JP2006244160A - Device and method for processing image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten recognition time in recognizing prescribed information such as a bar code or a character string from picked-up image data, and to raise a recognition rate. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing pre-stage part 71 performs image processing, which is common to printing and recognition, with respect to the image data picked up by an imaging part 91. An image processing part 72 for printing applies the image processing suitable for printing to the image data subjected to the common image processing. An image processing part 73 for recognition performs the image processing suitable for recognition in parallel. The image data subjected to the image processing suitable for printing is provided to a printing part 93. The image data subjected to the image processing suitable for recognition is provided to a recognizing part 74. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that prints out captured image data on a form or the like and recognizes predetermined information such as a barcode and a character string from the image data, and an image processing method of the apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when delivering a distribution item such as registered mail, a delivery certificate is created to manage the delivery operation.

  The distribution management work of the distribution goods using this delivery certificate will be described with reference to FIG. The delivery certificate is used to receive a receipt stamp from the recipient when the delivery person delivers the registered mail A, and the form creation device B creates two copies of primary and secondary. One copy is affixed to the registered mail in order to obtain a receipt stamp in the receipt stamp column certifying that the registered mail A has been received from the recipient as a delivery certificate C1. After the receipt is stamped by the recipient, it is taken back to the post office and stored. In FIG. 7, this receipt stamp column is a perfect circle in the upper right part of the delivery certificate C1. The other is left in the office as a copy of the post office as a delivery letter C2. Then, the delivery certificate C1 which has been delivered and stamped with a receipt stamp is checked against the delivery certificate original mark C2 to confirm whether the delivery has been completed. The contents to be included in the delivery certificate used to manage the delivery service in this way are the address and name of the recipient, the underwriting symbol, the underwriting number, special handling characters, the date and time of preparation, the receipt stamp. Field and letter of delivery. The registered postal matter A has a unique tracking code written in a bar code or the like in order to manage the location in the distribution process. For this reason, for example, barcode information such as a number indicating the content of the barcode needs to be written on the delivery certificate.

  Such a delivery certificate is created by the above-described form creation device B in the post office as follows. That is, the form creation device B captures the registered mail A within the effective imaging range B1, generates a copy image of the surface of the registered mail from the image data, and recognizes the barcode information from the captured image data. To do. A hard copy of the barcode corresponding to the recognized barcode information and the copy image of the registered mail, etc., along with the information necessary for the date of creation, order classification, serial number and other forms, and a delivery certificate Create Thus, a copy of the registered mail A and a bar code symbol corresponding to the bar code information written on the registered mail A can be obtained together with other necessary information (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

  Here, the form creation apparatus B has an image processing technique for printing out the captured image data on a form or the like and recognizing a barcode from the image data.

A basic configuration of this type of conventional image processing technique is shown in the block diagram of FIG. Image data of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 61 is given to the image processing unit 62. Then, after image processing such as shading correction, contrast improvement, fine line emphasis, edge emphasis, and background removal is performed, it is given to the recognition unit 63 and the control unit 64. The recognition unit 63 cuts out recognition objects such as barcodes and character strings from the image data processed by the image processing unit 62 and recognizes the contents. Information on the recognition object recognized by the recognition unit 63 is given to the control unit 64. In accordance with the input from the operation unit 65, the control unit 64 generates print image data from the image data processed by the image processing unit 62 and the information on the recognition target recognized by the recognition unit 63. The print unit 66 prints out the print image data on a recording medium. The image processing unit 62, the recognition unit 63, and the control unit 64 are included in a control unit 67 mainly composed of electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). It has been incorporated.
Japanese Patent No. 2506715

  However, in this type of conventional image processing technology, the recognition unit 63 selects a recognition target object from captured image data that has been subjected to image processing such as contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, and edge enhancement by the image processing unit 62. Since the image was recognized, noise may be generated in the image of the recognition object, or the recognition object itself may be thinned or thickened, resulting in an increase in recognition time and a decrease in the recognition rate. there were.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and its object is to shorten the recognition time when recognizing predetermined information such as a barcode and a character string from the captured image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of improving the recognition rate.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a pre-stage image processing unit that performs image processing common to both printing and recognition on image data captured by an imaging unit, and the pre-stage image processing unit. Image processing suitable for printing is performed on the image data, and the image processing means for printing that gives the processed image data to the printing means, and image processing suitable for recognition on the image data processed by the preceding image processing means And a recognition image processing means for providing the processed image data to the recognition means. In this, it is desirable that the image processing by the printing image processing means and the image processing by the recognition image processing means can be performed in parallel.

  The image processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an image processing apparatus that prints out image data captured by an imaging unit by a printing unit and recognizes predetermined information from the image data by a recognition unit; A pre-stage image processing step for performing image processing common to both printing and recognition on the image data captured by the imaging means, and image processing suitable for printing on the image data processed by the pre-stage image processing step. Performing image processing suitable for recognition on the image data processed by the image processing step and the previous image processing step, and providing the processed image data to the printing unit, and processing the image data The image processing step for recognition given to the means is executed. The image processing step for printing and the image processing step for recognition are performed in parallel. .

  According to the present invention in which such means is taken, it is possible to shorten the recognition time and improve the recognition rate when recognizing predetermined information such as a barcode and a character string from the captured image data, and to improve the recognition rate. It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of improving the print quality of data.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, a first embodiment corresponding to claims 1, 2 and 5 will be described. In this embodiment, the image processing technology of the present invention is applied to a form creation device for creating a delivery certificate used for managing the delivery of a circulation from a circulation such as a registered mail. Is the case.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic mechanism of a form creation device 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic mechanism of the form creation device 1.

  In the form creation device 1, a copy table 3 for placing the distribution item 2 to be copied, information necessary for processing the distribution item 2, an operation unit 4 for monitoring the contents, and the copy table 3 are copied. A light source 5 that illuminates with the necessary brightness, an imaging unit 6 that is located above the copy table 3, a control unit 7 that controls the entire form creation device 1 and temporarily stores image data, etc. A printing unit 8 is provided for hard-copying the bar code information read from the captured image of the distribution item 2 onto a medium together with necessary delivery management information. The distribution item 2 arranged on the copy table 3 is illustrated so as to substantially coincide with the effective imaging range of the imaging unit 6.

  The distribution item 2 is handled as a delivery record such as a registered mail. Distribution 2 has a recipient's name and address, underwriting symbol, underwriting number, special handling characters, etc., and a unique tracking code to manage where in the distribution process. The barcode shown is shown on the same surface. The size of the distribution item 2 is not limited to the size shown in the figure, and there are various sizes. In addition, an area where the recipient's whereabouts and name are written and a bar code for delivery management are written. There are various areas.

  The imaging unit 6 includes a reflection mirror 6a that reflects incident light from the circulation 2 that is a subject, an imaging lens 6b that forms an image of the reflection light from the reflection mirror 6a, and the circulation 2 that is imaged by the imaging lens 6b. An image pickup device 6c such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for picking up an image of the above is incorporated (image pickup means).

  The operation unit 4 incorporates a display for displaying information necessary for the operator, a keyboard as an operation unit on which various keys such as numeric keys and function keys are arranged, and various switches. The function keys include a start key for instructing start of imaging of the article 2 placed on the copy table 3, a cancel key for instructing cancellation of operation, and the like.

  The printing unit 8 is, for example, a laser printer, an output control CPU for controlling each part in the printing unit 8, a laser scanner unit control circuit, a laser scanner unit including a polygon motor driving circuit and a laser oscillation circuit, various position sensors, A drive system control circuit for driving the printing unit 8, a surface potential sensor, a high voltage system control circuit for charging, development, and transfer are incorporated (printing means).

  The control unit 7 is mainly composed of electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The configuration of the main part of the control unit 7 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 7 incorporates an image processing pre-stage unit 71, a printing image processing unit 72, a recognition image processing unit 73, a recognition unit 74, and a control unit 75.

  The image processing pre-stage unit 71 is a part that performs image processing common to both printing and recognition, for example, shading correction, on the image data of the distribution item 2 provided from the imaging unit 90 (pre-stage image processing means). The imaging unit 90 is a part that obtains digital image data by converting an analog signal output from the imaging element 6c of the imaging unit 6 into a digital signal, and may be incorporated in the imaging unit 6 or may be a control unit. 7 may be incorporated.

  The print image processing unit 72 is a part that performs image processing suitable for printing, for example, contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, edge enhancement, background removal, etc., on the image data processed in the image processing pre-stage unit 71. The processed image data is given to the printing unit 93 via the control unit 75 (image processing means for printing).

  The recognition image processing unit 73 further performs image processing suitable for recognition of a recognition target object such as a barcode, for example, pixels that are not regarded as a recognition target object, from the image data processed by the image processing pre-stage unit 71. The processed image data is given to the recognition unit 74 (recognition image processing means).

  The recognizing unit 74 is a part that cuts out a recognition object such as a barcode from the image data processed by the recognition image processing unit 73 and recognizes the contents thereof. The information on the recognized recognition object is controlled. Is given to the unit 75 (recognition means).

  When the control unit 75 is instructed to start imaging via the operation unit 92 such as a keyboard in the operation unit 4, the control unit 75 controls each unit in the imaging unit 6 to image the distribution material 2 placed on the copy table 3. Let it be done. Further, the image data of the distribution item 2 given from the printing image processing unit 72 is stored in the image memory of the printing unit 93 together with the delivery management information set in advance via the operation unit 92. Further, the recognition object is restored from the information of the recognition object such as a barcode recognized by the recognition unit 74 and stored in the image memory. The printing unit 93 is a part that operates the laser scanner of the printing unit 8 to write the contents of the image memory to the photosensitive member in a form that modulates the laser beam and hard copies it on a form, and is incorporated in the printing unit 8. Alternatively, it may be incorporated in the control unit 7.

  In the form creation device 1 having such a configuration, when delivery management information such as a delivery date and a serial number is set by operating the keyboard of the operation unit 4, the control unit 75 displays the set delivery management information. Store in RAM.

  Next, when a start key is input, the imaging unit 6 images the distribution material 2 placed on the copy table 3. That is, the distribution item 2 is irradiated with light from the light source 5, passes through the reflection mirror 6a, and forms a copy image on the image sensor 6c by the imaging lens 6b. The distribution item 2 is placed on the copy table 3 such that at least the area where the recipient information of the distribution item 2 and the bar code for the tracking code are entered in the effective imaging range of the imaging unit 6. .

  As a result, the image sensor 6c sequentially converts light energy into electrical energy, and the image capturing unit 91 converts an analog amount of electrical energy into a digital amount and sends it to the image processing pre-stage unit 71 as captured image data. The sent captured image data is subjected to a part of image processing such as shading correction by the image processing pre-stage unit 71 (pre-stage image processing step). The captured image data subjected to this image processing is sent out in parallel to the printing image processing unit 72 and the recognition image processing unit 73.

  As a result, the printing image processing unit 72 further performs the remaining image processing such as contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, edge enhancement, and background removal. The captured image data subjected to all of these image processing is stored in the image memory of the printing unit 93 via the control unit 75 (printing image processing step). At this time, the delivery management information stored in the RAM of the control unit 75 is also stored in the image memory.

  The recognition image processing unit 73 removes pixels that are not regarded as barcodes for tracking codes, which are recognition objects, from captured image data that has undergone some image processing such as shading correction. Processing is performed (recognition image processing step). The captured image data that has been subjected to this image processing is sent to the recognition unit 74.

  As a result, the recognition unit 74 cuts out a barcode portion from the transmitted captured image data and analyzes the barcode portion to obtain binary barcode information. Then, the binary barcode information is decoded and encoded into characters such as numerals and alphabets, and the code information is sent to the control unit 75.

  Thereby, the control unit 75 restores the barcode from the code information given from the recognition unit 74 and stores the image data of the barcode symbol in the image memory of the printing unit 93. Thus, the printing unit 93 is controlled by the printing unit 93, the contents of the image memory are hard-copied in the form, and a delivery certificate for the circulation 2 is created.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, after the image data captured by the imaging unit 91 is subjected to image processing common to both printing and recognition by the image processing pre-stage unit 71, the common image processing is performed. The remaining image processing suitable for printing is performed on the applied image data by the printing image processing unit 72, and the image processing unit 73 for recognition performs exceptional image processing suitable for barcode recognition. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where the recognition target is recognized from captured image data that has undergone image processing such as contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, edge enhancement as well as shading correction, noise in the barcode image The barcode recognition time is not shortened and the recognition rate can be improved without causing the occurrence of thinning or thickening of the barcode itself.

  In addition to the shading correction, image processing specialized for printing such as contrast improvement, fine line emphasis, edge emphasis, etc. is applied to the captured copy image data of the distribution object 2, ensuring high print quality. There is also an effect that can be done.

  In addition, since the image processing for printing and the image processing for recognition are performed in parallel at the same time, the processing time required for the image processing can be shortened.

  Furthermore, the imaging unit 91, the operation unit 92, and the printing unit 93 are equivalent to the imaging unit 61, the operation unit 65, and the printing unit 66 of FIG. Similarly, the recognition unit 74 and the control unit 75 in the control unit 7 are equivalent to the recognition unit 63 and the control unit 64 in the control unit 67. Therefore, since the excellent effects as described above can be obtained only by dividing the conventional image processing unit 62 into the image processing pre-stage unit 71, the printing image processing unit 72, and the recognition image processing unit 73, cost performance is improved. There are also high advantages.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing pre-stage unit 71 is provided in common for the printing image processing unit 72 and the recognition image processing unit 73, but the printing image processing unit 72 and the recognition image processing unit 73 are provided. Alternatively, an image processing pre-stage unit 71 that performs the same image processing may be provided.

  Next, a second embodiment corresponding to claims 3, 4 and 6 will be described. The second embodiment is also a case where the image processing technique of the present invention is applied to the form creation apparatus 1 as in the first embodiment, and the mechanism of the form creation apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Since it is the same as the form, the description thereof will be omitted with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the control unit 7 in the second embodiment, and parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals. As illustrated, the control unit 7 includes an image processing unit 76, a page memory 77, a recognition unit 74, and a control unit 75.

  The page memory 77 is for temporarily storing image data picked up by the image pickup unit 91 and subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 76, and is formed of, for example, a RAM.

  The image processing unit 76 operates according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the image processing unit 76 waits for input of image data captured by the imaging unit 91 (P1). If image data is input, the input image data is common to both printing and recognition in the same manner as the image processing executed in the image processing pre-stage unit 71 of the first embodiment. Image processing, such as shading correction, is performed (P2: previous image processing step). When the previous image processing is completed, the image processing unit 76 stores the image processed image data in the page memory 77 (P3: image data storage step).

  Next, the image processing unit 76 reads the image data on which the previous image processing has been performed from the page memory 77 (P4). Then, the remaining image such as contrast improvement, fine line emphasis, edge emphasis, background removal, etc. is further applied to this image data in the same manner as the image processing executed by the printing image processing unit 72 of the first embodiment. Processing is executed (P5: image processing step for printing). Thereafter, the image data subjected to the printing image processing is sent to the control unit 75 (P6).

  Next, the image processing unit 76 again reads the image data that has been subjected to the previous image processing from the page memory 77 (P7). For this image data, as in the image processing executed by the recognition image processing unit 73 of the first embodiment, image processing suitable for recognition of a recognition object such as a barcode, for example, Image processing such as removing pixels that are not regarded as recognition objects is executed (P8: recognition image processing step). Thereafter, the image data subjected to the recognition image processing is sent to the recognition unit 74 (P9).

  Here, the image processing unit 76 functions as a pre-stage image processing unit, a printing image processing unit, and a recognition image processing unit. That is, the image processing unit 76 executes the pre-stage image processing unit, the printing image processing unit, and the recognition image processing unit in a time division manner.

  The recognition unit 74 cuts out a recognition object such as a barcode from the image data processed by the recognition image processing unit 73, and recognizes the contents (recognition means). Information about the recognized recognition object is given to the control unit 75.

  When the start of imaging is instructed via the operation unit 92, the control unit 75 controls each unit in the imaging unit 6 to perform imaging of the distribution object 2 placed on the copy table 3. Further, the image data of the circulation 2 given from the image processing unit 76 is stored in the image memory of the printing unit 93 together with the delivery management information set in advance via the operation unit 92. Further, the recognition object is restored from the information of the recognition object such as a barcode recognized by the recognition unit 74 and stored in the image memory.

  The printing unit 93 operates the laser scanner of the printing unit 8 to write the contents of the image memory on the photosensitive member in a form that modulates the laser beam, and hard copies it on a form.

  Also in the form creation device 1 of the second embodiment configured as described above, after image processing common to both printing and recognition is performed on the image data captured by the imaging unit 91, this The remaining image processing suitable for printing is performed on image data that has undergone common image processing, and special image processing suitable for barcode recognition is performed, reducing barcode recognition time. And the recognition rate can be improved. In addition, there is an effect that high print quality can be secured.

  In addition, since the image processing function of the conventional image processing unit 62 can be applied to the image processing unit 76 as well as the recognition unit 74 and the control unit 75 in the control unit 7, as described above with only the addition of the page memory 77. An excellent effect can be obtained. Therefore, there is an advantage that higher cost performance can be obtained than in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the image processing unit 76 first performs image processing for printing on the image data read from the page memory 77 and then performs image processing for recognition. Even if the image processing for recognition is performed, and then the image processing for printing is performed, the same effect can be obtained. That is, in FIG. 5, the processing steps P5 and P6 and the processing steps P8 and P9 may be interchanged.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, shading correction is shown as an example of image processing common to both printing and recognition. However, image processing common to both printing and recognition is not limited to this, and is necessary. The design can be changed appropriately according to the situation. For example, image processing such as contrast improvement and scale correction may be executed as image processing common to both printing and recognition. In addition, contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, edge enhancement, and background removal have been shown as examples of image processing suitable for printing. However, image processing suitable for printing is not limited to this, and the design can be changed as necessary. It can be done. For example, only a part of contrast improvement, fine line enhancement, edge enhancement, and background removal may be used. Similarly, as an example of image processing suitable for recognition, image processing for removing pixels that are not regarded as recognition objects has been shown. However, image processing suitable for recognition is not limited to this, and may be appropriately selected as necessary. The design can be changed.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the image processing technology for the form creation device 1, and the image processing of the device for recognizing recognition objects other than barcodes, such as two-dimensional codes and character string codes, from the captured image data. By applying to technology, the same effects can be achieved.

The side view which shows the schematic mechanism of the form creation apparatus concerning the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the schematic mechanism of the form preparation apparatus. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the control unit of the form creation apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the control unit of the form creation apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the main process procedures of the image process part integrated in the control unit of the form creation apparatus in the said 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the basic composition in the conventional image processing technique. The schematic diagram which shows the example of the delivery management service in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Form preparation apparatus, 2 ... Distribution | distribution, 3 ... Copying table, 4 ... Operation unit, 6 ... Imaging unit, 7 ... Control unit, 8 ... Printing unit, 71 ... Pre-processing part for image processing, 72 ... Image processing part for printing 73 ... Recognition image processing unit, 74 ... Recognition unit, 75 ... Control unit, 76 ... Image processing unit, 77 ... Page memory, 91 ... Imaging unit, 92 ... Operation unit, 93 ... Printing unit.

Claims (6)

In an image processing apparatus that prints out image data picked up by an image pickup means by a printing means and recognizes predetermined information from the image data by a recognition means
Pre-stage image processing means for performing image processing common to both printing and recognition on the image data picked up by the image pickup means;
Image processing means for printing which performs image processing suitable for printing on the image data processed by the preceding image processing means, and gives the processed image data to the printing means;
Recognizing image processing means for performing image processing suitable for recognition on the image data processed by the preceding image processing means and providing the processed image data to the recognition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit for printing and the image processing unit for recognition execute each image processing on the image data processed by the preceding image processing unit in parallel. Processing equipment. In an image processing apparatus that prints out image data picked up by an image pickup means by a printing means and recognizes predetermined information from the image data by a recognition means
Pre-stage image processing means for performing image processing common to both printing and recognition on the image data picked up by the image pickup means;
Image data storage means for storing image data processed by the preceding image processing means;
Image processing means for printing which performs image processing suitable for printing on the image data stored by the image data storage means, and gives the processed image data to the printing means;
Recognizing image processing means for performing image processing suitable for recognition on the image data stored by the image data storage means, and providing the processed image data to the recognition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pre-stage image processing unit, the printing image processing unit, and the recognition image processing unit are executed in a time division manner in a common image processing unit. An image processing method of an image processing apparatus that prints out image data picked up by an image pickup means by a printing means and recognizes predetermined information from the image data by a recognition means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A pre-stage image processing step for performing image processing common to both printing and recognition on the image data captured by the imaging means;
A printing image processing step for performing image processing suitable for printing on the image data processed in the preceding image processing step, and providing the processed image data to the printing unit;
A recognition image processing step for performing image processing suitable for recognition on the image data processed in the preceding image processing step, and providing the processed image data to the recognition means,
An image processing method, wherein the image processing step for printing and the image processing step for recognition are performed in parallel. An image processing method of an image processing apparatus that prints out image data picked up by an image pickup means by a printing means and recognizes predetermined information from the image data by a recognition means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A pre-stage image processing step for performing image processing common to both printing and recognition on the image data captured by the imaging means;
An image data storage step for storing the image data processed by the preceding image processing step;
An image processing step for printing that performs image processing suitable for printing on the image data stored in the image data storage step, and gives the processed image data to the printing unit;
A recognition image processing step of performing image processing suitable for recognition on the image data stored by the image data storage means, and providing the processed image data to the recognition means;
An image processing method comprising:

Images