JP2005007315A - Dividing machine and dividing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable off-line recognition treatment to be efficiently performed even when a treatment mode using no video coding system (VCS) or a dividing machine with which no VCS is connected is used. <P>SOLUTION: An image buffer and an off-line OCR are installed in a dividing machine main body. When division information cannot be recognized by on-line recognition treatment by an on-line OCR, off-line recognition treatment by the off-line OCR is performed to an image of a paper sheet stored in the image buffer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, for example, reads an image on a paper sheet such as a postcard such as a postcard or a sealed letter, recognizes information indicating the classification destination, and classifies the paper sheet based on the information indicating the recognized classification destination. The present invention relates to a sorting machine and a sorting method used for the sorting machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a sorting system, a sorting machine that sorts paper sheets based on information (sorting information) indicating a sorting destination recognized from an image of a paper sheet, and a paper sheet that the sorting information cannot be recognized by the sorting machine. And a video coding system (coding device) for manually inputting information indicating the classification destination.
[0003]
The sorting machine reads an image on a paper sheet, performs recognition processing of information (classification information) indicating a sorting destination by online OCR, and sorts the paper sheet based on the recognition result. Therefore, the online OCR is designed so that a recognition result can be obtained within a predetermined time based on the transport time of the paper sheet. Further, in the conventional sorting system, when the sorting information cannot be recognized within the predetermined time by the online OCR, the image of the paper sheet is transferred to a video coding system (coding device). In the video coding system, an image of a paper sheet whose classification information could not be recognized by the online OCR of the sorting machine is distributed to a plurality of coding disks in the video coding system. Keystroke input processing is performed.
[0004]
Recently, there is a video coding system that recognizes paper sheet classification information using an offline OCR instead of the coding disk. Such an offline OCR can take more processing time than the recognition process in the online OCR, and has a higher recognition rate than the online OCR. For this reason, recently, for the purpose of reducing the burden on the operator, a classification system in which an offline OCR is installed in parallel with the coding disk in the video coding system has also been proposed.
[0005]
However, if the offline OCR is installed in the video coding system in parallel with the coding disk, there is a problem that the cost of the entire sorting system becomes high or a place for installing the offline OCR is required. Further, in the conventional sorting system, when transferring the image of the paper sheet from the sorting machine to the video coding system, a thinning process or a compression process is performed in order to reduce the amount of data to be transferred. For this reason, the off-line OCR in the video coding system has a problem in that recognition processing is performed on an image deteriorated compared to an image read by a sorting machine. In addition, since the recognition process by the offline OCR is performed after the image is transferred from the sorting machine to the coding apparatus, there is a problem that the start of the offline recognition process by the offline OCR is slow.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-52365 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the present invention solves the problems that if the offline OCR is installed in the video coding system, the hardware configuration becomes large, which increases the cost of the entire system and requires a large installation location. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting machine and a sorting method capable of improving the efficiency of sorting processing by off-line OCR, reducing cost, and realizing space saving.
[0008]
In addition, when an offline OCR is installed in the video coding system, it is necessary to transfer images from the sorter to the video coding system. This solves the problem of poor processing efficiency in the offline OCR. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting machine and a sorting method that can increase the efficiency and accuracy of processing.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The sorting machine according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads an image on a paper sheet on which sorting information is described, a storage unit that stores an image read by the reading unit, and a paper sheet from the image read by the reading unit. A first recognizing means for recognizing the sorting information described in the section within a predetermined time, a first sorting means for sorting the paper based on the sorting information recognized by the first recognizing means, When the classification information cannot be recognized by the first recognizing unit, a recognition process is performed on the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit by a recognition method different from the first recognizing unit. And a second sorting unit that sorts paper sheets that could not be sorted by the first sorting unit based on the sorting information recognized by the second recognition unit.
[0010]
According to the sorting method of the present invention, an image on a paper sheet on which sorting information is described is read, the read image of the paper sheet is stored in a storage unit, and the read image of the paper sheet is converted into a paper sheet. When the recognition processing by the first recognition method for recognizing the described classification information within a predetermined time is performed and the classification information is recognized by the recognition processing of the first recognition method, the recognition processing of the first recognition method When the paper sheet is classified based on the classification information recognized by the first recognition method and the classification information cannot be recognized by the recognition processing of the first recognition method, the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit is displayed. On the other hand, recognition processing is performed by a second recognition method different from the first recognition method, and paper sheets that cannot be classified by the recognition processing of the first recognition method are recognized by the second recognition method. Based on the classification information recognized by Characterized in that it classified to have.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting system recognizes and sorts the sorting information (character information) indicating the sorting destination of the paper sheet P. The video coding system (hereinafter referred to as VCS) 2 is used by an operator to input information indicating the sorting destination of the paper sheet P whose sorting destination cannot be recognized based on the image of the paper sheet.
[0012]
First, the reading sorter main body 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the reading sorter main body 1 is provided with an operation panel 3 on the front surface. The operation panel 3 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like with a built-in touch panel, and is used to input a processing mode and a processing start instruction by an operator (a staff member) or to display an operation state of the reading sorter main body 1. . In the reading sorter main body 1, a plurality of paper sheets P on which numbers or characters as information indicating the sorting destination are written or printed on the first surface are arranged such that the first surface faces the same direction. A supply unit 4 is provided that stores the sheets P in a standing position and sequentially supplies the sheets P to a predetermined take-out position. The supply unit 4 is provided with a take-out unit (not shown) that takes out the paper sheets P one by one along the main conveyance path 5 at a predetermined interval.
[0013]
The paper sheet P supplied to the supply unit 4 is pre-determined as a machine code as a large-scale sorting destination in addition to the first page having only characters corresponding to the sorting information indicating the sorting destination. ID assigned to the paper sheet P for which the classification information cannot be recognized by the on-site bar code determined in the sorting machine corresponding to the customer code or the sorting destination of the paper sheet P or the online OCR described later There are codes with codes. Each of these codes is given to the first surface of the paper sheet P as bar-coded information.
[0014]
The paper sheets P supplied to the supply unit 4 are taken out at regular intervals and are conveyed at regular conveyance intervals (pitch) by the main conveyance path 5 that conveys them at a constant speed. The paper sheet P transported on the main transport path 5 is excluded in the case of foreign matter that cannot be machined, and only the paper sheet P that can be machined is transported.
[0015]
On the main conveyance path 5, a scanner unit (reading unit) 6, an ID code reading unit 7, a barcode printer unit 8, and a sorting unit (sorting unit) 9 are provided. The scanner unit 6 reads a surface on which information indicating the sorting destination of a sheet on the main conveyance path 5 is written, transmits the read image to an image buffer 12 described later, and sorting information indicating the sorting destination. Is transmitted to an online OCR 13 to be described later. The ID code reading unit 7 reads the ID code or the machine code when the ID code or the machine code is given to the first surface of the paper sheet conveyed on the main conveyance path 5. .
[0016]
The bar code printer unit 8 prints an ID code or a machine code on the first surface of a paper sheet as necessary. This is because, when the classification information can be recognized by the online OCR 13, the classification information is converted into a bar code and the machine code is printed on the paper sheet. When the classification information cannot be recognized by the online OCR 13, the ID code is It is something to print.
[0017]
On the downstream side of the barcode printer unit 8 in the sheet conveyance direction, there is provided a sorting unit 9 in which the sheet P conveyed on the main conveyance path 5 is sorted according to the sorting destination. . This division part 9 is comprised from the several division | segmentation pocket divided into several steps and several rows. Each pocket is set corresponding to each sorting destination, and sheets are sequentially accumulated in the pocket corresponding to the sorting information based on the sorting information or the machine code. Further, the sorting unit 9 is provided with an exclusion pocket (reject sorting box) in which paper sheets whose sorting destination cannot be recognized are accumulated. The paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket are re-supplied to the supply unit 4 after the sorting information indicating the sorting destination of the paper sheets is determined by an offline OCR 14 or VCS 2 described later.
[0018]
Further, the respective units 3 to 9 of the reading sorter main body 1 are controlled by the control unit 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 is connected to an image buffer 12, an online OCR 13, an offline OCR 14, a VCS interface 15, and the like.
[0019]
The image buffer 12 stores an image obtained by optically reading the first surface on which the paper sheet classification information is written from the scanner unit 6. The image buffer 12 is configured by a buffer memory that stores an image of a sheet read by the scanner unit 6 as it is. The image buffer 12 has a storage capacity capable of storing, for example, 1000 images of paper sheets read by the scanner unit 6. The image buffer 12 is controlled by the control unit 11 or the online OCR 13. For example, the image stored in the image buffer 12 is deleted by the control of the control unit 11, supplied to the offline OCR 14, or supplied to the VCS interface 15.
[0020]
The online OCR 13 is supplied with an image obtained by optically reading the first surface on which the paper sheet classification information is written from the scanner unit 6. The online OCR 13 recognizes paper sheet classification information within a predetermined time from the supplied paper sheet image. This online OCR 13 performs character recognition by cutting out characters as segmentation information from the read image. In the recognition process by the online OCR 13 (recognition process by the first recognition method), the classification information is recognized by a matching method or the like in comparison with the character dictionary and the address dictionary stored in the dictionary database 13a.
[0021]
The online OCR 13 performs a recognition process within a predetermined time during which the paper sheets conveyed in the sorter main body 1 can be sorted. For this reason, the recognition process using the online OCR 13 has a severe restriction on processing time and employs a recognition method generated by an algorithm that can obtain a recognition result within a predetermined time. Whether or not the online OCR 13 can be recognized is returned to the control unit 11.
[0022]
The offline OCR 14 performs OCR processing (recognition processing by the second recognition method) on the paper sheet image stored in the image buffer 12 using an algorithm different from the online OCR 13. In the recognition processing by the offline OCR 14 (recognition processing by the second recognition method), the classification information is recognized by a matching method or the like in comparison with the character dictionary and the address dictionary stored in the dictionary database 14a.
[0023]
In the recognition process in the offline OCR 14, the restriction on the processing time is relaxed compared to the recognition process in the online OCR 13. For this reason, the recognition process in the offline OCR 14 is performed by a recognition method that is generated by an algorithm that performs a highly accurate recognition process that takes more processing time than the recognition process in the online OCR 13. Whether the recognition by the offline OCR 14 is possible is returned to the control unit 11.
[0024]
The dictionary database 13a and the dictionary database 14a may be the same. In this case, since the dictionary database 13a and the dictionary database 14a can be integrated, there is an advantage that maintenance such as dictionary adjustment becomes easy.
[0025]
Further, when the information indicating the sorting destination cannot be recognized, the online OCR 13 or the offline OCR 14 indicates the size of the paper sheet, the size of the character, the direction of the character, and the sorting destination as information attached to the read image. OCR information (accompanying information) such as information notation direction, character type, recognition depth, and information indicating a place where VCS processing is necessary may be generated. Such incidental information is, for example, information that assists the coding work in the VCS 2 and is transferred to the VCS 2 together with an image of a paper sheet in which the sorting information cannot be recognized in the reading sorter body 1. The
[0026]
The VCSI / F 15 is an interface that transmits processing data including a sheet image to be coded to the VCS 2. The VCSI / F 15 has a configuration similar to, for example, a personal computer (PC). The VCSI / F 15 transmits processing data including, for example, an image of a paper sheet in which the classification information indicating the classification destination could not be recognized by the online OCR 13 or the offline OCR 14 or information incidental to the paper sheet to the VCS 2. .
[0027]
Further, the VCSI / F 15 has a function of performing a thinning process and a compression process on the sheet image read by the scanner unit 6 when processing data is transferred from the reading sorter main body 1 to the VCS 2. ing. As a result, the VCSI / F 15 compresses the amount of processing data when transferring the processing data from the reading sorter body 1 to the VCS 2 and improves the efficiency in the data transfer processing from the VCSI / F 15 to the VCS 2. I am letting.
[0028]
In the reading sorter main body 1 configured as described above, when the ID code is given to the paper sheet P conveyed on the main conveyance path 5, the control unit 11 uses a database (not shown) based on the ID code. A sorting destination corresponding to the ID code is searched from, and control for sorting the paper sheets based on the sorting destination is performed.
[0029]
That is, in the reading sorter main body 1, paper sheets whose sorting destinations could not be recognized by the online OCR 13 are assigned an ID code and accumulated in the exclusion pocket. The paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket are re-supplied to the supply unit 4 and are classified based on the ID code and the classification information as the recognition result by the offline OCR 14 or the processing result in the VCS. It is like that.
[0030]
Next, VCS2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the VCS 2 includes a storage / distribution device (storage device) 20 and a plurality of video coding terminals (coding devices) (hereinafter referred to as VCD) 30.
The accumulation / distribution device 20 temporarily accumulates processing data including a read image of the paper sheet P that cannot be recognized by the reading sorter main body 1 and incidental information of a recognition result. The VCD 30 displays an image of the paper sheet P distributed from the storage / distribution device 20, and an operator inputs information indicating a sorting destination based on the displayed image.
[0031]
The storage / distribution device 20 includes a memory control unit 21, a mass storage device 22, an image memory 23, a video distribution control unit 24, a timing control unit 25, an image recognition reprocessing unit 26, and an input / output control unit 27. .
The memory control unit 21 receives processing data composed of an unrecognized paper sheet image transmitted from the reading sorter main body 1 and additional information for the paper sheet image, and performs image compression and data processing. Processing such as fusion is performed and stored in the image memory 23.
[0032]
The large-capacity storage device 22 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like, and stores paper sheet images and supplementary information received from the sorter 1 based on the control of the memory control unit 21. The processing data stored in the mass storage device 22 is read onto the image memory 23 in response to a transmission request from the memory control unit 21.
[0033]
The video distribution control unit 24 is connected to a timing control unit 25 and an image recognition reprocessing unit 26. The video distribution control unit 24 determines the VCD 30 of the transmission destination (distribution destination) of the processing data based on the contents of a distribution request table (not shown) created according to the distribution request transmitted from each VCD 30. It has become.
[0034]
In other words, the video distribution control unit 24 can determine the VCD 30 that can be coded (key input at the sorting destination) by the distribution request table and is waiting for input of the processing data C, and controls each memory control unit 21 to control each VCD 30. The processing data C is transmitted to.
[0035]
Also, the coding information input by each VCD 30,... Is received by the input / output control unit 27. The input / output control unit 27 transmits the coding information received from each of the VCDs 30 to the control unit 17 of the reading sorter main body 1 via the timing control unit 25.
[0036]
The VCD 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and the like. The control unit 31 controls the entire VCD 30. The control unit 31 also has a function of receiving the processing data C corresponding to the paper sheet P from the storage / distribution device 20 and transmitting the input result (coding information) by the input unit 34 to the input / output control unit 27. Have.
[0037]
The storage unit 32 stores the processing data of the paper sheet P supplied from the accumulation / distribution device 20. The storage unit 32 can store a plurality of pieces of processing data such as an image that is currently being coded (first) and an image that is to be coded next. The display unit 33 displays an image of the paper sheet P supplied from the storage / distribution device 20. The input unit 34 is configured by a keyboard or the like, and the operator inputs information indicating the sorting destination based on the image displayed on the display unit 33 by the operator.
[0038]
Next, the flow of data in the main part of the reading sorter main body (sorting machine) 1 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the data flow in the main part of the reading sorter main body (sorting machine) 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet image read by the scanner unit 6 is transmitted to the image buffer 12 and the online OCR 13. As a result, the image of the paper sheet read by the scanner unit 6 is accumulated in the image buffer 12. Further, the online OCR 13 executes online recognition processing of the classification information indicating the classification destination for the paper sheet image supplied from the scanner unit 6. The result of the online recognition process in the online OCR 13 is transmitted to the control unit 11.
[0039]
When the classification information is recognized as a result of the online recognition process in the online OCR 13, the control unit 11 or the online OCR 13 deletes the image of the paper sheet stored in the image buffer 12. If the classification information cannot be recognized as a result of the online recognition process in the online OCR 13, the control unit 11 supplies the image of the paper sheet stored in the image buffer 12 to the offline OCR 14. .
[0040]
The offline OCR 14 acquires an image of a paper sheet that could not be recognized by the online OCR 13 from the image buffer 12. Then, the off-line OCR 14 executes an off-line recognition process for recognizing the division information indicating the division destination with respect to the sheet image acquired from the image buffer 12. The result of the offline recognition process in the offline OCR 14 is transmitted to the control unit 11.
[0041]
Further, when the classification information can be recognized as a result of the offline recognition process in the offline OCR 14, the control unit 11 or the offline OCR 14 deletes the image of the paper sheet stored in the image buffer 12.
[0042]
When the classification information cannot be recognized as a result of the offline recognition process in the offline OCR 14, the control unit 11 or the offline OCR 14 uses the image of the paper sheet stored in the image buffer 12 as the VCSI. / F15 is supplied. At this time, the offline OCR 14 may add supplementary information to the image of the paper sheet and supply it to the VCSI / F 15. The supplementary information is information obtained in the offline recognition process in the offline OCR 14, and includes, for example, the size of paper sheets, the size of characters, the direction of characters, the direction of classification information, the character type, and the recognition. It consists of information indicating the depth and the location where VCS processing is required.
[0043]
At the same time as the online recognition process by the online OCR 13, the offline OCR 14 may start the offline recognition process for the paper sheet image stored in the image buffer 12. In this case, when the classification information can be recognized by the online OCR 13, the recognition process by the offline OCR 14 may be terminated and the image of the paper sheet may be deleted from the image buffer 12. Thereby, the result of the offline recognition processing by the offline OCR 14 can be obtained quickly.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the reading sorter 1 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the reading sorter 1.
First, the operator sets paper sheets in the supply unit 4, designates processing modes as various operation settings using the operation panel 3, and inputs an instruction to start processing. Then, the control unit 11 starts the operation of the sorting process based on the processing mode input by the operator.
[0045]
When the sorting process is started, the control unit 11 takes out the paper sheets set in the supply unit 4 one by one, and conveys them by the main conveyance path 5. As a result, the scanner unit 6 reads one image of the paper sheet conveyed through the main conveyance path 5 one by one (step S11). When the scanner unit 6 reads an image of a paper sheet conveyed through the main conveyance path 5, the scanner unit 6 transmits the read image of the paper sheet to the image buffer 12 (step S12). As a result, the image buffer 12 sequentially stores the images of the sheets supplied from the scanner unit 6 (step S13).
[0046]
The scanner unit 6 transmits the read paper sheet image to the image buffer 12 and to the online OCR 13 (step S14). The online OCR 13 may acquire a paper sheet image from the image buffer 12.
[0047]
When a paper sheet image is supplied from the scanner unit 6, the online OCR 13 recognizes the classification information within a predetermined time (online recognition) for the paper sheet image supplied from the scanner unit 6. Process) is executed (step S15). The result of online recognition processing by the online OCR 13 is notified to the control unit 11.
[0048]
When the recognition result is received from the online OCR 13, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the classification information of the paper sheet can be recognized by the online OCR 13 based on the recognition result received from the online OCR 13 (step S16). . If it is determined that the classification information can be recognized by the online OCR 13 (step S16, YES), the control unit 11 deletes the image of the paper sheet from the image buffer 12 (step S17), and the online Based on the classification information recognized by the OCR 13, the paper sheet is classified (first sorting means).
[0049]
If it is determined by the above determination that the online OCR 13 cannot recognize the classification information (NO in step S16), the control unit 11 assigns an ID code to the paper sheet by the barcode printer unit 8. A sorting process for collecting the paper sheets in the exclusion pocket of the sorting unit 9 is performed. Along with such sorting processing, the control unit 11 determines whether to send the image of the paper sheet whose sorting information could not be recognized by the online OCR 13 to the offline OCR 14 or to the VCS 2 (step S18). ).
[0050]
Note that all the images of the paper sheets for which the classification information could not be recognized by the online OCR 13 may be transmitted to the offline OCR 14. In this case, the process of step S18 is omitted.
[0051]
The determination in step S18 is whether the offline OCR 14 performs offline recognition processing or the VCS 2 performs coding processing in order to determine the classification information of the paper sheet whose classification information could not be recognized by the online OCR 13. Is to judge. For example, it may be determined based on a preset ratio whether the image of the paper sheet whose classification information cannot be recognized by the online OCR 13 is transmitted to the offline OCR 14 or the VCS 2. The ratio between the number transmitted to the offline OCR 14 and the number transmitted to the VCS 2 may be set by the operator on the operation panel 3.
[0052]
Further, the ratio between the number transmitted to the offline OCR 14 and the number transmitted to the VCS 2 may be determined according to the recognition rate in the online OCR 13. For example, when the recognition rate in the online OCR 13 is good (when a predetermined recognition rate is maintained), images of all paper sheets whose classification information cannot be recognized in the online OCR 13 are transmitted to the offline OCR 14. When the recognition rate at the online OCR 13 is poor (when the recognition rate is worse than a predetermined recognition rate), in order to reduce the load of the recognition processing at the offline OCR 14, it is transmitted to the VCS 2 without performing the offline recognition processing by the offline OCR 14 You should try to increase the number to do.
[0053]
When it is determined in step S18 that an image of a paper sheet whose classification information cannot be recognized by the online OCR 13 is transmitted to the offline OCR 14 (step S18, YES), the control unit 11 stores the image in the image buffer 12. The image of the paper sheet that has been processed is supplied to the off-line OCR 14 (step S19).
[0054]
When the image of the paper sheet is acquired from the image buffer 12, the offline OCR 14 performs offline classification information recognition processing (offline recognition processing) on the image of the paper sheet acquired from the image buffer 12. Execute (Step S20). The result of online recognition processing by the online OCR 13 is notified to the control unit 11.
[0055]
When the recognition result is received from the offline OCR 14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the classification information can be recognized by the offline OCR 14 based on the recognition result received from the offline OCR 14 (step S21). When it is determined that the classification information can be recognized by the offline OCR 14 (step S21, YES), the control unit 11 deletes the image of the paper sheet from the image buffer 12 (step S17), and also performs the offline operation. The classification information recognized by the OCR 14 and the ID code of the paper sheet are stored in a memory (not shown) in association with each other.
[0056]
As a result, regarding the paper sheets whose classification information is recognized by the offline OCR 14, when the paper sheets are re-supplied to the supply unit 4, the ID codes of the paper sheets and the ID codes thereof are associated. Classification processing (second classification means) is performed based on the classification information recognized by the offline OCR 14.
[0057]
Further, when it is determined that the classification information could not be recognized by the offline OCR 14 by the above determination (step S21, NO), or when it is determined that the offline recognition process is not performed at step S18 (step S18, NO), the above control The unit 11 supplies the image of the paper sheet stored in the image buffer 12 to the VCSI / F 15 together with the ID code and accompanying information of the paper sheet.
[0058]
As a result, the VCSI / F 15 performs a thinning process or a compression process on the paper sheet image supplied from the image buffer 12, compresses the data amount, and generates processing data for the coding process. Transfer to the VCS 2 (step S22).
[0059]
The VCS 2 receives the processing data supplied from the VCSI / F 15 and performs a coding process for coding the classification information of the paper sheet based on the image of the paper sheet. The classification information input by such coding processing is returned from the VCS 2 to the reading sorter body 1 in association with the ID code of the paper sheet.
[0060]
The reading sorter body 1 stores the sorting information notified from the VCS 2 and the ID code of the paper sheet in correspondence with each other in a memory (not shown), and the paper sheet is re-supplied to the supply unit 4. In this case, the paper sheet is subjected to the sorting process (second sorting means) based on the ID code of the paper sheet and the sorting information corresponding to the ID code.
[0061]
In the conventional sorting system, the sheets collected in the exclusion pocket are re-supplied at the stage when the processing in the VCS 2 is completed. can get. For this reason, the paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket may be re-supplied to the supply unit 4 and subjected to the sorting process before the processing in the VCS 2 ends.
[0062]
According to the operation as described above, the result of the offline recognition processing by the offline OCR 14 is obtained at an earlier stage than the conventional sorting system.
That is, in the conventional sorting system, since the offline OCR is provided in the VCS, before the sorting machine body obtains the recognition result of the offline OCR of the VCS, data transfer from the sorting machine body to the VCS, It takes a lot of time for data distribution control, offline recognition processing, and notification of recognition results from the VCS to the sorting machine.
[0063]
In contrast, in the sorting system according to the present embodiment, since the offline OCR 14 is provided in the reading sorter main body 1, data transfer from the sorter main body to the VCS, data distribution control in the VCS, VCS From this, it becomes unnecessary to notify the sorter of the recognition result, and the result of offline recognition processing can be obtained at an early stage.
[0064]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the result of offline recognition processing can be obtained at an early stage, and therefore the paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket may be supplied at an early stage. That is, in the conventional sorting system, the paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket are re-supplied after receiving the processing end notification from the VCS 2, but according to the present embodiment, the offline recognition processing is performed. Therefore, even if the paper sheets accumulated in the exclusion pocket are re-supplied at an early stage, it is possible to sort the paper sheets.
[0065]
As described above, in the present embodiment, an image buffer and an offline OCR are installed in the main body of the reading sorter, and when the classification information cannot be recognized by the online recognition process using the online OCR, the image buffer stores the image information in the image buffer. The off-line recognition process is performed with the off-line OCR on the image of the paper sheet. Thereby, even if it is the processing mode which does not use VCS, or the sorting machine to which VCS is not connected, an offline recognition process can be performed efficiently.
[0066]
Further, since the image read from the paper sheet is stored as it is in the image buffer, the image of the paper sheet to be processed in the offline recognition process is prevented from being deteriorated. It is possible to increase the recognition rate in the off-line recognition process in OCR.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sorting machine and a sorting method that can improve processing efficiency by offline OCR, reduce costs, and realize space saving.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a sorting machine.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sorting machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reading sorter main body, 2 ... VCS, 4 ... Supply part, 6 ... Scanner part (reading means), 9 ... Sorting part (sorting means), 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Image buffer (storage means), 13 ... Online OCR (first recognition means), 14 ... Offline OCR (second recognition means), 15 ... VCSI / F (interface means)

Claims (8)

Reading means for reading an image on a paper sheet on which the classification information is described;
Storage means for storing an image read by the reading means;
First recognition means for recognizing the classification information described on the paper sheet within a predetermined time from the image read by the reading means;
First sorting means for sorting the paper sheets based on the sorting information recognized by the first recognition means;
When the classification information cannot be recognized by the first recognition unit, recognition processing is performed on the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit using a recognition method different from that of the first recognition unit. A second recognition means;
Second sorting means for sorting paper sheets that could not be sorted by the first sorting means based on the sorting information recognized by the second recognition means;
A sorting machine characterized by comprising: 2. The sorter according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is an image buffer that directly stores image data read by the reading unit. Reading means for reading an image on a paper sheet on which the classification information is described;
Storage means for storing an image read by the reading means;
First recognition means for recognizing the classification information described on the paper sheet within a predetermined time from the image read by the reading means;
First sorting means for sorting the paper sheets based on the sorting information recognized by the first recognition means;
When the classification information cannot be recognized by the first recognition unit, recognition processing is performed on the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit using a recognition method different from that of the first recognition unit. A second recognition means;
Interface means for transferring an image of a paper sheet whose classification information could not be recognized by the second recognition means to a coding device for inputting the classification information of the paper sheet;
Second sorting means for sorting paper sheets that could not be sorted by the first sorting means based on the sorting information recognized by the second recognition means or the sorting information input by the coding device;
A sorting machine characterized by comprising: The storage means of the sorting machine is an image buffer that directly stores image data read by the reading means,
4. The sorter according to claim 3, wherein the interface unit of the sorter compresses a data amount of a sheet image stored in the storage unit and transfers the compressed data amount to the coding device. . Read the image on the paper with the classification information,
The image of the read paper sheet is stored in the storage means, and a recognition process is performed by the first recognition method for recognizing the classification information described in the paper sheet from the read image of the paper sheet within a predetermined time. ,
When the classification information can be recognized by the recognition process of the first recognition method, the paper sheet is classified based on the classification information recognized by the recognition process of the first recognition method;
When the classification information cannot be recognized by the recognition processing of the first recognition method, a second recognition different from the first recognition method is performed on the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit. The recognition process
Classifying paper sheets that could not be classified by the recognition process of the first recognition method based on the classification information recognized by the recognition process of the second recognition method;
Classification method characterized by that. 6. The sorting method according to claim 5, wherein the storage means stores the image data of the paper sheet read by the reading as it is. Read the image on the paper with the classification information,
The image of the read paper sheet is stored in the storage means, and a recognition process is performed by the first recognition method for recognizing the classification information described in the paper sheet from the read image of the paper sheet within a predetermined time. ,
When the classification information can be recognized by the recognition process of the first recognition method, the paper sheet is classified based on the classification information recognized by the recognition process of the first recognition method;
When the classification information cannot be recognized by the recognition processing of the first recognition method, a second recognition different from the first recognition method is performed on the image of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit. The recognition process
Transferring the image of the paper sheet whose classification information could not be recognized by the recognition processing of the second recognition method to a coding device for inputting the classification information of the paper sheet;
Classifying paper sheets that could not be classified by the recognition process of the first recognition method based on the classification information recognized by the recognition process of the second recognition method or the classification information input by the coding device;
Classification method characterized by that. The storage means stores the image data of the paper sheet read by the reading as it is,
8. The sorting method according to claim 7, wherein the coding apparatus transfers the image data amount of the paper sheet stored in the storage unit after being compressed.

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