.
  • four security feature detectors are again used downstream of the turning device WE.
  • the sorting system has a security feature detector ID.1, the turning device WE and additionally a return path. If the security feature detector ID.1 has not discovered a security feature, then the turning device WE uses the mail item, preferably about its longitudinal axis. The return route transports the returned mail item upstream. The first transport device again transports the turned mail item past the same security feature detector ID.1.
  • This security feature detector ID.1 searches again for a security feature in a given test area.
  • the test area PB.1 in the re-test differs from the test area PB in the first test.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to manage with a single security feature detector ID.1 and yet successively different test areas on the surface of a mailpiece to investigate. These two test areas PB.1, PB are in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated.
  • the control unit SE receives signals from light barriers, which are located within the sorting system and are interrupted by an upright postal item. As a result, the control unit SE "knows" at each point in time which postal item is in the sorting system and orders the signals from the cameras Bag.1, Bag.2 and the security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2 of the respectively correct mail piece to. The signals from these sensors are transmitted to the detector evaluation unit.
  • test result vom-Abb are transmitted from the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE to the detector evaluation unit De-AE.
  • This test result sketch-Abb of the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE is based on signals from the cameras Bag.1, Bag.2.
  • this mailing is provided with a valid and genuine franking mark.
  • the mailpiece does indeed carry a franking mark with a valid security feature, but this franking mark can not be recognized as valid, then it depends on the configuration of the detector evaluation unit DE-AE, which happens with this mailing.
  • the mail item despite being sorted again, is transported to the ejection device AE.
  • the mail item is deflected into the sorting output Rej.
  • an attempt is made to decipher a value in the image of the franking mark. If the value specified lies above a predetermined limit, then the mail item is discharged into the sorting output Rej, otherwise it is transported on to the ejection device AE.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE has actually detected a valid franking mark from the indicium database Fm-DB at this position, then it has the mailing a valid and genuine franking mark.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE If the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE has not recognized a franking mark at this position, the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE identifies an object in the color image Fig.1 . Fig.2 from the surface in this subarea as a franking mark. For this purpose, the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE uses the information about the subarea in which the at least one security feature detector ID.1, ID.2,... Has discovered a genuine franking mark, and optionally information about the position Pos of this genuine franking mark in the subarea. More precisely, the security feature detector ID.1, ID.2 detects and transmits the position Pos of a security feature in the analyzed subarea.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE evaluates a computer-executable description which classifies an image of a graphic object in the image from the surface either as an image of a franking mark and supplies its outline or as another graphic object, e.g. As a logo or a jewelry sticker.
  • the color image evaluation unit FB-AE identifies z. As the outline contour of a stamp, which is generally rectangular and in rare cases triangular and either teeth or regularly arranged recesses has around the outline. A stamp has either teeth or, if the stamp comes from a vending machine, semicircular recesses.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE generates a color computer-accessible image Bi from the franking mark.
  • the updating unit Akt automatically supplements the franking mark database Fm-DB by this picture Bi.
  • This picture item Bi displays a franking mark which is provided with a valid security feature.
  • a predetermined criterion is used to decide if this indicium is also a valid indicium. Once this criterion is met, the image Bi is stored as an image of a valid franking mark in the franking mark database Fm-DB.
  • the updating unit Akt preferably generates a new dataset in the franking mark database Fm-DB.
  • the image Bi of an additional franking mark is already recorded in the franking mark database Fm-DB when this franking mark has been discovered for the first time.
  • the criterion is thus already fulfilled at the first occurrence of a new franking mark.
  • a candidate data memory Kand-DB is additionally used.
  • An image Bi of an additional franking mark is stored in this candidate data store Kand-DB as soon as the franking mark has been discovered for the first time. It is counted how often this postage indicium is subsequently rediscovered. If this counted number exceeds a predefined amount, then a record for this additional franking mark is created in the franking mark database Fm-DB and the entry in the candidate database Kand-DB is deleted. This data record then contains a picture Bi of the franking mark discovered several times. The criterion is therefore fulfilled if the counted number of occurrences exceeds a predetermined limit.
  • the record for the candidate (for the image Bi of a franking mark) in the candidate database Kant-DB comprises a counter which is incremented by one each time this indicia is re-issued.
  • a security measure is additionally calculated for the fact that the image Bi is actually an image of a franking mark which has hitherto not been considered in the franking mark database Fm-DB. If the security measure exceeds a predetermined limit, then a record with this image Bi is included in the indicia database Fm-DB stored. Otherwise, an entry with the image Bi and any security measure is generated in the candidate database. Upon a renewed recognition of this franking mark, a security measure is again calculated and aggregated with the stored security measure to an overall security measure. This is repeated and the respective overall security measure is updated and stored. If this total security measure exceeds a predetermined limit, a new data record for the franking mark is stored in the franking mark database Fm-DB and the entry in the candidate database Kand-DB is deleted.
  • an indicium has a fluorescent security feature or, when illuminated with light of a particular wavelength, has an element that uniquely identifies the indicia, or is uniquely identifiable as a whole with light at that particular wavelength.
  • the franking mark is not clearly recognizable as a valid franking mark in the case of illumination with white light, so that the color images from the color image cameras Bag.1, Bag.2 alone are not sufficient to recognize a valid franking mark from other objects on the surface of a mailpiece , It is possible that the franking mark database Fm-DB currently does not contain all valid franking marks.
  • a security feature detector ID.1, ID.2, ... can distinguish different classes of franking marks. These different classes are predetermined, eg. Due to various or different shaped fluorescent security features.
  • the information to which class a discovered franking mark belongs is likewise transmitted to the detector evaluation unit De-AE. This information is also stored in the franking mark database Fm-DB and used for later reconciliations.
  • the franking mark database Fm-DB is a local part of the sorting installation.
  • similar sorting systems, each with a local franking mark database Fm-DB, are used at different locations.
  • the updating unit Akt according to the solution, together with a franking mark database, is used in one of these sorting installations of the same type and functions as a master database.
  • the data sets are repeatedly copied from this franking mark database Fm-DB, which functions as the master database, and transmitted to the other sorting installations where they are stored in the respective local franking mark database Fm-DB.
  • Fm-DB which functions as the master database
  • the candidate database Kant-DB is designed as a central database, and several sorting systems transmit their results to this central database.
  • each sorting system has its own updating unit Akt, which updates the local franking mark database Fm-DB. This embodiment saves the otherwise necessary step of repeatedly generating and distributing copies of the master databases.
  • the color image evaluation unit Fb-AE additionally searches for a value specification in the image Bi of the object, which was identified as an image of a franking mark.
  • a stamp has a number sequence that is used as a value in a specific currency unit.
  • the data record in the franking mark database Fm-DB for this franking mark is supplemented by the value specification.
  • an editor verifies at least once whether the indicium database Fm-DB is actually contains only images of valid franking marks.
  • the editor checks all images that after a certain time, for. B. after the last review, have been added to the franking mark database Fm-DB.
  • each record for a franking mark contains a time stamp, namely the date on which this record was created, or the date on which this record was last checked.
  • the added images of franking marks are displayed one after the other.
  • the determined value is displayed. The editor enters whether this image Bi actually shows a franking mark or not. A data record whose image does not show a valid franking mark is removed from the postage due database Fm-DB.
  • the processor corrects the automatically determined value specification.
  • the operator additionally corrects the outline of a franking mark if that outline was determined incorrectly and the image shows additional elements in addition to the franking mark, e.g. B. parts of a stamp or other imprint on the mailpiece.
  • Output units of the sorting system act updating unit Bag.1 Imaging device to the right of the transport path of the mail, can produce colored images of mail Bag.2 Imaging device to the left of the transport path of the mail, can produce colored images of mail Bi Computer-accessible image of a new open-air statement DE Rotary device with the main station Kbf De-AE Detectors evaluation unit EE.1, EE.2, EE.3, EE.4 Decision units of the security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 Fb Endless conveyor belt transports the postal mail Ps in the transporting direction TR Fb-AE Color-evaluation fm Postage due on the mailing Ps Fm-DB Indicia database ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 Security feature detectors kbf terminus Kbf-By Railhead bypass LG Address reader Li.1, Li.2, Li.3, Li.4 Lenses of the security feature detectors ID.1, ID.2, ID.3, ID.4 Lo Logo on the mailing Ps LQ.1, LQ.2, LQ

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Image Analysis (AREA)
  • Collating Specific Patterns (AREA)
EP11168383A 2010-06-02 2011-06-01 Procédé et dispositif pour vérifier si la surface d'un objet est pourvue d'un document de valeur Withdrawn EP2393065A3 (fr)

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EP3839901A1 (fr) * 2019-12-18 2021-06-23 Deutsche Post AG Procédé et appareil de détection de timbres contrefaits et/ou réutilisés

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EP1909234A1 (fr) 2001-02-02 2008-04-09 Deutsche Post AG Centre de contrôle destiné au contrôle d'affranchissements appliqués sur des courriers postaux
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