JP2006309781A - Business form image processing method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire a plurality of processing images by a single reading operation on a business form to transfer them to a host in a business form image processing method acquiring a plurality of processing images of characters and imprint colors from a single business form. <P>SOLUTION: This business form processing device is provided with an image reader (1) performing multicolor reading on a business form and a processor (2) acquiring color image data of the business form and generating a plurality of image data for the business form required by an upper APL (31) from the color image data. In a single reading operation on the business form, a plurality of image data matching a processing purpose for characters and those for imprints can be obtained in this order, and consequently, high-speed reading processing can be carried out. From the character image, characters can be identified and a character image and an imprint image can be transferred simultaneously to the host. Since a plurality of light sources are not required for the image reader, the image reader can be constructed compact at a low cost. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a form image processing method and apparatus for processing a form image in order to automatically process a form in a financial institution or the like, and more particularly to acquiring a plurality of images according to the processing purpose from a form image. The present invention relates to a form image processing method and apparatus.

  In financial institutions, post offices, etc., automatic processing of forms such as new deposits, deposit withdrawals, and transfers has become possible through character recognition technology. For such automatic processing of a form, a plurality of images corresponding to the processing purpose may be required from the same form image.

  For example, in a character recognition form, the entry frame is preprinted in a red color, and the client enters necessary items in the entry frame by handwriting or type. In the case of character recognition, this red entry box is dropped out and only the character part is extracted to perform character recognition. On the other hand, a stamp is stamped on a character recognition form used for a new deposit or a withdrawal. In general, the seal is red and has the same color as the entry frame. For this reason, in order to read the pressed impression, it is necessary to generate an imprint image by a method that does not drop out the red color, contrary to the character recognition image.

  Conventionally, in order to generate two images from the same form, there has been known a method of reading a form to be read a plurality of times depending on the purpose.

  For example, when using a form transport type image reader, the red light source (or red filter) is irradiated and the red entry frame is dropped out to acquire form image data for character recognition at the first time. And read the form. The upper application performs character recognition processing on the form image data, and then conveys the same form again to read the image of the seal impression.

  At this time, in order not to drop the red color of the imprint, the form is read by setting the light source to white or green, and an imprint image in which the red color of the imprint does not drop out can be obtained. At this time, since the entry frame is also red, it is acquired as an image. However, since only the seal image is cut out during the seal processing, there is no problem.

When a flatbed image reader is used, after a form is mounted on the document table and a character recognition image is acquired, a red light source is irradiated and the form is optically scanned and read. And when acquiring a seal impression image, a white light source or a green light source is irradiated, the form is optically scanned and read. In this way, a plurality of image data corresponding to the processing purpose is acquired from one form (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP-A-5-274473 JP-A-8-212294

  However, in the prior art, in order to obtain a plurality of images required by a higher-level application, an operation of reading a reading target form is required a plurality of times. Since the reading operation is mechanical, processing time becomes long. In particular, when processing a large number of clients, such as a financial counter, the clients are kept waiting.

  Since an image reader requires a light source of a plurality of colors, the image reader itself becomes large, and it is difficult to reduce the cost. In particular, a large installation space is required for installation at a financial counter. In addition, it is necessary to control the specified light source to be turned on by the control of the host application, and it is difficult to reduce the price of the image reader.

  The operator needs to manage the form during reading a plurality of times, and continuous processing is difficult.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a form image processing method and apparatus for acquiring a plurality of types of image data from one form by one reading.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a form image processing method and apparatus for acquiring a plurality of types of image data by one reading using an image reader having a simple configuration.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a form image processing method and apparatus for acquiring a plurality of types of image data from one form by simplifying an operator's reading operation of the form.

  To achieve this object, the form image processing method of the present invention is a form image processing method for reading a form having characters and imprints and transferring it to a host. A step of instructing a plurality of single-color image data shown and a reading order of the plurality of single-color image data, and in response to the instruction, the form image of the form is read once to generate color image data. A step of generating the designated single color image data from the color image data, the generated single color image data to the upper application, and the color of the character in the reading order is first. The step of transferring the color of the seal impression in the later order, and the higher-order application converts the image data of the color of the character received earlier to the character Is recognized in 識部 comprises obtaining a character recognition result, the step of transferring the imprint image and the character recognition result to the host.

  According to the present invention, color image data of a form is obtained by color-reading the form, and a plurality of image data of a form requested by the host is generated from the color image data. For this reason, it is possible to acquire a plurality of image data suitable for a processing purpose by reading a form once, and high-speed reading processing is possible. In addition, since the image reader does not require a plurality of light sources, the image reader can be made small and inexpensive. Furthermore, since reading is performed once, the operator can set the form in the reader and take out the form upon completion of reading, so that the form can be handled easily.

  The image data generation step is a step of generating a plurality of single color image data corresponding to the upper specified image type from the color image data, thereby generating upper specified image data. Generation of useless image data can be prevented, and necessary image data can be acquired at higher speed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the color image data of the form is obtained by color-reading the form, and the plurality of image data of the form requested by the upper level is generated from the color image data. By reading a form once, it is possible to acquire a plurality of image data suitable for the processing purpose of images and seals, enabling high-speed reading processing and receiving character color image data first. The character recognition result and the imprint associated therewith can be transferred to the host at the same time.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by dividing it into a form image processing apparatus, form image processing, and other embodiments.

[Form recognition device]
1 is a block diagram of a form image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of the image reader of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing mechanism of FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the image generation unit in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the generated image memory in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus includes an image reader 1 and a processing apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the image reader 1 has a bet (form pedestal) 10 for setting a form 4 to be read and an overhead 15 for reading an image of the form of the bet 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the overhead 15 is provided with a two-dimensional color CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 11. The reading circuit 12 controls the reading operation of the color CCD 11. The amplifier circuit 13 amplifies the read output of the color CCD 11. The A / D (analog / digital) converter 14 converts the amplified analog read signal into a digital signal. The image reader 1 can perform color reading and is non-contact. Also, since a two-dimensional sensor is used, the reading speed is fast. In FIG. 2, a serial number printer 16 is provided as an option.

  The processing device 2 is composed of a desktop personal computer and is connected to a host computer. The processing device 2 includes a data processing unit (CPU) 20, an image memory 22, an image processing mechanism 21, a display device, and a file. The data processing unit 20 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and executes a form image process. Software executed by the CPU 20 is indicated by blocks 30 to 32 in the CPU 20. The host application 31 is a form processing program. The control unit 30 controls the image reader 1 and the image processing mechanism 21 in order to perform image processing requested by the host application 31. The OCR engine 32 is activated by the upper application 31 and performs character recognition processing.

  The image processing mechanism 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, RGB data is output from the color CCD 11, and the RGB data of one screen (form) is held in the image memory 22. The image processing mechanism 21 generates a Y image, an R image, a G image, and a B image from the RGB data in the image memory 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the color CCD 11 is formed by covering each normal CCD with an RGB filter (on-chip filter), and has a checkered structure. An image acquired via the RGB filter is output from the CCD 11 as an RGB image. The red filter R has a peak wavelength of 650 nm, the green filter G has a peak wavelength of 540 nm, and the blue filter B has a peak wavelength of 470 nm.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the image generation unit 50 of the image processing mechanism 21 extracts Y image (multivalue), R image (multivalue), G image (multivalue), and B image (from the RGB data output from the CCD 11). Multivalue). As shown in FIG. 4, the image generation unit 50 includes an image extraction unit 55 and Y image generation units 56 and 57.

  The image extraction unit 55 extracts R, G, B images (multivalue) from the output RGB of the color CCD 11 from the checkered CCD array structure, and generates single plane images R, G, B. .

  The R image passes through the red filter R, and has a characteristic of dropping out the red system. For example, in an OCR form in which an entry frame is preprinted in a red color, the red entry frame is removed, and only a color other than red, such as a black entry character, is generated as an R image.

  The G image passes through the green filter G and has a feature of dropping out a green color. The ability to drop out is low. For example, since the imprint vermilion is stamped in red, the G image is often used as a reliable method for reading the imprint.

  The B image passes through the blue filter B and has a feature of dropping out a blue color. Rather than using it alone, it is used as the B plane of the color image RGB.

  Next, the Y image generation units 56 and 57 will be described. The Y image is called a monochrome image. Since each RGB image is an image read through a unique filter, a specific color component is dropped out, whereas a Y image outputs each color component as it is. This Y image can be generated from an RGB image. That is, Y is generated from RGB by the following ratio calculation formula.

Y = 0.299 × R + 0.587 × G + 0.114 × B
As is apparent from the above formula, the reason why the ratio of the G plane image is high is that many color components are included in the G plane. In this way, a monochrome image can be generated by individually separating and combining RGB. Block 56 is a multiplier for this purpose, and block 57 is an adder.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the binarization processing unit 51 binarizes the multivalued Y, R, and G images to generate a Y, R, and G image (binarization). The aforementioned Y, R, and G images are composed of multi-value image data having 256 gradations. When performing recognition and collation processing by a computer such as character recognition and seal collation, it is necessary to consider performance and the like, and the binarization processing unit 51 converts 256-level multi-valued image data of “0 or 1” to 2 Convert to valued image data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, such a generated image is stored in a designated plane of the memory 52. Further, an image table 53 is provided for notifying the optimum image for the processing requested by the host. The image table 53 is a table in which an optimum image (for example, R image (binary)) is associated with a higher order request (for example, character recognition image binary).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to generate a plurality of form image images suitable for high-order processing by color reading of a single form and use it for high-order use.

  For this reason, reading and image acquisition time can be shortened, and an image reader can be made small and inexpensive. In addition, it is possible to reduce the trouble of processing the form of the operator.

[Form image processing]
6 is an explanatory diagram of a control data structure of a read request from a host application, FIG. 7 is a format diagram of a notification image from an image reader, and FIG. 8 is a form image processing flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of examples of form images.

  The form image processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  (S100) The upper application 31 instructs the control unit 30 to read in the format of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the control format includes a read instruction and a request image. In the reading instruction, the order reading mode can be specified by setting “X” to “1”. That is, a plurality of image requests for one form can be designated by this control command. When “X” is set to “0”, the sequential reading mode is not designated and a single image request is made. The request image is specified as a character recognition image binary or a seal image binary. Of course, this reading instruction is after the document is mounted on the bed 10 of the image reader 1.

  (S110) The control unit 30 instructs the reading circuit 12 of the image reader 1 to read the color CCD 11. As a result, the color CCD 11 starts reading and outputs RGB data via the amplifier 13 and the A / D converter 14.

  (S120) This RGB data is stored in the image memory 22. Thereby, the reading is completed, and the operator can remove the form.

  (S130) After this storage, according to an instruction from the control unit 30, the image processing unit 21 performs the above-described image processing for generating an image requested by the host. As a result, each image is stored in the memory 52.

  (S140) The control unit 30 converts the upper request image into the generated image unit by the image table 53, and notifies the upper application 31 of the image in the memory 52. FIG. 7 shows the notification format. Each image data is separated by a file separator (separation code).

  A specific example of an OCR form will be described. FIG. 9 shows a transfer request form 4 as an example of an OCR form. The area around the entered character is surrounded by a red frame 40. The stamp 41 is in the “marking field” on the right side of the client. The seal here is the seal of the person in charge at the bank branch in system processing. The stamp 41 is also red.

  In order to process this form, the host application 31 recognizes characters entered in the form by the character recognition engine 32, and the stamp 41 cuts out this image and transfers it to the host. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper application 31 designates the sequential reading mode in the reading instruction, and designates the character recognition image binary for the first time and the imprint image binary for the second time for the request image. To do.

  In response to the request “character recognition image binary”, the control unit 30 transfers the R image (binary) binarized by the binarization processing unit 51 to the upper level. Since this R image (binary) drops out of the red color, the red color of the entry frame of the OCR form is dropped and only the black characters remain. For this reason, it is an optimal image as a character recognition image. The R image (binary value) of the transfer request form 4 shown in FIG. 9 is as shown in FIG. 10, and all the character recognition entry frames 40 are dropped out, and the stamp 41 is also dropped out.

  Subsequently, the G image (binary) binarized by the binarization processing unit 51 is transferred to the upper level in response to the image request “binary impression image binary”. This G image (binary) has a feature that expresses the red color of the seal imprint as the image with the highest sensitivity. For this reason, it is an optimal image as an imprint image. The G image (binary value) of the transfer request form 4 shown in FIG. 9 is as shown in FIG. 11, and the seal 41 appears clearly as an image. Of course, at this time, since the red color image is output, the character recognition entry frame 40 and the like remain in the image. The upper 31 cuts out the seal imprint area from the G image and transfers it to the host. The host confirms the seal using this imprint image.

  In this way, a form is read as a color image, and a plurality of pieces of image data of a form requested by a higher order are generated from the color image data. For this reason, it is possible to acquire a plurality of image data suitable for a processing purpose by reading a form once, and high-speed reading processing is possible. In addition, since the image reader does not require a plurality of light sources, the image reader can be made small and inexpensive. Furthermore, since reading is performed once, the operator can set the form in the reader and take out the form upon completion of reading, so that the form can be handled easily.

[Other embodiments]
In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention can be modified as follows.

  (1) Although the transfer request form has been described as an example, it can be applied to other OCR forms such as deposit withdrawal and new deposit. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to OCR forms but also to other image processing forms.

  (2) Although the color reading element has been described as a CCD, other reading elements such as a CMOS sensor can be used.

   As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by embodiment, a various deformation | transformation is possible within the range of the main point of this invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

  (Appendix 1) A step of reading a form image and generating color image data, a step of generating a plurality of types of image data from the color image data, and transferring a plurality of specified types of image data to the upper level A form image processing method comprising the steps of:

  (Supplementary note 2) The form image processing method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the image data generation step includes a step of generating a plurality of single-color image data from the color image data.

(Supplementary note 3) In the form image processing method of Supplementary note 1, the image data generation step is a step of generating a plurality of single-color image data corresponding to the upper designated image type from the color image data. Characteristic form image processing method.

  (Supplementary note 4) The form image processing method according to supplementary note 1, wherein the image data generation step is a step of generating a plurality of image data in which a specific color is dropped out from the color image data. .

  (Supplementary note 5) The form image processing method according to supplementary note 1, wherein image data suitable for image processing specified by the host is transferred.

  (Supplementary Note 6) An image reader that reads a form image and generates color image data, generates a plurality of types of image data from the color image data, and transfers a plurality of types of image data specified by a higher level to the higher level A form image processing apparatus comprising: a processing apparatus.

  (Supplementary note 7) The form image processing apparatus according to supplementary note 6, wherein the image reader is an overhead reader including a two-dimensional sensor.

  (Supplementary note 8) The form image processing device according to supplementary note 6, wherein the processing device generates a plurality of single color image data from the color image data.

  (Supplementary note 9) The form image processing device according to supplementary note 6, wherein the processing device generates, from the color image data, a plurality of single-color image data corresponding to the upper designated image type. Processing equipment.

  (Additional remark 10) The form image processing apparatus of Additional remark 6 WHEREIN: The said processing apparatus produces | generates several image data which dropped out the specific color from the said color image data, The form image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Supplementary note 11) The form image processing apparatus according to supplementary note 6, wherein the image data suitable for image processing specified by the host is transferred.

  As described above, the color image data of the form is obtained by color reading the form, and a plurality of image data of the form requested by the upper APL is generated from the color image data, so the form is read once. As a result, multiple image data suitable for the processing purpose of the image and the seal can be acquired, high-speed reading processing is possible, and the character color image data is received first. And the imprint associated therewith can be transferred to the host simultaneously. In addition, since the image reader does not require a plurality of light sources, the image reader can be made small and inexpensive. Furthermore, since reading is performed once, the operator can set the form in the reader and take out the form upon completion of reading, so that the form can be handled easily.

It is a block diagram of the form image processing apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the image reader of FIG. It is a block diagram of the image processing mechanism of FIG. It is a block diagram of the image generation part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the memory of the image processing mechanism of FIG. It is a control format figure of the reading instruction | indication of one embodiment of this invention. It is an image transfer format figure of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a form image processing flow figure of one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the reading form of FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a character recognition image of the form in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an imprint image of the form in FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image Reader 2 Processing Device 20 CPU
21 Image memory 22 Image processing mechanism 30 Control unit 31 Host application 32 OCR engine 4 Form 11 Color CCD

Claims (2)

In a form image processing method for reading a form having characters and seals and transferring it to a host,
Instructing a plurality of single color image data indicating the color of the form and the color of the seal impression from the upper application, and a reading order of the plurality of single color image data;
In response to the instruction, reading the form image of the form once, generating color image data, and generating the instructed plural single color image data from the color image data;
Transferring the generated single-color image data to the higher-order application in the reading order of the character color in the first order and the imprint color in the subsequent order;
The upper application, causing the character recognition unit to recognize the character color image data received earlier, and obtaining a character recognition result;
A form image processing method comprising a step of transferring the character recognition result and the seal impression image to a host. In a form image processing device that reads a form with letters and seals and transfers it to the host,
An image reader that reads a form image once and generates color image data;
A processing device that generates a plurality of types of image data from the color image data and transfers a plurality of types of image data designated by a higher-level application to the higher-level application;
The processor is
In response to an instruction from the higher-order application for a plurality of single-color image data indicating the color of the form and the color of the seal, and the reading order of the plurality of single-color image data, the color image data The instructed plurality of single color image data is generated, and the generated single color image data is sent to the upper application, the character color that is the reading order is first, and the color of the imprint is later. Forward,
The upper application causes the character recognition unit to recognize the image data of the character color received earlier, obtains a character recognition result, and transfers the character recognition result and the imprint image to the host. A form image processing device.

Images