JP2002086072A - Address reading apparatus, sorter system, method and apparatus for reading address - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To materialize an accurate recognition of address information only by inputting minimum contents by an operator even when an address and a sender's address are written together. SOLUTION: When a plurality of pieces of address information exist in an image, and the address information can not be judged by an off-line recognition part, only a postal code is inputted by the operator by a VCD terminal, the address information in accordance with number information inputted by the operator is recognized to be processed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used, for example, in a sorter system for sorting sheets, and is used to indicate, from an image of a sheet, a number information indicating a specific area such as a postal code, and information indicating a location such as an address. The present invention relates to a destination reading device, a sorting machine system, a destination reading method, and a sorting method for reading destination information including destination names such as names or company names.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a destination reading apparatus that recognizes destination information such as an address from an image of a paper sheet, a destination information recognition process is performed on an image captured or stored in real time. .

In such recognition processing by the destination reading device, first, an area in which number information such as a postal code and location information such as an address are described is detected. Next, a procedure for recognizing the detected number information and subsequently recognizing the detected location information is performed. Further, the destination information including the number information and the location information that cannot be recognized by the destination reading device is input by a keystroke by an operator.

However, in a conventional destination reading device,
There are the following problems. 1. In a conventional destination reading device, when a plurality of pieces of destination information in which an address of a sender and an address of a sender are described in an image exist in an image, a plurality of pieces of destination information are determined based on a format such as a writing position, a condition of a character size, and the like. Although the destination information is determined to be one, correct destination information cannot always be identified for an image of a paper sheet on which destination information is described in various forms, and this is insufficient for identifying destination information. is there.

[0005] 2. In the conventional destination reading device, when the number information and the location information cannot be recognized, the destination information cannot be uniquely specified even if the destination name can be recognized. Are all keyed in.

[0006] 3. In the conventional destination reading device, when a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the destination information, the destination information cannot be uniquely specified. Is entered.

[0007]

As described above, when a plurality of pieces of destination information are present in an image, correct destination information cannot be identified, or key input by an operator causes
It solves the disadvantage of recognizing destination information,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a destination reading device, a sorting machine system, a destination reading method, and a sorting method that can obtain correct destination information with a minimum number of keystrokes by an operator even when a plurality of pieces of destination information exist in an image. I do.

[0008] In addition, when the number information and the location information cannot be recognized even if the destination name can be recognized, the destination information cannot be uniquely specified. If the number information and the location information cannot be recognized, and if the destination name can be recognized, the destination information can be uniquely specified with a minimum keystroke input by the operator. An object of the present invention is to provide a destination reading method and a sorting method.

Further, when a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the destination information, the destination information cannot be uniquely specified. Therefore, in order to prevent erroneous recognition, the destination information is made unrecognizable. In order to solve the drawback of inputting, when a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the destination information, a destination reading device capable of uniquely specifying the destination information with a minimum keystroke input by an operator, It is an object to provide a sorting machine system, a destination reading method, and a sorting method.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a destination reading apparatus for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, wherein an image storage means for storing the obtained sheet image. A recognition unit for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage unit; and, when a plurality of destination information is recognized by the recognition unit, only a part of the desired destination information. And output means for outputting a result of the recognition of the destination information by the recognition means including a part of the destination information input by the input means.

The destination reading apparatus of the present invention reads destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name from an image obtained by reading a sheet. A storage unit in which the location information and the destination name are stored in correspondence, an image storage unit for storing the obtained sheet image, and an image of the sheet stored by the image storage unit A recognizing means for recognizing the above-mentioned destination information, and an input means for inputting only the above-mentioned number information when only the destination name of the above-mentioned destination information can be recognized by the recognizing means; Searching means for searching for the destination information stored in the storage means based on the destination name recognized by the recognizing means; and outputting the destination information searched by the searching means. It is composed of a power unit.

An address reading device according to the present invention is a device for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, wherein an image storage means for storing an image of the obtained sheet,
When there are a recognition unit that recognizes the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage unit and a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the recognition unit, And selecting means for selecting the destination information from the plurality of candidates, and output means for outputting the destination information selected by the selecting means.

[0013] A sorting machine system according to the present invention, which sorts paper sheets, comprises: an image reading means for reading an image on the paper sheet; and an image of the paper sheet read by the image reading means. A first recognizing means for recognizing destination information from an image of the sheet within a predetermined time; and, if the first recognizing means can recognize the destination information, the sheet based on the recognized destination information. If the destination information cannot be recognized by the classifying means for classifying and the first recognition means,
Storage means for storing the image of the paper sheet read by the image reading means; second recognition means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the storage means; An input unit for inputting only a part of the desired destination information when the plurality of destination information is recognized by the recognizing unit; and the second unit including a part of the destination information input by the input unit. Processing means for sorting the paper sheets by the sorting means based on the recognition result of the destination information by the recognition means.

A sorting machine system according to the present invention, which sorts paper sheets, comprises: an image reading means for reading an image on the paper sheet; and an image of the paper sheet read by the image reading means. First recognition means for recognizing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name from an image of the paper sheet within a predetermined time;
If the destination information can be recognized by the recognizing means, the sorting means for classifying the sheet based on the recognized destination information; and if the destination information cannot be recognized by the first recognizing means, the sheet Image storage means for storing images of the same kind, storage means in which the number information, the location information, and the destination name are stored in correspondence with each other, and an image of paper sheets stored by the image storage means. A second recognition means for recognizing the destination information, an input means for inputting only the number information when only the destination name of the destination information can be recognized by the second recognition means, and an input means for inputting the number information. Searching means for searching for the destination information stored in the storage means based on the received number information and the destination name recognized by the recognizing means, and based on the destination information searched by the searching means. Te, and a processing unit which sorts sheets by the sorting means.

A sorting machine system according to the present invention, which sorts paper sheets, comprises: an image reading means for reading an image on the paper sheet; and an image of the paper sheet read by the image reading means. A first recognizing means for recognizing destination information from an image of the sheet within a predetermined time; and, if the first recognizing means can recognize the destination information, the sheet based on the recognized destination information. If the destination information cannot be recognized by the classifying means for classifying and the first recognition means,
Image storage means for storing the image of the paper sheet, second recognition means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage means, and the second recognition means When there are a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely identified in at least a part of the destination information, a selection unit for selecting the destination information from the plurality of candidates, and the classification unit based on the destination information selected by the selection unit. And processing means for sorting paper sheets.

According to a destination reading method of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in a destination reading apparatus for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, wherein an image storing step of storing the obtained sheet image is provided. A recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored in the image storage step, and, when a plurality of pieces of destination information are recognized by the recognition step, only a part of the desired destination information And an output step of outputting the result of the recognition of the destination information by the above-described recognition step including a part of the destination information input in the input step.

A destination reading method according to the present invention includes storage means for storing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name, and is obtained by reading a sheet. A destination reading device for reading destination information from an image obtained from the image, the image storing step of storing the obtained image of the sheet, and the destination information from the image of the sheet stored in the image storing step. A recognition step of recognizing the information, and an input step of inputting only the number information when only the destination name of the destination information is recognized by the recognition step; and the number information input in the input step and the recognition step. A search step of searching for the destination information stored in the storage unit based on the recognized destination name; and an output step of outputting the destination information searched by the search step. That.

An address reading method according to the present invention is a method for use in a destination reading apparatus for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, wherein an image storing step of storing the obtained sheet image is performed. And a recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored in the image storage step, and a case where there are a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the recognition step. ,
The method includes a selection step of selecting destination information from the plurality of candidates, and an output step of outputting the destination information selected in the selection step.

The sorting method according to the present invention is a method used in a sorting machine system for sorting sheets, wherein an image reading step of reading an image on the sheet, and a sheet read by the image reading step. A first recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet within a predetermined time based on the image of the above. If the destination information can be recognized by the first recognition step, A storing step of storing the image of the paper sheet read by the image reading step if the destination information cannot be recognized by the first recognition step; A second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet accumulated in the step, and, when a plurality of pieces of destination information are recognized in the second recognition step, a part of the desired destination information. Enter only information An input step, and a processing step of sorting sheets by the sorting step based on the result of the destination information recognition performed by the second recognition step including a part of the destination information input in the input step. Having.

The sorting method according to the present invention has a storage means for storing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name, and a sorting machine system for sorting sheets. In the image reading step of reading an image on a sheet, and based on the image of the sheet read in the image reading step, destination information is extracted from the image of the sheet within a predetermined time. A first recognition step of recognizing, and, if the destination information can be recognized in the first recognition step, a sorting step of sorting the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and a first recognition step. If the destination information cannot be recognized, an image storing step of storing an image of the sheet, and a second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheet stored in the image storing step. , In this second recognition step If only the destination name of the destination information can be recognized, based on the input step of inputting only the number information and the number information input in the input step and the destination name recognized in the recognition step, A search step of searching for destination information stored in the storage means;
And a processing step of sorting the paper sheets in the sorting step based on the destination information searched in the searching step.

The sorting method according to the present invention is a method used in a sorting machine system for sorting sheets, wherein an image reading step of reading an image on the sheet, and a sheet read by the image reading step. A first recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet within a predetermined time based on the image of the above. If the destination information can be recognized by the first recognition step, The destination information is not recognized in the first recognition step, an image storage step of storing an image of the paper sheet, and an image storage step of storing the image of the paper sheet. If there is a second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet and a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the second recognition step, Multiple weather From a selection step of selecting the destination information, based on the destination information selected by the selecting step, a processing step which sorts sheets by the sorting process.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting machine system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting machine system 1 includes a sorting machine body 1
1, an image storage / distribution device 12, a VCD terminal 13, and an offline recognition unit 14.

The image storage / distribution device 12, the VCD terminal 13, and the offline recognition unit 14 operate independently of the flow of sheets in the sorting machine main unit 11 to recognize destination information (offline processing). 1) constitute a video coding system (VCS) 2 as an address reading device.

The sorting machine main unit 11 reads the destination information described on the paper sheets and recognizes the destination information within a predetermined time (online recognition processing) to sort the paper sheets.

The image storage / distribution device 12 accumulates an image of a sheet whose destination information could not be recognized within the predetermined time, and distributes and stores the image in the VCD terminal 13 or the off-line recognition unit 14.

In the VCD terminal 13, an operator inputs a key of destination information for an image supplied from the image storage / distribution device 12. The offline recognition unit 14
The image supplied from the image storage / distribution device 12 is recognized.

Next, the sorting machine body 11 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting machine main unit 11 has a transport path 21, a supply unit 22, an image reading unit 23, an online recognition unit 24, a sorting unit 25, a sorting machine control unit 26, and the like. I have.

The supply section 22 supplies a plurality of paper sheets P set at predetermined positions, and supplies the paper sheets P set at these predetermined positions one by one along the transport path 21.

The image reading section 23 has a photoelectric conversion element, optically reads an image of the surface of each sheet conveyed on the conveying path 21 and converts it into an electric signal. Things.

The online recognizing unit 24 recognizes characters as destination information based on the image of the sheet read by the reading unit 23 before the sheet reaches the sorting unit 25, and performs destination addressing. It recognizes information (online recognition processing).

The sorting section 25 has a plurality of sorting boxes,
The paper sheets are sorted into respective sorting boxes based on the destination information of the paper sheets.

The sorting machine control section 26 includes the sorting machine body 1
1 is controlled by the online recognition unit 24.
, The segment information recognized by the offline recognizer, or the video coding desk (VCD)
It controls the sorting process of the paper sheets based on the sorting information inputted by the keys at the terminals 13,.

The image storage / distribution device 12 is a personal computer (P) having a control unit (not shown), a memory, and the like.
C) and a storage unit (storage means) 12a for storing images, a sorting machine main unit 11, a VCD terminal 1
, And an interface 12b for performing data communication with the offline recognition unit 14.

The image storage / distribution device 12 accumulates the image of the paper sheet whose sorting information could not be recognized within a predetermined time (real time) by the on-line recognition unit 24, and stores the image on the VCD terminal 13,. It is distributed to the offline recognition unit 14.

The image storage / distribution device is provided with the VC
Or a function (output means) for outputting to the sorting machine body 11 via the interface 12b when the recognition result by the D terminal 13,... Or the offline recognition unit 14 is received.

The VCD terminals 13,... Are constituted by a personal computer (PC) or the like, and have a display unit 13a such as a CRT and an input unit 13b such as a keyboard.

The VCD terminals 13,... Display the image supplied from the image storage / distribution device 12 on the display unit 13a, and based on the displayed image, the operator inputs destination information using the input unit 13b. It is supposed to.

The off-line recognition section 14 detects the area where the destination information is described from the image supplied from the image storage / distribution apparatus 12, and performs recognition processing of the destination information. Since the processing time of the recognition processing by the offline recognition unit 14 is moderate, the recognition processing by the online recognition unit 24 is performed so that a recognition result can be obtained more reliably than the recognition processing by the online recognition unit 24. It is executed with a different algorithm.

The off-line recognition unit 14 has a database 14a in which destination information is stored. The destination information stored in the database 14a includes number information indicating a specific area such as a postal code, location information indicating a location such as an address, and a destination name such as a name or a company name.

The database 14a allows the off-line recognition unit 14 to search for destination information based on number information or search for destination information based on number information and a destination name.

Next, the operation of the sorting machine system 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow in the sorting machine system 1.

First, the operator sets sheets to be sorted at a predetermined position of the supply unit 22, and instructs the start of the sorting operation by an operation unit (not shown). Then, the supply unit 22 supplies the sheets P one by one along the transport path 21.

The paper sheets supplied on the transport path 21 are:
When passing through the image reading section 23, an image on the front surface is optically read (step S1). The image read from the paper sheet is supplied to the online recognition unit 24.

In the online recognition unit 24, a recognition process (a recognition result of destination information) is obtained (within a predetermined time) before the paper sheet is conveyed on the conveyance path 21 and reaches the sorting unit 25 (within a predetermined time). Perform online recognition processing (Step S)
2).

If the destination information can be recognized by this online recognition processing (step S3, YES), the paper sheet is sorted by the sorting unit 25 based on the recognized sorting information (step S4).

If the destination information cannot be recognized by the above-mentioned online recognition processing (step S3, NO),
The paper sheet is temporarily rejected by the sorting unit 25.

The image of the paper sheet whose destination information could not be recognized by this online recognition processing is sent to the image storage / distribution device 12. The image sent to the image storage device 12 is processed by the VCS 2 to recognize the address information (step S5).

In the processing by the VCS 2, the image sent to the image storage device 12 is stored in the storage unit 12a of the image storage and distribution device 12, and is sequentially distributed to the offline recognition unit 14 or the VCD terminals 13,. Information recognition processing or key entry of destination information by an operator is performed.

Then, the offline recognition unit 14 or V
The destination information obtained by the CD terminals 13,... Is output to the sorting machine main unit 11 via the image storage and distribution device 12.

In the sorting machine main unit 11, the sorting unit 2
When the sheets rejected in step 5 are resupplied to the supply unit 22, the sorting process is performed based on the destination information obtained by the processing of the VCS 2 (step S4).

Next, first, second, and third operation examples of the VCS 2 will be described in detail. First, a first operation example in VCS2 will be described. Offline recognition unit 1
In step 4, when a plurality of pieces of destination information exist in an image, destination information indicating a destination is determined based on conditions such as a description format and a character size. However, when there is no significant difference in the description format, character size, and the like among the plurality of pieces of destination information existing in the image, the offline recognition unit 14 determines which of the plurality of pieces of detected destination information is the destination information indicating the destination. Cannot be determined.

For example, in the image example of the paper sheet shown in FIG.
The destination information E1 indicating the destination as the destination address and the destination information E2 indicating the transmission source as the sender address are written together in approximately the same size. For such an image P1, the offline recognition unit 14 cannot uniquely determine the destination information because the conditions such as the description format and the character size are almost the same.

In this case, the offline recognition unit 14 ends the destination information recognition process and sends the image to the VCD terminals 13,... Via the image storage and distribution device. VCD terminal 13, ...
Then, based on the image P1 displayed on the display unit 13a, the operator determines the destination information E1 as the destination information indicating the destination, and prompts the operator to input only the number information of the destination information E1. The VCD terminals 13,... Send the number information input by the operator to the image storage / distribution device 12 by keying.

The image storage / distribution device 12 having received the number information input by the operator supplies the number information and the image input by keying to the off-line reading section 14 again. Thus, the offline recognition unit 14 detects the destination information E1 that matches the number information as indicating the destination, and performs the recognition processing.

As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the result of the recognition processing of the destination information E1 is output to the sorting machine main unit 11 as destination information indicating the destination of the sheet.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first operation example in VCS2. First, the image storage / distribution device 12 supplies an image of a paper sheet to the offline recognition unit 14. Upon receiving the image of the paper sheet from the image storage / distribution device 12, the offline recognition unit 14 first performs detection processing of the number information and the location information as the destination information (step S11).

As a result of this detection processing, when the destination information is uniquely determined (step S12, YES), the offline recognizing unit 14 performs a recognition process on the location information of the uniquely determined destination information (step S13).

When the location information is recognized, the off-line recognition unit 14 outputs the recognition result of the location information to the image storage / distribution device 12 as a read result. The destination information of the recognition result is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S14).

If the destination information is not uniquely determined as a result of the detection processing (step S12, NO), that is, if there are a plurality of candidates for the destination information, the offline recognition unit 14 determines that the plurality of destination information exists. Notification to the image storage / distribution device 12. The image storage / distribution device 12 that has received the notification distributes the images to the VCD terminals 13, and notifies the VCD terminals 13 that only the number information of the destination information is to be input.

As a result, the VCD terminal 13 receiving the image and receiving the notification that the number information is to be input,...
Displays an image on the display unit 13a and an input screen for number information. The operator of the VCD terminal 13 inputs only key information based on the image displayed on the display unit 13a (step S15).

When the number information is input by the operator, the VCD terminals 13,... Send the input number information to the image storage / distribution device 12. The image storage / distribution apparatus 1 receives the input result of the number information from the VCD terminals 13,.
In step 2, the number information input by keying is added to the image of the paper sheet and distributed to the offline recognition unit 14 again.

Then, the offline recognition section 14 uniquely identifies the destination information based on the number information received together with the image, and performs a process of detecting the destination information (step S16).

When the destination information is detected by this detection processing, the offline recognizing unit 14 performs the processing of recognizing the location information of the detected destination information (step S13).

When the location information is recognized, the off-line recognition unit 14 outputs the recognition result of the location information to the image storage / distribution device 12 as a read result. The destination information of the recognition result is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S14).

As described above, when a plurality of pieces of destination information exist in the image and the offline recognition unit cannot determine the destination information, the operator inputs only the postal code at the VCD terminal, and inputs the postal code to the operator at the offline recognition unit. Recognition processing of the destination information is performed with the destination information that matches the number information set as the recognition target.

As a result, even when the destination address and the sender address are described together, it is possible to realize the destination information recognition processing with high recognition accuracy by inputting the minimum contents by the operator. Can be.

Next, a second operation example in the VCS 2 will be described.

The off-line recognition unit 14 recognizes the destination information when the number information and the location information of the destination information are described in very small characters or when the characters are in contact with each other without a space between the characters. Becomes difficult.

Even in such a case, the destination name is often written in large characters or with an interval. In such a case, the offline recognition unit 14
Although the number information and the location information cannot be recognized, the destination name can be recognized.

For example, in the image example of the paper sheet shown in FIG.
The character indicating the destination information in the image P2 of the sheet is in contact with the adjacent character. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, it is not possible to cut out each character from the image, and the destination information cannot be recognized. Further, in the example of the image shown in FIG. 5, the postal code as the number information and the character indicating the address as the location information are in contact with adjacent characters, but the character indicating the name as the destination name is Recognition is possible because there is no contact with adjacent characters.

In such a case, usually, the location information cannot be uniquely specified only by the destination name.
4 terminates the destination information recognition process and sends the image to the VCD terminals 13,... Via the image storage and distribution device 12. V
In the CD terminals 13,..., The operator inputs only the number information based on the image by keying, and sends the input number information to the image storage / distribution device 12.

The image storage / distribution device 12 having received the number information input by the operator supplies the number information and the image input by keying to the offline reading unit 24 again. The off-line recognizing unit 14 to which the number information is supplied recognizes only the destination name, and based on the destination name and the number information obtained as a result of this recognition processing, the number information
The database 14a storing the location information and the destination information including the destination name is searched.

If the location information can be uniquely identified by searching this database 14a, the offline recognition unit 14
Sends the specified location information to the image storage and distribution device 12.
Thereby, the destination information is output to the sorting machine main unit 11.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the case where the characters of the print type are small or the characters are in contact with each other with no space between the characters has been described, but not only the print type but also the handwriting or other reasons. Can be applied even if the postal code and address cannot be read.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example in VCS2. First, the image storage / distribution device 12 supplies an image of a paper sheet to the offline recognition unit 14. Upon receiving the image of the paper sheet from the image storage / distribution device 12, the offline recognition unit 14 first performs a detection process of the number information and the location information as the destination information (Step S21).

The off-line recognition unit 14 performs recognition processing of the number information detected by the detection processing. When the number information is determined by the predetermined number of digits by this number information recognition process (step S22, YES), the offline recognition unit 14
Performs a recognition process on the location information of the destination information (step S23).

When the location information is recognized, the off-line recognition unit 14 outputs the recognition result of the location information to the image storage / distribution device 12 as a read result. The destination information of the recognition result is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S24).

When the number information is not determined by the predetermined number of digits by the above-described number information recognition processing (step S22,
NO), that is, when the recognition of the number information is impossible, the offline recognition unit 14 notifies the image storage / distribution apparatus 12 of the number information.

The image storage / distribution device 12 receiving this notification
Distributes the images to the VCD terminals 13, and notifies that only the number information of the destination information is to be input.

Thus, the VCD terminal 13 receiving the image and receiving the notification that the number information is to be input,...
Displays an image on the display unit 13a and an input screen for number information. The operator of the VCD terminal 13 inputs only the number information based on the image displayed on the display unit 13a (step S25).

When the number information is input by the operator, the VCD terminals 13,... Send the input number information to the image storage / distribution device 12. The image storage / distribution apparatus 1 receives the input result of the number information from the VCD terminals 13,.
In step 2, the number information input by keying is added to the image of the paper sheet and distributed to the offline recognition unit 14 again.

Then, the off-line recognition section 14 performs a destination name recognition process on the image (step S26).
When the destination name is recognized by the destination name recognition process, the offline recognition unit 14 compares the recognized destination name with the VCD.
Based on the number information input at the terminal 13, the location information is searched by the database 14a (step S27).

If the location information cannot be uniquely identified by this search process (step S28, NO), the off-line recognition unit 14 notifies the image storage / distribution device 12 that recognition is impossible, and the image storage / distribution device 12 To VCD terminal 1
By distributing the images to 3,..., The operator inputs the location information with a key at the VCD terminal.

At this time, when a plurality of location information candidates are searched in the search processing, location information may be selected from the location information candidates.

The location information input by key input by the operator is output to the image storage and distribution device 12 as destination information for the image. This destination information is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S2).
9).

If the location information can be uniquely specified by the search process of the database 14a in the step 27 (step S28, YES), the offline recognition unit 14
Outputs the specified location information to the image storage / distribution device 12 as a recognition result. The destination information of the recognition result is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S24).

As described above, when the number information and the location information as the destination information cannot be recognized, the operator is prompted to input only the number information. When the destination name can be recognized from the image, the offline recognition unit searches the database for location information based on the number information and the destination name input by the operator. If the location information is uniquely identified by this search, the identified location information is output as a recognition result.

Thus, the recognition performance of the destination information can be improved with a minimum input operation by the operator, and the processing efficiency combining the processing of the offline recognition unit and the processing of the VCD terminal can be improved. it can.

Next, a third operation example in the VCS 2 will be described. When recognizing a character indicating the destination information, the offline recognition unit 14 uses a character having the highest similarity among a plurality of recognition candidates as a recognition result, but a recognition candidate having substantially the same degree of similarity exists. It is difficult to make a reliable determination. For example, an image P of a paper sheet as shown in FIG.
It is difficult to determine whether the Chinese character "3" described in handwritten number 3 is "3" or "12".

When there are a plurality of recognition candidates which are difficult to discriminate as described above, the offline recognition unit 14 sends the plurality of recognition candidates to the VCD terminal 13 together with the image of the paper sheet via the image storage / distribution device 12. send.

In the VCD terminal 13 which has received the image and the plurality of recognition candidates, as shown in the display example of FIG.
Displays a screen that allows the user to select destination information from a plurality of candidates. In response to this display, the operator performs a key input by selecting the correct destination information number. Thereby, the destination information selected by the operator is output to the sorting machine main unit 11 via the image storage / distribution device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a third operation example in VCS2. First, the image storage / distribution device 12 supplies an image of a paper sheet to the offline recognition unit 14. When receiving the image of the paper sheet from the image storage / distribution device 12, the offline recognition unit 14 first performs a process of detecting the number information and the location information as the destination information (step S31).

When the number information and the location information are detected by this detection processing (step S32), the offline recognition section 14 determines whether or not a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the number information or the location information. (Step S3
3).

In the case where a plurality of recognition candidates do not exist and the recognition result is uniquely determined (step S33,
YES), the offline recognition unit 14 outputs the recognition result to the image storage / distribution device 12. The destination information of the recognition result is output from the image storage / distribution device 12 to the sorting machine main unit 11 (step S34).

When it is determined that a plurality of recognition candidates exist (NO in step S33), the offline recognition unit 14 notifies the image storage / distribution device 12 of the plurality of recognition candidates. The image storage / distribution device 12 that has received this notification distributes a plurality of recognition candidates along with the image to the VCD terminal 13.

As a result, the VCD terminal 13 that has received the plurality of recognition candidates together with the image displays the plurality of candidates together with the image on the display unit 13a so that the plurality of candidates can be selected by number as shown in FIG. 8 (step S35). . This VCD terminal 1
3 allows the operator to select destination information by a number from a plurality of candidates based on the image displayed on the display unit 13a (step S36).

When the operator selects destination information from a plurality of candidates, the VCD terminal 13 sends the selected destination information to the image storage / distribution device 12. This VCD terminal 1
The destination information selected by 3 and sent to the image storage / distribution apparatus 12 is output to the sorting machine main unit 11 as a processing result (step S37).

As described above, when a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the recognition result of the destination information by the offline recognition unit and the destination information cannot be uniquely specified, the plurality of recognition candidates are sent to the VCD terminal. The VCD terminal allows the operator to select destination information from a plurality of candidates.

Thus, the operator can complete the key input simply by selecting the destination information from a plurality of candidates, reduce the number of keys touched by the operator, and improve the key input efficiency.

[0102]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, even if a plurality of pieces of destination information exist in an image,
It is possible to provide a destination reading device, a sorting machine system, a destination reading method, and a sorting method that can obtain correct destination information with a minimum of keying input by an operator.

According to the present invention, if the number information or the location information cannot be recognized, if the destination name can be recognized,
It is possible to provide a destination reading device, a sorting machine system, a destination reading method, and a sorting method capable of uniquely specifying destination information with a minimum key input by an operator.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of recognition candidates exist in a part of the destination information, the destination reading device and the sorting device can uniquely specify the destination information with a minimum keystroke input by the operator. Machine system, a destination reading method and a sorting method can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration for explaining an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a sorting process performed by the sorting machine system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of a paper sheet.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example in VCS.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of a paper sheet.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example in VCS.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of a paper sheet.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example when destination information is selected from a plurality of candidates.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example in VCS.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 sorter system 2 video coding system (VCS) (destination reading device) 11 sorter main unit 12 image storage / distribution device 12a storage unit (image storage unit) 12b interface (output unit) 13 VCD terminal 13a: display unit 13b: input unit (input unit, selection unit) 14: offline recognition unit (recognition unit, second recognition unit) 14a: database (storage unit) 23: image reading unit (image reading unit) 24: online Recognition unit (recognition unit, search unit) 25: Classification unit (classification unit) 26: Sorting machine control unit (processing unit)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A destination reading device for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, an image storage means for storing an image of the obtained sheet, and an image stored by the image storage means. A recognizing means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet, an input means for inputting only a part of the desired destination information when a plurality of destination information is recognized by the recognizing means; Output means for outputting a result of recognition of the destination information by the recognition means including a part of the destination information input by the destination reading apparatus. 2. The destination reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information includes number information indicating a specific area, and the input unit allows the input of the number information. 3. A destination reading device for reading destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name from an image obtained by reading a sheet, wherein the number information, the location information And storage means for storing the destination names correspondingly; an image storage means for storing the obtained image of the paper sheet; and the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage means. An input means for inputting only the number information when only the destination name of the destination information can be recognized by the recognition means; and a number information input by the input means and the recognition means Search means for searching for the destination information stored in the storage means based on the recognized destination name; output means for outputting the destination information searched by the search means; The destination reading apparatus characterized by comprising. 4. A destination reading device for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, an image storage means for storing an image of the obtained sheet, and an image stored by the image storage means. A recognizing means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet; and a plurality of candidates which cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the recognizing means, select the destination information from the plurality of candidates. A destination reading device, comprising: a selection unit that causes the selection unit to output the destination information selected by the selection unit. 5. A sorting machine system for sorting sheets, comprising: image reading means for reading an image on the sheet; and image reading means for reading the image on the sheet within a predetermined time based on the image of the sheet read by the image reading means. A first recognizing means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet, and when the first recognizing means can recognize the destination information,
A sorting unit for sorting the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and storing the image of the paper sheet read by the image reading unit when the destination information cannot be recognized by the first recognition unit. Accumulating means; second recognizing means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheet stored by the accumulating means; and a plurality of destination information when the plurality of destination information is recognized by the second recognizing means. Input means for inputting only a part of the destination information, and the classification means based on a result of the destination information recognition by the second recognition means including a part of the destination information input by the input means. And a processing means for sorting paper sheets by means of a sorting machine system. 6. A sorting machine system for sorting sheets, comprising: image reading means for reading an image on the sheet; and image reading means for reading the image on the sheet within a predetermined time based on the image of the sheet read by the image reading means. First recognition means for recognizing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name from the image of the sheet, and the destination information has been recognized by the first recognition means. If
A sorting unit that sorts the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; an image storage unit that stores an image of the paper sheet if the destination information cannot be recognized by the first recognition unit; A storage unit in which the number information, the location information, and the destination name are stored in correspondence with each other; a second recognition unit that recognizes the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage unit; Input means for inputting only the number information when only the destination name of the destination information can be recognized by the second recognition means; number information input by the input means and the destination recognized by the recognition means; Searching means for searching for destination information stored in the storage means based on the name; and sorting the paper sheets by the sorting means based on the destination information searched by the searching means. Sorter system characterized by comprising a processing means. 7. A sorting machine system for sorting sheets, comprising: an image reading means for reading an image on the sheet; and a predetermined time based on the image of the sheet read by the image reading means. A first recognizing means for recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet, and when the first recognizing means can recognize the destination information,
A sorting unit that sorts the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and an image storage unit that stores an image of the paper sheet when the first recognition unit cannot recognize the destination information. A second recognition unit that recognizes the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored by the image storage unit; and a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the second recognition unit. And selecting means for selecting destination information from the plurality of candidates, if present, and processing means for sorting sheets by the sorting means based on the destination information selected by the selecting means. A sorting machine system characterized by the following. 8. A destination reading method used in a destination reading device for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, an image storing step of storing an image of the obtained sheet, A recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet accumulated in the step; and a case where a plurality of pieces of destination information are recognized in the recognition step.
An input step of inputting only a part of the desired destination information, and an output step of outputting a result of the destination information recognition performed by the recognition step including a part of the destination information input in the input step. A destination reading method, comprising: 9. A storage means for storing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name, wherein the destination information is obtained from an image obtained by reading a sheet. In a destination reading method used in a destination reading apparatus for reading, an image storing step of storing an image of the obtained sheet, and a recognition for recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheet stored in the image storing step. An input step for inputting only the number information when only the destination name of the destination information is recognized by the recognition step; and the number information input in the input step and the destination recognized in the recognition step. A search step of searching for the destination information stored in the storage means based on the name, and an output step of outputting the destination information searched by the search step. Address reading method to be used. 10. A destination reading method used in a destination reading device for reading destination information from an image obtained by reading a sheet, an image storing step of storing an image of the obtained sheet, A recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheets stored in the storage step; and a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely identified in at least a part of the destination information by the recognition step. A destination reading method comprising: a selection step of selecting destination information from the candidates; and an output step of outputting the destination information selected in the selection step. 11. A sorting method for use in a sorting machine system for sorting sheets, comprising: an image reading step of reading an image on the sheet; and an image reading method of the sheet based on the image of the sheet read in the image reading step. A first recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheet within a predetermined time; and a case where the destination information can be recognized by the first recognition step.
A sorting step of sorting the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and storing the image of the paper sheet read in the image reading step when the destination information cannot be recognized in the first recognition step. A storage step; a second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheets stored in the storage step; and a plurality of destination information when the plurality of destination information is recognized in the second recognition step. An input step of inputting only a part of the destination information, and the classification step based on a result of the destination information recognition by the second recognition step including a part of the destination information input in the input step. And a processing step of sorting the paper sheets according to the following. 12. A sorting method used in a sorter system for sorting paper sheets, comprising storage means for storing destination information including number information indicating a specific area, location information indicating a location, and a destination name. An image reading step of reading an image on a sheet, and a first step of recognizing destination information from the image of the sheet within a predetermined time based on the image of the sheet read in the image reading step. And the destination information can be recognized by the first recognition step,
A sorting step of sorting the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and an image storing step of storing an image of the paper sheet when the destination information cannot be recognized in the first recognition step. A second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored in the image storage step; and, if only the destination name of the destination information is recognized in the second recognition step, the number An input step of inputting only information; a search step of searching for destination information stored in the storage unit based on the number information input in the input step and the destination name recognized in the recognition step; A sorting step of sorting the paper sheets in the sorting step based on the destination information searched in the searching step. 13. A sorting method used in a sorting machine system for sorting sheets, comprising: an image reading step for reading an image on the sheet; and an image reading method based on the image of the sheet read in the image reading step. A first recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the sheet within a predetermined time; and a case where the destination information can be recognized by the first recognition step.
A sorting step of sorting the paper sheet based on the recognized destination information; and an image storing step of storing an image of the paper sheet when the destination information cannot be recognized in the first recognition step. A second recognition step of recognizing the destination information from the image of the paper sheet stored in the image storage step; and a plurality of candidates that cannot be uniquely specified in at least a part of the destination information by the second recognition step. If there is, a selection step of selecting destination information from the plurality of candidates, and a processing step of sorting sheets by the sorting step based on the destination information selected in the selection step. Characteristic classification method.