JP7380319B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Technologies for reading documents and performing character recognition are known.

Patent Document 1 defines logical layout information of the item names and entry frames of the form, and compares the relative positional relationship of the frame area extracted from the image of the form with the physical layout information, thereby determining the item names and entry frames of the form image. A device is described that identifies a frame area corresponding to a writing frame and performs character recognition of at least the frame area identified as the writing frame.

Patent Document 2 discloses that a rectangle circumscribing a series of white pixels is extracted from image data of an input form, a rectangle having a size larger than a threshold value is determined as an entry frame, and the physical state of the item obtained from the determined entry frame is A device is described that compares the physical arrangement relationship with definition information and determines the type of entry frame.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-207981 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-119491

Incidentally, there are cases in which the contents of items to be read from a document are defined in advance by the user, and the document is read in accordance with the definition. In this case, it is conceivable to target multiple types of documents and define the contents of items to be read separately for each document. However, with this definition method, definitions that are common among multiple types of documents must be redefined for each document, and the burden on the user increases as the number of document types increases.

In order to deal with this, common definition data, which is data that defines common content among items read in multiple documents, and individual definition data, which is defined for each document to read the content of items from documents, are used. It is conceivable to create them and link them to documents. However, when defining the individual definition data, the user needs to keep the actual document at hand and define while looking at the actual document, which takes time and effort.

An object of the present invention is to set common definition data and individual definition data for a document, and when defining the individual definition data, the user's individual definition data The purpose is to reduce the effort required to define the .

The invention according to claim 1 has a processor, and the processor is configured to read a document to which common definition data that defines the content of an item common to a plurality of documents among the items read in the document is linked; This information processing apparatus displays on the same screen a screen in which a user associates individual definition data that defines the contents of items individually for each document among the items to be read, with the document.

In the invention according to claim 2, when an area on the displayed document is specified by the user, the processor further includes a screen for setting the individual definition data for the specified area on the same screen. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus displays the information.

In the invention according to claim 3, the individual definition data is data that defines a layout of the items in the document, and the processor further displays a plurality of documents on the same screen, and If the user specifies an area on each displayed document for the item, the specified area is defined in the individual definition data as an area where the content of the item is read. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the processor further displays a screen for switching the definition data linked to the document to either common definition data or individual definition data. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the processor further proposes individual definition data common to a plurality of documents to the user as common definition data. The information processing device described in .

The invention according to claim 6 provides a computer with a document associated with common definition data that defines the contents of items common to a plurality of documents among the items read in the document, and This is a program that displays on the same screen a screen where the user associates individual definition data that defines the contents of items individually for each document with the document.

According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 6, when setting common definition data and individual definition data for a document, when defining the individual definition data, compared to when the actual document is kept at hand. , it is possible to reduce the effort of defining the user's individual definition data.

According to the invention according to claim 2, when defining individual definition data for an area on a document, the effort of the user to define the individual definition data can be reduced compared to when the actual document is kept at hand. I can do it.

According to the invention according to claim 3, when defining areas on a plurality of documents as areas where the contents of items are read, it is possible to define the user's individual definition data, compared to the case where the actual document is kept at hand. This can reduce the effort required to do so.

According to the invention according to claim 4, definition data can be switched to common definition data or individual definition data.

According to the invention according to claim 5, it is possible to notify the user of individual definition data common to a plurality of documents.

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of document definition data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a form, common definition data, and individual definition data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing definition data according to a comparative example. It is a figure showing a screen. It is a figure showing a screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a form and common definition data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of document definition data according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a document to be linked and an individual definition setting screen. It is a figure showing a common definition setting screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an editing screen. It is a figure showing a screen.

<First embodiment>
Referring to FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment.

The information processing device 10 is a device used to create document definition data, which is data that defines the contents of items read from a document, and is, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a workstation, or a tablet terminal. , a smartphone, a scanner, a multifunction device (for example, a device including a scanner and a printer), or a digital camera. For example, document definition data is used to read a document and perform character recognition (eg, OCR (Optical Character Recognition)).

Here, the document definition data will be explained. The document definition data is data in which document data representing a document, common definition data, and individual definition data are linked. To explain in more detail, a frame is extracted from document data, and the frame data representing the frame, common definition data, and individual definition data are linked to create document definition data. A frame is an area surrounded by lines or symbols (for example, symbols such as parentheses), etc., and is, for example, an area where characters are expected to be written (for example, an entry field on a form, etc.). ), or areas where it is not expected that characters or the like will be entered. The information processing device 10 performs the linking.

The type and format of document data are not particularly limited. The concept of document data includes, for example, image data representing a document, text data, document data created by word processor software, spreadsheet data created by spreadsheet software, data displayed by a web browser, etc. It will be done.

Common definition data is data that defines the contents of common items among items read in multiple documents. Items to be read in a document are items that are subject to character recognition processing such as OCR processing, that is, items whose characters, symbols, etc. are read by character recognition processing. For example, the items read correspond to frames in the document. Specifically, the common definition data includes the name of the item to be read, the dictionary type of the item to be read (for example, the dictionary used for character recognition processing, such as alphanumeric characters, numbers, company names, and other general dictionaries). This is data that defines the type (type) and the format of the item to be read (for example, the format of characters, numbers, etc.). These are just examples, and other content that is common among multiple documents may be defined in the common definition data.

Individual definition data is data that individually defines the contents of items for each document among the items read in a document. For example, individual definition data is data that defines the layout of items in a document. Specifically, the individual definition data includes the layout of the frame extracted from the document (for example, its position in the document), the type of frame, and the type of dictionary used in character recognition processing (for example, the type of dictionary applied to handwritten text). This is data that defines dictionaries, dictionaries applied to printed text, etc.). In addition, reading mask settings, confidence thresholds, etc. may be defined in the individual definition data. As described above, the items extracted from the document correspond to the items to be read, and the layout of the frame corresponds to the layout (for example, the position in the document) of the item corresponding to the frame. The positions of frames may be determined by absolute coordinates in the document, or may be determined by relative positions between frames. The type of dictionary defined by the individual definition data is the type of dictionary not defined by the common definition data. These are just examples, and contents of items that should be individually defined for each document may also be defined in the individual definition data. For example, the contents of items that are not common among multiple documents may be defined in individual definition data for each document.

As described above, common definition data and individual definition data are used as definition data. For example, the names of items common to multiple documents are defined in common definition data, and the layouts of the items are defined in individual definition data for each document. For example, although the name of an item to be read is common to multiple documents, the layout of the item may differ from document to document. To explain with a specific example, if both documents A and B include a column in which a name is entered, that column corresponds to an item common to documents A and B, and the name is written in document A. , B corresponds to the name of the common item. On the other hand, the layout of the column may be different between documents A and B, such that in document A, the column is written at the top, and in document B, it is written at the bottom. In this way, although the name of the item to be read is common to documents A and B, the layout of the item may be different between documents A and B. In this case, the name of the item is defined in the common definition data common to documents A and B, the layout of the item in document A is defined in the individual definition data of document A, and the name of the item in document B is defined in the individual definition data of document A. The layout is defined in document B's individual definition data. In other words, the layout of that item is defined in separate individual definition data.

Note that in the document definition data, a plurality of different common definition data or a plurality of different individual definition data may be linked to frame data.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes, for example, a communication device 12, a UI 14, a memory 16, and a processor 18. The information processing device 10 may include configurations other than these. For example, if the information processing device 10 is a multifunction device, the information processing device 10 may include a scanner and a printer.

The communication device 12 is a communication interface (for example, a network interface, etc.) having a communication chip or the like, and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data transmitted from other devices.

The UI 14 is a user interface and includes at least one of a display device and an operation device. The display device is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The operating device is a keyboard, input keys, operation panel, or the like. The UI 14 may be a UI such as a touch panel that functions as both a display device and an operation device.

The memory 16 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 16 is, for example, a hard disk drive, various types of memory (eg, RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (eg, optical disk, etc.), or a combination thereof.

The processor 18 is configured to control the operation of each part of the information processing device 10. Processor 18 may include memory. The processor 18 is configured to link common definition data and individual definition data to frame data for each document.

The functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10.

The common definition creation unit 20 is configured to create common definition data common to a plurality of documents. For example, when the name of the item, dictionary type, format, etc. to be defined in the common definition data are specified by the operator, the common definition creation unit 20 creates common definition data that defines them. Further, the common definition creation unit 20 may edit, delete, or select the created common definition data. The common definition creation unit 20 may create a plurality of different common definition data.

The common definition storage unit 22 is configured to store common definition data created by the common definition creation unit 20. For example, the common definition data is stored in the common definition storage unit 22 in association with common definition identification information that is information for identifying the common definition data.

The individual definition creation unit 24 is configured to create individual definition data for each document. For example, when the layout of the frame to be defined in the individual definition data (that is, the layout of the items corresponding to the frame), the type of frame, the type of dictionary, etc. is specified by the operator, the individual definition creation unit 24 , create individual definition data that defines them. For example, individual definition identification information, which is information for identifying individual definition data, is linked to individual definition data. The individual definition creation unit 24 may create a plurality of different individual definition data.

The document reception unit 26 is configured to receive document data. For example, when a document is read by a scanner or the like, image data representing the document is created, and the document reception unit 26 receives the image data. Of course, the document reception unit 26 may accept document data having a format other than image data.

The frame extraction unit 28 is configured to extract a frame included in the document represented by the document data from the document data received by the document reception unit 26, and create frame data that is data representing the frame. . As a technique for extracting frames, for example, a known technique is used.

The frame identification unit 30 is configured to identify a frame for each document to which document definition data is linked. Frame identification is identifying a frame that corresponds to an item defined by common definition data and has a layout defined by individual definition data. For example, the frame identification unit 30 selects a layout corresponding to the layout of the frame extracted from the document data to be linked (for example, a layout that matches the layout of the extracted frame) from a plurality of different individually defined data. Identify the individual definition data to be defined, and select the item corresponding to the item included in the document represented by the document data to be linked (for example, the item that matches the item included in the document) from among multiple different common definition data. Identify the common definition data to be defined. Note that the identification of the frame may be performed by an operator.

The document definition creation unit 32 is configured to create document definition data by linking the frame data of the document data to be linked with the common definition data and the individual definition data identified by the frame identification unit 30. ing.

The document definition storage unit 34 is configured to store document definition data created by the document definition creation unit 32. For example, document definition identification information, which is information for identifying document definition data, is linked to document definition data.

Note that the common definition data itself included in the document definition data is stored in the common definition storage unit 22, and information for referencing the common definition data (for example, common definition identification information) is included in the document definition data and is stored in the common definition storage unit 22. It may be stored in the definition storage unit 34. That is, the frame data, the common definition identification information, and the individual definition data may be stored in the document definition storage unit 34 in a linked manner. In this case, by referring to the common definition identification information, it is possible to specify the common definition data linked to the combination of frame data and individual definition data, and to acquire the common definition data from the common definition storage unit 22. can.

The common definition creation section 20, the individual definition creation section 24, the document reception section 26, the frame extraction section 28, the frame identification section 30, and the document definition creation section 32 are realized by the processor 18. Memory 16 may be used in its implementation. Further, the common definition storage section 22 and the document definition storage section 34 are realized by the memory 16.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, processing by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the processing.

First, it is determined whether common definition data has been created (S01). This determination is made by processor 18.

If common definition data has been created (S01, Yes), the common definition data is selected (S02). For example, one or more common definition data may be displayed on the display device of the UI 14 and one or more common definition data may be selected by an operator, or one or more common definition data may be selected by the processor 18. Good too. Note that the created common definition data is stored in the common definition storage section 22.

If common definition data has not been created (S01, No), common definition data is created (S03). For example, the common definition creation unit 20 creates one or more pieces of common definition data that define the content specified by the operator. The created common definition data is stored in the common definition storage section 22.

Further, the individual definition creation unit 24 creates individual definition data (S04). For example, the individual definition creation unit 24 creates one or more pieces of individual definition data that define the content specified by the operator.

Next, the document reception unit 26 receives document data to be linked (S05).

Next, the frame extraction unit 28 extracts a frame from the document data to be linked, thereby creating frame data that is data representing the frame (S06).

Next, the frame identification unit 30 identifies the common definition data to be linked to the frame data of the document data to be linked, based on the common definition data, individual definition data, and frame data, by performing a process of identifying frames. The individual definition data is specified (S07).

Next, the document definition creation unit 32 creates document definition data by associating the frame data extracted from the document data to be linked with the common definition data and individual definition data specified by the frame identification unit 30. Create (S08). This document definition data is stored in the document definition storage section 34.

Here, the structure of the document definition data will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of its structure.

Here, common definition data 36 and individual definition data 38 are created. The document data 40 to be linked is received, and a frame is extracted from the document data 40, thereby creating frame data 42 that is data representing the frame. By identifying the frame, the common definition data 36 and the individual definition data 38 that are linked to the frame data 42 are specified. Then, document definition data 44 is created by linking frame data 42, common definition data 36, and individual definition data 38.

The common definition data will be explained below with specific examples. Here, a specific example will be explained using a form, which is an example of a document.

For example, if the form is a bill, one or more items shown below are items that are read from the form and can be defined in the common definition data.
1. Invoice number: alphanumeric, dictionary [alphanumeric], 10 digits2. Product name: String, dictionary [general]
3. Amount: Numerical value (amount), Dictionary [number]
4. Business partner name: string, dictionary [company name]
5. Quantity: Numerical value, dictionary [number]
6. Payment deadline: date, dictionary [date]

[1. Invoice number], [2. Product name], [3. Amount], [4. Business partners], [5. quantity], and [6. Payment deadline] is an example of the name of the item to be read. This form includes [1. Invoice number], [2. Product name], [3. Amount], [4. Business partners], [5. quantity] and [6. It is assumed that characters, symbols, etc. will be entered in each entry field. The entry column for each item is configured by a frame. In other words, the area inside the frame corresponds to the entry field. The layout of the frame is defined in the individual definition data. The type of dictionary for each item is an example of the type of dictionary used in character recognition processing. For example, the dictionary [alphanumeric characters] is a dictionary that specializes in alphanumeric characters. Character strings and numerical values are examples of the format of the content to be read. Also, the number of characters and number of digits are defined.

For example, item [1. Invoice number] input field is an input field in which 10 digit alphanumeric characters are expected to be entered. Since it is assumed that alphanumeric characters will be entered, a dictionary specializing in alphanumeric characters will be used for item [1. Invoice number]. In addition, item [2. The [Product Name] input field is an input field in which a character string is expected to be entered. Since it is assumed that character strings are entered, general dictionaries have items [2. Product name]. The same applies to other items. For example, the name of each item, the dictionary and format used, etc. are defined by the operator, and the common definition creation unit 20 creates common definition data representing the definition.

The individual definition data will be explained below with specific examples.

For example, on the first line of the form, [1. Invoice number] input field is entered, and the second line is [4. Business partner name], [2. Product name], [5. quantity] and [3. The input fields for [Amount] are entered in that order, and the third line is [6. The input field for "Payment and delivery date" shall be entered. In this case, the layout of each item in this form is defined as follows.
1 {Print, ladder frame}
4 {Print, text frame} & 2 {Handwriting, text frame} & 5 {Handwriting, text frame} & 3 {Handwriting, ladder frame}
6 {Print, text frame}

For example, item [1. The input field for "Invoice number" is an input field written in the first line, and is an input field in which alphanumeric characters are expected to be written by hand. A "ladder frame" is an example of a frame format. For example, a plurality of frames are connected to form one frame as a whole, and that one frame is defined as a "ladder frame." Item [1. The input field for "Invoice number" is an input field configured by a ladder frame, and is an input field in which alphanumeric characters are expected to be written by hand. A "text frame" is an example of a frame format, and is, for example, a frame composed of only one frame. For example, the printed or handwritten format, the frame format, etc. are defined by the operator, and the individual definition creation unit 24 creates individual definition data representing the definition.

The common definition data and the individual definition data will be explained in detail below using a specific example of a form. FIG. 5 shows an example of a form, common definition data, and individual definition data. FIG. 5 shows forms A, B, and C as an example. Forms A, B, and C include items [1. Invoice number], item [2. Product name] and item [3. Amount] input fields are formed.

Individual definition data 46 is individual definition data for form A, individual definition data 48 is individual definition data for form B, and individual definition data 50 is individual definition data for form C. The individual definition data 46, 48, and 50 are different individual definition data.

In each individual definition data, item [1. Invoice number] input field, item [2. Product name] input field and item [3. The layout (for example, coordinates in the form), frame format, and character format are defined for each of the input fields for [Amount].

For example, item [1. Invoice number] input field layout (for example, coordinates in form A), the input field frame format is "ladder frame", and the text format is "handwritten" format. It is defined in the individual definition data 46. The same applies to other items. The same applies to the individual definition data 48 and 50.

The common definition data 52 is data that defines common contents among the items read in forms A, B, and C. Forms A, B, and C include items [1. Invoice number], item [2. Product name] and item [3. The input fields for [amount of money] are described, and the name of each item, the dictionary used for each item, the format, etc. are common among forms A, B, and C. For example, in forms A, B, and C, item [1. It is assumed that 10 digits of alphanumeric characters will be entered in the input field of "Invoice number", and that a dictionary specialized for alphanumeric characters will be used in the character recognition process. Since these contents are common among forms A, B, and C, these contents are defined in the common definition data 52 of forms A, B, and C. Item [2. Product name] and item [3. The same applies to the amount].

Form definition data 54 is document definition data for form A. In other words, the form definition data 54 is definition data in which frame data representing a frame extracted from the form A, the individual definition data 46, and the common definition data 52 are linked.

Form definition data 56 is document definition data for form B. In other words, the form definition data 56 is definition data in which frame data representing a frame extracted from the form B, the individual definition data 48, and the common definition data 52 are linked.

Form definition data 58 is document definition data for form C. That is, the form definition data 58 is definition data in which frame data representing a frame extracted from the form C, the individual definition data 50, and the common definition data 52 are linked.

For example, the frame identification unit 30 identifies individual definition data 46 that defines a layout that matches the layout of each frame extracted from form A from among individual definition data 46, 48, and 50. Furthermore, the frame identification unit 30 identifies common definition data 52 that defines an item that matches the item in form A from among a plurality of different common definition data. For example, the frame identification unit 30 extracts a character string indicating the name of each item in the form A by executing a character recognition process on the document data representing the form A, and selects the item with the extracted name. The common definition data 52 to be defined is specified. Then, the document definition creation unit 32 links the individual definition data 46 and the common definition data 52 to frame data, which is data representing each frame extracted from the form A. Of course, the operator may link the individual definition data 46 and the common definition data 52 to the frame data of form A. The same applies to forms B and C.

The frame data of the form A, the common definition identification information that is information for identifying the common definition data 52, and the individual definition data 46 are linked and stored in the document definition storage unit 34. Similarly, the frame data of the form B, the common definition identification information of the common definition data 52, and the individual definition data 48 are linked and stored in the document definition storage section 34. Similarly, the frame data of the form C, the common definition identification information of the common definition data 52, and the individual definition data 48 are linked and stored in the document definition storage section 34. The common definition data 52 is stored in the common definition storage section 22.

For example, when characters, symbols, etc. are entered in form A by a filler, and character recognition processing such as OCR processing is performed on the completed form A, the form definition data 54 is used in the character recognition process. . Specifically, the common definition data 52, which is common definition data stored in the common definition storage unit 22 and is identified by the common definition identification information linked to the frame data of form A, and the document definition storage Character recognition processing is performed on the completed form A using the individual definition data 46 stored in the section 34 and linked to the frame data of the form A. For example, regarding completed form A, item [1. Invoice number] input field position, frame format, character format, etc. are specified from the definition contents of the individual definition data 46, and the input field [1. In accordance with the definition contents of the common definition data 52, character recognition processing using a dictionary specializing in alphanumeric characters is performed on the input field of "Invoice number". The same applies to forms B and C.

As described above, the common definition data 52 is shared by the form definition data of each form. For example, when the common definition data 52 is edited by the common definition creation unit 20, the document definition creation unit 32 applies the editing to each form (for example, forms A, B, and C) linked to the common definition data 52. be reflected in. Specifically, the document definition creation unit 32 reflects the editing on the form definition data 54 , 56 , 58 including the common definition identification information of the common definition data 52 . In other words, the form definition data 54, 56, and 58 are linked to the common definition identification information of one common definition data 52, so when the common definition data 52 is edited, the form definition data 54, 56, and 58 are Edits made to the common definition data 52 are reflected in the form definition data 54, 56, and 58 without having to be edited individually.

A comparative example will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows definition data according to a comparative example. Definition data 60 is definition data related to a comparative example of form A, definition data 62 is definition data related to a comparative example of form B, and definition data 64 is definition data related to a comparative example of form C. It is data. Forms A, B, and C shown in FIG. 6 are the same forms as forms A, B, and C shown in FIG. 5. In the comparative example, common definition data and individual definition data are not distinguished, and definition data including all definition contents is created for each form.

In the comparative example, when editing the definition data, it is necessary to edit the definition data for each form, even when changing the content common to forms A, B, and C. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the common definition data 52 is edited, the editing is reflected in the form definition data of each form A, B, and C.

Hereinafter, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

Processor 18 may display common items read in multiple documents to a user (eg, a worker). This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device.

As an example, forms A, B, and C are documents to be linked, and the document data of each form A, B, and C is received by the document reception unit 26. The processor 18 displays the images of the forms A, B, and C side by side on the screen 66. Note that the screen 66 may be displayed on the display device of the UI 14, or may be displayed on a terminal device (for example, a personal computer, etc.) used by the worker.

Forms A, B, and C have respective input fields (for example, input fields composed of frames) for the item [invoice number], item [product name], and item [amount], and the character string The "invoice number", the character string "product name", and the character string "amount" are listed. The processor 18 extracts these character strings by executing character recognition processing on the document data of each of forms A, B, and C. These character strings are common character strings extracted from each of forms A, B, and C. In this case, the processor 18 displays these character strings on the screen 66 as keywords common to forms A, B, and C, as indicated by reference numeral 68. The processor 18 also suggests to the worker that items common to forms A, B, and C (for example, item [invoice number], item [product name], and item [amount]) be included in the common definition data. A message may be displayed on screen 66.

When the operator selects a specific keyword from common keywords using the UI 14 or the like, the processor 18 may include an item corresponding to the selected keyword in the common definition data. For example, item [1. Invoice number] is selected by the worker, the processor 18 selects item [1. Invoice number] is included in the common definition data.

Furthermore, the processor 18 may distinguish between items that are common to the plurality of documents and other items that are not common among the plurality of documents, and display the items on the display device. This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device.

As an example, forms A, D, and E are documents to be linked, and the document data of each form A, D, and E is received by the document reception unit 26. The processor 18 displays the images of the forms A, D, and E side by side on the screen 66.

Forms A, D, and E have an input field for the item [invoice number] and an input field for the item [amount], and these items are common to the forms A, D, and E. In this case, the processor 18 displays the common items more emphatically than the non-common items, as shown by the broken line in FIG. For example, processor 18 may surround common items with a line having a particular color, or gray out items that are not common.

Moreover, a plurality of common definition data may be linked to frame data. This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows an example of a form and common definition data. For example, common definition data 70 is linked to each frame data of forms A, B, C, D, and E. Furthermore, common definition data 72 is linked to each frame data of forms D and E. In other words, common definition data 70 and 72 are linked to each frame data of forms D and E. Common definition data 70 is data that defines the contents of items 1, 2, and 3, and common definition data 72 is definition data that defines the contents of items 4 and 5. Since the contents of items 1, 2, and 3 are common to forms A, B, C, D, and E, the common definition data 70 is linked to each frame data of forms A, B, C, D, and E. Can be attached. Since the contents of items 4 and 5 are common to forms D and E, common definition data 72 is linked to the frame data of forms D and E, respectively. By doing so, character recognition processing is performed on forms D and E without separately creating common definition data that defines all items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, a document to which common definition data is linked and a screen for a user (for example, a worker) to link individual definition data to the document are displayed on the same screen. The operator can set the individual definition data while referring to the document displayed on the same screen.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10A. Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10A is the same as the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The common definition creation unit 74 is configured to create common definition data similarly to the common definition creation unit 20 according to the first embodiment.

The common definition storage unit 76 is configured to store common definition data created by the common definition creation unit 74, similar to the common definition storage unit 76 according to the first embodiment.

The document reception unit 78 is configured to receive document data, similar to the document reception unit 26 according to the first embodiment.

Similar to the frame extraction unit 28 according to the first embodiment, the frame extraction unit 80 extracts a frame from the document data received by the document reception unit 78, and creates frame data that is data representing the frame. It is configured.

The frame identification unit 82 is configured to identify, for each document to which document definition data is linked, a frame corresponding to an item defined by the common definition data. For example, the frame identification unit 82 defines an item corresponding to an item included in a document represented by document data to be linked (for example, an item that matches an item included in the document) from among a plurality of different common definition data. Identify common definition data. Note that by using a known technique described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-258706, etc., frames may be identified using common definition data without using individual definition data. For example, the frame identification unit 82 extracts a frame from the document data to be linked, extracts a character string existing in the vicinity of the frame, and identifies the name of the item indicated by the extracted character string and the common definition data. By comparing the name of the item to be defined, common definition data that defines the item corresponding to the item included in the document represented by the document data is identified. For example, the frame identification unit 82 identifies common definition data that defines an item having the same name as the name of the item indicated by the extracted character string.

The document definition creation unit 84 is configured to link the frame data of the document data to be linked and the common definition data specified by the frame identification unit 82. The mutually linked frame data and common definition data are stored in the document definition storage section 86.

The document definition storage unit 86 is configured to store frame data and common definition data linked by the document definition creation unit 84. Similar to the first embodiment, the common definition data itself is stored in the common definition storage unit 76, and common definition identification information, which is information for referring to the common definition data, is linked to the frame data to define the document definition. It may be stored in the storage unit 86.

The individual definition creation unit 88 is configured to create individual definition data for each document, similarly to the individual definition creation unit 24 according to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the individual definition creation unit 88 creates individual definition data for frame data and common definition data that are linked together. The created individual definition data is output to the document definition creation section 84.

When the document definition creation unit 84 receives the individual definition data from the individual definition creation unit 88, it creates document definition data by linking the individual definition data to the mutually linked frame data and common definition data. The document definition data is stored in the document definition storage section 86.

The common definition creation unit 74, the document reception unit 78, the frame extraction unit 80, the frame identification unit 82, the document definition creation unit 84, and the individual definition creation unit 88 are realized by the processor 18. Memory 16 may be used in its implementation. Further, the common definition storage section 76 and the document definition storage section 86 are realized by the memory 16.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, processing by the information processing apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart showing the processing.

First, it is determined whether common definition data has been created (S10). This determination is made by processor 18.

If common definition data has been created (S10, Yes), the common definition data is selected (S11). The created common definition data is stored in the common definition storage section 76.

If common definition data has not been created (S10, No), common definition data is created (S12). The created common definition data is stored in the common definition storage section 76.

Next, the document receiving unit 78 receives document data to be linked (S13).

Next, the frame extraction unit 80 extracts a frame from the document data to be linked, thereby creating frame data that is data representing the frame (S14).

Next, the frame identification unit 82 identifies common definition data to be linked to the frame data of the document data to be linked, based on the common definition data and the frame data, by performing a process of identifying frames ( S15).

Next, the document definition creation unit 84 links the frame data extracted from the document data to be linked with the common definition data specified by the frame identification unit 82 (S16). The mutually linked frame data and common definition data are stored in the document definition storage section 86.

Next, the processor 18 displays on the same screen the document represented by the document data to be linked and a screen for the user (for example, a worker) to link the individual definition data to the document (S17). To explain in more detail, the processor 18 causes the document represented by the document data to be linked and the screen for linking the individual definition data to the frame data of the document data to be displayed on the same screen. Hereinafter, the screen for linking individual definition data to frame data will be referred to as the "individual definition setting screen." For example, on the display device of the UI 14, the document and the individual definition setting screen are displayed on the same screen.

Next, the operator uses the UI 14 to set individual definition data for the document displayed on the same screen (S18).

The document definition creation unit 84 creates document definition data by linking the individual definition data set in step S18 with the frame data of the document data representing the document and the common definition data (S19). This document definition data is stored in the document definition storage section 86.

Here, the structure of document definition data will be explained with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure.

Here, common definition data 90 has been created. Document data 92 to be linked is received, and a frame is extracted from the document data 92, thereby creating frame data 94 that is data representing the frame. By identifying the frame, the common definition data 90 linked to the frame data 94 is specified. Then, the frame data 94 and the common definition data 90 are linked. Additionally, separate definition data 96 is created, and the individual definition data 96 is linked to the frame data 94 and the common definition data 90. As a result, document definition data 98 is created.

The individual definition setting screen will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows documents to be linked and an individual definition setting screen.

The screen 100 is displayed on, for example, the display device of the UI 14 or the worker's terminal device. For example, a worker specifies information (for example, file name, etc.) for identifying the document data to be linked, selects the document data to be linked, and links the individual definition data to the frame data of the document data. When the processor 18 instructs to perform the attach operation, the processor 18 displays the screen 100 on the display device.

On the screen 100, a document 102 to be linked selected by the worker and an individual definition setting screen 104 for the worker to link individual definition data to frame data of the document 102 are displayed. That is, the document 102 and the individual definition setting screen 104 are displayed side by side on the same screen 100.

On the individual definition setting screen 104, individual definition data can be set. For example, when an area on the displayed document 102 is specified by the operator, the processor 18 displays the individual definition setting screen 104, which is a screen for setting individual definition data for the specified area, on the screen 102. to be displayed. To explain with a specific example, as indicated by reference numeral 106, the input field for the item "Name (furigana)" is specified by the worker. For example, a frame forming the input field is clicked by the worker. In this case, the processor 18 causes the screen 100 to display an individual definition setting screen 104 for setting individual definition data for that input field. The individual definition setting screen 104 displays the name of the specified item, the common definition already set for that item (that is, the definition content of the common definition data linked to the frame data of the document 102), and the individual definition. Setting columns for setting definition data, etc. are displayed. Here, as an example, since the item "Name (furigana)" is specified, the item name "Name (furigana)" is displayed, and "Type" as the already set common definition is displayed. In addition, the coordinates of the input field for the item "Name (furigana)" (in other words, the layout of the item), the type of dictionary (for example, handwritten or printed dictionary), tags, and character limit are individually defined data. It is possible to set. For example, a list of dictionary candidates (for example, a list showing handwritten dictionaries and printed dictionaries) is displayed using a pull-down method. The processor 18 may display different dictionary candidates depending on the content defined by the common definition data. For example, if the item "Name (furigana)" is specified, a list of dictionary candidates corresponding to the item "Name (furigana)" is displayed. Although the definition contents of the common definition data are also displayed on the individual definition setting screen 104, it is prohibited to change the definition contents of the common definition data on the individual definition setting screen 104; Can not.

The processor 18 distinguishes and displays designated frames from unspecified frames by displaying the frames specified by the operator with thicker lines or by changing the color of the frame lines. Good too.

Regarding the "ladder frame" made up of a plurality of frames in a row, when the plurality of frames are selected by the operator at once, the processor 18 selects the "ladder frame" made up of the plurality of frames. Recognize it as one frame. Then, the processor 18 displays an individual definition setting screen 104 for setting individual definition data for the input field formed by the "ladder frame".

The individual definition setting screen 104 also includes an add button 108 that is a button for adding attributes to be set to an item to be set (for example, item "Name (furigana)"), and an add button 108 that is a button for adding attributes to be set to an item to be set (for example, item "Name (furigana)"), A delete button 110, which is a button for deleting, is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the attributes include a tag, a limit on the number of characters, and the like. When the operator presses the add button 108 on the screen 100, a setting column for defining a new attribute is displayed on the individual definition setting screen 104. Furthermore, when the operator presses the delete button 110 on the screen 100, a screen for deleting attributes included in the item to be set is displayed on the individual definition setting screen 104. Note that all attributes may be displayed on the individual definition setting screen 104.

When the "OK" button displayed on the screen 100 is pressed by the operator, the document definition creation unit 84 converts the individual definition data set on the individual definition setting screen 104 into the frame of the document data to be linked. The data and the common definition data are linked and the document definition data including them is stored in the document definition storage unit 86. When the "Cancel" button is pressed by the operator, the individual definition data set on the individual definition setting screen 104 is not linked to the frame data and the common definition data, and the process of setting the individual definition data ends. do.

Also displayed on the screen 100 is a common definition setting button 112 for setting common definition data. When the worker presses the common definition setting button 112 on the screen 100, a common definition setting screen (for example, the screen 100 A separate screen (different from the above) will be displayed. FIG. 14 shows an example of the common definition setting screen.

The common definition setting screen 114 displays the name of the common definition data to be set (for example, "common definition 1").

The common definition setting screen 114 displays a list 116 of items already defined in the common definition data. The operator can select an item to be set from the list 116 and edit the definition content of that item.

The common definition setting screen 114 displays an add button 118 that is a button for adding defined items to the common definition data, and a delete button 120 that is a button for deleting items included in the common definition data. be done. When the operator presses the add button 118 on the common definition setting screen 114, a setting column for defining a new item is displayed on the common definition setting screen 114. Furthermore, when the operator presses the delete button 120 on the common definition setting screen 114, a screen for deleting items included in the common definition data is displayed on the common definition setting screen 114.

Further, the common definition setting screen 114 displays a list 122 of document data having frame data linked to the common definition data to be set. For example, frame data for forms A, B, and C are linked to common definition data with the name "Common Definition 1." That is, the common definition data with the name "Common Definition 1" is used as definition data common to forms A, B, and C. When the common definition data with the name "Common Definition 1" is edited, the edit is reflected on forms A, B, and C. In other words, the common definition data with the name "Common Definition 1" is linked to the respective frame data of forms A, B, and C, so when that common definition data is edited, the editing is performed on form A. , B, and C, respectively.

When the operator presses the "OK" button displayed on the common definition setting screen 114, the document definition creation unit 84 converts the contents set on the common definition setting screen 114 into the common definition that is the target of the settings. Reflect it in the data. When the "Cancel" button is pressed by the operator, the document definition creation unit 84 does not reflect the contents set on the common definition setting screen 114 in the common definition data to be set.

For example, when an operator selects the item "Name (furigana)" from the list 116 and instructs to edit that item, an editing screen is displayed, which is a screen for editing the item. FIG. 15 shows an example of the editing screen.

The editing screen 124 displays setting items such as item name, type, dictionary, tag, and character limit. The operator can edit the contents set for each item on the editing screen 124. For example, the operator can change the type of dictionary, etc.

The edit screen 124 includes an add button 126 that is a button for adding attributes to be set to an item to be set (for example, item "Name (furigana)"), and an add button 126 for deleting attributes included in that item. A delete button 128 is displayed. When the operator presses the add button 126 on the editing screen 124, a setting field for defining a new attribute is displayed on the editing screen 124. Furthermore, when the operator presses the delete button 128 on the editing screen 124, a screen for deleting attributes is displayed on the editing screen 124. Note that all attributes may be displayed on the editing screen 124.

When the "OK" button displayed on the editing screen 124 is pressed by the operator, the document definition creation unit 84 reflects the content edited on the editing screen 124 in the common definition data. When the "Cancel" button displayed on the editing screen 124 is pressed by the operator, the document definition creation unit 84 does not reflect the content edited on the editing screen 124 in the common definition data.

Hereinafter, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.

The processor 18 may cause the display device to display a screen for switching the definition data linked to the document to either common definition data or individual definition data. For example, the processor 18 displays a screen for switching content defined in individual definition data to content defined in common definition data, or converts content defined in common definition data into content defined in individual definition data. Display a screen for switching on the display device. For example, on those screens, a worker can change the contents defined in individual definition data to the contents defined in common definition data, or define the contents defined in common definition data in individual definition data. You can change the content to be displayed.

This will be explained using a specific example. For example, item [1. Invoice number] contents (for example, alphanumeric characters, dictionary [alphanumeric characters], 10 digits) are defined as common definition data, and the worker has instructed that this content be defined as individual definition data. In this case, the processor 18 defines this content as individual definition data rather than common definition data. For example, item [1. Invoice number] is defined in the common definition data of documents A and B, and if the operator instructs to define this content as the individual definition data of documents A and B, The processor 18 defines this content in the individual definition data of document A and the individual definition data of document B, respectively, and deletes it from the common definition data of documents A and B. For example, when a worker specifies documents A and B and instructs to switch the common definition data to individual definition data, the contents of each item defined in the common definition data of documents A and B will be displayed on the display device of the UI 14. Is displayed. When the worker specifies the contents of the item to be defined in the individual definition data of documents A and B from among the displayed items, the processor 18 converts the contents of the specified item into documents A and B. , and delete the contents of that item from the common definition data of documents A and B.

Contrary to the above example, the worker instructs that the content that is common to documents A and B and is defined in their respective individual definition data be defined as common definition data. In this case, the processor 18 defines the content in the common definition data of documents A and B, and deletes it from the individual definition data of documents A and B, respectively. For example, when a worker specifies documents A and B and instructs to switch from individual definition data to common definition data, the contents of each item defined in the individual definition data of documents A and B are displayed on the UI 14. displayed on the device. When the worker specifies the contents of the item to be defined in the common definition data of documents A and B from among the displayed items, the processor 18 specifies the contents of the specified item as the common definition data of documents A and B. Define it in the definition data, and delete the contents of that item from the individual definition data of documents A and B.

The processor 18 may propose individual definition data common to a plurality of documents to a user (for example, a worker) as common definition data. For example, if there is an item with common content in a plurality of document data, the processor 18 proposes the content of the item to the operator as common definition data for the plurality of document data. Specifically, the processor 18 causes the content of the item to be displayed on the display device of the UI 14. This will be explained using a specific example. If an item with common content exists in documents A and B, the processor 18 proposes the content of that item to the operator as common definition data for documents A and B. Further, when the content of a certain item is common to a plurality of document data whose number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the processor 18 proposes the content of the item to the worker as common definition data for the plurality of document data. You may. If the content of the item is defined separately as individual definition data for each of the plurality of document data, the processor 18 proposes the content of the item to the worker as common definition data for the plurality of document data. You may.

The processor 18 displays multiple documents on the same screen, and when a user (for example, a worker) specifies an area on each displayed document for an item of common definition data, the processor 18 displays the specified area on the same screen. , may be defined in the individual definition data of each document as an area where the contents of the item are read. This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 16. A screen is shown in FIG.

For example, when an operator specifies forms A, B, and C as documents to be linked and instructs to define individual definition data, the processor 18 causes the screen 130 to be displayed on the display device. Forms A, B, and C are displayed on the screen 130. When the operator specifies a frame on the screen 130 that constitutes the input field for each item "invoice number" of forms A, B, and C, the individual definition creation unit 88 configures the input field of the item "invoice number" for each of forms A, B, and C. The input field is defined in the individual definition data of forms A, B, and C as an area where the contents of the item "invoice number" are read.

This process will be explained in more detail. For example, when an operator instructs to set a layout for the item "invoice number," the individual definition creation unit 88 accepts the instruction. Next, when the worker specifies frame 132 for form A, frame 134 for form B, and frame 136 for form C, the individual definition creation unit 88 specifies the frame 132 in form A. The position is accepted as the position (that is, layout) of the item "Invoice number" for Form A, the position of the frame 134 in Form B is accepted as the position of the item "Invoice number" for Form B, and The position of the frame 136 is accepted as the position of the item "invoice number" for form C. In other words, the individual definition creation unit 88 defines the position of the frame 132 (that is, the layout) in the form A in the individual definition data of the form A as the position of the area where the contents of the item "invoice number" are read from the form A. do. Similarly, the individual definition creation unit 88 defines the position of the frame 134 in the form B in the individual definition data of the form B as the position of the area where the contents of the item "invoice number" are read from the form B. Similarly, the individual definition creation unit 88 defines the position of the frame 136 in the form C in the individual definition data of the form C as the position of the area where the contents of the item "invoice number" are read from the form C.

In each of the above embodiments, a processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.), a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, etc.) FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.) Further, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by a plurality of processors located at physically separate locations. Further, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

Reference Signs List 10 information processing device, 18 processor, 20, 74 common definition creation unit, 24, 88 individual definition creation unit, 26, 84 document definition creation unit.

Claims (6)

has a processor;
The processor includes:
Among the items that can be read in a document, common definition data that defines the content of items common to multiple documents is linked.Of the items that can be read in a document, the content of the item is defined individually for each document. displaying on the same screen a screen where a user links individual definition data to the document;
Information processing device. The processor further includes:
When an area on the displayed document is specified by the user, displaying a screen for setting the individual definition data for the specified area on the same screen;
The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The individual definition data is data that defines the layout of the item in the document,
The processor further includes:
displaying multiple documents on the same screen;
When a user specifies an area on each displayed document for the item of the common definition data, defining the specified area in the individual definition data as an area from which the content of the item is read;
The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: The processor further includes:
Display a screen for switching the definition data linked to the document to either common definition data or individual definition data,
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processor further includes:
Propose individual definition data that is common across multiple documents to the user as common definition data.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: to the computer,
Among the items that can be read in a document, common definition data that defines the content of items common to multiple documents is linked.Of the items that can be read in a document, the content of the item is defined individually for each document. displaying on the same screen a screen where a user links individual definition data to the document;
program.

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