JP3155869B2 - Paper sheet processing apparatus and paper sheet processing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus and a paper sheet processing apparatus for reading information on paper sheets by image recognition.
Related to the management method .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a paper sheet processing apparatus for reading information on a paper sheet, for example, an address written on a mail or the like by image recognition, there is, for example, a mail processing apparatus. Processing is important in sorting and collecting mail, and it is desired that the processing be performed more accurately.

In a conventional mail processing apparatus, when a scanner reads an address printed on the surface of a mail conveyed at a predetermined speed, the transit time of the mail is first determined and the time is used as a basis. Furthermore, it is necessary to adjust the image reading range 72 slightly smaller than the width of the postal matter 71 as shown in FIG. 7 so that at least the scanner does not read projections other than the postal matter. In adjusting the image reading range 72, if the adjustment is too narrow, a postal code or the like cannot be read.

In this mail processing apparatus, the image reading range 72 changes depending on the timing of the start of scanning. This timing is adjusted by the operator when the first mail 71 is read by the scanner.

[0005] That is, as shown in FIG.
The operator looks at the image 81 on the surface of the image 81 on the monitor, determines how much projection 83 other than mail is present in the image 81, and adjusts the timing by changing the dip switch and the like.

However, when the image read by the scanner is viewed on a monitor, the image is very difficult to see, and it is not accurate to determine the width of the projection 83 with human sense. For example, if the scan start time is set slightly earlier, the projection 83 appears on the image read by the scanner. When the address area is cut out from this image, if the judgment unit erroneously cuts out the projection 83 as a part of the address area, the address of the mail may not be readable.

[0007]

As described above, in the above-described conventional mail processing apparatus, that is, the paper sheet processing apparatus, the operator visually checks the monitor to determine the optimum image reading position of the paper sheet and starts scanning. However, there is a problem that if the scan start time is too early, the information on the paper sheet cannot be read correctly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a paper sheet processing apparatus and a paper sheet capable of reading the surface of a paper sheet at an optimum position and accurately reading information of the paper sheet. It is intended to provide a kind treatment method .

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention has an image reading means capable of changing an image reading range on the surface of a sheet, and an image reading means for the image reading means. image and transfer means for transferring the read range in the sheet, based on the scale recorded recording sheet by the conveying means that is the surface transported to the image reading unit is read
Can, data generating means for generating data for adjusting the deviation amount calculating a shift amount of the image reading position on the basis of the obtained image, storing means for storing the data generated by the data generating means When, for new paper sheet to the image reading means by said conveying means is conveyed based
Can retrieves the data from the storage means, and an image reading range adjustment means for adjusting <br/> the reading range of the image reading unit based on the retrieved data.

[0010] The data generating means of the paper sheet processing apparatus includes:
It said data generating means, data for adjusting the image reading timing of the detected projection image from the read image other than the scale graduations, calculates the width of the projection image unit taken the image reading by the value of the width Is calculated.

[0011] The data generating means may be based on the fact that only the scale is obtained by the image reading means.
Can, said several scale litho <br/> comparison read by proper range of the scale, calculating the amount of biting reading position, adjusts the image reading timing of the biting amount of value only the image reading preparative means The data to be calculated is calculated.

Further, the data generating means calculates the shift amount of the image reading position based on the number of scans of the image reading means. Further, the paper sheet processing method of the present invention transports paper sheets.
Image of the surface of the paper sheet transported by the transporting means
Reads the reading range and prints sheets based on the read information.
In the paper sheet processing method to be processed,
Test paper transport process for transporting test paper with scales recorded
And the surface of the test paper transported in this test paper transport process
Image is read, and the image is read based on the obtained image data.
Calculates the amount of positional deviation and adjusts the amount of deviation.
Adjusting data creating step for creating adjusting data;
When paper is conveyed by the step, based on the adjustment data,
An image reading range adjusting step of adjusting the image reading range;
Sheets in the image reading range adjusted in the image reading range adjustment process
An image reading step of reading a surface of a kind.

[0013]

According to the present invention, based on the scale image obtained by the image reading means reading the surface of a sheet-sized test paper on which the scale is recorded, the data generating means calculates the shift amount of the image reading position. Then, data for adjusting the shift amount is generated, and the data is stored in the storage means. Then new when paper sheet is conveyed, the image reading range adjustment means causes adjustment of the image reading range of the image reading unit based on the data.

Therefore, the image is read by the image reading means at an optimum timing, and the read image does not have any projection other than the paper sheet.

As a result, the information on the paper sheet can be accurately read.

[0016]

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a mail processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mail processing apparatus includes a scanner 2 for scanning an address entry surface of a mail 1 within a predetermined range to read an image, and an image based on image information read by the scanner 2. A discriminator 3 that generates data for adjusting the reading position, cuts out the image, and determines the address of the mail 1 by image recognition, and a section that classifies and accumulates the mail 1 according to the address of the mail 1 4. The scanner 2 has a reading position adjuster 6 for automatically adjusting the image capture width of the address entry surface of the mail 1 on a transport path 5 on which the mail 1 is transported, and an address within the adjusted width. An image reading section 7 for scanning a writing surface with light is provided. The reading position adjuster 6 is provided with an operation / display panel 8. The sorting section 4 includes a plurality of sorting boxes 9 and a jam / jam indicating that these sorting boxes 9 are full.
A full lamp 10, a speaker 11, and the like are provided.

Next, the configuration of a control system of the mail processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the control system of the mail processing apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion unit 21 that converts information obtained by scanning the address entry surface with light by the image reading unit 7 into an analog signal, and a photoelectric conversion unit 21. A / D converter 22, which converts the analog signal obtained by the above into a binary digital signal (image data) and outputs it to the discriminator 3.
A central processing unit 24 (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for calculating adjustment data based on image data input from the A / D converter 22 via an input port 23, and stores a calculation program of the CPU 24; A read-only memory 25 (hereinafter referred to as ROM), a pattern memory 26 for temporarily storing image data such as outlines and addresses, an output port 27 for sending adjustment data to the reading position adjuster 6, and an output port A timing adjustment circuit (register 28 and signal delay IC 29) for generating a timing control signal for starting image reading based on the adjustment data from 27 and outputting it to scanner 2
It is composed of The register 28 is for temporarily storing the adjustment data, and the signal delay IC 29
Is for generating a timing control signal.

Next, the operation of the mail processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this mail processing apparatus, before performing a normal mail image reading process, as shown in FIG. 3, an image reading area is determined using a test paper 31 having the same outer dimensions as the mail. At both edges of the test paper 31, a test paper 31
A predetermined number, for example, 1 mm
Scales such as 20 are printed at intervals. The length of one scale is 30 mm to 40 mm.

When the test paper 31 is put on the transport path 5 of the mail processing apparatus, the test paper 31 first passes under the reading position adjuster 6. At this time, the reading position adjuster 6 detects the passing time from the leading end to the trailing end of the test paper 31 by a sensor (not shown) or the like, and based on this time, detects the length of the test paper 31 in the transport direction. You. Subsequently, the test paper 31 is put into the scanner 2 through the transport path 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the scanner 2, the surface of the test paper 31 is scanned by the image reading unit 7 with the above detection length and photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 21 (step 401).
It is digitized by the A / D converter 22 (step 40).
2) The image data is transferred to the CPU 24 through the input port 23.
It is taken in. From this image data, an image 41 is obtained as if the test paper 31 was upright with one end facing upward, as shown in FIG. In this case, since the image data is the first image data, the adjustment data is not stored in the register 28, and the scan start timing is too early, so that a black projected portion 42 is formed at the upper end of the image 41. The number of scans by the scanner 2 is 8 lines / mm, and this image data is stored as fine pixel data in the pattern memory 26 (step 403). The pixel data is stored in the CPU 24
The number of pixels corresponding to the amount of movement in the horizontal direction (the direction of arrow X) is calculated from the pattern memory 26 and the CPU 24 determines whether or not the projected portion 42 is captured in the read image according to the number of pixels. Judge.

As shown in FIG. 6, if the projected portion 42 is captured in the read image 41 (step 404),
The number of pixels in the first pixel column (first column) 51 of the read image is much larger than the number of pixels 52 in the scale portion. If the number of pixels is the maximum value Y and the pixel rows are continuous in the horizontal direction (step 405), the number of consecutive pixel rows 51 having the maximum value Y is totaled (how many scan scans are performed). Is obtained, the maximum width of the projected portion 42 is obtained (step 406).
You can determine whether mm has been read.

On the other hand, when the number of pixels read from the pattern memory 26 substantially matches the number of pixels obtained from the normal scale, and the width of the pixel row in the horizontal direction is smaller than the width of the pixel row of the normal scale, The scanning start timing is too late, and the reading position has entered the test paper 31. For example, if 18 pixel rows are obtained in the horizontal direction, the actual bite size is
Since there are 20 lines, 20-18 = 2 scales (step 407).

As a result, the CPU 24 calculates adjustment data for adjusting the scan timing (for example, data for starting the scan 2 mm before the next time from the current time) (step 408), and outputs the calculated adjustment data to the output port. The data is sent directly to the register 28 of the reading position adjuster 6 via the reference numeral 27.

Hereinafter, the CPU is also used for the rear end of the image 41.
24 determines in step 409 to 414 whether or not the projection portion 42 exists, and sends the adjustment data to the register 28 via the output port 27.

After the test, when a postal matter 1 such as a postcard is put into the transport path 5 of the apparatus, the signal delay IC 29 generates a timing control signal based on the adjustment data of the register 28 and generates an image reading signal. 7 Since the image reading unit 7 receives the timing control signal and starts scanning the front surface of the mail 1, the position of the leading end or the rear end of the mail 1 and the scan start at which the image reading unit 7 starts reading an image is started. The position matches exactly, and the CPU 2 can accurately cut out the address area.

Then, the mail 1 is correctly classified and accumulated in the sorting section 4 in accordance with the address whose image is recognized from the address area. The result of this series of processing is displayed on the monitor of the operation / display panel 8. The test paper 31 is transported and
The process up to loading into the canner 2 is called the test paper transport process.
The image data read by the scanner 2 is
The process from extraction to calculation of adjustment data
When mail 1 is conveyed after the test
Generates a timing control signal based on the adjustment data
The process up to output to the image reading unit 7 is performed by an image reading range adjustment process.
The image reading unit 7 reads the image of the mail 1
The process is called an image reading step.

As described above, according to the mail processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the test paper 31 on which the scale is printed is experimentally put in, the deviation amount of the image reading position is obtained, and the data for adjusting the deviation amount is generated. Register 28 of the timing adjustment circuit
The next time the postal matter 1 is conveyed, the timing control signal is output from the signal delay IC 29 to the image reading section 7 to start image reading at the optimum position.
The projection portion 42 is not formed on the image read by the image reading section 7, and the subsequent process of cutting out the destination area and the destination determining process can be performed accurately.

[0031]

As described above, according to the paper sheet processing apparatus and the paper sheet processing method of the present invention, an image obtained by reading the surface of the test paper on which the scale is recorded by the image reading means is used. Since the image reading range is automatically changed, the image reading is performed at the optimal timing, and the read image does not include projections other than mail.

As a result, the information on the paper sheet can be accurately read.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a mail processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control system of the mail processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a test paper to be put into the mail processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mail processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image of a test paper read by a scanner of the mail processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram in which a pixel row of a scale is extracted from image data of a test paper and the number of pixels is calculated according to a horizontal direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of detecting a width of a mail in a conventional mail processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an image when a projection other than a mail is read by a scanner in the conventional mail processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... mail, 2 ... scanner, 3 ... discriminator, 4 ... separator,
5: transport path, 6: reading position adjuster, 7: image reading unit,
8 operation / display panel, 9 section box, 10 jam / full lamp, 11 speaker, 21 photoelectric converter, 22
A / D converter, 23 input port, 24 CPU, 25
... ROM, 26 ... pattern memory, 27 ... output port,
28: register, 29: signal delay IC.

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image reading means capable of changing an image reading range on the surface of a sheet, a conveying means for conveying the sheet to the image reading range of the image reading means, and a scale recorded by the conveying means. group to the recording paper is conveyed its surface has been read in the image reading unit has
Hazuki, data generating means for generating data for adjusting the deviation amount calculating a shift amount of the image reading position on the basis of the obtained image, storing means for storing the data generated by the data generating means If, based on the new paper sheet to the image reading means by said conveying means is conveyed, takes out the data from said storage means, causes adjust the reading range of the image reading unit based on the retrieved data A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: an image reading range adjusting unit. 2. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data generation unit detects a projected image other than the scale from the read image of the scale, calculates a width of the projected image, and calculates a width of the projected image. sheet processing apparatus characterized by calculating the <br/> Ru data by the value of the width to adjust the image reading timing of the image reading preparative means. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data generating unit reads the number of the scales within an appropriate range based on the image only of the scale being obtained by the image reading unit. was compared scale litho calculates the bite amount of the reading position, sheet processing apparatus and calculates the data for adjusting the image reading timing of the biting amount of value only the image reading preparative means . 4. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data generation means calculates a shift amount of said image reading position based on the number of scans of said image reading means. Type processing equipment. 5. A sheet processing method for reading an image reading range on a surface of a sheet conveyed by conveying means for conveying the sheet and processing the sheet based on the read information. A test paper transporting step of transporting the test paper on which the scale is recorded, and reading an image of the surface of the test paper transported in the test paper transporting step, and determining a shift amount of the image reading position based on the obtained image data. An adjustment data creation step of calculating and creating adjustment data for adjusting the shift amount; and an image reading range for adjusting an image reading range based on the adjustment data when a sheet is conveyed by the conveyance unit. A sheet processing method comprising: an adjusting step; and an image reading step of reading a surface of a sheet in the image reading range adjusted in the image reading range adjusting step.