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UPA Stamp Perforation Gauge User Guide

  • UPA Stamp Perforation Gauge User Guide
Go to the DPR Reader

DPR User Guide

  1. Place the stamp in the centre of the plain black reverse of the UPA DPR card. Ensure that the card is placed horizontally with the stamp placed across the card. Hold your phone vertically.
  2. Take and upload a close up, in focus image of the stamp, ensuring that all four edges of the black DPR card and visible in the image and the stamp stays away from the edge of the card.
    It is not important that the stamp is exactly straight. However if you do not place the stamp the correct way up, the readings will be transposed for the the vertical and horizontal measurements.
  3. If you wish to save the image of the stamp together with the results; add a description into the text box, click the ‘Save results’ button at the bottom of the screen.
Need to get a DPR card? - click here.

Getting Optimal Results – FAQ

Optimal lighting for the best results

To get the best results from the images uploaded into the DPR a consistent flat light is best. Shadows or refections can affect the results, so photographing the stamp under a plastic cover should be avoided.

Optimal distance to take the image for best results

To get the best results from the images uploaded into the DPR, frame the DPR card so that all four edges and visible in the image. Look at the images featured on this page for examples of the optimal distance. Try to keep the phone camera level although the system will compensate for minor variations.

Dealing with heavy post marks

The DPR reader needs to be able to map the perforations on the edges of the stamp. Good contrast between the paper perforations and the black DPR card will provide optimal results. Any heavy post marks which run across the perforations adversely effect the contrast and the reading.

If the stamp has a heavy postmark across the perforations, turn the stamp over and photograph the reverse of the stamp.

Damaged and missing perforations

Damaged perforations can prevent the system from giving a good reading. If there is heavy damage to the perforations then a reading may not be possible. In cases where one edge is damaged try turning the stamp around if you get an unexpected reading.

Curled stamps that don't lie flat

To achieve the best results the stamp should lie flat on the DPR card. If the stamp is curled, then a small coin can be used to hold the stamp flat. As long as the edges of the stamp are not obscured by the coin, then a good reading can be achieved.

Sheets of un-torn stamps

This version of the software requires the edges of the DPR card to be visible, therefore complete sheets of stamps can not be processed. Version 2 of the DPR system will cover large and sheet stamps.

Orientation of the DPR card

The orientation of the DPR card is important. The card should be placed on a flat surface in a landscape orientation. The photograph should then be taken with the phone held vertically.

Orientation of the stamp on the DPR card

The stamp should always be photographed the correct way up to avoid confusion in the results with what is the width and height.

Optimal placement of the stamp on the DPR card

Place the stamp the correct way up and hold your phone vertically when framing the photo. Keep the stamp clear of the edges of the DPR card.