Image inputting device

An image inputting device is provided which is capable of making reliable and speedy detection of an indicia even for an nonstandard size postal matter. The postal matter, when having passed by a proximity detecting section, is radiated with ultraviolet light at specified timing from light radiating unit. When a postal matter is radiated with ultraviolet light, fluorescence is emitted from a phosphor formed on an indicia after being pumped. In the case where the indicia is an meter, when the meter passes by a fluorescence field of view, red fluorescence enters a fluorescence light receiving optical system along a fluorescence detecting optical axis. If the indicia is a postage stamp containing a substance that emits phosphorescence, when the postage stamp passes by a phosphorescence detecting field of view where no ultraviolet light is not emitted, green fluorescence enters a phosphorescence light receiving optical system along a phosphorescence detecting optical axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image inputting device being preferably used in, for example, a culling-facing-canceling machine for postal matter, and more particularly to the image inputting device for detecting and identifying a type, position, amount, and/or a like of an indicia, such as a postage stamp, a permit imprint, a meter, and/or a like, affixed or printed on a nonstandard size mail (flat mail).

The present application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-020570 filed on Jan. 28, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in order to cancel postage stamps and/or face standard size mails (letter mails) including postcards, a culling-facing-canceling machine to be exclusively used for letters has been developed and is in actual use.

The culling-facing-canceling machine101for letters, as shown inFIG. 9, includes an indicia detection processing module102to detect and identify a kind, position, amount, and/or a like of an indicia, such as a postage stamp, a permit imprint, and a meter (postage paid) affixed or printed on postal matter, a facing processing module103to face postal matter (turning postal matter toward a same direction) so that the detected indicia are arranged on a lower side of the postal matter, for example, along a carrying direction, a cancellation processing module104to cancel (postmark) a postage stamp using, for example, an ink jet printer when the postage stamp is affixed to the postal matter, and a mail accumulating module105to accumulate postal matter.

The indicia detection processing module102has an image inputting device (not shown) (scanner) to capture an image (monochrome image or color image) affixed or printed on a postal matter being carried at a specified speed and a recognition processing section (not shown) to recognize, for example, a kind of an indicia.

When the above postal matter is radiated with ultraviolet light, a fluorescent substance formed on a surface of the postal matter is pumped and almost all stamps emit phosphorescence and almost all meter emit fluorescence.

Therefore, in the indicia detection processing module102, by radiating the postal matter with ultraviolet light and by detecting the phosphorescence or fluorescence, processing of detecting and identifying the indicia is performed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei08-030785).

In the case of the standard size, since their sizes are almost equal and positions of affixing (printing) of an indicia, such as a postage stamp and a meter or the like are almost determined, the above indicia detection processing module102is so constructed as to detect only a position (height) of an indicia from a bottom face (face on which the postal matter is placed) of the postal matter being carried in an erected state, to arrange one set of the image inputting device, each set being made up two of the image inputting devices, in a manner in which a carrying path is interposed between the two image inputting devices configured so as to face each other and to be able to scan both front and rear sides of the postal matter.

The indicia detection processing module102, as shown inFIG. 10, has image inputting devices107and108to be used for scanning a surface and a rear face, respectively, for detection of an indicia on both surface and rear face sides at a specified height position relative to a postal matter being transferred and being flown toward a carrying direction X on a carrying path106, and an upside-down reversing section109to reverse the postal matter upside-down when necessary based on the detection result and the postal matter reversed upside-down is again transferred via a feed-back path110to entrance sides of the image inputting devices107and108. The postal matter having passed through the indicia detection processing module102is transferred to the facing processing module103and cancellation processing module104.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 11, an indicia detection processing module119may have another configuration with no feed-back path106and have image inputting devices114and115used for scanning the surface and a rear face to detect the indicia on both the surface and rear face sides at a specified height position relative to a postal matter being transferred and being flown in a carrying direction Y on a carrying path113, an upside-down reversing section116to reverse the postal matter upside-down when necessary based on the detection result, and the indicia detecting processing module119having a pair of image inputting devices117and118arranged on an exit side of an upside-down reversing section116. The postal matter having passed through the indicia detection processing module119is transferred to the facing processing module120and cancellation processing module121.

The indicia, though being affixed (printed) to a left upper portion of the postal matter, can be detected and identified by using the indicia detecting processing modules102and119, irrespective of orientation of the postal matter (carrying pattern), that is, irrespective of a position of the indicia on the postal matter viewed from the image inputting devices107,108(114,115,117,118). Directional patterns of a postal matter include four patterns as shown inFIG. 12toFIG. 15. First, as shown inFIG. 12, if a postal matter “A” is carried by a carrying belt122with its surface side (side to which an indicia “B” is affixed) being directed toward a side of the image inputting device107(114) and with the indicia “B” being placed on an upstream side, the image inputting device107(114) detects and identifies the indicia “B” from a carrying bottom face122a(face on which the postal matter is placed) of the carrying belt122when at least a partial portion of the indicia “B” passes by a detection area “C” having a specified height “h”. In this case, the postal matter is not reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section109(116) and is carried toward the facing processing module103(120).

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 13, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt122with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device108(115) and with the indicia “B” being placed on a downstream side, the image inputting device108(115) detects and identifies the indicia “B” when at least a partial portion of the indicia “B” passes by the detection area C. In this case, too, the postal matter B is not reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section109(116) and is carried toward the facing processing module103(120). Also, as shown inFIG. 14, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt122with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device107(114) and with the indicia “B” being placed on the downstream side, since the indicia “B” does not pass by the detection area C, neither the image inputting device107(114) nor the image inputting device108(115) detects and identifies the indicia “B” and the indicia “B” is reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section109(116).

After that, the image inputting device108(118) detects the indicia “B” when at least a part of the indicia “B” passes by the detection area C, and the postal matter B is carried toward the facing processing module103(120).

Also, as shown inFIG. 15, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt122with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device108(115) and with the indicia “B” being placed on the upstream side, since the indicia “B” does not pass by the detection region C, neither the image inputting device107(114) nor the image inputting device108(115) detects and identifies the indicia “B” and the indicia “B” is reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section109(116).

After that, the image inputting device107(117) detects the indicia “B” when at least a part of the indicia “B” passes by the detection area C, and the postal matter A is carried toward the facing processing module103(120).

In the case of the image inputting devices107and108(114,115,117, and118), the phosphorescence or fluorescence emitted from the indicia “B” passing by the detection area C is feeble, a photosensor having a high sensitivity is used to receive the phosphorescence or fluorescence. Additionally, to improve a gain, a sufficiently wide aperture for receiving the light is provided and a width of a belt-shaped detection area is set at a comparatively large value. By sampling a signal output from the photosensor according to a passage state of the postal matter at specified time intervals, detection of the indicia “B” is made.

On the other hand, in the case of nonstandard size postal matter, there are many problems such as a difficulty in handling mail and device sizes, and in processing capability and, therefore, automatization (mechanization) for handling the nonstandard size postal matter is not yet advancing. That is, the nonstandard size postal matter of large and/or thin types vary largely in size, from a range of about 160 mm to about 400 mm in the carrying direction, from a range of about 150 mm to about 300 mm in height, and from a range of about 1 mm to 20 mm in thickness. An surface area of the nonstandard size postal matter is large, as a result, causing large variations in positions where indicias are affixed (printed). Also, a larger number of stamps are affixed to nonstandard size postal matter when compared with the case of standard size, in many cases.

Thus, a problem occurs when the conventional culling-facing-canceling machine for letters is used as the culling-facing-canceling machine to be applied to nonstandard size postal matter. That is, omission of the detection of postal matter increases due to variations in affixed (printed) positions since the nonstandard size postal matter is carried outside a range of the detection in a position having a specified height from the carrying bottom face (on which postal matter is placed), in many cases. Moreover, another problem occurs, for example, in that a plurality of numbers of stamps can be detected so long as the postage stamps are placed along a carrying direction, however, an omission occurs in the detection of stamps if being arranged in a longitudinal direction (vertical and scanning direction) orthogonal to a carrying direction, which, as a result, causes a decrease of merits obtained by making the detecting processes automatic. To solve this problem, a method is proposed in which a plurality of photosensors is arranged along the longitudinal direction described above.

However, this proposal has also a problem in that the photosensors can be arranged only at intervals of about 20 mm at most, due to a limitation in terms of a physical size, making it impossible to improve resolution of the photosensors and difficult to accurately detect the kind or position of the indicia. Another problem is that, to solve a problem of variations in thickness of postal matter, an adjustment of overlapping between areas for detection by the photosensors and/or compensation for variations in sensitivity among the photosensors are required. Still another problem is that, even if a single photosensor is employed, an adjustment of a gain and/or offset of the photosensor is needed and, if the plurality of the photosensors is used in combination, the adjustment is made complicated, causing much time and labor to be required. Still another problem is that use of many photosensors causes high costs. To solve this problem, technology is proposed in which a linear CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) having light sensing devices, instead of photosensors, arranged in a linear state along a vertical direction orthogonal to the carrying direction is employed for the detection of the indicia (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2001-243458 and 2001-14425).

A first problem to be solved is that, when the postal matter is radiated with the ultraviolet light and, as a result, the phosphorescence or fluorescence is received from the indicia, it is difficult to receive the phosphorescence, which is emitted with delay separately from the emission of the fluorescence, in a state in which the phosphorescence is differentiated from the fluorescence, thus making it impossible to accurately detect a kind or position of the indicia of the postal matter. A second problem to be solved is that, if such a feed-back path as employed in the conventional culling-facing-canceling machine for letters or such an additional pair of the image inputting devices is provided also on a downstream side as employed in the culling-facing-canceling machine for letters, the indicia detection processing module is made larger due to the large postal matter, which causes costs to be increased and a limitation to be imposed on an installation place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an image inputting device capable of reducing costs for its manufacturing and of simply performing adjustment processing and reliable and speedy detection of an indicia even in the case of nonstandard size postal matter. It is a second object of the present invention to provide an image inputting device capable of contributing to miniaturization of an indicia detection processing module and to reduction in costs for manufacturing the image inputting device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image inputting device including:

a carrying unit to carry an object along a specified carrying direction, the object having a marking pattern including phosphor;

a light radiating unit to radiate light toward the object being carried by the carrying unit to make the marking pattern emit the fluorescence or the phosphorescence;

a light radiation limiting unit to limit, when the phosphorescence is emitted from the marking pattern contained upon the object, light radiation toward the marking pattern from the light radiating unit during at least a period of time in which the phosphorescence is being emitted; and

an image detecting unit to detect an image by receiving fluorescence or phosphorescence emitted from the object in a belt-shaped field of view along a direction almost orthogonal to the specified carrying direction.

In the foregoing, a preferable mode is one that wherein further includes a background emitter to emit background light by receiving the radiated light from the light radiating unit and to enable at least one dimension of the object to be detected by the background light, the background emitter is placed behind the object being carried.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the background emitter includes a fluorescent substance which emits the background light by receiving the radiated light from the light radiating unit.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the light radiation limiting unit includes a light-blocking unit to block, when the phosphorescence is emitted from the marking pattern contained upon the object, light fed from the light radiating unit to the marking pattern, during at least a period of time in which the phosphorescence is being emitted.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the light radiating unit includes a light source and a filter to block visible light contained in light emitted from the light source and to allow ultraviolet light to be transmitted.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the light source includes an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp and wherein the image detecting unit detects a monochrome image in a belt-shaped field of view in each of an radiating area being radiated with light emitted from the light source and a non-radiating area, which is placed on a downstream side along the specified carrying direction in the radiating area, being not radiated with the light emitted from the light source and wherein the light-blocking unit has a light-blocking plate to block the light emitted from the light source toward the field of view in which a monochrome image is detected in the non-radiating area.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the image detecting unit has a monochrome linear charge coupled device in which light sensing devices are arranged in a straight line form.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the light radiating unit includes at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode being able to perform flashing operations and wherein the image detecting unit detects a color image in a line-shaped field of view with timing with which a color image detecting operation is performed in synchronization with ON operations of the ultraviolet light emitting diode and with which the color image detecting operation is performed in synchronization with OFF operations of the ultraviolet light emitting diode and captures an image as a color image separately during a period of the ON operations and a period of the OFF operations.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the image detecting unit has a color linear charge coupled device array in which light sensing devices are arranged in a straight line form.

Furthermore, a preferable mode is one wherein the object includes a postal matter and the marking pattern is an area in which an indicia affixed or printed on the postal matter is placed.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the image detecting unit detects the image by receiving fluorescence or phosphorescence emitted from the object in a belt-shaped field of view along a direction almost orthogonal to the specified carrying direction.

Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the light source includes an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp and wherein the image detecting unit detects a monochrome image in a belt-shaped field of view in each of an radiating area being radiated with light emitted from the light source and a non-radiating area, which is placed on a downstream side along the specified carrying direction in the radiating area, being not radiated with the light emitted from the light source and wherein the light-blocking unit includes a light-blocking plate to block the light emitted from the light source toward the field of view in which a monochrome image is detected in the non-radiating area.

With the above configuration, fluorescence or phosphorescence can be received from an entire surface of a object and, therefore, even if the object has large variations in size, reliable and speedy detection can be made in a light emitting area. A light radiation limiting unit is provided which enables a fluorescence image and a phosphorescence image to be reliably obtained.

With another configuration as above, since the fluorescence and phosphorescence can be received from an entire object, unlike in the conventional case, repeated detection processing in a light emitting area by reversing a object is not required, thus, contributing to miniaturization of the image inputting device and reduction in costs for manufacturing the same.

With still another configuration as above, the background emitter is provided, which enables an entire size of a object to be detected.

With still another configuration as above, by using a linear CCD array as a sensor making up the detecting unit, costs can be reduced and an adjusting operation can be performed easily.

With still another configuration as above, the ultraviolet light LED is used as the light source and, by making the light source be flashed, fluorescence is received during radiating period and phosphorescence is received during non-radiating period, an fluorescence image and phosphorescence image can be detected in a same field of view and a same optical axis can be used and, therefore, the number of components can be reduced almost to a half, thus achieving miniaturization and cost reduction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The first aim of performing reliable and speedy detection of an indicia even in the case of a object being irregular in size (for example, nonstandard size postal matter) is achieved by providing a light radiation limiting unit and by receiving fluorescence or phosphorescence from an entire object, fluorescent and phosphorescent images can be obtained in a reliable manner. Here, by using a linear CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) array as a sensor making up an image detecting unit, costs in manufacturing the image inputting machine can be reduced and simple adjusting operations can be performed.

The second aim of contributing to miniaturization of the image inputting device and to reduction in costs for manufacturing the image inputting machine can be achieved by receiving fluorescence or phosphorescence from an entire object, unlike in the conventional case where a object is reversed upside down and repeated detecting operation in a light emitting area is required.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram schematically illustrating configurations of an indicia detection processing module1of a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a diagram explaining configurations of the indicia detection processing module1of the first embodiment.FIG. 3is a diagram schematically illustrating configurations of the indicia detection processing module of the first embodiment.FIG. 4is a diagram showing an example of an image to be captured by detecting units making up the indicia detection processing module1of the first embodiment.

The indicia detection processing module1of the embodiment includes an image inputting unit2making up a culling-facing-canceling machine for nonstandard size postal matter (flat mail) to make an nonstandard size postal matter “F” be radiated with ultraviolet light and to receive fluorescence and phosphorescence from an indicia, such as a postage stamp, a permit imprint, a meter (postage paid) or a like affixed to and printed on the postal matter F, a detection unit3to detect a kind, position, amount, or a like of the indicia, a carrying section4to carry the postal matter F to a specified carrying direction (not shown), a background displaying section5made up of a fluorescent substance to detect a size of the postal matter F, and a proximity detecting section6to detect an approach of the postal matter “F”. Moreover, the indicia detection processing module1, as shown inFIG. 2, is mounted so as to be inclined at a specified angle θ (for example, 10°) relative to a plane face. In the embodiment, at least a pair of the image inputting units2(only one is shown) and background displaying units5(only one is shown) is arranged in a manner to be symmetric with respect to a carrying belt of the carrying section4in order to perform scanning on a surface and a rear face of the postal matter F.

The image inputting unit2, as shown inFIG. 3, includes a housing8, a light radiating section9to generate ultraviolet light and to make the postal matter F be radiated with the ultraviolet light, a light receiving section11to receive fluorescence and phosphorescence from the indicia, and an image signal processing section12. On a side of the carrying section4in the housing8is formed an aperture8ato be used for emitting ultraviolet light supplied from the light radiating section9toward the postal matter F and for allowing fluorescence and/or phosphorescence emitted from the indicia to be entered, and a transparent window member13made of synthetic silica glass is fitted in the aperture8a. Since the window member13is fitted in the aperture8a, invasion of dust into the inside of the housing8is prevented. The synthetic silica glass being a material making up the window member13has sufficient optical transmittance that allows visible light to ultraviolet light to be transmitted through the material and is made up of compositions that emit no fluorescence when being radiated with ultraviolet light. This prevents occurrence of an offset noise in detected images caused by fluorescence emitted from the window member13itself and avoids degradation in detecting capability.

The light radiating section9, as shown inFIG. 3, includes an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14that emits ultraviolet light, a reflecting plate15being mounted on a rear side of the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14to make ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14be reflected on a side of the carrying section4, a filter16to allow ultraviolet light to be transmitted and to block visible light, and a light-blocking plate17arranged on a downstream side of the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14to prevent radiation with ultraviolet light in an indicia arranging area (not shown or labeled) during a period of emission of the phosphorescence. The ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14is a straight-pipe shaped fluorescent lamp and is mounted in an erected state in a manner in which a position in a height direction in the light emitting area (not shown or labeled) in an intermediate portion (not shown or labeled) coincides with that in a height direction in a belt-shaped field of view (not shown or labeled) for detection of fluorescence and phosphorescence. In the embodiment, the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14having an entire length of about 400 mm and a length of its intermediate portion excluding higher and lower ends each being about 50 mm in length is about 300 mm. From this intermediate portion, ultraviolet light are emitted with uniform intensity along the height direction.

The reflecting plate15is made of stainless steel being excellent in weather resistance and having a high light resistance against ultraviolet light in particular and its surface on the side of the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14is polished. Moreover, the reflecting plate15is so configured that a length along a direction orbiting around the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14is set to be long in an area on a downstream side along the carrying direction and to be short in the area on an upstream side and is constructed so as to maintain high radiation efficiency and so that not only the ultraviolet light directly emitted from the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14, but also light reflected from the reflecting plate15is not emitted in an area overlapping with a field of view for detection of phosphorescence.

The filter16is mounted on the side of the carrying section4in the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14. The ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14is considered to emit only ultraviolet light according to its principles. However, the ultraviolet light emit a slight amount of visible light due to impurities in the lamp tube and to adverse effects caused by a lamp tube surface, or a like. If the postal matter F is radiated with such visible light as above, an offset noise occurs in a detected image, causing degradation in detection capability and, to prevent the emission of visible light, the filter16is provided. The light-blocking plate17is mounted along the carrying direction in a manner to be adjacent to a downstream side of the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14so that ultraviolet light are not emitted in an area overlapping with a field of view for detection of phosphorescence.

The light receiving section11, as shown inFIG. 3, has a fluorescent light receiving optical system18to receive fluorescence emitted from an indicia along a fluorescence detecting optical axis La and a phosphorescence receiving optical system19to receive phosphorescence emitted from the indicia along a phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb. The fluorescent light receiving optical system18includes mirrors21and22to make fluorescence incident along the fluorescence detecting optical axis La be reflected, a near-infrared light cutting filter23, a red color filter24, a condenser lens25, and a monochrome linear CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) array26to receive an image formed by light gathered by the condenser lens25.

The fluorescence detecting optical axis La is set so as to be able to detect a position in which ultraviolet light are emitted. Here, the fluorescence detecting optical axis La is set so as to intersect a line of the carrying direction slightly slant so that a fluorescence detecting field of view is directed to a position being radiated most intensely with ultraviolet light. The mirrors21and22are used with an aim of increasing a length of an optical path to suppress variations in magnification for the fluorescence detecting optical axis La and of making the image inputting device2compact. The near-infrared cutting filter23allows light having a wavelength of 650 nm or less to be transmitted through and the red color filter24allows light having a wavelength of 600 nm or more to be transmitted through. The near-infrared cutting filter23and red color filter24are used to be operated in the case where a meter as an indicia (not shown) emits red fluorescence (for example, in the case of the meter, that emits red fluorescence, being employed in Japan and in the United States). Thus, the meter emitting red fluorescence is detected by the filters23and24.

The phosphorescence receiving optical system19has mirrors28and29to make phosphorescence being incident along the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb be reflected, a green color filter31, a condenser lens33, a monochrome linear CCD array34to receive an image formed by light gathered by the condenser lens33. The phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb is pumped by radiation with ultraviolet light and is set so that, in order to detect the phosphorescence emitted with delay, an indicia falls within a phosphorescence detecting field of view during a phosphorescence emitting period after radiation with ultraviolet light. At this time point, since intensity of emission of the phosphorescence is lowered after the radiation with ultraviolet light as time elapses, the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb is set so as to come as near as possible to the light-blocking plate17; however, it is adjusted to a best position by taking diffraction of ultraviolet light at an edge portion of the light-blocking plate17and variations in thickness of the postal matter F into consideration.

The green color filter31allows only light having a wavelength between 500 nm and 580 nm to be transmitted through. Thus, the green color filter31is used to be operated in the case where a meter emits a green color light only (for example, in the case of the meter, that emits a green color only, being employed in the United States). Thus, the meter emitting green color light is detected by the filters23and24. The configuration of the phosphorescent receiving optical system19of the embodiment is used to be operated in the case where a color of phosphorescence emitted from the indicia is monochrome (only green color in the embodiment).

The image signal processing section12has a fluorescence image processing section36to obtain the fluorescence image and a phosphorescence image processing section37to obtain the phosphorescence image. The fluorescence image processing section36has a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) circuit38to make a photoelectric conversion, a video signal processing circuit39to amplify an electric signal output from the CCD circuit38and to normalize its signal level for A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion, and an image data transmitting circuit41to make a parallel/serial conversion to a video signal output from the video signal processing circuit39and to transmit the converted video signal to the detection unit3. The electric signal output from the CCD circuit38is amplified by the video signal processing circuit39, for example, 30-fold. The image data transmitting circuit41adjusts timing with which an image is captured and makes a frequency conversion required to transfer fluorescence image data to the detection unit3and to transfer fluorescence image data, together with a control signal, to the detection unit3, using an LDVS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signal.

The phosphorescence image processing section37includes a CCD circuit43to make a photoelectric conversion, a video signal processing circuit44to amplify electric signals output from the CCD circuit43, to normalize a signal level and to makes a digital conversion and an image data transmitting circuit45to make a parallel/serial conversion to a video signal output from the video signal processing circuit44and to transmit the converted signal to the detection unit3. The electric signal output from the CCD circuit43is amplified by a video signal processing circuit44, for example, 30-fold. The image data transmitting circuit45adjusts timing with which an image is captured and makes a frequency conversion required to transfer fluorescence image data to the detection unit3and to transfer fluorescence image data, together with a control signal, to the detection unit3, using an LDVS signal.

The carrying section4includes a carrying belt4ato load the postal matter F in the erected state and to transfer the postal matter F at a specified speed (for example, 1.5 m/sec) and a side belt (not shown) to support a side face of the postal matter F. In the embodiment, a width of the carrying belt4ais set so that the postal matter F having a thickness of a maximum about 20 mm can be carried. As shown inFIG. 2, the carrying belt4a, image inputting unit2, and detection unit3are arranged in a manner to be inclined by an angle θ with respect to a plane face so that a position of a side end portion on a side of the image inputting unit2on a face on which the carrying belt4ais placed (carrying bottom face) is lower than that of a side end portion being opposite to the side of the image inputting unit2. As a result, the postal matter F, while being carried by the carrying belt4a, moves in a manner to slide on a surface of the window member13when the postal matter F passes by the image inputting unit2. This causes dust being adhered to a surface of the window member13to be removed and a clean state to be maintained, which prevents decreases in output the amount of the ultraviolet light and in the amount of received fluorescence and phosphorescence.

The background displaying section5is placed along the fluorescence detecting optical axis La on an opposite side of the image inputting unit2with the carrying belt4abeing interposed between the background displaying section5and the image inputting unit2. The background displaying section5is made of phosphor being excellent in weather resistance and having a high light resistance against ultraviolet light in particular.

The proximity detecting section6has a photoelectric sensor made up of a light emitting section6aand a light receiving section6bboth being arranged in a manner to face each other and with the carrying belt4abeing interposed between the light emitting section6aand the light receiving section6band is arranged on an upstream side along a carrying direction of the image inputting unit2to be used to perform timing with which a fluorescent image and a phosphorescent image are detected.

Next, operations of the indicia detection processing module1having the above configurations are described by referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4. The postal matter F, when having been introduced into the indicia detection processing module1, is placed on the carrying belt4ain a state in which the postal matter F is erected on the carrying belt and is supported by the side belt and is inclined at a specified angle θ, and is carried toward the image inputting unit2at a specified speed (for example, 1.5 m/sec) by the carrying belt4aand the side face belt. When the postal matter F, after having passed by the proximity detecting section6, is radiated with ultraviolet light with specified timing by the light radiating section9in the image inputting unit2.

Here, the carrying belt4a, image inputting unit2, and detection unit3are arranged in a manner to be inclined by an angle θ with respect to a plane face so that a position of a side end portion on a side of the image inputting unit2on a face on which the carrying belt4ais placed (carrying bottom face) is lower than that of a side end portion being opposite to the side of the image inputting unit2and, therefore, the postal matter F, while being carried by the carrying belt4a, moves in a manner to be slid on a surface of the window member13when the postal matter F passes by the image inputting unit2. This causes dust being adhered to a surface of the window member13to be removed and a clean state to be maintained, which prevents a decrease in the output amount of ultraviolet light and in the amount of received fluorescence and phosphorescence.

When the postal matter “F” is radiated with the ultraviolet light uniformly, fluorescence is emitted from phosphor after having been pumped and, for example, in the case of meter, when the indicia on the postal matter F passes by a fluorescence detecting field of view, red fluorescence enters the fluorescent light receiving optical system18along the fluorescence detecting optical axis La. The red fluorescence is reflected off the mirrors21and22and, after its travelling direction is changed, transmits through the near-infrared cutting filter23and red color filter24. Then, the red fluorescence is gathered by the condenser lens25and the gathered fluorescence forms an image on the monochrome linear CCD array26and the image is converted photo-electrically by the CCD circuit38and is amplified by the video signal processing circuit39and is input to the detection unit3through the image data transmitting circuit41. Moreover, the image data transmitting circuit41controls the timing with which the image is captured by receiving a detecting signal transmitted from the proximity detecting section6.

Furthermore, if the indicia is, for example, a postage stamp (for example, one being employed in the United States) and contains a substance that emits, for example, phosphorescence, when the postal matter F passes by the phosphorescence detecting field of view in which ultraviolet light are not radiated, green phosphorescence enters the phosphorescence receiving optical system19along the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb. The green phosphorescence is reflected off the mirrors28and29and, after its travelling direction is changed, is transmitted through the green color filter31. Then, the green fluorescence is gathered by the condenser lens33and an image is formed by the gathered phosphorescence on the monochrome linear CCD array34and the image is converted photo-electrically by the CCD circuit43and is amplified by the video signal processing circuit44and is input to the detection unit3through the image data transmitting circuit45. Moreover, the image data transmitting circuits41and45control the timing with which the image is captured by receiving the detecting signal transmitted from the proximity detecting section6.

In the embodiment, a resolution in a direction (longitudinal direction being orthogonal to the carrying direction) of scanning for picking up a fluorescent image or phosphorescent image is set to be 1.6 pieces/mm which is selected as a value that can sufficiently detect a position for stamping and canceling a postage stamp, and facing postal matter. Also, a dimension of field of view is about 300 mm in a scanning direction and, therefore, the number of pixels being used is 480. Moreover, monochrome linear CCD array26and34are employed which have the number of pixels being more than the number of pixels being used. The light is intercepted from pixels being not used to avoid degradation of image quality, which enables reduction of costs. A fluorescent image47captured in the detection unit3contains, for example, an image of a postal matter47aand the postal matter image47acontains an indicia image47bas shown inFIG. 4. Here, only the indicia image47bout of the postal matter image47ais provided as a bright image and an area excepting the indicia image47bis shown as a dark image. The area excepting the postal matter image47aout of the fluorescent image47is provided as a bright image by fluorescence emitted from the background displaying section5.

In the detection unit3, processing of recognizing a kind of a postage stamp and/or a meter or a like is performed by using the captured fluorescent image47. Also, the detection unit3creates a histogram, for example, in every scanning direction and specifies a size in a height direction of the postal matter F. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 4, the detection unit3sets somewhat early timing with which capturing of a fluorescent image is started and sets somewhat late timing with which capturing of the fluorescent image is terminated and creates a top edge47pand an end edge47qto specify a size (length) in the carrying direction.

After that, the postal matter “F”, to make a detected indicia be placed on a lower side, for example, along the carrying direction, is transferred to a facing processing module (not shown) to facing the postal matter “F” (turning postal matter “F” toward a same direction), a cancellation processing module (not shown) to cancel a postage stamp by using, for example, an ink jet printer when a postage stamp is affixed, and a mail accumulating module (not shown) to accumulate the postal matter “F”.

Thus, according to configurations of the embodiment, a bright image appears only in a place where an indicia is affixed (printed), out of image of the postal matter, and, therefore, easy and simple detection of the indicia is made possible. Moreover, since the fluorescence and phosphorescence are received from an entire postal matter, even in the case of nonstandard size postal matter having variations in size, the indicia can be detected reliably and speedily. Also, even when a plurality of indicias is affixed (printed), reliable detection is made possible. Furthermore, the light-blocking plate17is placed on a side of the downstream in the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14and radiation of the area in which an indicia is placed with ultraviolet light, during a period of time in which the phosphorescence is being emitted, is avoided and fluorescence being incident along the fluorescence detecting optical axis La is received and phosphorescence being incident along the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb is received and, as a result, fluorescent and phosphorescent images can be reliably obtained.

Furthermore, by using, for example, a linear CCD array as a sensor, costs can be reduced and adjustment operations can be performed simply. Conventionally, the background displaying section5is not mounted and, therefore, only the indicia is shown as a bright image. However, according to the present invention, a background of a postal matter being an optical background is shown as a bright image by fluorescence emitted from the background displaying section5, a size of a postal matter (size in the height direction and in the carrying direction) can be identified. The use of an upside-down reversing section, a feed-back path, an image inputting device (detection), or a like, which are employed in the conventional technology, is not required, thus contributing to miniaturization of the indicia detection processing module and reduction in costs. By placing the near-infrared light cutting filter23to correspond to fluorescent color and phosphorescent color, the red color filter24, and the green color filter31to remove a noise component of a color other than light emitting color of the indicia, detecting capability can be improved.

Moreover, by monitoring light emitting intensity of the phosphor making up the background displaying section5, abnormality in the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp14serving as a light source can be detected. By using the phosphor being excellent in weather resistance and having high light resistance against ultraviolet light in particular, maintenance is not required. Moreover, by increasing an optical path for the fluorescence detecting optical axis La using, for example, the mirrors21and22, variations in magnification caused by changes in thickness of the postal matter can be suppressed and the image inputting device can be made compact. By setting a comparatively high gain in the video signal processing circuits39and44, feeble fluorescence and phosphorescence can be detected.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5is a diagram schematically illustrating configurations of an indicia detection processing module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The configurations of the indicia detection processing module of the second embodiment differs from those of the first embodiment in that a phosphorescence receiving optical system is not so configured that it can receive two phosphorescence emitting colors (for example, green and red colors) emitted from an indicia unlike in the conventional case where the indicia detection processing module can receive one single phosphorescence emitting color (for example, green color only). Configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted accordingly.

An image inputting unit51employed in the indicia detection processing module of the second embodiment includes a housing8, a light radiating section9, a light receiving section52to receive fluorescence and phosphorescence, and an image signal processing section53. The light receiving section52has a fluorescence receiving optical system18to receive fluorescence emitted along a fluorescence detecting optical axis La and a phosphorescence receiving optical system54to receive phosphorescence emitted along a phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb. The phosphorescence receiving optical system54includes mirrors28and29to reflect phosphorescence having been incident along the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb, a dichroic mirror55, a green color filter31, a condenser lens33, a monochrome linear CCD array34to receive an image formed by light gathered by the condenser lens33, a near-infrared cut filter57, a red color filter58, a condenser lens59, and a monochrome linear CCD array61to receive an image formed by light gathered by the condenser lens59.

The dichroic mirror55is mounted so as to be inclined at an angle 45° relative to the phosphorescence detecting axis Lb. The green filter31receives light having transmitted through the dichroic mirror55and allows light having wavelengths between 500 nm and 580 nm to be transmitted through. Also, a mirror56receives light reflected from the dichroic mirror55and makes the light be reflected to the near-infrared cut filter57. The near-infrared cut filter57allows light having a wavelength of 650 nm or less to be transmitted and the red color filter58allows only light having a wavelength of 600 nm or more to be transmitted.

As a result, the image inputting device51is used when an ordinary stamp serving as an indicia emits green color phosphorescence and an express stamp emits red color phosphorescence (for example, in the case of postage stamps employed in Japan) and if the phosphorescence emitted from the indicia is incident along the phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lb, the light is branched by the dichroic mirror55in two directions and each branched light transmits the filter and passes through the circuit as in the case of the first embodiment and is transferred through an image data transmitting circuit65to a detection unit3, thus detection of these stamps is achieved. The phosphorescence receiving optical system54of the embodiment is so configured as to operate when the number of colors of phosphorescence emitted from the indicia is two (in the embodiment, a green color and a red color).

The image signal processing section53has a fluorescent image processing section36and a phosphorescent image processing section62to obtain a phosphorescent image. The phosphorescence image processing section62has CCD circuits43and63to make a photoelectric conversion, video signal processing circuits44and64to amplify an electric signal output from the CCD circuits43and63to normalize its signal level and to make a digital conversion, the image data transmitting circuit65to make a parallel/serial conversion of a video signal output from the video signal processing circuits44and64and to transmit the video signal to the detection unit3. The video signal processing circuit44is used to perform processing of a green phosphorescent image and the video signal processing unit64is used to perform processing of a red phosphorescent image and each of the images is amplified 30-fold. The image data transmitting circuit65adjusts timing with which the green color phosphorescent image and the red color phosphorescent image are captured and makes a frequency conversion to transfer fluorescence image data to the detection unit3and transfers fluorescence image data, together with a control signal, to the detection unit3using an LDVS signal (not shown).

Thus, according to the second embodiment, approximately the same effects as obtained in the first embodiment can be achieved.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6is a diagram schematically illustrating configurations of an indicia detection processing module71of a third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7is a diagram schematically showing configurations of an indicia detection processing module of the third embodiment.FIG. 8is a time chart explaining operations of the indicia detection processing module of the third embodiment. The indicia detection processing module of the third embodiment differs from those of the first embodiment in that an ultraviolet light LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as a light source, instead of an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, and receives fluorescence or phosphorescence on a same optical path by turning ON/OFF an ultraviolet light LED and fluorescence and phosphorescence images are detected according to timing of the ON/OFF operations. Configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted accordingly.

The indicia detection processing module71of the third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, includes an image inputting unit72making up a culling-facing-canceling machine for nonstandard size postal matter (flat mail) F and to radiate the nonstandard size postal matter F with ultraviolet light and to receive fluorescence or phosphorescence from a postage stamp or a meter or a like being affixed or printed on the nonstandard size postal matter F, a detection unit73to detect a kind, position, amount, or the like of the indicia, and a carrying section4to carry the unformed postal matter F in a specified carrying direction (not shown), a background displaying section5made up of phoshor and being placed to detect a size of the nonstandard size postal matter F, and a proximity detecting section6to detect an approach of the nonstandard size postal matter F. In the embodiment, the indicia detection processing module71, as in the case of the first embodiment, is mounted so as to be inclined at a specified angle θ (for example, 10°) relative to a plane face (seeFIG. 2).

The image inputting unit72, as shown inFIG. 7, includes a housing74, a light radiating section75to generate ultraviolet light and to radiate the postal matter F with the ultraviolet light, a light receiving section76(shown inFIG. 7) to receive fluorescence or phosphorescence from the indicia, and an image signal processing section77. On a side of the carrying section4in the housing74is placed an aperture74ato radiate the postal matter F with ultraviolet light emitted from the light radiating section75and to allow fluorescence or phosphorescence emitted from the indicia to be incident therein and a transparent window member78made of synthetic silica glass is fitted into the aperture74a. Since the transparent window member78is fitted into the aperture74a, invasion of dust into the inside of the housing74is prevented. The synthetic silica glass being a material making up the transparent window member78has sufficient optical transmittance that allows visible light to ultraviolet light to be transmitted through the material and is made up of compositions that emit no fluorescence when being radiated with ultraviolet light. This prevents occurrence of an offset noise in detected images caused by fluorescence emitted from the transparent window member78itself and avoids degradation in detecting capability.

The light radiating section75, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, includes a pair of ultraviolet light LED array79and79to emit ultraviolet light, reflecting plates81and81being arranged on rear sides of the ultraviolet light LED array79and79and to cause ultraviolet light emitted from ultraviolet light LED array79and79be reflected on a side of the carrying section4, and filters82and82to allow ultraviolet light to be transmitted and to block visible light. In the ultraviolet light LED array79and79, the ultraviolet light LEDs are arranged, along a direction orthogonal to the fluorescence and phosphorescence detection optical axis Lc, in an array state so that a position of a light emitting area (not shown) in a height direction (not shown) coincides with a position of a band-shaped detecting field of view (not indicated in Figures) (in the embodiment, about 300 nm in a longitudinal direction) of fluorescence and phosphorescence in a height direction (not shown) and so that the detecting field of view (not shown) is radiated uniformly.

The ultraviolet light LED array79is driven by an LED driving circuit (not shown) serving as a light radiation limiting means and repeats an ON/OFF operation (flashing) at a frequency of 1.25 Hz and at a duty ratio of 50%. The reflecting plate81is made of stainless steel being excellent in weather resistance and having a high light resistance against ultraviolet light in particular and its surface on the ultraviolet light LED array79is polished.

Each filter82,82is placed on a side of the carrying section4of the ultraviolet light LED array79. The ultraviolet light LED array79is considered to emit only the ultraviolet light according to its principles, however, it also emits a small amount of visible light. When the postal matter F is radiated with visible light, the visible light causes an offset noise of a detected image, causing degradation in detecting capability. To prevent the emission of visible light, the filters82,82are provided.

The light receiving section76, as shown inFIG. 7, includes mirrors83and84to make fluorescence or phosphorescence emitted from the indicia be reflected along the fluorescence and phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lc, a near-infrared cut filter85, a condenser lens86, a color linear CCD array87to receive an image formed by light gathered by the condenser lens86.

The mirrors83and84are used with an aim of increasing a length of an optical path to suppress variations in magnification for the fluorescence detecting optical axis La and of making the image inputting device compact. The near-infrared cut filter85is used to prevent a color image from becoming reddish by allowing light having a wavelength of 650 nm or less to be transmitted and by using a CCD providing a little sensitivity characteristic in a near-infrared area other than a visible light area. The image signal processing section77includes a CCD circuit88to make photoelectric conversion, a video signal processing circuit89to amplify an electrical signal output from the CCD circuit88and to normalize a signal level and to make A/D conversion, an image data transmitting circuit91to make parallel to serial conversion to a video signal output from the video signal processing circuit89and to transmit the converted signal to the detection unit73. The electric signal output from the CCD circuit88is amplified by the video signal processing circuit89, for example, 30-fold. The image data transmitting circuit91adjusts timing with which the image is captured and makes a frequency conversion required to transfer fluorescence image data to the detection unit73and to transfer fluorescence image data, together with a control signal, to the detection unit73, using an LDVS signal.

Next, operations of the indicia detection processing module71having configurations as above are explained by referring toFIG. 8. The ultraviolet light LED array79,79serving as a light sources repeat ON/OFF operations (flashing) at a frequency of 1.25 Hz and at a duty ratio of 50% (t2−t1=t4−t3). InFIG. 8, a waveform “a” shows a change in amounts of light emitted from the ultraviolet light LED array79and represents that the operation is in the ON state during the period of time t1≦t≦t2and the operation is in the OFF state during the period of time t2≦t≦t3. Also, inFIG. 8, a waveform “b” shows a sampling signal of a fluorescence image and the waveform “c” shows a sampling signal of a phosphorescence image. The postal matter F, when being introduced into the indicia detection processing module71, is placed on a carrying belt4ain a state in which the nonstandard size postal matter F is erected on the carrying belt4aand is supported by the side belt (not shown) and is inclined at a specified angle θ, and is then carried toward the image inputting unit72at a specified speed (for example, 1.5 m/sec) by the carrying belt4aand the side belt.

The postal matter F, when having passed by the proximity detecting section6, is radiated with ultraviolet light emitted from the light radiating section75in the image inputting unit72during a specified radiating period of time (for example, t1≦t≦t2).

When the postal matter F is radiated uniformly with ultraviolet light, fluorescence is emitted from phosphor after having been pumped and, for example, in the case of the meter, when the indicia on the postal matter “F” passes by a fluorescence detecting field of view (not shown), red fluorescence is reflected off the mirrors83and84along the fluorescence and phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lc and, after its travelling direction is changed, transmits through the near-infrared cutting filter85. Then, the red fluorescence is gathered by the condenser lens86and the gathered fluorescence forms an image on a color monochrome linear CCD array87and the image is converted photo-electrically by the CCD circuit88and is amplified by the video signal processing circuit89and is input to the detection unit73through the image data transmitting circuit91.

Moreover, when the indicia is the postage stamp (one being employed, for example, in the United States) and the indicia contains, for example, a substance that emits phosphorescence, during the non-radiating period during which no ultraviolet light are emitted (for example, t2≦t≦t3), green phosphorescence is reflected off the mirrors83and84along the fluorescence and phosphorescence detecting optical axis Lc and, after its travelling direction is changed, transmits through the near-infrared cutting filter85. Then, the red fluorescence is gathered by the condenser lens86and the gathered fluorescence forms an image on the color monochrome linear CCD array87and the image is converted photo-electrically by the CCD circuit88and is amplified by the video signal processing circuit89and is input to the detection unit73through the image data transmitting circuit91.

Moreover, in the case where the ordinary stamp serving as the indicia emits green phosphorescence and the express stamp emits red phosphorescence (being employed, for example, in Japan), during non-exposure time, green phosphorescence and red phosphorescence are incident and detected. Here, the CCD circuit88performs resetting of exposure by the CCD, in synchronization with timing with which switching between the ON and OFF states of the ultraviolet light LED array79,79is done, every time for the switching between the ON and OFF states of the ultraviolet LED array79,79. Data is sampled every time immediately before the exposure by the CCD. Thus, fluorescence is received during the radiating period (for example, t1≦t≦t2) and phosphorescence is received during the non-radiating period (for example, t2≦t≦t3) alternately, and one line color image data made up of fluorescence and phosphorescence images in every sampling process is captured alternately.

The image data transmitting circuit91judges whether the sampled one line image data is fluorescence image data or phosphorescence image data depending on a state of the ultraviolet light LED array79,79and transmits color image data to the detection unit73by adding header information as to whether the image data is derived from the fluorescence or from the phosphorescence. The detection unit73has a buffer (not shown) for receiving fluorescence image data and a buffer for receiving phosphorescence image data. Both the buffers are switched according to the header information for every line data. The detection unit73finally receives the fluorescence image data and the phosphorescence image data as separate images and performs detection on each image data.

As a result, the detection unit73receives red fluorescence when the indicia is the meter, green phosphorescence when the indicia is the postage stamp (being employed, for example, in the United States), green phosphorescence when the indicia is the postage stamp (being employed, for example, in Japan) being the ordinary stamp and red phosphorescence when the postage stamp is the express stamp. Thus, the detection unit73can detect and identify the indicia from color information. In the embodiment, since a speed in a carrying direction is 1.5 [m/sec] and radiating time for one line is 400 [μs], resolution in a carrying direction is 1.6 [piece/mm] (1/(1.5 [m/sec]×400 [μsec], which is a value being sufficiently large to detect a position for stamping and canceling a postage stamp, and facing postal matter.

Thus, in the embodiment, approximately the same effects obtained in the first embodiment described above can be achieved. Additionally, since the ultraviolet light LED is flashed and fluorescence is received during radiating time and phosphorescence is received during non-radiating time, the fluorescence image and phosphorescence image can be detected in a same field of view and the same optical axis can be used, the number of components can be reduced almost to a half, thus achieving miniaturization and cost reduction.

It is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments but may be changed and modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, ultraviolet light are used to generate fluorescence and phosphorescence. However, an X-light, gamma light or a like may be employed. The sensor being usable is not limited to a line sensor. By using an area sensor made up of image pickup devices (image detecting devices) arranged in a matrix form, an entire surface of the postal matter may be scanned at one time. Also, instead of the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp or ultraviolet light LED, a high-pressure mercury lamp or a like may be employed.

Moreover, a means for receiving phosphorescence and a means for receiving fluorescence may be provided separately. In the first embodiment, the monochrome linear CCD array is used. However, a color sensor having a sensitivity area corresponding to emitted colors of fluorescence and phosphorescence may be employed. Moreover, the detection unit3, after identifying a size of the nonstandard size postal matter F in the height direction (not shown) and obtaining information about a position resulting from the measurement from an upper portion (for example, upper side of the nonstandard size postal matter F) toward a lower portion in the height direction of the indicia, may transmit the obtained information to the cancellation processing module104. This enables the cancellation processing module to be so configured that, by, for example, reversing the nonstandard size postal matter F upside-down, the postage stamp can be canceled in a stamping range of, for example, 150 mm being one-half of 300 mm, which contributes to cost reduction. Moreover, the indicia detection processing module1employed in the above embodiment may be so configured that, by mounting not only a pair of the image inputting unit2and background displaying section5but also a pair of the detection unit3and proximity detecting sections6, an obverse and a reverse face of the nonstandard size postal matter F can be independently scanned. Furthermore, the indicia detection processing module1may be so configured that only one image inputting unit or the like is mounted and that the nonstandard size postal matter F is introduced into the indicia detection processing module1with directions of the obverse and reverse face of the nonstandard size postal matter F being aligned in advance.

Moreover, in the embodiment, a postal matter is carried by using a carrying belt as a carrying means. However, the postal matter can be carried, for example, by making the postal matter be slid on a tilted surface.

Furthermore, the image inputting device of the present invention may be used not only for detecting an indicia being affixed or painted on a postal matter but also for detecting or identifying a position, kind, amount of a object that generally emits fluorescence and phosphorescence when being radiated with ultraviolet light.