JP2828013B2 - Passbook printer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a passbook printer, and more particularly, to a passbook printer used at a counter of a bank or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the prior art, an image OCR for reading an image of a slip and a multifunction printer for printing the slip are separate devices.

As a passbook printer used in such a field, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-65189. In this conventional example, for the purpose of simplifying the input operation of the operator and the work related to the handling of the slip, and preventing a work error beforehand, the information of the slip input by the OCR at the terminal is collectively processed by the host device, and the processing result is obtained. Is printed out by the terminal. Even in this conventional example, the image OCR and the multi-function printer are separate.

[0004]

In the prior art, since a device for reading an image of a slip and a device for printing on the slip are separate, problems such as an increase in the size of the entire system, an increase in price, an increase in power consumption, and the like. Occurs. In particular, since the apparatus is used at a window of a bank or the like, downsizing of the apparatus is always an issue to be solved.

In the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-65189, the image output to the display unit and the recognition unit is the same image, but a person who looks at the image displayed on the display unit and the recognition unit. However, since the required characteristics of the image are different, there is a problem that the content displayed on the display unit is difficult to see or the recognition rate is not improved.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a passbook printer which improves the operability by improving the inconvenience of the prior art and improving the recognition rate and making the displayed contents easier to see. Aim.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a transport unit for transporting a passbook or a slip as recording paper, a print head for performing predetermined printing on the passbook or the slip transported by the transport unit, A control unit that controls the operation of the head, and an image that reads the contents written on the slip
Sensor and read by this image sensor
Recognition that performs recognition processing of written contents based on image information
Section and the image information read by the image sensor.
And a display unit for displaying information. Moreover, the image
Sensors output passbook or voucher image information in color
Color image sensor
The color read by the image sensor.
Output the image information of the
Remove the character frame of the passbook or slip from the image information of
The image information after removing the character frame is binarized and sent to the recognition unit.
An image processing unit for outputting is provided in parallel. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

According to the present invention, since the image sensor and the recognition unit are integrated with the passbook printer, the slip processing system can be simplified, the power consumption can be reduced, and reading and printing can be performed because the display unit is provided. The contents of the slip in the process are displayed on the display unit, which improves the work efficiency of the operator and further improves the image processing.
The image processing unit performs image processing suitable for each of the display unit and the recognition unit.
By doing so, the person who sees the display can
Page visibility is improved, and the recognition rate is improved for the recognition unit
I do.

[0009]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a passbook printer according to the present invention. The passbook printer is installed at a counter of a bank or the like, and prints a transaction status on a passbook or prints a processing number or the like on a slip used for depositing money.

In this embodiment, the passbook printer is provided with a transport unit (roller) 8 for transporting a passbook or a slip as recording paper.
A print head 2 for performing predetermined printing on a passbook or a slip conveyed by the conveyance unit 8; and a control unit 20 for controlling the operation of the print head 2.

In addition, an image sensor 1 for reading the contents described on the slip, a recognition unit 5 for performing a recognition process of the contents based on the image information read by the image sensor 1, and an image sensor And a display unit 4 for displaying the image information read by the control unit 1.

Further, the control unit 20 has an image sensor drive control function for driving the image sensor 1 according to the position of the slip carried by the carrying unit 8.

Thus, the image sensor 1 is fixed,
Since the image sensor 1 is driven in accordance with the position at which the slip is conveyed by the rollers 8, even if the image sensor is incorporated in the passbook printer, the installation area does not increase.
In addition, since the recognition process and the printing process are performed only by the operator inserting the slip into the inlet 6, the work load is greatly reduced.

Moreover, since the contents read by the image sensor are displayed on the display unit, the contents of the slip are displayed on the display unit even during the printing process.
The operator can check the contents of the slip by looking at the display even during the printing process of the slip.

The multi-valued image information read by the image sensor 1 is output to the display unit, and the multi-valued image information is binarized for recognition processing and output to the recognition unit. An image processing unit 3 is also provided.

For this reason, the image processing unit 3 outputs multivalued image information suitable for display to the display unit 4, and outputs binary information suitable for recognition processing such as character recognition to the recognition unit 5. It is possible to do.

Further, the image sensor is a color image sensor 1 for outputting image information of three colors of RGB, and the image processing unit 3 is configured to output RGB image information for each of the RGB output from the color image sensor 1.
A color selection unit 13 is provided for calculating a histogram for each B and selecting image information of one color having the largest number of bright components based on the histogram. For this reason, it is possible to generate the binarized information for the recognition unit quickly and easily.

In addition, the color selection unit 13 binarizes only the characters while eliminating unnecessary components such as frame lines.
The recognizing unit 5 can easily and surely perform the character cutout processing, and thus can improve the recognition rate.

The details will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the image processing unit 3. The image processing unit 3 performs independent image processing for the display unit 4 and for the recognition unit 5, respectively, to generate image signals suitable for each.

R output from the color image sensor 1
The image signals of the three colors (red), G (green), and B (blue) pass through the shading correction unit 9 to eliminate variations in sensitivity among the sensor elements. The image signals that have passed through the shading correction unit 9 are input to the display unit and the recognition unit, respectively.

The image processing section 3 outputs an image signal to the display section 4 via the γ correction section 10, the filter section 11, and the monochrome conversion section 12.

The gamma correction unit 10 converts the sensitivity characteristics of the image sensor 1 into the display characteristics of the display unit 4. This is because the image sensor 1 and the display unit 4 have different characteristics for reproducing the degree of shading, and the γ correction corrects the difference in characteristics.

The filter unit 11 has a resolution lower than that of the original slip when the image signal read by the image sensor 1 is reduced.
This is for correcting a blurred image.

The monochrome conversion unit 12 outputs the corrected R / G
・ The image signals of three colors B are converted to color (RG
The image signal is converted to an image signal of B) or converted to a monochrome image signal and output to the display unit 4. Conversion of a color image signal to a monochrome image signal is performed by the following equation (1).

M = aR + bG + cB Equation (1) (abc is a fixed coefficient)

The image processing unit for the recognition unit includes a color selection unit 13,
The data is output to the recognition unit 5 through the γ correction unit 10, the filter unit 11, and the binarization unit 14. The color selection unit 13 includes RGB
A color suitable for the recognition unit is selected from the three color image signals.

The color selection section 13 takes a histogram for the image signals of the three colors R, G and B, and selects the color having the brightest component. When a character frame unnecessary for recognition is read in the same system color as the color of the frame, the character frame is reflected in the same manner as white, so that the image signal is an image from which all the character frames have been removed. For this reason, a color having the brightest component is a color suitable for recognition.

The pixel signal of a single color selected by the color selection unit 13 is input to the binarization unit 14 through the γ correction unit 10 and the filter unit 11. γ correction unit 10, filter unit 11
Is the same as that of the display unit.

The binarizing section 14 binarizes a single-color pixel signal with a slice value (threshold) generated from the pixel signal itself, and outputs it to the recognizing section 5. The slice value is updated every 16 lines while tracing the maximum value and the minimum value of the pixel signal, and is set at α% between the traced maximum value and the minimum value.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 1, the operator inserts a slip from the inlet 6. Then, the control unit 20 causes the slip to be conveyed, and drives the image sensor 1 immediately before the leading end of the slip immediately below the image sensor 1 to start taking an image signal of the slip. Image signals are captured until the trailing end of the slip passes just below the image sensor 1.

Thereafter, the slip is conveyed to a position immediately below the print head 2, and the print head 2 performs predetermined printing.
This printing has various contents depending on the contents of the slip processing operation and the type of passbook.

When the predetermined printing is completed, the slip is conveyed in the reverse direction and discharged from the inlet 6. As described above, in the present embodiment, the operator can perform two operations of reading the slip image and printing on the slip only by performing the operation of sucking the slip.

The image signal output from the image sensor 1 is input to the image processing unit 3, and the image processing unit for the display unit 4 and the image processing unit for the recognition unit 5 perform independent image processing. For this reason, the display unit 4 can output a multi-valued image signal that does not cause a sense of incongruity with the actual slip, and a character that is unnecessary for recognition for the recognition unit. The binarized image signal can be output by removing the frame. Thus, it is possible to obtain image signals suitable for the display unit and the recognition unit.

Further, since multi-valued image information is displayed on the display unit 4, the operator can confirm the written contents in consideration of differences in handwriting and the like from the image information displayed on the display unit 4.

The color selection section 13 of the image processing section 3 has a RGB
An image signal from which the character frame has been removed is selected from the three-color B image signal and output.

Then, the recognition unit 5 performs a character recognition process based on the image signal output from the image processing unit 3,
The result of the recognition process is output to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the display of the recognition result by the recognition unit 5 in accordance with the image information of the slip that is already displayed. The operator compares the image information of the slip with the recognition result, and corrects if the recognition result is incorrect.

FIG. 3 shows an image signal obtained by reading a slip and its histogram. The slip is handwritten with a black ballpoint pen, and the other frames and characters are printed in red.

FIG. 3A shows the image sensor 1.
Is a monochrome image signal that has been read through an image processing unit for a display unit.

FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D each show R
It is an image of each image signal of G and B, and FIG.
(E), (F), and (G) are the histograms. Since the character frame is printed in red, the character frame is removed from all the R component images in FIG. 3B. Also, R ・ G ・
Comparing the histograms of the B colors, only the R component shows no components such as a character frame other than the white portion where the degree of inconsistency is highest.

For this reason, the color selection section 13 selects image information of R having the largest number of bright components. Thus, by detecting the difference between the components of the histogram,
An image signal from which a character frame or the like has been removed can be obtained. This means that it is not necessary to input what color the drop color of the slip is.

In the present invention, a color image sensor is used for the passbook printer. However, if the form used is limited and the color used is single or two colors, the monochrome sensor and the single color or two colors are used. By switching and using the light source, a system that is less expensive than a color image sensor can be configured.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the passbook printer has the color image sensor and the print head, the operator inserts the slip in the passbook printer to read the slip image. Printing on a slip and two processes can be performed, and therefore, operations for handling the slip can be reduced. Also, since it is not necessary to prepare dedicated terminals for image reading and printing, it is possible to simplify the device configuration and reduce power consumption.

That is, since the passbook printer has a built-in color image sensor, the operation of the operator only causes the passbook printer to inhale the slip, so that the load on the operator is reduced and the image processing section is recognized as the display section. Outputs the image corresponding to each unit, so that the optimal image signal can be output to the display unit and the recognition unit. Furthermore, since the color of the slip is automatically determined by incorporating the color image sensor, characters unnecessary for recognition are The frame and the like can be removed, so that recognition that is not affected by a wide variety of slip colors becomes possible. As a result, the operator is free from an operation in which the operator sets the density by looking at the slip, and a reduction in the recognition rate when there is no such operation.

Further, by performing image processing suitable for each of the display unit and the recognition unit, the visibility of the image of the slip is improved for a person viewing the display unit, and the recognition rate is improved for the recognition unit. In particular, in image processing for the recognition unit, a color suitable for recognition is selected and output from three colors of R, G, and B, so that the recognition rate can be improved.

[0048]

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to this, the control unit drives the image sensor in accordance with the position of the slip carried by the carrying unit, so that the image sensor is incorporated in the passbook printer. However, without increasing the installation area, the operator simply inserts the slip into the suction port, and the recognition and printing processes are performed. This greatly reduces the work load, and furthermore, the content read by the image sensor. Is displayed on the display unit, so that the contents of the voucher are displayed on the display unit even during the printing process, and the operator can display the contents of the voucher even during the printing process of the relevant voucher. Can be checked by looking at the copy, and even if it takes a long time to print, the contents of the slip are displayed on the display section, It is possible to perform other work based on the description of the voucher while printing, and in particular, while printing on the voucher, the recognition result of the recognition unit can be collated on the display unit. not only is reduced, Ki is possible to improve the work efficiency, deer
The image processing unit is also suitable for the display unit and the recognition unit.
By performing image processing, people who see the display
The visibility of the slip image is improved, and the recognition
Knowledge rate is improved, especially in image processing for the recognition unit.
Select and output a color suitable for recognition from among R, G, and B colors
To improve the recognition rate by removing character frames.
An unprecedented excellent passbook printer that can be provided can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image processing performed by the image processing unit illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3; FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a case where an image written in black on a red voucher is monochrome; so,
3B is a diagram illustrating an example of image information of an R (red) component, FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of image information of a G (green) component, and FIG. FIGS. 3E to 3G are diagrams illustrating examples of image information of a blue component, and FIGS. 3E to 3G are diagrams illustrating respective histograms.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color image sensor 2 Print head 3 Image processing part 4 Display part 5 Recognition part 6 Inlet 7 Passbook printer 8 Transport part (roller) 9 Shading correction part 10 γ correction part 11 Filter part 12 Monochrome conversion part 13 Color selection part 14 2 Value conversion unit 20 Control unit

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A transport unit that transports a passbook or a slip as recording paper; a print head that performs predetermined printing on the passbook or the slip transported by the transport unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the print head. , Stated on the slip
Image sensor that reads the contents
Based on the image information read by the sensor
A recognizing unit for recognizing written content, and the image sensor
A display unit that displays image information read by the
In the passbook printer device comprising:
A color image sensor that outputs information in color , wherein the image sensor reads the information in color.
Output the color image information that has been captured to the display unit.
And the passbook or
The image after removing the character frame of the slip and removing the character frame
An image processing unit for binarizing information and outputting it to the recognition unit is also provided.
Passbook printer apparatus characterized by the set. 2. The image processing section according to claim 1 , wherein
About the image information for each RGB output from the sensor
And calculate the histogram for each of RGB.
Based on the histogram, one color with the brightest component
Passbook printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the this having a color selection function of selecting image information.