JPH0899068A - Video coding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce a discontinuous part and to lessen fatigue of an operator and to increase efficiency by performing indication control along a decided rule for a user code-inputting region of an indication means. CONSTITUTION: In a video coding device, the whole image of a postal item is indicated from a read part and an operator inputs a user code. In this case, when decision is impossible and number of a nondecision digit of an n-digit block is m-digit, a candidate character excepting nondecision is indicated in m=1. When a nondecision digit is discontinuous in 1<m<n, the candidate character is not indicated for the whole digit. When the nondecision digit is continuous in 1<m<n and (n-m)=1, the candidate character is not indicated for the whole digit. In the case of (n-m)>=2, the candidate character excepting nondecision is indicated. In the case of m=n, the candidate character is not indicated for the whole digit. Furthermore, the decision result of a decision means is collated with the input result of the operator.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention, for example, reads a user code indicating a mailing address written in a user code designation writing area preset on a mail, and corresponds to the read user code. In the mail processing device that prints the bar code information on the mail and classifies the mail based on the bar code information, visually check the entire image displayed for the mail for which the user code could not be read. However, the present invention relates to a video coding apparatus for sorting a mail piece by the operator inputting a user code, converting it into corresponding bar code information and printing it on the mail piece.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a mail processing apparatus has been developed which also uses a video coding apparatus. This type of postal matter processing device, for example, reads address information (postal code, address information) written on the postal matter with an optical character reading device, converts it into corresponding bar code information, and converts it into the postal matter. By printing on, the mail is sorted according to the delivery area according to the barcode information.

For mail items for which the address information cannot be read, the entire image is displayed on the display unit of the video coding device, and the operator inputs the address information while visually checking the display screen and handles it. By converting the bar code information and printing it on the mail piece, the mail piece is classified according to the bar code information.
As a result, it is possible to supplement the limit of machine division by the optical character reading device.

[0004]

However, in the conventional video coding apparatus, when the operator partially inputs the user code, the unread digit (the digit which could not be read) of the reading result by the address information reading. Is displayed as unread digits in the user code input area as it is, so if the unread digit information that is the read result is discontinuous (bug eating state), the operator displays it in the user code input area. It constantly recognizes the digit position of the user code that should be entered from the stored information, compares it with the user code described in the overall image of the mail, and recognizes the user code corresponding to that digit position. . Then, the result is input. Since it is necessary to repeat this input operation only at discontinuous points, fatigue is accumulated, efficiency is poor, and input errors occur. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a video coding apparatus that enables an operator to code efficiently and in a short time with less fatigue.

[0005]

According to the video coding apparatus of the present invention, a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating a destination address is stored in a preset user code designation description area. The whole image on the postal matter described and the judgment result information for the whole image are fetched and displayed, and the user code on the postal matter is inputted based on the displayed image. The whole image of the mail that could not be judged by
And first input means for respectively inputting a candidate character of a user code which is a determination result for the entire image,
Based on the determination result input by the first input means,
In the n-digit block, the number of undecided digits that the decision means could not decide is only one digit, or two or more digits and n digits or less, and if there are two digits or more, no decision is made. Displaying a discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the digits are continuous, a candidate character of the user code according to the discrimination result of the discrimination means, and the entire image of the mail piece input by the first input means. Displaying the user code input area for inputting the user code, and the user code in the user code input area simultaneously displayed while visually checking the entire image of the mail piece displayed on the display means. And a storage means for storing the user code input by the second input means.

Further, in the video coding apparatus of the present invention, a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating a destination address is described in a user code designation description area set in advance. The whole image on the mail and the judgment result information for the whole image are fetched and displayed, and the user code on the mail is input based on the displayed image, the judgment means judges. An image of the mail that could not be processed, and
A first input means for inputting a candidate character of a user code, which is a determination result for the whole image, and the first input means.
Whether the number of non-determined digits that the determination means cannot determine in the n-digit block is only one digit or is two or more digits and n digits or less based on the determination result input by the input means , And a determination means for determining whether or not the undetermined digits are continuous when there are two or more digits, the candidate character of the user code according to the determination result of the determination means, and the first input means. While displaying the entire image of the mail piece displayed in this display means and the display means for displaying the user code input area for displaying the entire image of the mail piece input in Second input means for inputting the user code in the user code input area displayed at the same time, and the second input means for judging by the judging means in the user code other than the non-decision digit of the judging means. Use of digit When a code different from the code is input, the control means for controlling the display means so as to display the result judged by the judgment means in the user code input area of the display means, and the second input means. And a storage unit that stores the input user code.

Further, in the video coding apparatus of the present invention, a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating an address is described in a preset user code designation description area. The whole image on the mail and the judgment result information for the whole image are fetched and displayed, and the user code on the mail is input based on the displayed image, the judgment means judges. An image of the mail that could not be processed, and
A first input means for inputting a candidate character of a user code, which is a determination result for the whole image, and the first input means.
Whether the number of non-determined digits that the determination means cannot determine in the n-digit block is only one digit or is two or more digits and n digits or less based on the determination result input by the input means , And a determination means for determining whether or not the undetermined digits are continuous when there are two or more digits, the candidate character of the user code according to the determination result of the determination means, and the first input means. While displaying the entire image of the mail piece displayed in this display means and the display means for displaying the user code input area for displaying the entire image of the mail piece input in Second input means for inputting the user code in the user code input area displayed at the same time, and the second input means for judging by the judging means in the user code other than the non-decision digit of the judging means. Use of digit When a code different from the code is input, the result determined by the determination means is displayed in the user code input area of the display means in a character of a color different from the color of the candidate character displayed there. The control means controls the display means, and the storage means stores the user code input by the second input means.

Further, in the video coding apparatus of the present invention, a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating a mailing address is written in a preset user code designation / writing area. The whole image on the mail and the judgment result information for the whole image are fetched and displayed, and the user code on the mail is input based on the displayed image, the judgment means judges. An image of the mail that could not be processed, and
A first input means for inputting a candidate character of a user code, which is a determination result for the whole image, and the first input means.
Whether the number of non-determined digits that the determination means cannot determine in the n-digit block is only one digit or is two or more digits and n digits or less based on the determination result input by the input means , And a determination means for determining whether or not the undetermined digits are continuous when there are two or more digits, the candidate character of the user code according to the determination result of the determination means, and the first input means. While displaying the entire image of the mail piece displayed in this display means and the display means for displaying the user code input area for displaying the entire image of the mail piece input in Second input means for inputting the user code in the user code input area displayed at the same time, and the second input means for judging by the judging means in the user code other than the non-decision digit of the judging means. Use of digit When a code different from the code is entered, the entered user code is collated with the determination result of the determining means, the input result is discarded, and the input result is the determination result of the determining means. And means for storing the user code input by the second input means.

[0009]

In the present invention, the display control according to the following rules is performed on the user code input area of the display means, the number of discontinuous points is reduced, and the operator reduces the number of times of repeating the input operation. , Reduce fatigue, improve efficiency, and reduce typing errors. [Rule] For an n-digit block, when the number of undetermined digits of the determination means (digits that cannot be determined by the determination means in the user code) is m (m is an integer of 1 or more), m When = 1, candidate characters other than undetermined characters are displayed.

If 1 <m <n and the undetermined digits are discontinuous, no candidate character is displayed for all digits. 1 <m <
(n−m) = 1 when n and consecutive undetermined digits
In case of, the candidate character is not displayed for all digits.

If (n−m) ≧ 2, candidate characters other than undetermined characters are displayed. When m = n, no candidate character is displayed for all digits. Furthermore, by having the function of correcting the input by collating the input result of the operator with the determination result of the determination means, even if the operator makes an erroneous input, if the digit is determined by the determination means, Corrected automatically. Therefore, the accuracy of the input result is improved.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 5 and 6 show a mail piece according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of handwritten postal matter (postcard) P. The user code (divided up to the municipality + chome number) instead of the conventional postal code and address information is the new postal code (city). It consists of divisions up to the municipality, which is described in the red frame, and address display numbers (division up to the chome number, which is described in the address information area). That is, adjacent to the stamp sticking position (fee amount stamp surface) on the surface of the postal matter P, for example, a new postal code (total of 7 digits including upper 3 digits and lower 4 digits) (division to municipality, red, The new postal code specification area 51 in which the description (inside the box) is described is set in advance. Further, reference numeral 52 is an address information area in which address information including an address display number (classification up to the cue number) is handwritten.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a print type postal matter (postcard) P, on the surface of which a new postal code specifying area 51 is set in advance, like a handwritten postal matter. However, in this case, the new postal code is the same as the address display number in the new postal code specifying area 51.
In many cases, it is described in print type together with the address information in the address information area 52 as shown in the figure.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the construction of a mail processing apparatus to which the video coding apparatus according to this embodiment is applied. That is, a large number of postal items P configured as described above are set in the supply unit 1 at once. The supply unit 1 supplies the set mail items P to the reading unit 2 one by one.

The reading unit 2 takes in the entire image on the supplied postal matter P, and reads (determines) the user code written on the postal matter P based on the image. When the user code is read, the user code is output to the barcode printing unit 3. At this time, the reading unit 2 outputs the serial number (hereinafter abbreviated as an ID number) corresponding to each postal matter P regardless of whether the reading is possible or not.
Output to.

The mail P having the user code read by the reading unit 2 is formed by a long conveyance path.
The postal matter P is conveyed to the bar code printing unit 3 via a delay path 4 that delays the conveyance to the subsequent stage. The bar code printing unit 3 converts the user code from the reading unit 2 into corresponding bar code information, confirms the mail P associated by the ID number, and prints on the mail P.

The postal matter P on which the bar code information is printed by the bar code printing section 3 is sent to the bar code reading section 5.
The barcode reading unit 5 reads and decodes the barcode information printed on the postal matter P, and sends the reading result (user code) to the sorting unit 6 together with the postal matter P. The dividing section 6 is
The postal matter P is divided into delivery areas based on the reading result from the barcode reading unit 5.

For the postal matter P whose user code cannot be read by the reading section 2, the corresponding postal matter P from the reading section 2
Image, ID number, attribute information (postcard / non-postcard classification, handwritten / printed letter classification, character line direction determination results, etc.), and user code entry area candidate area information (see below) Will be described in detail below) is sent to the video coding device 7 and a reject signal is sent to the barcode printing unit 3.

In the video coding device 7, as will be described in detail later, the entire image of the mail P from the reading unit 2 is displayed on the display unit. The operator inputs the user code (or corrects it) by inputting a keyboard or a mouse while visually checking the displayed image, and then the user code is checked for correctness, and then the barcode printing section. Sent to 3.

On the other hand, the postal matter P for which the user code cannot be read is conveyed to the bar code printing section 3 via the delay path 4. At this time, the bar code printing unit 3 converts the user code from the video coding device 7 into bar code information based on the reject signal for the mail P for which the user code output from the reading unit 2 cannot be read, and the ID It prints on the postal matter P matched by the number.

The subsequent steps are the same as in the case of the mail P in which the user code has been read, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the reading unit 2. That is, the photoelectric conversion unit 11 irradiates the postal matter P supplied from the supply unit 1 with light from a light source, and reflects the reflected light into C.
After converting into an electric signal by a CD type line sensor or the like, the whole image of the postal matter P is captured by digitizing it.

The entire image of the postal matter P captured by the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is temporarily stored in the image memory 12, and
It is sent to the area detection unit 13. The area detection unit 13 detects the new postal code specification area 51 and the address information area 52 on the postal matter P from the input image of the postal matter P, and re-detects it from the user code determination section 18 described later. When the reading command signal is input, the user code writing area other than the new postal code specifying area 51 is detected again from the input image of the postal matter P.

The output of the area detector 13 is the character line detector 1
Sent to 4. The character line detection unit 14 detects a character line from the image in the detected area, for example, by obtaining a projection pattern in the horizontal direction.

The output of the character line detector 14 is the same as the character detector 1
Sent to 5. The character detection unit 15 detects a character for each character from the detected character line, for example, by obtaining a projection pattern in the vertical direction.

The output of the character detection unit 15 is output by the character recognition unit 16
Sent to. The character recognition unit 16 performs recognition processing on the detected character by referring to the character dictionary 17. The recognition result of the character recognition unit 16 is sent to the user code determination unit 18. The user code determination unit 18 performs a user code determination process (recognition process) by performing a knowledge process using the user code dictionary 19 based on the recognition result of the character recognition unit 16. If the user code can be determined in this determination process, the user code is output to the barcode printing unit 3.

If the user code cannot be determined in the above determination processing, the re-reading command signal is sent to the area detection unit 13.
The user code determination process is performed again. Even in this determination process, if the user code cannot be determined, the determination is finally disabled here, and an ID number for dealing with the mail P and a reject indicating that the user code has not been determined The signal is output to the video coding device 7.

If the user code cannot be determined, the user code determining section 18 determines, as a result of the determination at this time, information indicating the number of digits that cannot be determined (undetermined digits), the user code. Candidate character information, attribute information of postal matter P (classification of postcard / non-postcard, classification of handwritten mail / printed type mail, character line direction determination result, etc.), designation of new postal code detected by area detection unit 13 The video coding device 7 receives the coordinate information of the description area 51, the coordinate information of the user code description area other than the new postal code specification area 51 (that is, the user code description candidate area information).
Output to.

Here, in the classification of the handwritten mail / printed type mail, for example, when the new postal code is described in the new postal code specifying area 51, it is determined that the postal handwritten is a new postal mail. If the number is not listed, it is classified by judging it as a printed letter.

Further, the user code judging section 18 outputs the ID number corresponding to the mail P to the bar code printing section 3 regardless of whether the user code judgment is possible or not. Furthermore, when the user code determination unit 18 cannot determine the user code, the entire image of the corresponding postal matter P in the image memory 12 is output to the video coding device 7.

Next, the video coding device 7 will be described in detail. FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of the video coding device 7. That is, a CPU (central processing unit) 21 as a control unit that controls the entire apparatus, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 that stores fixed information such as a control program of the CPU 21, a working memory. RAM (random access memory) used as such
3, a first storage unit 24 as a storage unit, a second storage unit 25 as a storage unit, an input interface 26 as an input unit, a keyboard control unit 27, a display control unit 28,
Also, the print control unit 29 is connected to each.

The input interface 26 includes the reading unit 2
However, the keyboard control unit 27 has a keyboard 30 as an input unit, and the display control unit 28 has a CR as a display unit.
A display unit 31 such as a T display is connected, and a printer 32 is connected to the print control unit 29.

The first storage section 24 temporarily stores image data and secures a specific area shown in FIG. 2 which will be described later. For example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or EEPROM is used.

The second storage unit 25 is composed of, for example, a large-capacity hard disk device, and when the user code is input by the keyboard 30, the input postal matter P for supporting the input operation is stored. The entire image, the determination result of the reading unit 2, the input user code, the address database for checking the input user code, and the like are stored.

The input interface 26 is composed of, for example, a so-called SCSI interface, and the entire image of the mail P for which the user code cannot be determined by the reading unit 2 and the reading unit 2 are used. As the judgment result, non-judgment digit number information, attribute information (postcard / classification other than postcard, classification of handwritten mail / printed type mail, character line direction judgment result, etc.), user code candidate character information (new postal code) , Address display number), coordinate information of the new postal code specification area 51, user code description candidate area information, and the like.

In the keyboard 30, the operator corrects and inputs only the corrected portion in the entire image of the mail P displayed by the display unit 31 and the user code input area while referring to the determination result of the reading unit 2. If the determination result of the reading unit 2 is incorrect, all digits can be corrected and input.

The display unit 31 displays the entire image of the postal matter P input by the input interface 26 and the candidate characters of the user code (new zip code + address display number) which is the determination result of the reading unit 2. User code input area for entering the user code, new zip code specification area 5
The images in 1 are displayed respectively.

The printer 32 prints out the processing contents of this apparatus and its evaluation table. FIG. 2 shows the first storage unit 24.
7 is a diagram showing a memory map of a specific area secured inside. In the figure, an input mode information area 40 is capable of writing setting information of an input mode for inputting with the present apparatus. For example, there is an input person level setting which becomes a customization function of the present apparatus, an image layout change, etc. .

In the postal matter attribute information area 41, the attribute information of the postal matter P, which is the determination result of the reading unit 2 for the reject image, is written. As this attribute information, for example,
There are postcards / classifications other than postcards, classifications of handwritten mail / printed type mails, and character line direction determination results. The reject image captured by the reading unit 2 is written in the entire image area 42.

User code description candidate area information area 43
Is the coordinate information of the area determined by the reading unit 2 with the highest determination rate with respect to the reject image other than the new postal code specification area 51 (that is, the user). Code description candidate area information) is written.

New zip code designation area Information area 4
At 4, the coordinate information of the new postal code specifying area 51 of the postal matter P is written. New postal code result area 45
In, the result in which the reading unit 2 determines the new postal code from the image in the new postal code designation area 51 of the postal matter P is written. In the address display number code result area 46, the result of the reading unit 2 determining the address display number from the image of the postal matter P is written.

The image work area 47 is used for quick image processing when the operator visually observes the entire image on the display section 31 and performs image operations such as rotation, reduction / enlargement, scrolling, etc. by the mail P. This area is for image processing.

In the user code input result area 48, the operator recognizes the user code by visually observing the entire image display area of the display unit 31 or the image display area of the new postal code specification area. Keyboard code 3
The result of keystroke input with 0 is written.

The search result area 49 is an area in which the user code entered by the operator is collated with the address database in the second storage section 25 and the collation result is written. 7 and 8 show operation screens displayed on the display unit 31, and include an entire image display area 301 for displaying an entire image of the postal matter P, a new postal code code input area 302, and an address display number code. An input area 303 and a user code input area 304 for inputting a user code.

As shown in Table 1 below, in the whole image display area 301, in the case of print type mail, since the description style is mostly horizontal horizontal writing, the horizontal horizontal writing is In order to reduce the need for the operator to operate the image, when the character line direction determination result from the user code determination unit 18 of the reading unit 2 is parallel, the entire image of the mail P is displayed without rotation. . When the character line direction determination result is vertical, the entire image of the postal matter P is rotated 90 ° to the right and displayed. On the other hand, in the case of handwritten mail, since the description format is often vertical vertical writing, in order to prevent the operator from performing image operations on this vertical vertical writing, The entire image of all mail P is displayed without rotation.

[0045]

[Table 1]

Further, when the rotation control is performed on the entire image of the mail P based on the parallel / vertical result which is the character line direction determination result of the mail P, the display magnification should be changed according to the content of the rotation control. In this embodiment, the display without rotation is 50% display, and the display with rotation is 7%.
It is indicated as 0%.

Further, when the postal matter P is a print type postal matter, the lower end of the entire image of the postal matter P is displayed according to the lower standard of the display screen of the display unit 31, and when the postal matter P is a handwritten postal matter. Displays the upper end of the entire image of the mail P according to the upper reference of the display screen of the display unit 31.

When the entire image of the postal matter P is enlarged and displayed,
The postal matter P can be enlarged and displayed centering on the center part of the postal matter P. On the other hand, when the postal matter P is a handwritten postal matter, the area other than the area including the stamp pasting surface and the new postal code specifying area 51 is excluded. It is also possible to enlarge and display the center part.

When the width of the area including the stamp pasting surface and the new postal code specifying area 51 becomes approximately the same as the width of the postal matter P, the stamp pasting surface and new postal code specifying entry The area including the area 51 may not be displayed as the entire image on the initial screen. In some cases, image operations such as rotation, enlargement / reduction, and scrolling are possible.

Further, on the whole image displayed in the whole image display area 301, the candidate area 3 in which the area determined to contain the user code by the reading section 2 is frame-displayed
06 is overlaid and displayed. The candidate area 306 is
You may make it display two or more.

The user code input area 304 is divided into a new postal code code input area 302 and an address display number code input area 303, which are distinguished by different color indications so that the operator can quickly recognize them. Making it easier.

The new zip code input area 302 displays candidate characters to be notified to the operator from the undetermined digit (digit that the reading section 2 could not determine) pattern of the determination result of the reading section 2 for the new zip code. Are in control. As a control method, when a block input of an n-digit user code is performed and the number of undetermined digits is one, one digit is input. If the number of undetermined digits m is two consecutive digits and is located at either end of the block, enter two consecutive digits.
For all other two consecutive digits, enter all digits. Next, when the number of undetermined digits m is 3 consecutive digits or 4 consecutive digits, (n
-If the number of m digits is 2 or more, input m digits continuously. If the (nm) digit is one digit, all digits are input. When the number of undetermined digits m is 5 digits or more or discontinuous,
Enter all digits.

Further, when the number of (nm) digits is within 3 digits and the number of undetermined digits m is 2 consecutive digits, it is possible to input all digits. The address display number code input area 303 is
Candidate characters that are the determination results of the reading unit 2 for the address display number are displayed.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the control contents for inputting the lower 4 digits and the upper 3 digits of the new postal code in this embodiment. First, regarding the lower 4 digits of the new postal code,
As shown in FIG. 9, as the control content, when the determination result of the reading unit 2 is a two-digit continuous non-determination pattern as shown in the figure, the two digits are blinked (enclosed by a frame, except for the non-determination digit area). It is also possible to reduce the brightness of). Other than that 2
In the case of the digit non-determination pattern, all digits are input as in the case of 3 to all digits non-determination pattern. For the 1-digit non-determination pattern, enter only that digit.

Next, regarding the upper 3 digits of the new postal code,
As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of an undetermined digit pattern of 2 digits or more, all digits are input. As for the 1-digit non-determination pattern, only that digit is input as in the case of the lower 4 digits.

When all digits have been input and the code other than the non-judgment digit of the reading unit 2 is different from the non-judgment result of the reading unit 2, the input result is discarded and the judgment result of the reading unit 2 is input. It has the resulting correction support.

In connection with the control of FIGS. 9 and 10, if an error in the character code displayed in the new zip code input area 302 is found during the input operation, the operator always presses the all digit input key. As a result, the all-digit input mode is entered, the displayed character code is erased, and the upper 3 digits are blinked. Therefore, if the candidate character of the user code, which is the determination result of the reading unit 2 for the entire image, is incorrect, it is possible to delete all the candidate characters and correct all digits.

Next, the operation of the above arrangement will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.
As an example, a case of a print type mail in which the new postal code is not described in the new postal code specifying area 51 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rejected postal matter P handled in this embodiment is, for example, a sealed letter whose description format is vertical landscape. The user code of the target postal matter P is
For example, "543-1825 (new postal code), 8-3
-5 (address display number) ", whereas the determination result of the reading unit 2 was" _43-18__, 8-3-5 "(_ is an undetermined digit that the reading unit 2 could not determine). Consider the case. Therefore, the places that cannot be determined are the first three digits of the new postal code and the third and fourth digits of the lower four digits.

When the apparatus is activated, an operation screen is displayed on the display section 31 in step S1. Next, in step S2, if there is a postal matter P to be processed, proceed to step S3,
If there is no postal matter P to be processed, the postal matter P is processed in step S4.
Can be waited for or the processing operation can be ended.

If there is a postal matter P to be processed, the process proceeds to step S5, and the entire image of the postal matter P rejected by the reading section 2, that is, the mail P sent from the reading section 2 for which the user code cannot be determined, Various attribute information of the postal matter P, which is the determination result of the reading unit 2, user code candidate character information (new postal code, address display number), user code entry candidate area information, and new postal code specification entry area 51
Of the coordinate information of the postal mail attribute information area 41, the entire image area 42, the user code description candidate area information area 43, the new postal code specification area information area 4 of the first storage unit 24.
4. Write in the new postal code code result area 45 and the address display code result area 46, respectively.

When each information is written in the first storage unit 24, the process proceeds to step S7, and the attribute information (handwritten mail / printed type mail) of the mail attribute information area 41 in the first storage 24 is written. It is determined from the classification) whether the postal matter P is a print type postal matter or a handwritten postal matter.

In the present embodiment, since it is a print type mail, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the character line direction (parallel or vertical) of the article P is determined from the attribute information (character line direction determination result) of the mail attribute information area 41 in the first storage unit 24. In this embodiment, the description style of the postal matter P is vertical and horizontal, and the character line directions are parallel, so the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the attribute information (postcard / classification other than postcard) in the attribute information area 41 of the postal item in the first storage unit 24 indicates that the postal matter P is a postcard or a postcard (seal). To determine. In the present embodiment, since it is not a postcard, the process proceeds to step S10.

This apparatus can change the display magnification according to the contents of the image rotation control. In the present embodiment, for example, in the case of portrait display, which is a non-rotating display, it is 70 for postcards.
% Display, 50% display except for postcards. In case of landscape display, which is rotated, 90% display on postcard,
70% is displayed except for postcards.

Since the display unit 31 in this embodiment has a horizontally long size, the magnification of the horizontal display is set to be larger than that of the vertical display as described above. Step S10
Then, the display magnification is set to 50%, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the result of determination in step S9 is a postcard, the process proceeds to step S11, the display magnification is set to 70%, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the first
By reading the entire image of the postal matter P from the entire image area 42 in the storage unit 24, since the postal matter P is a print type postal matter, the lower end of the entire image of the read out postal matter P is displayed. The whole image display area 301 of the unit 31 is displayed at the display magnification set in accordance with the lower reference.

By reading the coordinate information of the user code entry candidate area information area 43 in the first storage section 24, the reading section 2 displays the user code on the entire image display area 301 of the display section 31. A candidate area 30 in which the user code description area determined to include is displayed in a light blue frame with a broken line
6 is overlaid. This display has the meaning of guiding the operator to quickly find the user code description area from the entire image of the mail P.

Further, by reading the recognition results of the new postal code code result area 45 and the address display number code result area 46 in the first storage section 24, as shown in FIG. In the user code input area 304 (new postal code code input area 302 and address display number code input area 303), blinking display is controlled from the non-judgment digit pattern of the judgment result of the reading unit 2. In this embodiment,
Since the undecided digit for the upper 3 digits of the new postal code was 1 digit, blinking was performed only for that 1 digit, and the undecided digit for the lower 4 digits was 2 consecutive digits, so 2 Blink the digits at the same time. Therefore, "_4
3-18__, 8-3-5 "is displayed. in this case,
The underlined parts (the first 3 digits of the new ZIP code, the 3rd and 4th digits of the lower 4 digits) are colored and are blinking.

Here, the new postal code code input area 302
An example of the display process of the upper 3 digits and the lower 4 digits for will be briefly described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the upper 3 digits are first processed (see FIG. 16). That is, it is determined whether or not there are two or more undetermined digits (digits that could not be determined by the reading unit 2). If there are two or more digits (one digit, corresponding to this example), blinking only the corresponding digits , Blinking is erased when the digit is entered. On the other hand, when there are two or more digits, all three digits are blinked, and when the first digit is input, the blinking is sequentially deleted from the input digit. Then the bottom 4
The same is done for digits (see FIG. 17).

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the user code of the target postal matter P is "543-1825 (new postal code), 8-3-5 (address display number)". ,
The determination result of the reading unit 2 is “__3-_82_, 8-3-
5 "(where _ is a portion that the reading unit 2 could not determine), the new postal code input area 302 is displayed with" __
________, 8-3-5 ”will be displayed.

Next, in step S13, the operator visually checks the initial screen of the display unit 31, and if the user code is recognized, the operator inputs the code in the user code input area 304 and proceeds to step S14. If the user code is not recognized on the initial screen, the process proceeds to step S15, and in steps S16 to S22 and S23 to S26, image operations such as rotation, enlargement / reduction, scrolling, etc. are performed in the entire image display area 301 of the display unit 31. By doing so, the user code is recognized.

Steps S23 to S25 related to enlargement processing
Shows a magnified display centering on the center of the postal matter P in the case of print type postal matter, and excludes the area including the stamp pasting surface and the new postal code specifying area 51 in the case of handwritten postal matter. Enlarged display is centered around the center of.
If the enlargement operation is performed in the present embodiment, since it is a print letter, it is enlarged and displayed centering on the central portion of the mail P.

In the above image operation, the first storage unit 2
The image work area 47 in 4 is used. For example, when rotating and then reducing,
The image in the entire image area 42 in the first storage unit 24 is rotated by 0, and the processing result is written in the image work area 47. Display the rotated image on. Further, when it is reduced, the image work area 47
The rotation image data written in is reduced.

By the above image operation, the processed image is displayed in step S22, and when the operator can recognize the user code, the user code input area 30 is displayed in step S13.
4, the user code is input, and the process proceeds to step S14.

At step S13, the operator
When the reading unit 2 finds a portion of the candidate characters displayed in the user code input area 304 that has been erroneously determined, by pressing the all-digit correction key in the keyboard 30, the all-digit correction input can be performed. It is possible.

Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the operator inputs only the blinked portion, and "5",
It is coded by continuously typing "2" and "5". Further, in the example of FIG. 8, “5”, “4”, “3”,
Encoding is performed by continuously keying "1", "8", "2", and "5".

Further, in the example of FIG. 8, the operator makes an erroneous input (the third digit of the new postal code) to enter "5", "4",
Even if the user inputs "8", "1", "8", "2", and "5", the determination result of the reading unit 2 is recognized as "3", so the input code and the reading unit 2 are recognized. By collating with the judgment result of, the erroneous input "3" is automatically discarded,
“8” is saved as the input result.

Further, in the new postal code code input area 302, the judgment result of the reading unit 2 is collated, and the correction is supported.
"5", "4", "3", "1", "8", "2",
"5" is displayed. At that time, the corrected character may be subjected to character decoration such as character emphasis, character type, character color, frame enclosure, and underline.

The input result of the user code thus input is written in the user code input result area 48 in the first storage section 24. When the process of step S13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S14, the address database stored in the second storage unit 25 and the user written in the user code input result area 48 in the first storage unit 24. The input result of the code is collated, and the collation result is written in the search result area 49 in the first storage unit 24.

If the above collation result is correct, the user code in the user code input result area 48 in the first storage section 24 is transferred to the bar code printing section 3 and converted into bar code information, which is dealt with. It is printed on the postal matter P.

If the collation result is an incorrect answer, the incorrect answer data is transferred to the bar code printing unit 3, converted into bar code information, and printed on the corresponding postal matter P. It should be noted that steps S27 to 30 show the processing when the rejected mail P is a print type mail in which the writing style is horizontal landscape, and steps S31 to S36 are the case where the rejected mail P is a handwritten mail. The process is described below, but since it is a part not directly related to the gist of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen when a handwritten postal item (postcard) is being processed. The image display area 305 of the new postal code specification area is shown in the display screens of FIGS. Is additionally displayed. In the image display area 305 of the new postal code specification area, the image in the new postal code specification area 51 is displayed as it is. The display method of the user code input area 304 is the same as that described above.

[0083]

As described above in detail, according to the video coding apparatus of the present invention, the display control according to the rule shown below is performed on the user code input area of the display means, and the discontinuous portion is displayed. As a result, the number of repetitions of the above-mentioned input operation by the operator is reduced, fatigue is reduced, efficiency is improved, and input errors are reduced. [Rule] n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block (A block is a set of consecutive codes. For example, in the case of the current zip code, the upper 3 digits and the lower 2 digits are treated as a block by separating them with a hyphen. Defined, or the entire postal code (5 digits) may be defined as one block.) The number of undetermined digits of the determination means (in the user code,
When the number of digits that cannot be determined by the determination means) is m (m is an integer of 1 or more) and m = 1, candidate characters other than undetermined are displayed.

When 1 <m <n and the undetermined digits are discontinuous, no candidate character is displayed for all digits. 1 <m <
(n−m) = 1 when n and consecutive undetermined digits
In case of, the candidate character is not displayed for all digits.

If (n−m) ≧ 2, candidate characters other than non-judgment are displayed. When m = n, no candidate character is displayed for all digits. Further, by providing correction support characterized by collating the input result of the operator with the determination result of the determination means, even if the operator makes an erroneous input,
If there is a digit determined by the determination means, it is automatically corrected. Therefore, the accuracy of the input result is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a video coding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a memory map of a specific area secured in a first storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reading unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a mail processing device to which a video coding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of handwritten postal matter.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a print type mail item.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for a print type mail item whose description format is vertical landscape.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen for a print type mail item in which the description format is vertical landscape.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a control method of displaying a determination result in a new postal code code input area based on a non-determination pattern of the lower four digits of a new postal code of a postal matter.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control method of displaying a determination result in a new postal code code input area based on a non-determination pattern of the upper three digits of the new postal code of the postal matter.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the main part.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the main part.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for a handwritten postal matter whose description format is vertical portrait.

[Explanation of symbols]

P: Mail, 1 ... Feeding unit, 2 ... Reading unit, 3 ... Bar code printing unit, 4 ... Delay path, 5 ... Bar code reading unit, 6 ... Sorting unit, 7 ... Video Coding equipment,
16 ... Character recognition unit, 18 ... User code determination unit, 2
1 ... CPU, 24 ... first storage section, 25 ... second storage section, 26 ... input interface, 30 ... keyboard, 31 ... display section, 51 ... new postal code specification description Area, 52 ... Address information area, 301 ... Whole image display area, 302 ... New zip code input area, 30
3 ... Address display number code input area, 304 ... User code input area, 305 ... Image display area of new postal code specification area, 306 ... Candidate area.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An entire image on a mail in which a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating a destination address is described in a preset user code designation description area, and , In the case where the judgment result information for the entire image is fetched and displayed, and the user code on the mail is input based on the displayed image, the whole mail that cannot be judged by the judgment means Based on the determination result input by the first input means for inputting the candidate character of the user code, which is the determination result for the image and the whole image, respectively,
In the n-digit block, the number of undecided digits that the decision means could not decide is only one digit, or two or more digits and n digits or less, and if there are two digits or more, no decision is made. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the digits are continuous, a candidate character of the user code according to the discrimination result of the discriminating means, and the entire image of the mail piece input by the first input means are displayed. Display means for displaying each user code input area for inputting the user code, and the user code in the user code input area simultaneously displayed while visually observing the entire image of the mail displayed on this display means. A video coding apparatus, comprising: a second input means for inputting; and a storage means for storing the user code input by the second input means. 2. An entire image on a mail in which a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating an address is described in a preset user code designation description area, and , When the judgment result information for the entire image is captured and displayed, and the user code on the mail item is input based on the displayed image, the entire mail item that cannot be judged by the judgment means Based on the determination result input by the first input means for inputting the candidate character of the user code, which is the determination result for the image and the whole image, respectively,
In the n-digit block, the number of undetermined digits that the determination means could not determine is only one digit, or two or more digits and n digits or less, and if there are two or more digits, no determination is made. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the digits are continuous, a candidate character of the user code according to the discrimination result of the discriminating means, and the entire image of the mail piece input by the first input means are displayed. Display means for displaying each user code input area for inputting the user code, and the user code in the user code input area simultaneously displayed while visually checking the entire image of the mail displayed on the display means. And a second input means for inputting a code different from the user code of the digit which can be judged by the judging means in the user code other than the non-judging digit of the judging means. When done, Control means for controlling the display means so that the result judged by the judgment means is displayed in the user code input area of the display means, and storage means for storing the user code input by the second input means. A video coding apparatus comprising: 3. An entire image on a mail in which a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating a destination address is described in a preset user code designation description area, and , In the case where the judgment result information for the entire image is fetched and displayed, and the user code on the mail is input based on the displayed image, the whole mail that cannot be judged by the judgment means Based on the determination result input by the first input means for inputting the candidate character of the user code, which is the determination result for the image and the whole image, respectively,
In the n-digit block, the number of undecided digits that the decision means could not decide is only one digit, or two or more digits and n digits or less, and if there are two digits or more, no decision is made. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the digits are continuous, a candidate character of the user code according to the discrimination result of the discriminating means, and the entire image of the mail piece input by the first input means are displayed. Display means for displaying each user code input area for inputting the user code, and the user code in the user code input area simultaneously displayed while visually checking the entire image of the mail displayed on the display means. And a second input means for inputting a code different from the user code of the digit which can be judged by the judging means in the user code other than the non-judging digit of the judging means. When done, A control means for controlling the display means so as to display the result determined by the determination means in the user code input area of the display means in a character of a color different from the color of the candidate character displayed there, A video coding apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores the user code input by the second input unit. 4. An entire image on a mail in which a user code consisting of an n (n is an integer of 1 or more) digit block indicating an address is written in a preset user code designation writing area, and , When the judgment result information for the entire image is captured and displayed, and the user code on the mail item is input based on the displayed image, the entire mail item that cannot be judged by the judgment means Based on the determination result input by the first input means for inputting the candidate character of the user code, which is the determination result for the image and the whole image, respectively,
In the n-digit block, the number of undecided digits that the decision means could not decide is only one digit, or two or more digits and n digits or less, and if there are two digits or more, no decision is made. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the digits are continuous, a candidate character of the user code according to the discrimination result of the discriminating means, and the entire image of the mail piece input by the first input means are displayed. Display means for displaying each user code input area for inputting the user code, and the user code in the user code input area simultaneously displayed while visually checking the entire image of the mail displayed on the display means. And a second input means for inputting a code different from the user code of the digit which can be judged by the judging means in the user code other than the non-judging digit of the judging means. When done, An input correction unit that discards the input result and sets the determination result of the determination unit as the input result by collating the entered user code with the determination result of the determination unit; and input by the second input unit. A video coding device comprising: a storage unit that stores the generated user code. 5. The display means, when the number of undetermined digits is m (m is an integer of 1 or more) according to the determination result of the determination means, and when m = 1, other than undetermined When candidate characters are displayed and 1 <m <n and undetermined digits are discontinuous, candidate characters are not displayed for all digits, and when 1 <m <n and undetermined digits are consecutive, When (n−m) = 1, no candidate character is displayed for all digits, and when (n−m) ≧ 2, a candidate character other than undetermined is displayed, and m = n In the case of, the video coding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed so that no candidate character is displayed for all digits.