Automatic card issuing equipment for special-shaped cards

Abstract

The utility model relates to automatic card issuing equipment, in particular to special-shaped card automatic card issuing equipment. The equipment comprises a conveying device for bearing and conveying special-shaped cards, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module, a card reading module and a control unit, the OCR recognition module comprises an image sensor, and the card reading module comprises a card reading device; an image sensor and a card reading device are respectively arranged above and below the middle area of the conveying device; the conveying device is provided with an anti-interference component and a positioning component in front of the image sensor; a conveying driving mechanism for driving the conveying device to operate is arranged on the conveying device; wherein the conveying driving mechanism, the image sensor and the card reading device are all connected with the control unit. The automatic special-shaped card issuing equipment can realize automatic transmission of special-shaped cards, card number identification, information reading and automatic control of the card issuing process, improves the card issuing efficiency and accuracy, reduces the labor cost and the operation error rate, and meets the high-efficiency and accurate requirements of various modern industries for the special-shaped card issuing business.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to automatic card dispensing equipment, and more particularly to an automatic card dispensing equipment for irregularly shaped cards. Background Technology

[0002] Due to people's demand for personalization, all kinds of irregularly shaped cards have emerged on the market. These cards are named for their irregular shapes, thicknesses, and materials.

[0003] Currently, the issuance of various cards, especially irregularly shaped cards, largely relies on manual processing. This method is not only inefficient and prone to human error, but also labor-intensive when handling large volumes of cards, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern, efficient, and accurate business operations. With the increasing prevalence of information management, the rapid and accurate identification and entry of card information, as well as the automated control of the card issuance process, are becoming increasingly important.

[0004] Most existing card issuing devices are designed for standard-shaped cards, have poor compatibility with irregularly shaped cards, and lack effective integrated functions for identification, transmission, and information processing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automated card issuing device specifically designed for various irregularly shaped cards to improve issuing efficiency and accuracy, and reduce labor costs and the probability of errors. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art mentioned in the background section, this application provides an automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] The automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in this application includes a conveying device for carrying and conveying irregularly shaped cards, an OCR recognition module, a card reading module, and a control unit. The OCR recognition module includes an image sensor, and the card reading module includes a card reading device. An image sensor and a card reading device are respectively arranged above and below the central region of the conveying device, so that the conveying device forms an information acquisition area below the image sensor and above the card reading device. The image sensor and the card reading device can respectively acquire information from the irregularly shaped cards conveyed to the information acquisition area. An anti-interference component and a positioning component are provided in front of the image sensor of the conveying device. The anti-interference component is used to form a shielding area in front of the information acquisition area of ​​the conveying device to prevent the card reading device from acquiring information from the irregularly shaped cards located in the shielding area. The positioning component is used to adjust the position of the irregularly shaped card on the conveying device so that the conveying device conveys the irregularly shaped card to the information acquisition area. The conveying device is provided with a conveying drive mechanism for driving its operation. The conveying drive mechanism, the image sensor, and the card reading device are all connected to the control unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the positioning component is a positioning stop bar; the positioning stop bar is inclined from front to back, one end of which is connected to the side of the conveying device, and the other end of which extends to the middle of the conveying device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the anti-interference component is an anti-interference iron plate installed below the transmission device; the anti-interference iron plate is located in front of the card reader and extends to the front end of the information collection area of ​​the card reader.

[0009] In one embodiment, the conveying device is a conveyor belt, and the conveying drive mechanism is a motor for driving the conveyor belt to operate; the conveyor belt is made of a non-slip and wear-resistant material.

[0010] In one embodiment, a communication module is also included; the transmission drive mechanism is connected to the control unit via the communication module; the control unit controls the operating state of the transmission drive mechanism to control the operating state of the transmission device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the image sensor is a high-definition camera, and the control unit has a built-in OCR recognition program.

[0012] In one embodiment, the card reader is a contactless inductive card reader; the card reader is equipped with a USB communication interface.

[0013] In one embodiment, it also includes supplementary lights; the supplementary lights are provided on both sides of the central region of the transmission device for illuminating the information acquisition area of ​​the image sensor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the image sensor and the card reader are respectively positioned above and below the central region of the transmission device.

[0015] In one embodiment, a support frame is further included to support the conveying device; a fixed frame is provided in the middle region of the conveying device; the image sensor is mounted on the fixed frame by a first fixing member so that the image sensor is mounted above the middle region of the conveying device; a second fixing member is provided below the middle region of the conveying device, and the card reader is fixed to the lower part of the conveying device by the second fixing member.

[0016] Based on the above, compared with the prior art, the solution of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The automatic card issuing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in this application can realize the automatic transmission, card number recognition, information reading and automatic control of the card issuing process of irregularly shaped cards, improve card issuing efficiency and accuracy, reduce labor costs and operation error rate, and meet the high-efficiency and accurate card issuing needs of various modern industries.

[0018] Other features and beneficial effects of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other beneficial effects of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships in the drawings described below are based on the direction in which the components are drawn in the figures.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of an automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the irregular card transmission path of an automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the anti-interference area of ​​an automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1. Communication module; 2. Conveying drive mechanism; 3. Positioning component; 4. Fixing frame; 5. First fixing component; 6. Image sensor; 7. Fill light; 8. Conveying device; 9. Card reader; 10. Second fixing component; 11. Anti-interference component; 12. Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The technical features designed in the different implementations of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains, and should not be construed as limiting this application; it should be further understood that the terms used in this application should be understood to have the same meaning as those in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and should not be understood in an idealized or overly formal sense, except as expressly defined in this application.

[0028] The basis for the description of orientation in this article is:

[0029] The conveying device 8 passes through the front, middle, and rear areas sequentially in the forward-to-back direction. In the other dimension perpendicular to the forward-to-back direction, it passes through one side, the middle, and the other side of the conveying device 8 sequentially.

[0030] This application provides, as follows: Figure 1-4 The automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards shown in the embodiment has the following scheme:

[0031] The automatic card dispensing equipment for irregularly shaped cards includes a conveying device 8 for carrying and conveying irregularly shaped cards, an OCR recognition module, a card reading module, and a control unit (not shown in the figure); the OCR recognition module includes an image sensor 6, and the card reading module includes a card reading device 9.

[0032] An image sensor 6 and a card reader 9 are respectively arranged above and below the central region of the conveying device 8, so that the conveying device 8 forms an information collection area below the image sensor 6 and above the card reader 9. The image sensor 6 and the card reader 9 can respectively collect information from irregularly shaped cards conveyed to the information collection area.

[0033] The transmission device 8 is provided with an anti-interference component 11 and a positioning component 3 in front of the image sensor 6; the anti-interference component 11 is used to form a shielding area in front of the information acquisition area by the transmission device 8, so as to prevent the card reader 9 from acquiring information from the irregular card located in the shielding area; the positioning component 3 is used to adjust the position of the irregular card on the transmission device 8 so that the transmission device 8 can transmit the irregular card to the information acquisition area.

[0034] The conveying device 8 is equipped with a conveying drive mechanism 2 for driving its operation. The conveying drive mechanism 2, image sensor 6, and card reader 9 are all connected to the control unit. Optionally, the image sensor 6 is a high-definition camera. Optionally, the card reader 9 is a contactless inductive card reader.

[0035] like Figure 1-4As shown, the specific workflow of the irregularly shaped card automatic card issuing device is as follows:

[0036] (1) When the automatic card dispensing device for irregularly shaped cards is started, the operator places the irregularly shaped card to be dispensed at the starting position of the conveyor 8. The supporting software program in the control unit drives the conveyor drive mechanism 2 to operate according to the preset program instructions, so that the irregularly shaped card is conveyed forward along the conveyor belt.

[0037] (2) such as Figure 3 As shown, the positioning component 3 adjusts the position of the irregular card and moves it to the middle of the conveying device 8, so that it can smoothly and accurately enter the information collection area of ​​the image sensor 6 and the card reader 9 behind it.

[0038] (3) During the transmission process, the irregularly shaped card first passes under the image sensor 6 and enters its information acquisition area. At this time, the control unit controls the transmission device 8 to pause, and the image sensor 6 takes an image of the card number area on the card and transmits it to the control unit's supporting software program for character recognition to determine the legality and validity of the card number. After the recognition is completed, the transmission device 8 continues to work.

[0039] (4) Next, after the irregularly shaped card is conveyed to the card reader 9, it enters its information collection area. The conveying device 8 pauses again, and the card reader 9 automatically senses the card and reads the information stored inside it, transmitting the read data to the software program of the control unit. The software program of the control unit integrates and compares the data obtained by the card reader 9 with the card number information previously identified by the image sensor 6, and controls the personalized data corresponding to the card number to be written into the irregularly shaped card through the card reader 9.

[0040] (5) After personalization is completed, the control unit controls the drive transmission mechanism 2 to continue working, and transmits the irregular card to the card issuing outlet position at the rear, where the operator picks up the card and completes the card issuance.

[0041] In addition, during the above process, if the image sensor 6 or the card reader 9 malfunctions due to recognition errors, card information mismatch, or other abnormalities, the control unit will immediately stop the transmission device 8. The operator will then investigate and resolve the problem based on the corresponding error information displayed by the supporting software system within the control unit, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the card issuance process.

[0042] In the above process, the specific functions and operation of the transmission device 8, OCR recognition module, card reading module, etc., are as follows:

[0043] 1. For the OCR recognition module:

[0044] The OCR recognition module includes an image sensor 6 (a high-resolution HD camera) and OCR recognition software program built into the control unit. The image sensor 6 is installed at a specific position above the middle area of ​​the conveying device 8, with its camera lens pointing vertically downwards at the surface of the conveying device 8 to ensure clear capture of the card number information on the irregularly shaped card.

[0045] This module is equipped with a high-resolution HD camera and professional OCR recognition software, enabling it to quickly and accurately recognize characters in various fonts, sizes, and formats. The OCR recognition software employs advanced image preprocessing algorithms, including grayscale conversion, noise reduction, binarization, and character segmentation, to improve the accuracy and stability of character recognition.

[0046] In use, when the irregularly shaped card passes under the high-definition camera along with the conveyor 8, the lens captures an image of the card number area on the card and transmits it to the recognition software for processing. The recognition result is output in the form of numbers or characters and sent to the supporting software of the control unit through the data transmission line for further processing (for example, the control unit controls the conveyor 8 to operate or stop according to the recognition result).

[0047] Optionally, the device also includes supplementary lighting 7; supplementary lighting 7 is provided on both sides of the central area of ​​the conveying device 8 to provide supplementary illumination to the information acquisition area of ​​the image sensor 6. By designing supplementary lighting 7, the brightness of this area is increased to improve the accuracy of recognition.

[0048] 2. For the card reader module:

[0049] The card reading module includes a card reader 9 and a card reading processing software program built into the control unit. The card reader 9, built into the conveying device 8, is installed in a specific position below, forming a sensing area (i.e., its information collection area) for irregularly shaped cards on the conveying device 8. The card reader 9 uses a contactless inductive card reader, that is, the card reader uses advanced contactless sensing technology, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which can quickly and accurately read the information stored inside the irregularly shaped card.

[0050] When in use, when the irregularly shaped card passes over the card reader 9, the card reader 9 automatically senses the card and reads its internal information, and transmits the read data to the software program of the control unit for analysis and interaction. The card's personalized data is also written into the card on this module, and the card issuance is finally completed.

[0051] Alternatively, the card reader 9 may be equipped with a USB communication interface. The card reader module features a USB communication interface, allowing for convenient data connection and communication with the software.

[0052] 4. Design for adjusting the position of irregularly shaped cards:

[0053] The positioning component 3 is designed to adjust the position of the irregular card on the transmission device 8, so that the transmission device 8 can transmit the irregular card to the information collection area, thus preventing the irregular card from failing to be accurately identified.

[0054] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the positioning component 3 is a positioning stop bar, which is inclined from front to back, with one end connected to the side of the conveying device 8 and the other end extending to the middle of the conveying device 8. Figure 3 As shown, through the design of the positioning bar, the operator can place the irregular card at any position on the side where the positioning bar is located. Subsequently, the irregular card can slowly move from the side area to the middle area, and then accurately enter the information collection area as the conveying device 8 moves.

[0055] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also use positioning components 3 with other structural designs, which can adjust the irregularly shaped card to accurately enter the information collection area, including but not limited to the embodiments.

[0056] 5. Regarding anti-interference design:

[0057] When in use, the card reader 9 will initiate a card search action when reading the card in the information collection area. An anti-interference component 11 is designed to prevent the card reader 9 from being interfered with by cards that have not yet been transmitted.

[0058] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the anti-interference component 11 is an anti-interference iron plate installed below the transmission device 8; the anti-interference iron plate is located in front of the card reader 9 and extends to the front end of the information collection area of ​​the card reader 9. Figure 4 As shown, the area where the anti-interference iron plate is located forms a shielding zone to prevent cards that have not yet been transmitted from interfering with the signal of the card reader 9.

[0059] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also use other types or structural designs of anti-interference components 11, as long as they can achieve the anti-interference effect, including but not limited to the embodiments.

[0060] 6. Regarding the transmission design:

[0061] The control unit is connected to the transmission drive mechanism 2 of the transmission device 8. The control unit has built-in supporting software programs. According to the needs of the card issuance process, the control unit controls the state (start, stop, speed and direction) of the transmission drive mechanism 2 to achieve precise control of the start, stop, speed and direction of the transmission device 8.

[0062] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the conveying device 8 is a conveyor belt, the conveying drive mechanism 2 is a motor for driving the conveyor belt, and the card reader 9 is built into the surface of the conveyor belt. In use, the conveyor belt is driven by the motor; by adjusting the motor's start / stop, speed, and direction, the card conveying speed and direction can be precisely controlled. Further optionally, the conveying drive mechanism 2 is connected to the control unit via the communication module 1; the control unit controls the operating state of the conveying drive mechanism 2 to control the operating state of the conveying device 8.

[0063] Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-slip and wear-resistant material. The use of a non-slip and wear-resistant material increases friction, ensuring the cards remain stable during transport and preventing them from shifting or slipping.

[0064] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also use other types of transmission devices 8 and transmission drive mechanisms 2, as long as they can achieve the required transmission function, including but not limited to the embodiments.

[0065] The control unit is equipped with an operating system and control software programs for various components, including the image sensor 6, card reader 9, and the transmission drive mechanism 2 of the transmission device 8. The control unit internally stores programs, executes user-oriented instructions such as logical operations, sequential control, counting, and arithmetic operations, and inputs / outputs control of various types of machinery or production processes. This is existing technology, and its working principle will not be elaborated here. The card reader 9, image sensor 6, and transmission drive mechanism 2 are also existing devices. Their working principle in conjunction with the control unit for information reception, feedback, and adjustment is existing technology and will not be elaborated here. Furthermore, to facilitate information access for operators, the control unit may optionally be equipped with information input / output devices, including but not limited to a display screen and reporting audio.

[0066] Optionally, the image sensor 6 and the card reader 9 are respectively positioned above and below the central area of ​​the transmission device 8. This opposing design concentrates the information collection areas in one location, facilitating accurate card delivery to both information collection areas.

[0067] In addition, regarding the installation of each component of the equipment:

[0068] Optionally, the device further includes a support frame 12 for supporting the conveying device 8. In this embodiment, the support frame 12 serves as the supporting structure for the entire device and is made of robust metal to ensure the stability and reliability of the device during operation.

[0069] Optionally, a fixing frame 4 is provided in the middle region of the conveying device 8; the image sensor 6 is mounted on the fixing frame 4 through a first fixing member 5, so that the image sensor 6 is mounted above the middle region of the conveying device 8; optionally, a second fixing member 10 is provided below the middle region of the conveying device 8, and the card reader 9 is fixed to the lower part of the conveying device 8 through the second fixing member 10.

[0070] It should be noted that the mounting structure of the image sensor 6 and the card reader 9 described above can be adapted by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to the embodiments.

[0071] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that although many problems exist in the prior art, each embodiment or technical solution of this application can be improved in only one or a few aspects, without necessarily solving all the technical problems listed in the prior art or background art simultaneously. Those skilled in the art should understand that any content not mentioned in a claim should not be construed as a limitation on that claim.

[0072] Although this document frequently uses terms such as communication module, transmission drive mechanism, fixing frame, first fixing member, image sensor, fill light, transmission device, card reader, and anti-interference component, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. These terms are used merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the essence of this application; interpreting them as any kind of additional limitation would contradict the spirit of this application. The terms "first," "second," etc. (if present) in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A device for automatically dispensing shaped cards, characterized in that it comprises: It comprises a conveying device (8) for carrying and conveying the special-shaped card, an OCR identification module, a card reading module, and a control unit; the OCR identification module comprises an image sensor (6), and the card reading module comprises a card reading device (9); The upper and lower parts of the middle area of the conveying device (8) are respectively provided with the image sensor (6) and the card reading device (9), so that the conveying device (8) forms an information collection area below the image sensor (6) and above the card reading device (9), and the image sensor (6) and the card reading device (9) can respectively collect information of the special-shaped card conveyed to the information collection area; The conveying device (8) is provided with an anti-interference component (11) and a positioning component (3) in front of the image sensor (6); The anti-interference component (11) is used to form a shielding area in front of the information collection area of the conveying device (8) to shield the card reading device (9) from collecting information of the special-shaped card located in the shielding area; and the positioning component (3) is used to adjust the position of the special-shaped card on the conveying device (8) so that the conveying device (8) can convey the special-shaped card to the information collection area. The conveying device (8) is provided with a conveying driving mechanism (2) for driving the operation thereof; the conveying driving mechanism (2), the image sensor (6), and the card reading device (9) are connected with the control unit.

2. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The positioning component (3) is a positioning baffle. The positioning baffle is arranged in a front-to-back direction and is inclined, one end of the positioning baffle is connected with the side of the conveying device (8), and the other end of the positioning baffle extends to the middle of the conveying device (8).

3. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The anti-interference component (11) is an anti-interference iron plate arranged below the conveying device (8). The anti-interference iron plate is located in front of the card reading device (9) and extends to the front end of the information collection area of the card reading device (9).

4. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The conveying device (8) is a conveying belt, and the conveying driving mechanism (2) is a motor for driving the operation of the conveying belt. The material of the conveying belt is anti-skid and wear-resistant.

5. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: It also comprises a communication module (1). The conveying driving mechanism (2) is connected with the control unit through the communication module (1); and the control unit controls the operating state of the conveying driving mechanism (2) to control the operating state of the conveying device (8).

6. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The image sensor (6) is a high-definition camera, and the control unit is built-in with an OCR identification program.

7. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The card reading device (9) adopts a non-contact induction type card reader. The card reading device (9) is provided with a USB communication interface.

8. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: It also comprises a fill-in light (7). The two sides of the middle area of the conveying device (8) are provided with the fill-in light (7) for illuminating the information collection area of the image sensor (6).

9. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The image sensor (6) and the card reading device (9) are respectively arranged above and below the middle area of the conveying device (8).

10. The automatic shaped card dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: It also comprises a support frame (12) for bearing the conveying device (8). The middle region of the conveying device (8) is provided with a fixing frame (4); the image sensor (6) is arranged on the fixing frame (4) through a first fixing member (5), so that the image sensor (6) is arranged above the middle region of the conveying device (8); The lower region of the conveying device (8) is provided with a second fixing member (10), and the card reading device (9) is fixed below the conveying device (8) through the second fixing member (10).

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