JP2001171864A - Medium processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medium processing device allowing an easy medium set operation to a desired printing position. SOLUTION: This medium processing device comprises an image processing part 18 for reading image data from a document and journal 2 having a position mark 2b provided at the end of a process area to be processed and processing the image, a display part 21 for displaying an image, and an image memory 18b on which monochoro multi value data is added and stored every printing color of the document and journal 2. An image processing part 18 obtains first image data at a first reading level, converts it to the monochoro multi value data, searches the same monochoro multi value data from the image memory 18b, specifies a second reading level corresponding to the monochoro multi value data, obtains image data again, displays the reading result, and specifies and inputs a process position responsive to the display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to forms, slips, and OCs.
The present invention relates to a medium processing apparatus that performs processing at an arbitrary position on an R medium or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A medium processing apparatus for processing forms, slips, OCR media and the like used in financial institutions and the like is formed by a medium transport mechanism as shown in FIG. In the figure, 2
Is a processing medium to be printed (hereinafter referred to as a form). When the form insertion detection sensor SE1 detects the form 2 inserted by a staff member, a pressure roller 4 (not shown) operates and a feed roller 5 provided opposite thereto. And press-contact. When the feed roller 5 is rotated while the sandwiched state is maintained, the form 2 is conveyed inside while the front and back positions are regulated.

When printing is performed at a desired print position on the form 2 using the medium transport mechanism, for example, at a print position 2a shown in the figure, a print position alignment mark 3d provided on the side of the medium insertion guide 3a is provided on the form 2. There is a medium processing apparatus that sets the print position by manually adjusting the processed position mark (hereinafter referred to as a position mark) 2b visually. In this type of apparatus, when the printing position setting is completed, the form 2 is nipped and conveyed by a predetermined amount, so that the printing process can be performed by the printing head 8 at the printing position. The operation of visually aligning the print position alignment mark 3d and the position mark 2b of the form 2 is referred to as "eye alignment operation".

[0004] Particularly in recent years, from the viewpoint of saving installation space,
Eliminating restrictions on the layout of the device as the device becomes smaller and lighter, and from the viewpoint of resource saving, reduce the size of the medium without changing the amount of print information, or expand the printable range with an increase in the amount of information. Such is desired. Therefore, as a result, the margin from the end of the medium to the printable area tends to decrease. For example, as shown in the drawing, there may be a case where only a margin of L1 = 10 to 15 mm is allowed from the upper end (same for the lower end) of the medium. In order to easily identify a wide variety of forms 2, some measures have been taken such as distinguishing transaction items by printing colors.

[0005]

However, such a medium processing apparatus has the following problems. When the form 2 is clamped by operating the pressure roller 4 on the inserted medium (form) 2, the distance (G) from the center of the feed roller 5 to the tip of the form 2 is at least 2 mm as shown in FIG. It is desirable to secure the above. If the amount of overlap is small, an incomplete holding state occurs, and the suction becomes impossible when the feed roller 5 is rotated in the direction of arrow A. Further, as described above, for example, 1
In order to print at a position of 2 mm (dimension L1), it is necessary to set the print alignment mark 3d at that position. In other words, 10 mm from the center of the feed roller 5
Is provided with a print position alignment mark 3d. Further, since the upper guide plate 3c is formed so as not to touch the mechanism such as the feed roller 5 and the upper insertion guide surface 3e is formed with a slope for improving the operability at the time of insertion, the printing position alignment mark 3d is formed. There was a problem that it became difficult to see.

If the restrictions on the device layout are eliminated in accordance with the reduction in size and weight of the device, the operability is deteriorated depending on the layout, and the operation requires skill. As a countermeasure for eliminating this operation requiring skill, an optical recognition technology for optically reading and recognizing characters, symbols, and ruled lines has been proposed. However, those including form types, multicolor printing, and handwritten character recognition have been proposed. There is a problem that each processing time such as image processing and character recognition processing takes too much time.

[0007]

An image information obtaining means for obtaining at least image data of a processing position mark from a processing medium and converting the image data into monochrome multivalued data, and an image data obtaining means for obtaining the image data obtained by the image information obtaining means. Image information processing means for processing image images;
Image information storage means for adding and storing a read level of image data and monochrome multi-value data for each processing medium,
A display unit capable of displaying an image image.

[0008] The image data of the processing position mark is obtained at the first reading level by the image information processing means, converted into monochrome multi-value data, and the same monochrome multi-value data is retrieved from the image information storage means. The image data is acquired again at the second reading level corresponding to the value data, subjected to image processing, displayed on the display unit, and based on the display, processing is performed on the processing area in which the instruction is input.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a medium processing apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the medium processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the medium processing apparatus. Reference numeral 1 denotes a medium processing device, and reference numeral 4 denotes a pressure roller, which can project into the medium transport path 3 from holes provided in the lower guide plate 3b and the upper guide plate 3c together with the feed roller 5 disposed opposite thereto. The medium (hereinafter, referred to as a form) 2 can be held and pressed against the medium. Reference numeral 3a denotes a medium insertion guide serving as a medium insertion / ejection port, which is the start end of the medium conveyance path 3, from which a staff member manually inserts the form 2 to be processed.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a line-type image reader provided on the form 2 for reading printed information, and comprises a color CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 60a and a plurality of light sources 60b. Various kinds of read information are processed by a digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D converter).

When the corresponding surface of the document 2 is irradiated with illumination light from the light source 60b, the illumination light is reflected from the corresponding surface of the document 2 and forms an image on the photoelectric surface of the color CCD sensor 60a. The formed image data is converted into digital data at a predetermined linear density by an A / D converter. This image reader 6 determines the brightness of characters or ruled lines and figures on the form 2 by R (Red; Red), G (Green; Green), B (Blue; Blue).
To obtain monochrome multi-value data (gray signal: black-and-white image data).

Numeral 7 denotes a sensor roller for bringing the form 2 closer to the image reader 6 in order to optimize the positional relationship between the surface of the form 2 and the image reader 6 for reading image data. It is black. The pressure shaft 7a is provided with an arm 7b holding the sensor roller 7 at the tip, and the sensor roller 7 is rotatably supported on the arm 7b by a shaft 7c. A rotational force is applied to the sensor roller 7 by a driving unit (not shown), and the peripheral speed thereof is set slightly higher than the peripheral speed of the feed roller 5.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a print head for printing on the form 2 conveyed to the print position by the rotation of the feed roller 5, and 9 denotes a platen arranged opposite to the print head 8. The description of the printing mechanism including the print head 8 and the platen 9 will be omitted.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a form clamp magnet for rotating a pressure shaft 4a rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) by a predetermined angle. The pressure shaft 4a is provided with a roller arm 4b holding the pressure roller 4 at the tip, and the pressure roller 4 is rotatably supported on the roller arm 4b by a shaft 4c. By exciting the form clamp magnet 10, the roller arm 4b rotates by a predetermined angle. Due to this rotation, the pressure roller 4 at the tip of the roller arm 4b approaches the feed roller 5, and finally the roller arm 4b is bent and brought into pressure contact with the feed roller 5.

Although the pressing force is generated by the bending of the roller arm 4b, when the excitation of the form clamp magnet 10 is stopped, the pressure roller 4 is separated from the feed roller 5 by the tension of a spring (not shown), and the lower guide plate is moved. It returns below 3b.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a form LF motor (LF: line feed), which is a power source for rotating the feed roller 5 described above, and is a stepping motor. The feed roller 5 is fixed to the feed shaft 5a, the concentricity and the outer diameter are strictly manufactured and controlled, and the form 2 sandwiched by controlling the rotation amount of the form LF motor 11 is controlled.
Can be controlled. Reference numeral 12 denotes a sensor roller magnet for rotating a pressure shaft 7a rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) by a predetermined angle. By exciting the sensor roller magnet 12, the arm 7b rotates by a predetermined angle. Due to this rotation, the sensor roller 7 at the tip of the arm 7b approaches the image reader 6, and the image reader 6
An optimal positional relationship with the reading surface of the image is constructed. When the excitation of the sensor roller magnet 12 is stopped, the sensor roller 7 is moved to the image reader 6 by the tension of a spring (not shown).
And returns below the lower guide plate 3b.

Reference numeral SE1 denotes a form insertion detection sensor, which is an optical detector having a light emitting diode and a light receiving transistor arranged opposite to each other, and which transmits the optical axis in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport path 3. ON / OF using the output fluctuation of the light receiving transistor caused by the form 2 blocking the optical axis.
An F signal can be obtained. SE2 is a print position reference sensor that has the same configuration and operation as the form insertion detection sensor SE1, and is disposed immediately before the print head 8.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a driver circuit, which is a drive circuit for the above-described form LF motor 11 and each of the magnets 10, 12, and the like. Reference numeral 14 denotes an amplifier circuit, which is an amplifier circuit for the form insertion detection sensor SE1, the print position reference sensor SE2, and the image reader 6. The control unit 15 detects each signal and instructs the driver circuit 13 to drive. Is programmed to be transmitted.

Reference numeral 16 denotes the above-described A / D converter, which is a color C / D converter.
The image data formed on the photoelectric surface of the CD sensor 60a is converted into digital data at a predetermined linear density. The image reader 6, the amplifier circuit 14, and the A /
The D conversion unit 16 is an image information acquisition unit.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a counter circuit which measures the number of rotation steps of the form LF motor 11 and is controlled by the control unit 15. The movement amount of the form 2 can be calculated by multiplying the measured value (the number of steps) by the counter circuit 17 by the carry amount per single step, and the carry amount per single step can be calculated by the number of steps from ON to OFF of the form insertion detection sensor SE1. By multiplying the amount, the vertical length of the form 2 can be measured.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an image processing unit serving as image information processing means, which processes a monochrome multi-value signal or image information output from the A / D conversion unit 16 and outputs the processed information as image information or character data information. is there. The image processing unit 18 also has an image memory 18a for storing read image information, an image memory 18b for storing image data of the form 2 in advance, and identification information for discriminating the color (multi-valued data) of the form 2 in advance. include.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a storage unit including a ROM or CD-ROM storing various operation control programs and a RAM for temporarily storing operation information. Reference numeral 20 denotes a keyboard, which includes various key switches for inputting processing. 21 is LCD or CRT
And the like. The display unit 21 is configured to display a cursor moving on the operation display screen, a transaction screen, an input guidance screen, and the like, and to select a process by lightly touching a touch panel 22 provided on the surface of the display unit. It is.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a pointing device, which is an input device capable of easily moving a cursor on the operation display screen of the display unit 21. In addition to the above, there is a power supply unit and an interface unit which is a connection port with a higher-level device, but the description is omitted.

FIG. 4 shows the concept of the image information of the form 2 stored in the image memory 18b. First, as an area where the position mark 2b exists, a mark which is separated from the left reference end C of the form 2 by a predetermined amount. There is a reading area 24a. The mark reading area 24a naturally coincides with the print area 24b shown on the right side in the vertical direction (vertical direction in the figure). These pieces of information are stored in the image information storage means together with a place to be processed using the form code as a keyword, an outer size, and a print color. In the figure, the position mark 2b 'and the print position 2a' are described, but this does not mean that they are stored as graphic data in the image memory 18b.

A reading range as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the image memory 18b in addition to the black range. As shown in the figure, there is information for preferentially determining the reading range of the color CCD sensor 60a for each digital value of the monochrome multi-value data. For example, the monochrome multi-value rank is “3”
In the setting of の, reading at “X color level 1” is the highest priority, and the next candidate is “Y color level 1”. Each of these values is registered in advance.

<Automatic Printing Position Alignment 1> The operation at the time of automatic printing position alignment according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an operation flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example in FIG. S indicates an operation step.

When the clerk inputs an instruction for "automatic alignment processing" from the keyboard section 20, the control section 15 enters the automatic print alignment mode. Subsequently, when the form 2 is inserted along the medium insertion guide 3a, which is a medium insertion / ejection port, the form insertion detection sensor SE1 detects this (S1). When the control unit 15 obtains the detection signal of the form insertion detection sensor SE1,
The form clamp magnet 10 is excited to operate the pressure roller 4 to clamp the form 2 (S2). After this operation, it is detected whether or not the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is in the ON state (the state in which the optical axis is blocked) (S
3). If the ON state is maintained, proceed to the next step,
If the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is in the OFF state, the excitation of the form clamp magnet 10 is stopped, the pressure roller 4 is released, and the process returns to step S1 (S4).

In accordance with the control program stored in the storage unit 19, the control unit 15 performs the "positioning of the leading edge" of the inserted form 2 (S5). In this "tip position locating" operation, first, the form LF motor 11 is rotated in reverse (BLF; back line feed). As a result, the feed roller 5 rotates in the reverse direction, the form 2 moves in the discharge direction, and the form insertion detection sensor SE1 will be turned off soon. After the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off, the reverse rotation of the form LF motor 11 is stopped at a predetermined pulse (for example, 30 pulses). The form 2 at this position is sandwiched between the pressure roller 4 and the feed roller 5, and the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is in the OFF state.

The control unit 15 instructs the normal rotation of the form LF motor 11 to start inhaling the form 2. When a predetermined amount (about 30 pulses) is inhaled, the form insertion detection sensor S
E1 turns ON. When the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned on, the control unit 15 sets the form leading end position address = 0 (zero). Subsequent transport control is performed by instructing the form leading edge position address value as a target position, thereby controlling the form LF motor 1.
1 is conveyed while rotating forward and backward, and at the same time, position management is performed. This position management is corrected when the leading end of the form 2 passes through the position of the print position reference sensor SE2.

After the "tip position determination" in step S5, the form LF motor 11 is controlled to drive the form LF motor 11 by a predetermined amount step (here, the form tip position address becomes the reading start position of the image reader). . The drive of this predetermined amount step is controlled in consideration of the number of acceleration steps and the number of deceleration steps (S6). Immediately before the driving of the predetermined number of steps is completed, the sensor roller magnet 12 is excited to raise the sensor roller 7. By this raising operation, a gap optimal for reading is formed between the image reader 6 and the leading end of the form 2 is guided into the gap, and reading of image information of the form 2 is started.

The control unit 15 determines from this processing (transaction) contents whether the form 2 is inevitably used (S7). If the clerk has input a form code or the like as the medium identification information, the relevant reading range is extracted from the image memory 18b and specified (S8). If the medium identification information does not exist, the printing color of the inserted form 2 is unknown, so the black range is set without specifying the reading range.

When the form 2 is conveyed, the fetching of the image data is started sequentially and stored in the image memory 18a. This storage is performed after a predetermined number of steps (form insertion detection sensor SE1) after form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off.
(Corresponding to the distance from to the reading center) until the point in time when the sheet is conveyed (S9).

The controller 15 stops counting when the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off. Further, the control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to process the image information stored in the image memory 18a, the conveyance of the form 2 is stopped at the reading completion position, and the form 2 enters a standby state (S1).
0). At the same time, the vertical length of the form 2 is calculated from the count value according to the procedure described above. Depending on the vertical length of the form 2, the print position reference sensor SE2 may be turned on during this reading operation. The control unit 15 includes a print position reference sensor SE2.
When the is turned ON, counting starts as medium leading end position information.

The image processing section 18 processes the read image data (S11). The processing of the image data will be described later. Analysis results (S1
2) In the case of a color that is not assumed (for example, when the color is an intermediate color between registered colors), the form 2 is returned to the reading start position in order to read again (S13). In addition,
If it is determined in step S12 that the entire surface is white or black, the form 2 is discharged without reading again and the confirmation is requested from the attendant, but detailed description is omitted.

The control unit 15 searches whether a retrievable reading range is registered in place of the current reading range (S14). In this search, if there is a reading range as a next candidate according to a predetermined reading range array as shown in FIG. 5, the reading range is switched to that reading range (S15). When the image is read in the black range, the next candidate according to the monochrome multi-value information has the first priority. Then, the reading operation is performed again in the switched reading range, and when the analysis result is NG, steps S13 to S15 and steps S9 to S12 are repeated.

The read image 21a is displayed on the display unit 21.
(S16). This display example is shown in FIG. 7A. In this example, three print areas 211a and 211 are provided.
In the form in which 11b and 211c are set, it means that print (including handwriting) character information has already been entered in the print area 211b, and indicates that two print lines can be processed. .

In the figure, the "light / dark" key 21b selects the "light / dark" key or the "@" key when the display is difficult for the attendant to see, for example, if the display is too dark. When the display is too bright for the attendant, the "light and dark" and "↓" keys are selected. This selection may be made by clicking the cursor 23 a by overlapping the cursor 23 a by moving the cursor by operating the pointing device 23 or by touch input from the touch panel 22.

Although the display size of the image image is desirably at the original size level, it may be reduced in size depending on the screen size of the display unit 21 so that it does not fit in the screen.
In this case, if the enlarged display is performed, the entire image cannot be accommodated in the screen. Therefore, the printable areas 211a and 211 can be processed.
b can be controlled to be arranged at the center of the screen.

If the attendant selects the print area 211a by operating the cursor 23a, the control unit 15
As shown in (b), the information to be printed is displayed as print information 21g, and the print area 211a is visually distinguished from other print areas 211c. The clerk operates the "confirm" key 21f or the "cancel" key 21e by the means described above.
Is selected (S17).

When the "confirm" key 21f is selected, the print head 8 and the print position 2a are transported to a corresponding position. The control unit 15 calculates the transport operation amount from the image data obtained by detecting the print position 2a. The number of steps from the leading end of the form 2 (the output change point immediately after the start of reading) to the passage of the position mark 2b (the output change due to the mark) is obtained. The number of steps from the print position reference sensor SE2 to the center of the print is added to the number of steps.

Next, the added step number (P) and the leading end address (N) are compared. If P> N, the LF conveyance (suction direction) of the step number corresponding to the difference is performed.
If P <N, it is sufficient to perform control to give the form LF motor 11 the BLF conveyance (discharge direction) of the number of steps corresponding to the difference (S18).

When a predetermined printing operation is performed on the form 2 conveyed to the print head 8 (S19), the form 2 is moved to a position where the form insertion detection sensor SE1 does not change from ON to OFF (for example, a position deeper than the form insertion detection sensor SE1). The sheet is conveyed in the discharge direction until the leading end of the form is positioned at about 5 mm on the side (S20). The excitation of the form clamp magnet 10 is stopped, and the pressure roller 4 is released (S21).
When the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off (S
22), the process ends.

The image processing in step S11 will be described. First, detection processing of the left end and right end positions of the form data read in step S9 is performed. When the form does not reach the image reader 6, "black" of the sensor roller 7 is recognized, but when reading of the form 2 is started,
Since the paper color of the form 2 is recognized, the boundary (line) is the left end and right end position of the form 2. The width of the form 2 is calculated from the interval between the boundaries.

A range separated by a predetermined distance from the left boundary line (the left end of the form 2) is recognized as the mark reading area 24a of the position mark 2b. This mark reading area 24a
By sequentially scanning the inside, the position mark 2b
If there is, there should be some output fluctuation. Since this fluctuation width occurs in a range corresponding to the height (line thickness) of the position mark 2b, the character is recognized as a "-" symbol from the recognition dictionary. The "-" symbol can be easily recognized because the thickness of the line is specified. For example, a ruled line is recognized as a thin line, and a binding hole (a hole for a file). ) Is circular, so position mark 2
It is easy to distinguish from b, and there is no misrecognition.

In the recognition of the position mark 2b, a difference in the output level occurs depending on the printing color, but it is possible to identify the difference if the difference from the ground color appears. The control is performed so that the recognition result is displayed in a print color assumed by the output multi-level output or the like. If the output level is equivalent to red, the color displayed on the display unit 21 is red.

When the position mark 2b is recognized, the position of the printing position 2a in the printing line is identified in the printing area 24b. Since the print position 2a is also individually determined from the print format and the print format (such as the number of characters) at the form design stage of the form 2, there should be a blank. For example, if handwritten characters or machine-processed characters are recognized, OCR characters are recognized and displayed as a filled-in print area 211b shown in FIG.

As described above, even when the print position alignment mark is difficult to see, the print medium is optically read and recognized and displayed on the screen, and the processing position can be designated from the screen display. Operation in an unreasonable posture is eliminated. In addition, when it is determined that the processing by optical reading takes too much time during busy times, it is also possible to enable conventional processing by eye alignment.

In step S13, the form 2 is returned to the reading start position and re-reading is executed.
It goes without saying that re-cutting may be performed by changing the sensitivity (reading level) from the first image information stored in the image memory 18a. The form 2 used in the present invention reads a position mark 2b of the same color as a ruled line printed with a dropout color or a density close thereto, and both a handwritten character (in principle, black) and a printed character. The purpose is to detect the position of the position mark 2b. Since the purpose is not to detect the size and color of the position mark 2b, it is only necessary to select a method that does not reduce the processing speed of one transaction in the apparatus, including an operation that assumes "printing" as the next processing stage. .

<Automatic Print Alignment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The difference from the first embodiment is that when image recognition is unclear due to discoloration, color imperfection, deterioration, etc. of the form, the form is once discharged, and a staff member visually checks and reinserts the form. At this time, the display unit is left as it is (or re-displayed), and is read again at the time of re-insertion, and the processing is advanced only when the data matches with the previous read data.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a screen display example. The operation will be described with reference to both figures, but steps S1 to S6 described in the first embodiment will be described.
Steps 20 to 23 are the same in the present embodiment, so that the description of this portion will be omitted.

The control unit 15 determines from the processing (transaction) contents whether the form 2 is inevitably used (S2).
7). If the clerk has input a form code or the like as the medium identification information, the relevant reading range is extracted from the image memory 18b and specified (S28). If the medium identification information does not exist, the printing color of the inserted form 2 is unknown, so a predetermined reading range is set.

The image data is started to be sequentially taken in with the conveyance of the form 2, and is stored in the image memory 18a as the first image information. This storage is performed by a predetermined number of steps (equivalent to the distance from the form insertion detection sensor SE1 to the reading center) after the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off.
Is continued up to the point when the sheet is transported (S29).

The control section 15 stops counting when the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off. Further, the control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to process the image information stored in the image memory 18a, the conveyance of the form 2 is stopped at the reading completion position, and the form 2 enters a standby state (S3).
0). At the same time, the vertical length of the form 2 is calculated from the count value according to the procedure described above. Depending on the vertical length of the form 2, the print position reference sensor SE2 may be turned on during this reading operation, and when the print position reference sensor SE2 is turned on, counting is started as medium leading edge position information as described above. It is.

The image processing section 18 processes the read image data (S31). The processing of the image data here is substantially the same as the description in the first embodiment. In step S31, the left and right ends of the form data read are detected, and the width of the form 2 is calculated.

By sequentially scanning the mark reading area 24a separated by a predetermined distance from the left boundary line (the left end of the form 2), if the position mark 2b exists, there should be some output fluctuation. Since this variation width occurs in a range corresponding to the outer shape of the position mark 2b, the character is recognized as a "-" symbol from the recognition dictionary.

In recognizing the position mark 2b, a difference in the output level occurs depending on the print color, but it is possible to identify the difference if the difference from the ground color appears. When the position mark 2b is recognized, the position of the print position 2a in the print line is identified in the print area 24b. This print position 2
Since a is individually determined from the print format and the print format (such as the number of characters) in the form design stage of the form 2, and is stored in the image memory 18b, it can be easily identified. Except for the overlap between the read image data and the image data of the form stored in the image memory 18b, it is recognized as a handwritten character or a machine-processed column.
Display is made like a filled-in print area 211b shown in FIG.

As a result of the analysis (S32), in the case of an unexpected color (such as an intermediate color or a light color of registered colors), the image 21a recognized on the display unit 21 and, for example, "format is clear" Is not recognized. Do you want to reread? "(S3
3). At the same time, the control unit 21 controls the form LF motor 11 to return the form 2 to the form leading position locating completion position (for example, the form leading end is located about 5 mm behind the form insertion detection sensor SE1) (S34). ). Step S
At 32, if it is determined that the entire surface is white or black, the form 2 is conveyed to the form leading position locating completion position without reading again (S35), and a standby state is entered to ask a staff member for confirmation. (S36). The clerk makes the following selection according to the content displayed in step S33. Although the image image read from the form 2 is unclear, the form 2 returned to the form leading end position completion position can be directly viewed, so that the processing position can be input by visual confirmation (S37). If the attendant proceeds to input by visual confirmation, retry operation of image reading is unnecessary and FIG.
As shown in (a), "Do you pick up the form and check it?"
If the person in charge wants to visually check, for example, the upper part of the form 2 (the section from the form insertion / ejection opening to the reading start position is not visible) or if there is any reason (such as a problem with the device layout or visual acuity) Once you want to discharge (S3
8). If it is determined in step S38 that the discharge is unnecessary, that is, it is determined that the instruction of the processing position can be made by visually checking the unclear image image and the form 2, the processing position is selected and input (S3).
9).

When a selection input that does not require visual confirmation is made in step S37, the control unit 15 searches whether a retrievable reading range is registered in place of the current reading range, and as shown in FIG. If there is a reading range as a next candidate, the reading range is switched to that reading range (S
40). As described above, the reading operation is performed again in the switched reading range.

When a predetermined analysis result is obtained by the image processing in step S31, the image is displayed on the display unit 21 (S41). When the staff member judges that the form is different from the inserted form 2 from the image displayed by the attendant, or asks for visual confirmation for some reason (such as a problem with the device layout or eyesight), "Do you want to take the form and check it?" Ask and ask (S42).

If visual inspection is not required, the process proceeds to input of the processing position (S43), but in step S42, "viewing the form" is performed.
When the key 21i is selected and visual confirmation is desired, a display as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed, and the form 2 is placed at a position where the form insertion detection sensor SE1 does not change from ON to OFF (for example, a form leading position positioning completion position). And then stop in the discharge direction. The excitation of the form clamp magnet 10 is stopped, the pressure roller 4 is opened, the form 2 is extracted by the attendant, and the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off.
When the state becomes the FF state, the discharge is once completed (S44).

On the other hand, on the screen shown in FIG. 9B, the display unit 21 displays a "form discharge" 21j until the form is completely extracted.
Is blinked, and when the form 2 is extracted, the "position input" 21k is blinked for a predetermined time and the display shifts to the display of FIG.

Here, FIG. 7 described in the first embodiment
If the clerk selects the print area 211a by operating the cursor 23a on the display screen as described above, the control unit 15 displays the information to be printed as the print information 21g and visually changes the print area 211a to the other print area 211c. Display separately. The attendant selects the "confirm" key 21f or the "cancel" key 21e by the means described above (S45). FIG. 9 when processing input is performed
Returning to the display of (b), "reinsert" 21m will blink.

When the form 2 is reinserted by the attendant, the first
The form 2 is processed in accordance with steps S1 to S6 described in the embodiment (S46), and the transfer of the form 2 is started in the same reading range as above, and the image data is sequentially fetched and stored in the image memory 18a. Is stored as image information. This storage is performed by the form insertion detection sensor SE1.
After FF, the process is continued until a predetermined number of steps (equivalent to the distance from the form insertion detection sensor SE1 to the reading center) is conveyed (S47).

The control section 15 stops counting when the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off. Further, the control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to process the second image information stored in the image memory 18a, the conveyance of the form 2 is stopped at the reading completion position, and the form 2 enters a standby state (S4).
8). The processing of the image data here is as described above (S49).

The control unit 15 reads out the first and second image information from the image memory 18a, performs image processing, displays them side by side on the display unit 21, and performs comparison (S
50). If the result of comparing the first and second image information is “match”, the re-inserted form 2
Is determined to be the same as the form 2 from which the first image information was obtained first, and the process proceeds to input of the processing position. If it is determined that the values do not match, a notification is made to the attendant (S51).

When the processing position is input, the print head 8 and the printing position 2a are transported to a corresponding position to perform a predetermined printing process (S52). Although it has been described that the processing position of form 2 is input before re-insertion in step S46, the processing position can be input on the screen display until the form match determination in step S50.

As described above, when the image read from the form is unclear, it is possible to directly input the operation by visually observing the form, and the re-reading operation is only for confirmation of the form. The time required for the recognition process (the number of retries) can be reduced.

<Automatic Printing Position Alignment 3> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The difference from the first embodiment is that the registered data (model form image information) of the most similar form 2 is extracted from the entire image information including the read position mark, and both are displayed. When a predetermined input is performed in accordance with the two displays, the process proceeds.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the form registration information. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example. As shown in FIG. 10, image data of a plurality of forms are classified and stored in the image memory 18b. First, there is a form identification file 181 classified according to the form outer size, and 181 for each form type.
a, 181b and 181c. Further, the form identification file 181a includes a form print color file 182 classified for each print color for each color 182a, 182b, 182c.
And the reading ranges R1, R2, and R3 are provided in the form printing color file 182a. A form code is assigned to each of the classified forms, and information such as the position information of the position mark 2b and the number of printable digits in the line is stored together with the image data.

The operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, but this embodiment is also the same as steps S1 to S6 and steps 20 to 23 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 15 determines from the processing (transaction) contents whether the form 2 is inevitably used (S5).
1). If the clerk has input a form code or the like as the medium identification information, the relevant reading range is extracted from the image memory 18b and specified (S52). If the medium identification information does not exist, since the print color of the inserted form 2 is unknown, a predetermined reading range is set and the number of times of reading in the counter is confirmed (S53).

At the same time as the conveyance of the form 2, the first fetch of the image data is started and stored as the first image information in the image memory 18a (S54).

The control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to process the image information stored in the image memory 18a, the conveyance of the form 2 is stopped at the reading completion position, and the form 2 enters a standby state (S55). The image processing section 18 processes the read image data (S56). The processing of the image data here is substantially the same as that described in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As a result of the analysis, if a predetermined analysis result is obtained (S57), the image is displayed on the display unit 21 as shown in FIG. 12A (S58). In this example, the read image image 21a is displayed on the substantially left half of the screen, and the image image 24c of the form identified by this read is displayed on the right half. Needless to say, the image 24c displayed in the right half is stored in the image memory 18b in advance.
Can be displayed clearly because it is registered in

In FIG. 12A, if the clerk touches the “form match” key 21n, the control unit 15
As shown in (b), the information to be printed is displayed as print information 21g, and the print area 211a is visually distinguished from the other print areas 211b. The clerk touches the position (or) where printing is desired, and the printing position is selected (S59). "Confirm" key 2
If 1f is selected, the print head 8 and the print position are transported to a corresponding position to perform print processing (S6).
0).

Next, when it is determined in step S57 that the analysis is impossible, "Now analyzing" is displayed on the display unit 21 (S61), and the form 2 is read from the first image data stored in the image memory 18a. The horizontal width and the vertical length are obtained (S62). This is calculated from the output width of the image reader 6 at the start of reading and the reading conveyance amount as described above.

The control unit 15 searches the medium identification file 181 and, for example, if the size 181a is the corresponding size (form type A), extracts the print color file 182a from the size. At the initial stage, the print color of Form 2 is unknown,
The printing color estimated from the image data read for the first time is extracted (S63). As shown in FIG. 12A, the read image image 21a is displayed in the substantially left half, and the extracted image image 24c of the form 2 is displayed in the right half (S64). For the medium identification in step S63, for example, the position information L2, L3, and L4 dimensions of the position mark 2b 'in the conceptual diagram of the form image information shown in FIG. 4 can be considered.

Even if the image of the image data read at the first time is unclear, the attendant has a high probability of storing the type of the form 2, so whether the image displayed in the right half is a different form or not. Can be easily determined. When the form is different, the staff touches the "next candidate" key 21p (S65). When the “next candidate” key 21p is touched,
The form identification file 181 is searched to extract an image image of another form of the same color and of the same color (S66). If there is similarity (same color system), it is read out and the right half is replaced on the display unit 21 as the image 24c.

If the "next candidate" key 21p is not touched within a predetermined time, the search for the "next candidate" is automatically started by the above-described procedure (S67). If there is a “next candidate”, rereading is performed by switching to the reading range (S68). Then, Step S53
When the number of readings is determined, the second (even number) reading is performed, so that the reading operation by the conveyance in the reverse direction is controlled (S69). In this case, since the lower end of the form 2 waiting at the preceding reading completion position substantially corresponds to the image reader 6, the image reading process from the lower end of the form 2 is performed by reverse conveyance.

The selection shown in FIG. 12 has been described with reference to the touch input example from the touch panel 22. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the cursor 23a may be overlapped and clicked by moving the cursor by operating the pointing device 23, Needless to say, it is also possible to provide → ← ↑ ↓ keys for moving the cursor, or key input (instruction by number designation or tab movement) from the keyboard unit 20. A technique for detecting the outer size of a form by reading an image and a technique for registering and comparing template form data are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 9-261414 and 10-111899 invented by the present applicant. Please refer to because it exists.

As described above, the outer size (width, height) is specified from the first read form, and the reading range can be specified as the next candidate based on the information. In both cases, the possibility that the form can be specified is improved by the second reading operation.

<Automatic Printing Alignment 4> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The difference from the previous embodiment is that
And the reading process is temporarily interrupted when the first position mark is detected. Then, the second reading range is set based on the monochrome multi-value data of the read position mark, and after returning the form by a predetermined amount,
The reading process is restarted again in the second reading range. This will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 15 determines from the processing (transaction) contents whether the form 2 is inevitably used (S7).
1). Alternatively, if the attendant has input a form code or the like as the medium identification information, the relevant reading range is extracted from the image memory 18b and specified (S72). If the medium identification information does not exist, the printing color of the inserted form 2 is unknown, so a predetermined reading range is set.

The image data is started to be sequentially taken in with the conveyance of the form 2, and is stored in the image memory 18a as the first image information (S73). When the control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to perform image processing every time a predetermined amount of conveyance is performed, the image processing unit 18 processes the read data stored in the image memory 18a and detects whether or not the monochrome multi-value data has changed. (S74). In this detection, if there is a position mark, the output should fluctuate in a range corresponding to the position mark width, and if there is no position mark, the output value should not fluctuate.

If it is detected in step S74 that the monochrome multi-value data has fluctuated, the conveyance is interrupted and the apparatus enters a standby state (S75). The image processing unit 18 checks whether or not the portion of the monochrome multi-valued data that has a change has a predetermined output level. This check is performed on monochrome multi-valued data acquired as a range corresponding to the position mark width (S7).
6) If it is the same as the preset monochrome multi-valued data, the conveyance is interrupted in step S75 and reading of the form 2 in the standby state is resumed (S78).

The image processing section 18 has an image memory 18
The read data is stored in a. This storage is continued until a predetermined number of steps (equivalent to the distance from the form insertion detection sensor SE1 to the reading center) are conveyed after the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off (S79).

The control section 15 ends counting when the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off. Further, the control unit 15 instructs the image processing unit 18 to process the image information stored in the image memory 18a, performs image processing on the result, and displays the result on the display unit 21 (S80).

The subsequent processing position input and the like are as described in the above embodiment, and an instruction input screen display as shown in FIG. 14 can be performed. In FIG. 14A, an arrow mark is shown on the left side of the position mark (image) 2b '.
As shown in the figure, and when one of two places can be selected as in the illustrated example, one of the instruction marks 25 is blinked,
When the “TAB” key is pressed, the other instruction mark 25 starts blinking, and the former instruction mark 25 stops blinking. Then, an instruction is input from the keyboard unit 20. Further FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the cursor 23a is moved on the screen by the operation of the pointing device 23 to the selection detection area 24.
There is also a method in which the operation key is pressed after moving to within d. In this case, if the selection detection area 24d is set as an effective area within a predetermined distance range from the print area 211a to be processed and the position mark (image) 2b ', the cursor 2
The accuracy of the moving operation on the screen 3a can be reduced, and the instruction input can be easily performed.

In step S77, in the case of a color that is not assumed (for example, an intermediate color between registered colors), the form 2 is returned to the reading start position in order to read again (S81). The control unit 15 searches whether a retrievable reading range is registered in place of the current reading range. In this search, if there is a reading range as a next candidate according to a predetermined reading range array as shown in FIG. 5, the reading range is switched to that reading range (S8).
2).

The reading operation is performed again in the switched reading range (S83), and the image processing unit 18 stores the read data in the image memory 18a. This storage is continued until the predetermined number of steps are conveyed after the form insertion detection sensor SE1 is turned off, and the image processing is performed as described above (S84). Although not shown, if a predetermined output result is not obtained in step S84, the process returns to step S8 with the next candidate reading level.
Steps S84 to S84 can be repeated.

As described above, reading and image processing are performed for each predetermined range (block) from the leading end of the form 2 without reading the entire area of the form at the first reading level.
Since the presence / absence of the position mark 2b is searched, high-speed scanning can be performed. Further, if only the presence or absence of the position mark 2b is searched, only the mark reading area 24a can be read and image processing can be performed, so that the processing time can be reduced.

[0092]

The present invention described above has the following effects. In the first embodiment, even when the margin from the edge of the print medium to the printable area is reduced and the print registration mark is hard to see, the print medium is read optically and image processing is performed. Since the processing position can be designated from the image display, there is an effect that operability is good for the attendant.

In the second embodiment, when there are various forms created in various printing colors and image processing and character recognition processing take too much time, it is possible to switch to visual confirmation by a staff member. Since it is possible, the processing time as a whole can be reduced. In particular, the effect can be expected in the case of a print having a pale print color or a faded form.

In the third embodiment, the read data is subjected to image processing in comparison with the pre-registered template data and displayed in parallel, so that the inserted form can be confirmed on the screen without looking at it. Can be processed. Further, since the type (subject) of the processed form can be specified, a part different from the template can be treated as a handwritten or machine-processed corner, so that there is an effect that cutout such as character recognition can be easily performed.

In the fourth embodiment, the presence or absence of a position mark is searched without reading the entire area of the form at the first reading level. Since reading and image processing can be performed, the forward / reverse transport amount of the form can be reduced, and the processing time can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a medium processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a medium processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the medium processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of form image information of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a reading range priority order according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example according to the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen display according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing form registration information according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display example according to the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an instruction input screen display of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a medium transport mechanism of the medium processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of eye alignment of a medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medium processing apparatus 2 Report 2a Print position 6 Image reader 7 Sensor roller 8 Print head 9 Platen 16 A / D conversion part 18 Image processing parts 18a and 18b Image memory 19 Storage part SE1 Form insertion detection sensor SE2 Print position reference sensor

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A processing medium having a processing position mark provided at an end of a processing area to be processed, and acquiring at least image data of the processing position mark from the processing medium, and converting the image data into monochrome multi-valued data. Image information obtaining means for converting data into data, image information processing means for performing image processing of the image data obtained by the image information obtaining means, reading level of image data and monochrome multi-valued data added to each processing medium Providing a stored image information storage means; and a display unit capable of displaying an image image based on the acquired image data, wherein the image information of the processing position mark is acquired at a first reading level by the image information processing means. To convert it to monochrome multivalued data, and store the same monochrome data from the image information storage means. The multivalued data is retrieved, the image data is again acquired at the second reading level corresponding to the monochrome multivalued data, image processing is performed, the image data is displayed on the display unit, and the processing area designated and input based on the display is obtained. A medium processing apparatus characterized by performing processing on a medium. 2. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of processing position marks are present on the processing medium, a plurality of processing areas that can be processed are displayed on the display unit, and any one of the processing areas is displayed. Media processing device that can select only area. 3. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information acquisition unit is capable of reading a color image, and wherein the second reading level corresponds to each color. 4. A processing medium having a processing position mark provided at an end of a processing area to be processed, a medium insertion / ejection port for inserting the processing medium, and discharging the processed processing medium, An image information acquisition unit provided on a medium transport path connected to a medium insertion / ejection port, for acquiring at least image data of the processing position mark from the processing medium; and performing image image processing on the image data acquired by the image information acquisition unit. Image information processing means, and a display unit capable of displaying the image image based on the acquired image data, and displaying the result of acquiring the first image data from the inserted processing medium on the display unit. Later, the read processing medium is transported to the vicinity of the medium insertion / ejection port, and is made visible from outside the apparatus. Body processing apparatus. 5. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processing medium conveyed to the vicinity of the medium insertion / ejection port can be taken out, and when the processing medium is inserted again, the second image data is output. A medium processing device that acquires, compares with the first image data, and continues processing if the data matches. 6. A processing medium having a processing position mark provided at an end of a processing area to be processed, a template data storage section storing template image data of a plurality of the processing media in advance, and at least one of the processing media. Image information acquiring means for acquiring the image data of the processing position mark and converting the image data into monochrome multi-valued data; image information processing means for performing image image processing on the image data acquired by the image information acquiring means; A display unit capable of displaying an image image based on the image data, obtaining image data of a processing position mark from the processing medium, and approximating template image data from the template data storage unit based on the image data And displaying the acquired image image and the template image image in parallel. Medium processing apparatus characterized by applying the processing to the processing area, which is an instruction input based on is displayed on the display. 7. A processing medium having a processing position mark provided at an end of a processing area to be processed, and at least image data of the processing position mark obtained from the processing medium provided and transported on a medium transport path. Image information obtaining means for converting the image data into monochrome multi-valued data; medium transport means for transporting the processing medium on the medium transport path; and image image processing for the image data acquired by the image information obtaining means. Image information processing means, image information reading means for storing image data read level and monochrome multi-value data for each processing medium, and a display unit capable of displaying an image based on the acquired image data Wherein the image information processing means detects a first processing position mark at a first reading level. Drive the medium transporting means until the obtained image data is converted into monochrome multi-valued data, and the same monochrome multi-valued data is searched from the image information storage means. 2. The medium processing apparatus, wherein the image data is obtained again at least from the position where the first processing position mark is detected by switching to the second reading level.