JP6459990B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  After taking an examination at an educational institution such as a school or a cram school, it is common for a teacher or a lecturer to manually grade the answer manually. In scoring the answer, there are a step of determining whether the answer written on the answer sheet is correct or incorrect, and a step of calculating a score from the contents of the correct / incorrect determination and a score for each predetermined question. included. In the case of a large-scale test with a large number of test participants, both an accuracy determination and score calculation may be performed by an automatic scoring system using a mark sheet or the like.

  However, performing both correctness determination and score calculation manually is a heavy burden on the scorer and takes time. On the other hand, the mark sheet method is advantageous in that both correctness determination and score calculation are automatically performed, but applicable question methods and answer methods are limited and cannot deal with various problems. For example, the mark sheet method can be used as an answer method for an alternative question in which a correct answer is selected from the choices, but is not suitable for a descriptive question that needs to be answered in sentences. Furthermore, in order to mark mark sheet type answer sheets, a dedicated image processing apparatus and a dedicated answer sheet are required, and it is not easy for individual educational institutions to introduce them mainly from the viewpoint of cost. For this reason, instead of the mark sheet method, an alternative scoring means that can make scoring work more efficient is required.

  Based on this situation, technologies that can be applied to a wide range of question formats and answer formats, are easy to introduce, and minimize human labor when scoring have been studied. For example, in Patent Document 1, problem recognition means for recognizing a question given on the original document from image information read by the image reading means, and letters, symbols, or answers of the answer to the question given from the image information Answer recognition means for recognizing a mark; correct answer / scoring information holding means for inputting or storing information of correct answer and scoring for a problem recognized by the problem recognition means; and an answer recognized by the problem recognition means; By comparing the correct answer held by the correct answer / scoring information holding means for each question, judging the correctness of each answer, scoring means for calculating the score from each judgment result and the information of the scoring, and by the scoring means An image processing apparatus including a scoring result output means for outputting a scoring result by the image output means is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a problem in which an automatic image processing apparatus that automatically reads and grades an image of an answer sheet including a problem to be answered with a sentence or a figure is read by the image reading apparatus and answered with a sentence or a figure. The identification means for identifying the correctness determination information from the image of the answer sheet in which the correctness determination information has been entered by hand manually, and the scoring information registered in advance based on the correctness determination information identified by the identification means There is disclosed an automatic image processing apparatus comprising a score calculation means for calculating

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a reading unit that reads an image of a sheet body for each color, a color recognition and an image recognition from the output of the reading unit, and a count for counting the number of marks having a predetermined shape for each color. And a counting device that counts the counting result of the counting device with a weight defined in advance for each color.

JP 7-320073 A JP 2006-201936 A JP 2006-215132 A

  The technology of Patent Document 1 relates to an image processing apparatus that recognizes characters written in an answer frame of an answer sheet and automatically performs both correctness judgment and score totalization for the answer. However, in the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1, the answer character that can be recognized by the answer recognizing means for judging whether the answer is correct is basically a character, symbol, or mark represented by a single character. It was premised on application to one problem. In addition, there is a limit to the position and size of the answer frame so that the answer recognition means can recognize the characters in the answer frame. Therefore, for example, it is necessary to answer with a sentence including two or more characters, and there is a limit to the applicable problem format, such as being unable to apply to a descriptive problem where the position and size of the answer frame may be different for each question.

  On the other hand, in the automatic image processing apparatus of Patent Document 2, the technique of Patent Document 1 is used in that an answer sheet on which an answer indicating whether the answer is correct is manually entered and a sign indicating whether the answer is correct is manually entered. Is different. The automatic image processing apparatus plays a role of reading the sign and calculating the score. In this case, it can be applied not only to the alternative problem but also to the description problem. However, since the position information of the answer necessary for the automatic image processing apparatus to read the sign is stored in the storage unit in advance, the answer sheet of the answer stored in the storage unit is used as an answer sheet for the answerer to enter the answer. It was necessary to use one with an answer frame that fits the location information. Due to the limitation of the position of the answer frame, the questioner could not freely ask questions. For example, for a problem where the size and position of the required answer frame varies depending on the amount of answers written in sentences, such as a descriptive question, the answer frame required for the answer and the answer frame stored in the storage unit Since there are many cases where these are not consistent, the scope of application is limited, which is inconvenient for the tester.

  The technique of Patent Literature 3 uses color recognition and image recognition, counts marks having a predefined shape for each color, and counts the count results with a predefined weight for each color. And However, this technique has a problem that a plurality of color pens for entering marks and a large number of color recognition means are required to recognize the colors, and the mechanism is complicated. In addition, if the scorer accidentally enters a mark with a pen of an inappropriate color, there is a possibility that the incorrect score may be totaled, and a human error is likely to occur at the stage of entering the scoring symbol.

  An object of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for identifying a sign written in an answer frame in an answer sheet by reading the answer sheet, and finally counting the scores, with a simpler mechanism. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can reduce the burden on the grader without limiting the range of applicable problem types as much as possible.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention designates in advance an answer frame area in which a mark for determining a score is manually entered in advance in an answer sheet, and identifies the mark in the answer frame area, thereby identifying the answer sheet. An image processing apparatus that counts scores, and includes an image reading unit, an answer frame area storage unit, a scoring information acquisition unit, and a tabulation processing unit. The image reading unit acquires image data by reading an image of a document. The answer frame area storage unit is used to specify the answer frame area based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit reading the document on the answer frame area designating paper on which the boundary line of the answer frame area is drawn. The frame area is stored. The scoring information acquisition unit acquires scoring information of each answer frame region stored in the answer frame region storage unit. The totalization processing unit identifies and identifies the indicator in each answer frame area stored in the answer frame area storage unit in the image data of the answer sheet obtained by the image reading unit reading the image of the answer sheet. The total score is calculated according to the type of the sign and the information on the points acquired by the point information acquisition unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: (1) a process for preliminarily specifying an answer frame area in which a mark for previously determining a score is manually entered; and (2) a mark for determining a score within the designated answer frame area. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including two processes of identifying and actually counting the scores of answer sheets. In particular, the feature (1) is that the process of setting the answer frame area can be easily performed. When designating the answer frame area, the user only needs to prepare an answer frame area designating sheet in which the boundary line of the answer frame area is written and read it by the image reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention stores the answer frame region based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit reading the answer frame region designation sheet. In addition, when updating the answer frame area, prepare another answer frame area designating sheet in which the boundary line of the new answer frame area is entered, and store it simply by having the image reading unit read the answer frame area designating sheet. The updated answer frame area can be updated. With such an image processing apparatus, it is possible to efficiently score answer sheets for various problem formats, such as when various problems such as alternative problems and description problems are mixed.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an appearance of a multifunction peripheral when an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral when an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the multifunction machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the answer sheet | seat which the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention processes. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which designates an answer frame area | region beforehand using the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow in the case of performing the totaling process of the answer sheet read from the image reading part using the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the area | region designation | designated paper on which the boundary line which defines an answer frame area | region was drawn. It is a figure which shows the state which identifies the label | marker from which a label | marker identification part determines a score. It is a figure which shows an example of a score table. It is a figure which shows an example of the answer sheet to which the score was automatically added. It is a figure which shows an example of the analysis of the distribution of the label | marker which determines a score. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen for selecting reading mode.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external appearance of a multi-function peripheral including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine including the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  1 to 2, a multifunction machine 11 including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 12, a display operation unit 13, an image reading unit 14, and an image forming unit 15. , A discharge tray 30, a hard disk 16, a facsimile communication unit 17, a network interface unit 18 for connecting to the network 25, and a paper feed unit 31.

  The control unit 12 controls the entire multifunction machine 11. The display operation unit 13 includes a display unit 21 that displays information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 11 side and user input contents. The display operation unit 13 inputs image forming conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and gradation, and power on / off. The image reading unit 14 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 22 that automatically conveys a set document to a reading position. The image reading unit 14 reads an image of a document transported by the ADF 22 or an image of a document placed on the placement table. The image forming unit 15 includes a developing device 23 that performs development using toner. The image forming unit 15 forms an image based on the read image or image data transmitted via the network 25. That is, the image forming unit 15 forms an image on a recording medium, for example, a sheet based on the image data in response to an image formation request. Further, the image forming unit 15 adds an image indicating the total score obtained by the score totaling unit 53 described later to a predetermined portion of the answer sheet. Further, as will be described later, the image forming unit 15 creates an area designation sheet by forming an image of the boundary line of the answer frame area on the sheet. The recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 15 is discharged to the discharge tray 30 as a printed matter. The hard disk 16 stores transmitted image data, input image processing conditions, and the like. The facsimile communication unit 17 is connected to the public line 24 and performs facsimile transmission and facsimile reception. The paper feed unit 31 feeds the stored paper to the image forming unit 15.

  The multifunction machine 11 includes a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for writing and reading image data, a paper transport unit for transporting a paper for transferring a visualized image formed by a developer, and the like. Illustration and description are omitted. In addition, arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of data regarding control signals, control, and images.

  The multifunction machine 11 operates as a copying machine by forming an image in the image forming unit 15 using the document read by the image reading unit 14 and printing the image on paper. Further, the multifunction machine 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 using the image data transmitted from the computers 26a, 26b, and 26c connected to the network 25 through the network interface unit 18, and prints it on a sheet. It operates as a printer. In addition, the multifunction machine 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 via the DRAM using the image data transmitted from the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17, and the image reading unit 14 reads the image. By transmitting the image data of the original document to the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17, the facsimile apparatus operates. That is, the multifunction machine 11 has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function with respect to image processing. Further, each function has functions that can be set in detail.

  The image processing system 27 including the multifunction device 11 includes the multifunction device 11 and a plurality of computers 26a, 26b, and 26c. Specifically, the image forming system 27 includes the multifunction device 11 having the above-described configuration and a plurality of computers 26 a, 26 b, and 26 c connected to the multifunction device 11 via the network 25. In this embodiment, three computers 26a to 26c are shown. Each of the computers 26 a to 26 c can request the multifunction peripheral 11 to execute a print job via the network 25 and output a printed matter. The multi-function device 11 and the computers 26a to 26c may be connected by wire using a LAN (Local Area Network) cable or the like, or may be connected wirelessly. A server or a server such as a mail server may be connected.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 12 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 12. With reference to FIG. 3, the control unit 12 includes an answer frame region storage unit 40, a scoring information acquisition unit 42, a totalization processing unit 50, a warning unit 60, and an answer frame region image data creation unit 70.

  The answer frame area storage unit 40 is based on image data acquired by the image reading unit 14 reading a document on an answer frame area designating sheet on which a boundary line of the answer frame area is drawn for designating the answer frame area. Each answer frame area is stored. The scoring information acquisition unit 42 acquires information on the scoring in each answer frame area indicated by the data of each answer frame area stored in the answer frame area storage unit 40. In addition, the scoring information acquisition unit 42 acquires scoring information from the image data of the answer frame area designating sheet read by the image reading unit 14 when the answer frame area designating sheet includes information on the scoring of each answer frame area.

  The totalization processing unit 50 includes a sign identification unit 51, a score distribution unit 52, a score totaling unit 53, and a scoring numerical value identification unit 54. The sign identifying unit 51 identifies a sign for determining a score in each answer frame area stored in the answer frame area storage unit 40. The score distribution unit 52 distributes the score to each answer frame region based on the sign identified by the sign identification unit 51 and the information on the score acquired by the score information acquisition unit 42. The score totaling unit 53 totals the scores distributed by the score distribution unit 52 to each answer frame region in all the answer frame regions in the answer sheet to obtain a total score. The scoring numerical value identifying unit 54 identifies the scoring numerical value entered as supplementary information of the sign for determining the score in the answer frame area, and reflects it in the score.

  The warning unit 60 issues a warning when the sign identifying unit 51 detects one or more answer frame regions in which a mark for determining a score is not written.

  The answer frame region image data creation unit 70 is configured to determine the boundary line of the answer frame region based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 14 reading a plurality of answer sheets on which marks for determining scores are manually entered in advance. Create image data automatically. The answer frame region image data creation unit 70 includes a distribution region analysis unit 71, a boundary line determination unit 72, and a boundary line image data creation unit 73. The distribution area analysis unit 71 analyzes the distribution of the signs that determine the score from the image data of a plurality of answer sheets read by the image reading unit 14. The boundary line determination unit 72 determines the boundary line of the answer frame region from the distribution analyzed by the distribution region analysis unit 71 so that the mark for determining the score falls within the answer frame region. The boundary line image data creation unit 73 creates the boundary line image data determined by the boundary line determination unit 72. The image forming unit 15 described above receives the boundary line image data created by the answer frame region image data creation unit 70 from the answer frame region image data creation unit 70, and based on the image data, the border line of the answer frame region An area designation sheet is created by forming an image on the sheet.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an answer sheet 80 processed by the image processing apparatus according to this disclosure. In FIG. 4, the marks for determining the score include answers (85, 86) to questions 1 to 7 and marks 81 to 83 for determining the score handwritten by the grader. The sign “◯ (circle mark)” is a sign 81 indicating a correct answer, the sign “× (cross mark)” is a sign 82 indicating an incorrect answer, and the sign “Δ (triangle mark)” is a sign indicating a partly correct answer. 83. Also, a numerical value 84 represented by an addition symbol (+) and a number is a numerical value for scoring entered as supplementary information for a sign for determining the score. In the case of a partial correct answer, the problem (question 7 in FIG. 4) This means an additional point (partial point) for. The answer 85 for the alternative question and the answer 86 for the description question are entered by the answerer, and the marks 81 to 83 for determining the score are manually entered by a grader different from the answerer. It is a thing.

  Next, a case where an answer sheet is processed using the multifunction machine 11 as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for specifying an answer frame area in advance using the multifunction machine 11 as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention (steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 6 omits “steps.” In addition, FIG. 6 shows a case in which the answer sheet read from the image reading unit is summed up using the multifunction machine 11 as the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows a flow (S14-S24 in FIG. 5).

  First, the grader enters a plurality of answer sheets 80 (see FIG. 4) preliminarily filled with marks for manually determining the score, and an answer frame area as shown in FIG. Next, an area designating sheet 100 for designating an area in which a mark for determining the score is entered by the grader according to the answer is prepared. The size of the area designation sheet 100 corresponds to the size of the answer sheet 80. As can be seen from the area designation sheet 100 in FIG. 7, a plurality of answer frame areas 103 are divided by boundary lines 102 in the area designation sheet 100. The area designating sheet 100 does not need to be preliminarily defined in a predetermined format. At least seven areas in the answer sheet 80 in which marks for determining scores are written for the answers to the questions 1 to 7. The grader can create it appropriately. The creation method of the area designation sheet 100 is not particularly limited, and can be created by handwriting, for example. For example, it can be created by overlaying the area designation sheet 100 on the answer sheet 80 shown in FIG. 4 and drawing the boundary lines 102 of at least seven areas on which marks for determining the scores are written on the area designation sheet 100 by handwriting. When the area designating paper 100 is created in this way, when the paper is superimposed on the answer paper 80 as a paper to be prepared for creating the area designating paper 100, an image of the lower answer paper 80 is displayed. Use paper that is thick enough to see through the text. In addition, when the boundary line 102 of the area designation sheet 100 once created is inappropriate and the identification of the sign for determining the score by the sign identification unit 51 is not performed correctly, the area designation sheet 100 may be corrected by handwriting. it can. Specifically, it is easy to draw the boundary line 102 with a correctable writing instrument such as a pencil, and if there is an inappropriate boundary line, erase the boundary line and then draw the appropriate boundary line 102 again. The area designation sheet 100 can be corrected. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a number indicating the scoring information 101 of each question may be entered for each answer frame region 103 on the region designation sheet 100.

  In this way, after preparing a plurality of answer sheets 80 preliminarily written with marks for determining scores and the area designating sheet 100, first, the original on the area designating sheet 100 is read from the image reading unit 14 (S11). . The image reading unit 14 acquires the image of the boundary line 102 by reading the document on the area designation sheet 100. At this time, the answer frame area storage unit 40 stores the four boundary lines 102 or a plurality of answer frame areas 103 surrounded by the boundary lines 102 and the edge 104 of the paper, together with their arrangement (S12). In FIG. 7, seven areas corresponding to Question 1 to Question 7 of the answer sheet 80 of FIG. 4 are shown. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when a number indicating the scoring information 101 is entered in each area, the scoring information acquisition unit 42 recognizes this number as a scoring for each area, and the recognized information as the scoring information. Is acquired (S13).

  Next, a plurality of answer sheets 80 preliminarily filled with marks for determining scores are manually read from the image reading unit 14 (S14). After the image reading unit 14 reads the originals on the plurality of answer sheets 80, the sign identifying unit 51 uses the signs 81 to 83 for determining the scores in each answer frame area 103 stored in the answer frame area storage unit 40. Are identified (S15 to S17). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sign identifying unit 51 identifies the signs 81 to 83 that determine the score in the answer frame area 93 of the answer sheet 80. The boundary line 92 in the answer sheet 80 corresponds to the boundary line 102 drawn on the area designation sheet 100, and the answer frame area 93 in the answer sheet 80 corresponds to the answer frame area 103 of the area designation sheet 100. In FIG. 8, seven areas 93 corresponding to question 1 to question 7 are shown. In the sign identifying unit 51, signs that determine the score written in each of the seven areas indicate a sign 81 indicating a correct answer (such as ○), a sign 82 indicating an incorrect answer (such as ×), and a partial correct answer. Which of the signs 83 (Δ etc.) is identified.

  Here, the score distribution unit 52 distributes the score based on the type of the sign that determines the score identified by the sign identification unit 51 and the information on the score acquired by the score information acquisition unit 42 (S18 to S20). For example, when the indicator 81 indicating the correct answer is identified in the answer frame area 93 corresponding to Question 1 (S15), the score distribution unit 52 assigns all the two points (see FIG. 7) allocated to the answer frame area for Question 1. Is added to the total score (S18). When the indicator 82 indicating an incorrect answer is identified in the answer frame area 93 corresponding to the question 4 (S16), no score is added to the answer frame area for the question 4 (S19).

  When the sign identifying unit 51 identifies a sign 83 indicating a partial correct answer in the answer frame area 93 corresponding to the question 7 (S17), a part of the 20 points assigned to the question 7 is added (S20). When the sign 83 indicating a partial correct answer is identified, for example, it may be specified that 10 points, which is half of the score, are added in advance.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the scorer may enter a scoring numerical value 84 as supplementary information of a sign for determining a score together with a sign 83 indicating a partly correct answer. The scoring numerical value 84 is a numerical value for displaying an added point (partial point) for the question (question 7 in FIG. 4) in the case of a partial correct answer, and is typically an addition symbol (+ mark) or a subtraction symbol ( -)) And a combination of numbers. When the sign identifying unit 51 identifies a sign 83 indicating a partly correct answer in a certain answer frame region, the scoring numerical value identifying unit 54 identifies whether or not the scoring numerical value 84 exists in the region. The scoring numerical value 84 is preferably written in a specific color such as red or blue so that the scoring numerical value identifying unit 54 does not mistakenly recognize the characters described in the answer. The scoring numerical value identifying unit 54 identifies the scoring numerical value 84 and adds a score corresponding to the numerical value (+5 in FIG. 8).

  In FIG. 8, a combination symbol (+) and a combination of numbers (+5) are shown as the scoring numerical value 84, but the scoring numerical value 84 may be expressed by a combination of a subtraction symbol (−) and a number. Good. In this case, the difference obtained by subtracting the numerical value from the score of the area where the numerical value 84 for scoring is entered is added as a score. For example, if a scoring numerical value of “−5” and a triangle mark (Δ) is entered in an answer frame area with 20 points, 20−5 = 15 points are added as the score of the answer frame area You may set to do.

  In one answer frame area 93, when the identification of the signs 81, 82, 83 for determining the score by the sign identification unit 51 and the distribution of the score by the score distribution unit 52 are finished, the identification object is moved to the next answer frame area. Move (S21). In this way, identification of the signs 81, 82, 83 for determining the score by the sign identification unit 51 and distribution of the score by the score distribution unit 52 are performed in all areas in the answer sheet 80. When the processing in all the areas is completed (S22), the score totaling unit 53 totals the scores in all the areas and obtains the total score on the answer sheet 80 (S23). FIG. 9 shows an example of a score table 110 showing the processing results of processing the answer sheet 80 in the multifunction machine 11. 111 is a total score. This scoring table may be formed on the paper by the image forming unit 15 and output from the discharge tray 30.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming unit 15 obtains the total score 111 of the answer sheet 80 in S23, and then determines the answer sheet 80 (the order in which the total score 111 is obtained when there are a plurality of answer sheets 80). The image showing the total score 111 obtained by the score totaling unit 53 is set to a predetermined value on the answer sheet 80 by setting it in the paper feeding unit 31, making an image formation request, and feeding the total score in the order obtained. You may make it add automatically to the location 120 of this.

  If the sign identifying unit 51 detects that there is an answer frame area 93 in which a mark for determining a score is not entered among the seven answer frame areas 93 shown in FIG. 8, the warning unit 60 issues a warning. The warning (error) message is displayed on the display unit 21 of the display operation unit 13 (S24).

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the area designation sheet 100 is created by hand has been described. However, the multifunction machine 11 includes the answer frame area image data creation unit 70 as a mechanism for automatically creating the area designation sheet 100. It may be.

  When the area designating sheet 100 is automatically created, the user first prepares a plurality of answer sheets 80 (see FIG. 4) in which signs for determining scores are manually entered in advance. The plurality of answer sheets 80 are placed on the ADF 22 and read by the image reading unit 14. At this time, the distribution area analysis unit 71 in the answer frame area image data creation unit 70 analyzes the distribution of the signs 81 to 83 for determining the scores from the image data of the plurality of answer sheets 80 read by the image reading unit 14. To do. Thereafter, the boundary line determination unit 72 determines the boundary line 131 of the answer frame region 130 from the distribution analyzed by the distribution region analysis unit 71 so that the indicators 81 to 83 for determining the scores are within the region. The situation is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis of a distribution of signs for determining scores. An area 130 in FIG. 11 is an answer frame area divided by a boundary line 131 based on the distribution of the signs 81 to 83 for determining the score. The answer frame area 130 includes ○, ×, Δ, and the like in the answer sheet 80. The distribution of labels that determine the score is shown. The distribution region analysis unit 71 analyzes the distribution status of the signs that determine these scores. From the distribution of the signs analyzed by the distribution area analysis unit 71, the boundary line determination unit 72 sets the boundary lines of the answer frame area so that the signs 81 to 83 for determining the scores fall within the answer frame area 130 for each problem. 131 is determined. Based on the information on the boundary line 131 determined by the boundary line determination unit 72, the boundary line image data creation unit 73 creates image data of the boundary line 131 in the answer frame region 130. The image data created by the boundary line image data creation unit 73 is transmitted to the image forming unit 15, and the image forming unit 15 that has received the image data receives the image of the boundary line 131 in the answer frame region 130 based on the image data. Is formed on the paper. The sheet on which the image of the boundary line 131 is formed is discharged onto the discharge tray 30. As described above, the area designating paper 100 can be created not only by handwriting but also automatically by using the function of the multifunction machine 11.

  The mode for reading the area designation sheet 100 and the mode for reading the answer sheet 80 for scoring can be switched by operating the display unit 21 of the display operation unit 13. FIG. 12 shows an example of such a display screen of the display unit 21 for selecting the reading mode. When the user presses the reading mode selection request key 201, a key 202 for selecting a mode for reading the area designating sheet 100 and a key 203 for selecting a mode for reading the answer sheet 80 and scoring are displayed. When the user designates an area before scoring, the user presses the key 202 to read the area designation sheet 100 from the image reading unit 14. Based on the read image, the answer frame area storage unit 40 stores each answer frame area. When a number indicating the scoring information 101 is entered on the area designation sheet 100, the scoring information acquisition unit 42 acquires scoring information. On the other hand, when scoring the answer sheet 80, the answer sheet 80 is placed on the ADF 22 and the key 203 is pressed. As a result, the image reading unit 14 reads the answer sheet 80 and a series of scoring processes are performed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, marks 81, 82, 83 for determining the score such as ◯ (circle), x (cross), Δ (triangle), and scoring numerical value 84 representing a partial point. May be written in a specific color different from the color used by the answerer, such as red or blue, to distinguish it from the letters of the answer entered by the answerer. In this case, it is preferable that the label identifying unit 51 and the scoring numerical value identifying unit 54 have a function of selectively identifying a specific color marker or numeral.

  The colors for representing the scoring information 101 and the boundary line 102 described on the area designation sheet 100 are not particularly limited. The color to be read by the image reading unit 14 can be appropriately changed according to the colors representing the boundary line 102 and the point information 101, respectively.

  When updating the answer frame area 103, another answer frame area designating sheet 100 in which the boundary line 102 of the new answer frame area 103 is entered is prepared, and the answer frame area designating sheet is read by the image reading unit 14. The answer frame area 103 can be updated simply by making it.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mark 81 indicating the correct answer, the mark 82 indicating the incorrect answer, and the mark 83 indicating the partial correct answer are respectively represented by ◯, ×, and Δ, but the marks are not limited thereto. Other signs and characters can be used as signs. In addition, it is preferable that the display representing the mark for determining the score can be appropriately switched according to the scorer's preference and custom. For example, a check mark may be used in place of ○ as a sign indicating a correct answer overseas. In this case, it is preferable that the multifunction machine 11 can be set so that a sign indicating a correct answer can be switched from a circle mark to a check mark.

  The above is a series of flows. However, the said embodiment is an illustration, Comprising: A part of above-mentioned step and structure can also be abbreviate | omitted. For example, it is also possible to separately prepare scoring data without describing the scoring information 101 on the area designating paper 100, and the scoring information acquisition unit 42 can acquire scoring information in each answer frame region from the scoring data.

  The scoring numerical value identification unit 54 can also be omitted. When the sign identifying unit 51 identifies the display 83 indicating a partly valid, a predetermined score (for example, half the score) may be set to be added.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the warning unit 60 gives a warning, a warning (error) message is displayed on the display unit 21 of the display operation unit 13 (S24), but the warning method is not limited to this. For example, the image processing apparatus may be configured to emit a warning sound, or a warning message may be displayed on the display of the computers 26a to 26c. Further, the sheet on which the error message is printed may be discharged from the discharge tray 30.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention may not have the image forming unit 15. As described above, after obtaining the total score 111 of the answer sheet 80 in S23, the image forming unit 15 uses the answer sheet 80 (if there are a plurality of answer sheets 80, the order in which the total score 111 is determined is not changed). ) An image showing the total score 111 obtained by the totalization processing unit is automatically set to a predetermined portion 120 of the answer sheet 80 by setting the paper feed unit 31, making an image formation request, and feeding in the order in which the total score is obtained. The added print is output, but this function can be omitted. In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the paper feed unit 31 is not necessarily provided. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet and outputs it as a score table 110 as shown in FIG. It is not limited. For example, the total result may be displayed on the display unit 21. In addition, the counting results may be transmitted as electronic data to the computers 26a to 26c, or when an output device such as a USB port is provided, it may be stored in a recording medium such as a USB memory. Further, it may be transmitted by facsimile from the facsimile communication unit 17 through the public line 24.

  Further, the function of automatically creating the area designating paper 100 in the multifunction machine 11 as shown in FIG. 11 can be omitted. That is, the answer frame region image data creation unit 70, and the distribution region analysis unit 71, the boundary line determination unit 72, and the boundary line image data creation unit 73 included in the answer frame region image data creation unit 70 can be omitted. As described above, the area designation sheet 100 can be created by handwriting.

  Furthermore, it is possible to omit the warning unit 60 that issues a warning when the sign identifying unit 51 detects one or more answer frame regions in which no mark for determining the score is written.

  It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention facilitates designation of an area for identifying a sign in an automatic image processing apparatus that requires processing for designating an answer frame area in which a mark for determining a score is manually entered in advance before scoring. And having the advantage that the area once specified can be easily updated. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied as an automatic image processing apparatus for answer sheets containing answers to descriptive questions whose answer frames are not constant.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Multifunctional device, 12 Control part, 13 Display operation part, 14 Image reading part, 15 Image formation part, 16 Hard disk, 17 Facsimile communication part, 18 Network interface part, 21 Display part, 22 ADF, 23 Developing apparatus, 24 Public line , 25 network, 26a, 26b, 26c computer, 27 image processing system, 30 discharge tray, 31 paper feed unit, 40 answer frame area storage unit, 42 scoring information acquisition unit, 50 counting processing unit, 51 sign identification unit, 52 scoring Allocation unit, 53 score totaling unit, 54 scoring numerical identification unit, 60 warning unit, 70 answer frame region image data creation unit, 71 distribution region analysis unit, 72 boundary line determination unit, 73 boundary line image data creation unit, 80 answer Paper, 81 Sign for correct answer, 82 Sign for incorrect answer, 83 Partially correct answer Case Marks, 84 Scoring Values, 85 Answers, 86 Answers, 92 Boundary Lines, 93 Answer Frame Areas, 100 Area Designation Form, 101 Scoring Information, 102 Boundary Lines, 103 Answer Frame Areas, 104 Edges of Paper, 110 Scores Table, 111 total points, 120 total point description location, 130 answer frame area, 131 boundary line, 201 reading mode selection request key, 202 selection key, 203 selection key.

Claims (10)

Based on the created answer frame area designation form, specify in advance an answer frame area in which a mark for manually determining a score is entered in advance in the answer sheet, and identify the sign in the answer frame area An image processing apparatus for summing up the scores on the answer sheet,
An image reading unit that acquires image data by reading an image of a document;
Based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit reading a plurality of answer sheets in which the mark for manually determining the score is written, the mark for determining the score from the distribution of the mark is within a predetermined area. An answer frame region image data creation unit that creates image data of the boundary line by defining a boundary line of the answer frame region so as to fit in
By receiving the boundary line image data created by the answer frame region image data creation unit from the answer frame region image data creation unit, and forming the boundary line image on a sheet based on the image data, An image forming unit for creating the answer frame area designating paper on which the boundary line is drawn for designating the answer frame area;
An answer frame area storage unit that stores each answer frame area based on image data acquired by the image reading unit reading an image of the answer frame area designating sheet ;
A scoring information acquisition unit that acquires scoring information in each answer frame region stored in the answer frame region storage unit;
In the image data of the answer sheet obtained by reading the image of the answer sheet by the image reading unit, the sign in each answer frame area stored in the answer frame area storage unit is identified, and the identified sign comprising of a kind, and a counting processing unit for calculating a total score in response to said dispensing point information acquisition unit has acquired allocated points information,
The answer frame region image data creation unit
From the image data of the plurality of answer sheets read by the image reading unit, a distribution region analysis unit that analyzes the distribution of the signs that determine the score;
From the distribution analyzed by the distribution area analysis unit, a boundary line determination unit that determines a boundary line of the answer frame region so that a mark for determining the score is within the answer frame region;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a boundary line image data creation unit that creates image data of the boundary line determined by the boundary line determination unit .   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit includes a first mode in which the answer frame area designation sheet is read and a second mode in which the answer sheet is read for scoring. . The aggregation processing unit includes a marker identifying unit that identifies a marker for determining the score in each answer frame region stored in the answer frame region storage unit;
A score distribution unit that distributes scores to each answer frame region based on the information identified by the sign identification unit and the information on the scoring acquired by the scoring information acquisition unit;
The score the score allocation unit is allocated to each of the answer frame area, and a score totaling unit for obtaining the aggregated total score in all answer frame region in the answer sheet, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . The answer frame area designating sheet includes information on the scoring of each answer frame area,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring information acquisition unit acquires the scoring information from the image data of the answer frame area designation sheet read by the image reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the marker identifying unit can selectively identify a marker of a specific color. Moreover, the answer frame region, identifies the grading numerical values entered as supplementary information of the label to determine the score, and a grading numerical identification unit that reflects the score, any one of claims 1 to 5 An image processing apparatus according to 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the scoring numerical value identification unit can selectively identify a numerical value of a specific color. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning when one or more answer frame areas in which a mark for determining the score is not written are detected. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a sign that determines the score that can be identified by the sign identifying unit can be switched to another sign. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit further adds an image indicating the total score calculated by the totalization processing unit to a predetermined portion of the answer sheet.

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