JPH09270882A - Character image recognition, printing and communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character image recognition, printing and communication equipment provided integrally with components for realizing simultaneous processing of transmission/reception of sent image data, character recognition, reading of a document and a business form and character recognition and conducting highly accurate printing or the like of output data onto a prescribed position on specified paper. SOLUTION: A main control section 1 to a printing control section 9 are connected to a bus, and a file equipment section 2 to the printing control section 9 are controlled by the main control section 1. Image data from an external device and image data read by a read section 12 and converted are stored once in the file device section 2 (or a buffer storage section 6) and extracted from the file device section 2 (or the buffer storage section 6) and subjected to recognition processing. The result of recognition is stored in the file device section 2 (or the buffer storage section 6). In the case of printing processing, the printing position recognized by the read section 12 is corrected by a correction value in a layout error correction table to obtain a correct printing line and a printing section 13 prints out the data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character image recognition print communication device having a character reading function, a character / pattern recognition function, a printing function, and a communication function as one unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With recent advances in character / pattern recognition technology, spread of facsimile machines, and expansion of use of character / image information, apparatuses having functions of a facsimile machine and a character recognition apparatus have been proposed. A device that has the function of recognizing the facsimile data received via the line with the character recognition function and editing it as characters and data, or a device that has the editing function and reads a document and converts it into image data.
Multi-function type devices such as a pattern recognition function have been devised.

As a prior art, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-93738 discloses a complex system having a character recognition function and a facsimile function, that is, image information consisting of a character pattern and an image pattern in which a document is scanned and an ID code is added. An ID table that stores a scanning unit that performs conversion, a transmission control unit that transmits and receives image information to and from an external device via a communication line, and area information that stores a character pattern in the image information corresponding to an ID code. And area information corresponding to the ID code in the image information obtained from the scanning section or the transmission control section is read from the ID table, and the character pattern is converted into a character code by character recognition for the area indicated by the area information. Recognition unit, image information transmitted from the transmission control unit, image information transmitted from the scanning unit via the recognition unit,
At least one of the character code obtained from the recognition unit and the file format capable of accommodating the output format and the image information transmitted from the communication line or the file unit or the character code transmitted from the file unit is transmitted via the transmission control unit. A recording unit for recording and outputting, a mode in which the image information transmitted from an external device is stored in the file device via the transmission control unit, the image information stored in the file device is read, and this is recognized via the transmission control unit. An input unit for selectively inputting a mode for inputting to the recording unit and a mode for recording and outputting at least one of the character codes from the image information stored in the file device from the recording unit via the transmission control unit;
The image information stored in the file device, the character code and the output format are edited, and the image information is read, written and transmitted to the file device to execute the mode input from the input means. A complex system having a system controller for controlling a control unit is disclosed.

On the other hand, as the character recognition technology, the character editing technology, and the printing apparatus have advanced, the character processing technology has been developed as seen in the popularization of word processors. Like the submitted document, the output data (characters, numerical values, etc.) of the output data (characters, numerical values, etc.) is processed by the document processing using the computer even for the document to be filled in at a predetermined position on the form (hereinafter referred to as the regulation form) which has a predetermined format. Printing has come to be performed, and a technique for accurately printing data at a specified position has been proposed. As an example of such a technique, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-244701
There is a method, disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3703, No. 1, No. 2, No. 1, No. 2, No. 1, No. 2, No. 2, No. 2, No. 3, pp. 187-187, which reads a code marked at a predetermined position of a form and determines a position after a predetermined time elapses as a printing position of character data with reference to the position of the read code on the form.

[0005]

Not only forms and ordinary documents but also documents to be filled in at a predetermined position on a regulation sheet and submitted are processed by a multifunctional device having the functions of a facsimile device and a character recognition device. By doing so, it is expected that the processing efficiency of forms and documents will be improved, but it goes without saying that further technical development in terms of both hardware and software is required for this purpose.

In order to improve the efficiency of processing forms and documents by performing processing by the multi-function device, at least the data from the transmission system is stored in the file, the data of the read image information is stored in the file, or It is desirable to configure so that printing of a character pattern and an image pattern on a printing device can be performed at the same time. In addition to this, the device is integrated and each function (component) is installed in the device to reduce the size of the device. However, it is desirable to reduce the cost, but these requirements have not been realized in the conventional composite system.

For example, the composite system disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-93738 has a function of a facsimile device and a character recognition device, and recognizes facsimile data received via a communication line by a character / pattern recognition function. It is configured as a multi-function type device that edits as a character or image and recognizes it with the image information character / pattern recognition function obtained by reading the document, but recognizes the image information obtained by reading the document. Part performs recognition processing for character patterns to obtain character codes, stores image information other than character patterns in the file device via the recognition part, and stores image information transmitted from external devices in the file device as is. After that, input to the recognition unit to take out the character pattern recognition process and perform the recognition process to obtain the character code. With this configuration, during the recognition process of the image information transmitted from the external device and stored in the file device, the recognition process of the image information obtained by reading the document by the reading unit cannot be executed at the same time. There is a problem that reading cannot be performed.

Further, when the image information transmitted from the external device is stored in the file device, when the image information from the external device stored in the file device is read and input to the recognition unit, and when it is stored in the file device. When at least one of the character codes is recorded and output from the image information, there is a problem in that a complicated control program is required to perform these processes at the same time because all of them go through the transmission control unit. In the complex system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-93738, simultaneous processing is avoided by selecting these cases from the input means as a selection mode.

For a document to be filled in at a predetermined position on the regulation sheet and submitted, a print position determining means is required to print out the document. In the above-mentioned complex system, the printout is an image obtained from an original. It is configured to output the image information other than the character code and the character pattern that is the recognition result of the character pattern in the information from the recording unit, and there is no suggestion about the output of the processing information. There is an inconvenience that printing cannot be performed at a predetermined position on a specified sheet because there is no configuration for outputting the processed data as the processing result or the data from the input means to the above predetermined position.

On the other hand, in the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-244701, the code marked at a predetermined position on the form can be read and the printing position of the character data can be determined based on the position of the read code on the form. Since the position of the read code on the form is used as a reference for printing after a lapse of a predetermined time, it can be printed at a predetermined print position when the paper conveyance speed is constant. In order to prevent the slack of the paper that occurs during transport, the diameter of the multiple transport rollers is increased in the subsequent stages and the speed of the subsequent stages is increased. Since they are different, there is a problem that the printing position of the character data is displaced. In addition, since the device for processing data (host device) and the reading / printing device are physically independent devices and send data via the connecting cable, there is a duplicated portion between them and the cost is high. In addition, since only the conditions for individually reading documents and forms and printing on paper are assumed in the paper transport system of the device, the user intentionally reads documents and forms and prints them by mistake. There is a drawback in that even if the document is mistaken for a manipulation or for reading a prescribed sheet on which data should be printed at a predetermined position, it does not have a protection function against such a manipulation.

The present invention addresses the above-mentioned demands, solves the problems of the prior art in response to the above-mentioned demands, and transmits and receives data by transmission and character recognition processing of the received data,
Realization of simultaneous processing of reading forms and documents and character recognition processing, and simultaneous processing such as high-precision printing of output data at a specified position on a specified paper, and further, the components that fulfill these processing functions A first object of the present invention is to provide a character image recognition printing communication device configured as a composite system provided integrally.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a character image recognition print communication device capable of performing printing positioning with high accuracy and preventing reading / printing errors due to misuse by a user.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a character image recognition print communication apparatus of the first invention communicates with a reading unit for scanning a character or an image on a sheet and converting it into image data. A communication control unit that receives image data from an external device via a line and transmits image data or a recognition result to the external device via a communication line, and image data and / or a communication control unit obtained by the reading unit The file device unit that stores the image data received by the recognition unit and the recognition result by the recognition unit, the image data obtained by the reading unit and / or the image data received by the communication control unit, and the recognition result by the recognition unit are temporarily stored. A buffer storage unit for storing and image data stored in the file device unit or image data stored in the buffer storage unit are received, and a character pattern including a symbol in the image data is recognized and a sentence is recognized. To obtain a code, and a recognition unit for outputting the image data other than the character codes and character patterns,
From the communication control unit, the printing unit that prints the recognition result and / or the output data stored in the file device unit or the buffer storage unit at a predetermined position on the paper, the main control unit, and the bus. Of image data to the file device unit or the buffer storage unit, transfer of image data from the reading unit to the file device unit or the buffer storage unit, transfer of image data from the file device unit or the buffer storage unit to the recognition unit , Transfer of the recognition result from the recognition unit to the file device unit or the buffer storage unit, transfer of the recognition result from the file device unit to the communication control unit or the buffer storage unit, transfer of image data from the buffer storage unit to the communication control unit Transfer, image data to the file unit, recognition results,
And / or data transfer, a transfer order determining means for determining a transfer order of the recognition result from the buffer storage section to the printing section and the output data and the print position information, and the main control section,
The communication control unit, the file device unit, the buffer storage unit, the recognition unit, the reading unit, and the printing unit are connected to a common bus, and the main control unit includes the communication control unit, the file device unit, the buffer storage unit,
Controlling the operations of the recognition unit, the reading unit, and the printing unit, and controlling the transfer of each data by the transfer order determining unit,
It is characterized by.

A second invention is characterized in that in the character image recognition print communication apparatus of the first invention, the main control section controls transfer of each data by time division by the transfer order determining means.

A third aspect of the present invention is the character image recognition print communication device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising an input section connected to the bus for inputting data and a display section for displaying display data. And a main control unit that controls the operation of the input unit and the display unit, the transfer of the input data from the input unit to the buffer storage unit, and the transfer of the display data from the buffer storage unit to the display unit. To do.

A fourth invention is, in the character image recognition print communication apparatus of the first or second invention, for data processing / editing / printing stored in advance in the file device section for each type of form. When the recognition result of the application program and the recognition result of the image data at the predetermined position on the paper read by the reading unit matches the pre-registered form identification information, the form is controlled under the control of the main control unit. And an application program automatic selecting means for extracting an application program corresponding to the identification information from the file device section, transferring the application program to the buffer storage section, and passing execution control to the main control section.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the character image recognition print communication device according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the reading unit and the printing unit each perform a sheet reading process under a common sheet conveying system and a predetermined sheet. The feature is that printing is performed at a position.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the character image recognition print communication apparatus of the fifth aspect, a paper feed mechanism for feeding a paper by a paper feed system, and a feed mechanism for feeding the paper at a predetermined speed,
Controlled by the ejection mechanism that ejects the paper and the main controller,
And a transport system control unit for controlling the driving operation of the paper feed mechanism, the transport mechanism, and the discharge mechanism, wherein the scanning mechanism of the reading unit is positioned in front of the printing mechanism of the printing unit on the transport mechanism. Characterize.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the character image recognition print communication device of the sixth aspect, the recognition result of the image data at a predetermined position on the paper read by the reading unit at the recognition unit is a print position correction mark. In this case, the print position is determined by correcting the print position correction information read timing and the number of dot lines obtained from the read timing of the print position correction mark read immediately before with the given print position correction information to determine the print position. It is characterized by having a printing position correcting means for giving the corrected printing position information to the printing section at times.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the character image recognition print communication device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the recognition result of the image data at the predetermined position on the paper read by the reading unit at the recognition unit coincides with the print paper identification information. If they do not match, under the control of the main control unit, the conveyance mechanism stops the conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance mechanism or does not perform the printing process on the sheet. Alternatively, it is characterized by having an erroneous printing prevention unit for controlling the printing unit.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the character image recognition print communication device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein marks are printed in advance at a predetermined interval by the printing unit, and the sheet on which the marks are printed is read by the reading unit. When the recognition result of the image data at the predetermined position on the paper is the mark, the number of recognized dot lines between the marks and the distance between the marks obtained from the read timing of the mark and the read timing of the mark read immediately before It is characterized by having an assembly error detecting means for storing a difference from the prescribed number of dot lines obtained from the interval of each time each mark is recognized and using it as printing position correction information.

[0022]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a character image recognition print communication device of the present invention. A character image recognition print communication device 100 comprises a main control unit 1 and a file device unit 2. , Communication control section 3, keyboard 4 as input means, display device 5, buffer storage section 6, recognition section 7, read control section 8, print control section 9, image reader 10, printing mechanism 11, transport mechanism section 14 and ROM. (Not shown). The main controller 1 to the print controller 9 and the transport controller (not shown) that controls the operations of the transport mechanism unit 14 are connected to the bus 20.

The reading control unit 8 and the image reader 10 form a reading unit 12, and the printing control unit 8 and the printing mechanism 9 form a printing unit 13.

The main control section 1 to the print control section 9 are composed of an electric circuit and firmware associated therewith, and the file device section 2 to the print control section 9 are all controlled by the main control section 1.
It is desirable that these are mounted on a printed circuit board.

Further, the file device section 2, the keyboard 4,
The display device 5 is connected to the main control unit 1, the communication control unit 3, the buffer storage unit 10, the recognition unit 11, the read control unit 8, and the print control unit 9 on the printed circuit board through the bus 20. Further, the image reader 10 and the printing mechanism 11 are mounted so that the image reader 10 is positioned in the front stage and the printing mechanism 11 is positioned in the rear stage with respect to the transport path facing the transport path of the transport mechanism section 14, respectively. Print control unit 9
And is controlled by the main control unit 1 via the read control unit 8 and the print control unit 9.

The file device unit 2 corresponds to a storage means such as a magnetic disk device or a floppy disk device, and is a control program and various management programs operating under it, a communication control program, a transfer order determining means, an application program automatic selecting means, In addition to programs (hereinafter, control programs, etc.) such as erroneous printing prevention means, printing position correction means, and assembly error detection means, they are created in advance for each form and document type processed by the character image recognition print communication device 100. A form / document processing / editing / printing application program, various parameter values for setting, an assembly error correction table, and a correspondence table of the application program for the form are stored. The assembly error detecting means in the above program may be used only when the error adjustment table is created at the shipping stage.

Further, the file device unit 2 includes a communication control unit 3
It is possible to store the image data input via the and the image data obtained by the reading unit 12, as well as the recognized character code and image pattern. The communication control unit 3 takes in image data transmitted from an external device through an external communication line based on a predetermined communication protocol and takes in the bus 20.
To the file device unit 2 via. Also, the communication control unit 3
When the image data stored in the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6) is sent via the bus 20, it is transmitted to a desired external device via a communication line based on a predetermined communication protocol.

The keyboard 4 is mainly used as a correction data input unit when the correction process of the image data obtained by the reading unit 12 is performed. In addition to displaying the message, the display device 5 displays the editing result of the image data other than the character code and the character pattern after the recognition processing of the image data by the recognition unit 7 during the correction processing. The buffer storage unit 6 includes a control program read from the file unit 2 when the character image recognition print communication device 100 is started up, a transfer order determination unit, an erroneous printing prevention unit, an application program automatic selection unit, a print position correction unit, and an assembly error. In addition to storing programs such as detection means, various parameter values and tables for setting, an application program extracted from the file device unit 2 each time a form or document type is determined, and editing for application programs Has a working area.

The buffer storage unit 6 also includes a communication control unit 3
In addition to temporarily storing the image data input via and the image data obtained by the reading unit 12, the recognized character code and image pattern are stored. When the recognition unit 7 receives the image data stored in the file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6, the recognition unit 7 performs a recognition process for a character (including a symbol) pattern in the image data to obtain a character code (including a symbol code). The image pattern is output and the image pattern is output as it is.

The reading unit 12 has a reading control unit 8, an image reader 10, and an image data buffer (not shown). The reading control unit 8 controls the scanning operation of the image reader 10 and is converted by the image reader 10. The image data stored in the image data buffer is sent to the file device 2 or the buffer storage unit 6 by a timing signal from the main control unit 1. The image reader 10 is located on the sheet conveying path in front of the print head of the printing mechanism 11, optically reads an image on the sheet, converts the image into an electric signal, and outputs it as image data to the image data buffer.

The printing unit 13 includes a printing control unit 9 and a printing mechanism 1.
1, a paper sensor, and an output buffer (not shown). The print control unit 9 uses the timing signal from the main control unit 1 to output the file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6.
Data is stored in the output buffer, the printing mechanism 11 is controlled by the output control signal from the main control unit 1, and the data stored in the output buffer memory is output as dots (pixels) to the printing position of the paper. .

The transport mechanism unit 14 is drive-controlled by a transport control unit, and is a transport system such as a motor (not shown), a paper supply mechanism, a motor and a plurality of paper transport rollers (see the example of FIG. 2), and a paper discharge mechanism. Etc., for reading manuscripts (forms,
(Paper) and output paper, which is a print medium,
It is conveyed in a predetermined direction and discharged. The motor is drive-controlled by a drive signal from the transport controller, and operates a plurality of paper transport rollers. The motor is sent from the motor controller 1
The paper transport roller is rotated so that the paper is transported by one line (which means a width of one dot in the main scanning direction) for each pulse. A configuration example of the transport mechanism unit 14 will be described later (see FIG. 2).

The transfer order determining means transmits / receives image data and the like between the communication controller 3 and the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6), and the file device unit 2 from the reading unit 12.
(Or transfer of image data to the buffer storage unit 6), image data between the file device 2 and the buffer storage unit 6,
Transfer of recognition data, output data, application programs, etc., transfer of image data from the file device unit 2 (or buffer storage unit 6) to the recognition unit 7, file device unit 2 from the recognition unit 7 (or buffer storage unit 6) ), A means for managing the transfer timing of the recognition result from the buffer storage unit 6, the transfer of the recognition result from the buffer storage unit 6 and the print output data and the output format information, and is configured by a program and a ranking table referred to by the program. The main control unit 1 operates under the control of the control program, and manages the data transfer operation. The transfer order determining means may be configured as a management program included in the time-division control program so that the main control unit 1 controls the data transfer in a time-division manner.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the mechanical portion of the character image recognition print communication device 100 of the present invention. The sheet feeding port 15 and the cut sheet feeding are provided in the preceding stage of the sheet feeding path of the feeding mechanism section 14. The port 15 ′ and the image reader 10 are provided, and the printing mechanism 11 and the sheet ejection port 16 are provided in the subsequent stage.

The transport mechanism section 14 is composed of a plurality of transport rollers driven by a motor (not shown) and corresponding sub-rollers. The transport rollers pull in the sheet when the sheet set in the sheet supply port 15 is detected, and a predetermined speed is reached. And the sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge port 16. The sheet supply port 15 (and the single-cut sheet supply port 15 ') serves both as a reading sheet supply port and a printing sheet supply port, and is provided with a sheet supply sensor for detecting the set state of the sheet. Further, the sheet discharge port 16 also serves as a sheet discharge port for reading and a sheet discharge port for printing. It should be noted that the thick solid line arrows shown in FIG. 2 indicate the sheet conveyance path, and the thin broken line arrows indicate the movement range of the components indicated by the arrows.

In FIG. 2, a and b show the positions of the shift feeder opening / closing levers, a shows the state of the shift feeder opening / closing levers at the time of feeding, and b shows the state of the shift feeder opening / closing levers at the time of sheet setting. c and d indicate the position of the sheet separating plate for separating the sheets and preventing the double feeding of the sheets, c indicates the state of the sheet separating plate when the sheets are not set, and d indicates the state where the sheets are set. The state of the paper separating plate when the paper is present is shown. e and f indicate the position of the single-sheet double-insertion prevention lever for preventing the next sheet from entering when the sheet is inserted inside, and e indicates the state in which the sheet is not set, f indicates the state in which the paper is set.
g and h indicate the positions of the sheet discharge port switching levers, g indicates the state of the lever when the back side discharge is selected, and h indicates the state of the lever when the front side discharge is selected. i and j indicate the position of the discharge tray, i is the state of the discharge tray at the time of printing, j
Indicates the state of the discharge tray when the paper is taken out. k and l indicate the position of the reading / conveying system, k indicates the position of the reading / conveying system in the normal state, and l indicates the position of the reading / conveying system when the jammed paper is taken out.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a form sheet (outline format) used in one embodiment of the character image recognition printing communication device of the present invention.
, 30 is form paper, 31 is a mark for preventing misprinting,
Reference numeral 32 is a form recognition symbol, and 33 is a print position correction mark. Misprint prevention mark 31, form recognition symbol mark 3
2, and the print position correction mark 33 will be described later. Hereinafter, a character recognition processing operation, a paper conveyance operation, and a printing processing operation of the character image recognition print communication device 100 will be described.

<1. Character Recognition Processing Operation> Characters or images on a form (or document) read by the image reader 10 of the reading unit 12 are imaged as image data (character pattern or image pattern) and stored in the image data buffer, and the main control is performed. It is temporarily stored in the file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6 by a control signal (timing signal) from the unit 1. Similarly, the image data transmitted from the external device via the communication line is also temporarily stored in the file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6 via the bus 20 by the control signal (timing signal) from the main control unit 1. It The order of recognition processing of these temporarily stored image data is determined by a transfer order determining unit (described later), and when the timing of the recognition processing comes, it is taken out from the file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6 and the bus 2 is stored.
It is input to the recognition unit 7 via 0.

File device unit 2 or buffer storage unit 6
The application program determines in which of the two, the image data or the recognized data is stored (stored). However, it may be configured so that the user can specify the amount of the form (or document) to be read at the beginning of the process. it can.

Further, even when the image data or the recognized data is stored in the buffer storage unit 6, the image data or the recognized data in the buffer storage unit 6 is automatically stored in the file unit 2 when the processing is interrupted. It is desirable to configure it so that it can be evacuated.

The reading unit 12 temporarily stores the imaged image data, but when the image data buffer is full or the last image data is stored, a transfer request signal is sent to the main control unit 1. . Upon receiving the transfer request signal, the main control unit 1 checks by the control program whether the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6) is writable, and further whether the transfer request signal from the communication control unit 3 is issued. When both conditions are satisfied, or when the transfer order determining means determines that the transfer of the image data of the reading unit 12 is the priority order even if the transfer request signal is output from the communication control unit 3, A transfer permission signal (timing signal) is sent to the read control unit 8. Upon receiving the transfer permission signal, the read control unit 8 transfers the image data stored in the image data buffer to a designated device (file device unit 2 (or buffer storage unit 6)) and initializes the image data buffer. To do.

Similarly, the communication control unit 3 temporarily stores the image data transmitted from the external device via the communication line in the receiving buffer (not shown), and the receiving buffer becomes full or the last one is stored. When the image data is stored, the main controller 1
Send a transfer request signal to. The main control unit 1 that has received the transfer request signal uses the file program unit 2 according to the control program.
(Or the buffer storage unit 6) is checked whether it is writable, and further whether the transfer request signal from the read control unit 8 is not output. If both conditions are satisfied, or if the read control unit 8 Even if the transfer request signal is issued, when the transfer order determining means determines that the transfer of the image data received by the communication control unit 3 is the priority order, the transfer permission signal (timing signal) is sent to the communication control unit 3. The communication control unit 3 that has received the transfer permission signal transfers the image data stored in the reception buffer to the designated device (file device unit 2 (or buffer storage unit 6)) and initializes the reception buffer.

The recognition unit 7 recognizes a character pattern (including a symbol pattern) in the image data and outputs it as a character code (and an image pattern that is not recognized), and the bus 20 is sent to the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6). Send through. The file device unit 2 or the buffer storage unit 6 stores (or stores) the received character data and image pattern.

<2. Paper Conveying Operation> The form paper set in the paper supply port 15 is conveyed by the conveying mechanism unit 14,
The image sensor of the image reader 10 provided facing the conveyance path optically reads (prints or writes or draws) characters and images on the form paper, converts them into electric signals, and forms images as image data. Store in the data buffer. The image data stored in the image data buffer is transferred to the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6) by the read control unit 8 based on the timing signal from the main control unit 1 as described above. The sheet conveyance control of the conveyance mechanism section 14 is performed by the main control section 1. The main control section 1 controls the sheet take-in operation from the sheet supply port, and the conveyance speed for realizing the optimum reading by the image reader 8. , Control the paper discharge operation to the paper discharge port 16.

<3. Print Processing Operation> The printing unit 13 controls the transport mechanism unit 1 based on the control of the output timing from the main control unit 1.
Characters and / or images are printed by outputting the image data stored in the print buffer to a predetermined position of the sheet conveyed by 4. The printing unit 13 includes a paper sensor that detects the head of the paper, and when the paper sensor detects the head of the paper, sends a paper detection signal to the main control unit 1 via the print control unit 9. When the main control unit 1 receives the paper detection signal, it starts counting the print line counter secured in the buffer storage unit 6 by the print line counting means.

The output data is printed at a predetermined position on the specified paper by the erroneous printing prevention mark 31, as shown in FIG.
A sheet (form sheet 30 in the example of FIG. 2) on which the form recognition symbol 32 and the print position correction mark 33 are printed in advance is used.

Form paper 3 set in the paper supply port 15
In the case of 0, when the transport mechanism unit 14 passes the portion where the image reader 10 is located, first, the position where the misprinting prevention mark 31 is present is read by the image sensor. The read control unit 8 obtains the transfer permission of the main control unit 1 and sends the image of that portion to the recognition unit 7. The recognition unit 8 that has received the image image recognizes the image image, sends a recognized signal to the main control unit 1, and stores the recognition result in the buffer storage unit 6. The main control unit 1 that has received the recognized signal determines whether the recognition result is the erroneous printing prevention mark by the erroneous printing prevention unit as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 4 (S
1) If the mark is an erroneous print prevention mark, a read continuation signal for the next row is sent to the read control unit 8 (S2), and if it is not a erroneous print prevention mark, a read stop signal is read.
To the printing unit 13 (S3),
A message indicating that the paper is wrong is displayed on the display device 5 (S4).

When the control signal from the main control unit 1 is a stop signal of the reading operation, the reading control unit 8 does not instruct the image reader 10 to read the next line, and the next specified sheet moves on the conveyance path. Since the printing unit 13 does not perform the printing process while waiting for the sheet to pass, the form sheet 30 determined to be erroneous passes through the transport path as it is and is discharged to the discharge port 16.

When the control signal from the main control unit 1 is a read continuation signal, when the image sensor 10 reads a position with the form recognition symbol 32, the read control unit 8
Receives the transfer permission of the main control unit 1 and sends the image of that portion to the recognition unit 7. Image recognition unit 7 that received the image
Recognizes the image and sends a recognized signal to the main controller 1 and stores the recognition result in the buffer memory 6.

Upon receiving the recognized signal, the main control section 1 causes the application program automatic selection means to make a correspondence between the form and the application program based on the correspondence table.
The file device unit 20 is instructed to retrieve the application program corresponding to the recognition result (form recognition symbol) and transfer it to the buffer storage unit 6. File device section 20
The buffer storage unit 6, which has received the corresponding application program from, stores it (memory expansion).

The main control section 1 controls the execution of the application program loaded in the buffer storage section 6, and sends the output data obtained by the execution of the application program to the printing section 13. The printing unit 13 develops an image of the output data and stores it in the print data buffer.

The reading unit 12 continues to read one sheet of the form paper 30 that is being conveyed during that time, and outputs a print position confirmation signal each time the print position correction marks 33 provided at both ends of the form paper 30 are read. It is sent to the main control unit 1. When the main control unit 1 receives the print position confirmation signal, the print position correction means calculates the distance between the previous print position correction mark 33 and the present print position correction mark 33 to shift the position of the paper in the transport mechanism unit 14. Alternatively, when the misregistration is detected, the recognized print position line (coordinate) is corrected, and when the corrected print position line number matches the value of the print line counter of the printing unit 13, the print position information (x on the line). (Coordinates) is sent to the printing unit 13 as printing position information. When the print control unit 9 that has received the corrected print position information receives the output control signal from the main control unit 1, the print control unit 9 drives the print mechanism 11 and stores it in the print buffer in the print range on the line indicated by the print position information. Take out the image data that is displayed and print it.

<4. Assembly error detecting means> For the assembly accuracy of the printer with the image reader, the mechanical parts and the image reader 1
0 and the mounting accuracy of the printing mechanism (especially the print head) greatly affect the reading recognition rate and the printing quality, so high accuracy is required. Therefore, in order to assemble with high accuracy, advanced adjustment technology and parts accuracy are required. Although it is necessary and is an obstacle to the cost reduction of the apparatus, in assembling the character image recognition print communication apparatus 100 of the present invention, the assembling error detecting means is executed so that the assembling accuracy is conventionally required. It is possible to secure sufficient recognition / printing accuracy even if the assembly is performed at a lower temperature.

For example, the sheet 30 as shown in FIG. 3 is set as the adjusting sheet in the sheet supply port 15 and is conveyed by the conveying mechanism section 14. Paper 3 by image reader 10
Every time the print position correction marks 33 provided at both ends of 0 are read, a specific mark (mark) is printed on the paper 30 at a predetermined interval and the number of lines M at that time is counted to obtain count values M1, M2. ..., Mn are retained.

The sheet 30 on which the mark is printed by the above operation is set again in the sheet supply port, the mark printed on the sheet 30 at predetermined intervals is read, the number of lines N is counted, and the count values N1 and N2 are counted. , ..., Nn are obtained sequentially,
The difference ΔL1, ΔL2, ..., ΔLn from the held count values M1, M2, ..., Mn can be calculated and used as the assembly error. This assembly error ΔL1, ΔL2
.. .DELTA.Ln is obtained for each type of form and stored in the file device unit 2 as an assembly error correction table value for each type of form.

Therefore, at the time of normal printing, the printing position correcting means reads out the printing position (the number of lines having the printing position correcting marks) read by the reading portion 13 from the assembling error correction table ΔL1, ΔL2, ... ., Δ
It is possible to correct the number of printing lines by using Ln to correct it at the time of printing. Further, at the time of reading, every time the reading section 13 reads the coordinates of the image data, the assembly error ΔL1, ΔL2,
, .. .DELTA.Ln and transfer to the file device unit 2 (or the buffer storage unit 6), the recognition unit 12 can recognize correct data in which the influence of an assembly error is eliminated.

[0057]

As described above, according to the first, second, and third inventions, the main control unit causes the recognition unit, the communication control unit, the reading unit, the printing unit, the file device unit, and the buffer storage unit. As the image data received by the communication control unit can be centrally controlled, such as the transfer of the image data obtained by the reading unit, the data transfer between the respective constituent units can be controlled. However, since the data can be saved in the file device or the like, the operation of each component can be performed in parallel.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the application program corresponding to the form can be developed in the buffer storage unit when the type of the form is determined from the application programs stored in the file device in advance, and the process can be executed. It is no longer necessary to select and execute an application program for each time, and there is no inconvenience such as inconsistency between the form and the application program, and the time for selecting and loading the application program is shortened.

In the fifth and sixth inventions, since the reading section and the printing section share the conveying system, the reading and the printing can be performed by one conveyance, and in particular, the prescribed sheet on which the style is printed in advance is specified. Can be recognized and printed efficiently.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an error due to a conveyance deviation or the like that occurs when a sheet is conveyed is corrected using the correction table for the recognized printing position and printing is performed at the corrected printing position. Can be printed with.

In the eighth invention, the erroneous printing prevention mark is printed on the printing paper, and only the paper on which the erroneous printing prevention mark is recognized is printed. It is possible to prevent erroneous printing such as printing on a paper which should not be performed.

The ninth aspect of the invention is so constructed as to detect the assembly error from the difference between the actual position of the mark and the printing position obtained by rereading the mark printed in advance and reading the correction data. Even if there is an assembly error, printing can be performed at the correct position according to the seventh invention, and the assembly error can be absorbed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a character image recognition print communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a mechanical portion of the character image recognition print communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example of a form sheet used in an embodiment of the character image recognition print communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of erroneous printing prevention means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 main control unit 2 file device unit 3 communication control unit 4 keyboard (input means) 5 display device 6 buffer storage unit 7 recognition unit 11 printing mechanism 12 reading unit 13 printing unit 14 transport mechanism unit 20 bus

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Hadano 10-1 Minamikurokawa, Aso-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan Digital Research Institute Kawasaki R & D Center (72) Masahiro Sekine Aso-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Minami Kurokawa 10-1 Japan Digital Research Institute Kawasaki R & D Center (72) Inventor Kiji Shishido Minami Kurokawa 10-1 Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Japan Digital Research Institute Kawasaki R & D Center

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for scanning a character or an image on a sheet and converting it into image data, and receiving image data from an external device via a communication line,
In addition, a communication control unit that transmits image data or a recognition result to an external device via a communication line, and image data obtained by the reading unit and / or image data received by the communication control unit and a recognition result by the recognition unit are stored. A file storage unit that stores the image data obtained by the reading unit and / or the image data received by the communication control unit and the recognition result of the recognition unit, and a buffer storage unit that temporarily stores the recognition result. A recognition unit that receives the image data or the image data stored in the buffer storage unit, recognizes a character pattern including a symbol in the image data to obtain a character code, and outputs the character code and the image data other than the character pattern. , A mark for printing the recognition result and / or output data stored in the file device section or the buffer storage section at a predetermined position on the paper. Transfer of image data from the communication control unit to the file device unit or the buffer storage unit via the printing unit, the main control unit, and the bus, and the transfer of image data from the reading unit to the file device unit or the buffer storage unit. Transfer, transfer of image data from the file device unit or buffer storage unit to the recognition unit, transfer of recognition results from the recognition unit to the file device unit or buffer storage unit, communication control unit or buffer storage unit from the file device unit Of the recognition result to the file controller, transfer of image data from the buffer storage unit to the communication control unit, transfer of image data, recognition result, and / or data to the file unit, recognition result from the buffer storage unit to the printing unit And a transfer order determining unit that determines a transfer order of the output data and the print position information, and the main control unit, the communication control unit, the file device unit, and the buffer. The storage unit, the recognition unit, the reading unit, and the printing unit are connected to a common bus, and the main control unit controls the operations of the communication control unit, the file device unit, the buffer storage unit, the recognition unit, the reading unit, and the printing unit. A character image recognition print communication device, wherein transfer control of each data is performed by a transfer order determining unit. 2. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit controls transfer of each data by time division by the transfer order determining means. 3. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit connected to the bus for inputting data and a display unit for displaying display data. Character image recognition, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the input unit and the display unit, the transfer of the input data from the input unit to the buffer storage unit, and the transfer of the display data from the buffer storage unit to the display unit. Print communication device. 4. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein data processing / editing / prepared for each type of form, which is stored in advance in a file device unit, is performed.
When the recognition result of the application program for printing and the image data at the predetermined position on the paper read by the reading unit matches the form identification information registered in advance, under the control of the main control unit, Character image recognition print communication, characterized in that it has an application program automatic selection means for extracting an application program corresponding to the form identification information from the file device section, transferring it to the buffer storage section, and passing execution control to the main control section. apparatus. 5. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit and the printing unit each perform a reading process of a sheet and a printing operation at a predetermined position of the sheet under a common sheet conveying system. A character image recognition printing communication device characterized by performing. 6. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 5, wherein the paper feed system feeds the paper, a feed mechanism that feeds the paper at a predetermined speed, and an ejection mechanism that ejects the paper. And a transport system control unit that is controlled by the main control unit and controls the driving operation of the paper feed mechanism, the transport mechanism, and the discharge mechanism, and the scanning mechanism of the reading unit on the transport mechanism is the printing mechanism of the printing unit. A character image recognition print communication device characterized in that it is located in a more front stage. 7. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 6, wherein when the recognition result of the image data of the predetermined position on the paper read by the reading unit is the printing position correction mark, The print position is determined by correcting the read timing of the print position correction information and the number of dot lines obtained from the read timing of the print position correction mark read immediately before with the given print position correction information and determining the print position. A character image recognition print communication device having a print position correction means for giving corrected print position information. 8. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 6, wherein whether the recognition result of the image data read by the reading unit at the predetermined position on the paper at the recognition unit matches the print paper identification information. If they do not match, under the control of the main control unit, the conveyance control unit or the printing unit stops the conveyance of the paper by the conveyance mechanism or does not perform the printing process on the paper. A character image recognition print communication device having an erroneous print prevention unit for controlling 9. The character image recognition print communication device according to claim 6, wherein marks are printed in advance by the printing unit at predetermined intervals, and the paper on which the marks are printed is read by the reading unit. When the recognition result of the image data at a predetermined position in the recognition unit is the mark, from the recognition dot line number between the marks and the interval between the marks obtained from the read timing of the mark and the read timing of the mark read immediately before A character image recognition print communication device characterized by comprising an assembly error detection means for storing a difference from the specified number of specified dot lines each time when each mark is recognized and using it as printing position correction information.