JPH0844821A - Optical character reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To remove unwanted parts even when there are plural kinds of dropout colors by extracting a character image at the previously decided position of a form while using the color component of a mark entered by using a writing tool used for the entering of the form. CONSTITUTION:A scanning part 11 optically scans the surface of a entered form 4, adds a common value to the same color and outputs it to a same color deciding part 12. At the same color deciding part 12, the table value of a part corresponding to the image of a mark entering part 2 is outputted to a character recognizing part 14, the table value of the mark entering part 2 is compared with the table value of a color picture image, and the result is stored in an image storage part 13. At the character recognizing part 14, the table value corresponding to the character color of the entered form 4 provided from the same color deciding part 12 is outputted, character recognizing processing is performed to the image for each from the binarized image of a reading object character 5 stored in the image storage part 13, and the result is outputted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical character reader for reading out only characters by erasing the character entry frame from a form in which the character entry frame is recorded using various colors.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of optical character reader, a predetermined optical filter is used to color unnecessary portions other than characters (hereinafter, referred to as "drop"). The character recognition was performed after the image without the "out color" was captured. However, in the above-described method, since the dropout color is erased by utilizing the optical characteristics, it is possible to use only a predetermined single color as the dropout color, and there is a drawback that the degree of freedom in creating a form is small. there were. Therefore, in order to solve this drawback, for example, an optical character recognition device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-287892 has been proposed.

In the optical character recognition apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-287892, a color scanner first captures an image of a form, and the captured image is R (red), G (green), B (blue). Each) in the image memory. Next, the image of the read form is displayed, and the operator designates the unnecessary portion and the background portion with respect to the display result, and the filter for removing the unnecessary portion is obtained by the logical product of the R, G, and B portions. At this time, the form number and the reading area in the form are also obtained from the operator and stored in association with the filter for removing the unnecessary portion. Finally, at the time of recognition operation, the above-mentioned filter is applied to the form image and binarized to extract the image of only the character portion for recognition.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional optical character recognition device, the operator has to give an instruction of an unnecessary portion in advance in order to determine the filter, so that the working efficiency of the operator is poor. There was a problem to say. Further, since only the recognition result of the read target character is finally obtained, the information regarding the color of the read target character cannot be effectively used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to remove unnecessary portions even if there are plural kinds of dropout colors and no instruction is given from an operator. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical character reading device that can effectively utilize the information about the color of the character to be read.

[0006]

According to the present invention, the object is to provide a scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, and the form provided in advance in one place on the form. The color components of the color image image of the form captured by the scanning unit are color components obtained by capturing the characters / graphics in the mark writing area by the scanning unit before reading the target character. From the above, the same color extracting means for sequentially extracting the color image images at the same time as the capturing and the character recognizing means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extracting means are provided, and are recognized by the character recognizing means. This is achieved by the configuration in which the color component corresponding to the generated character is output for each form.

Further, according to the present invention, the object is to provide a scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form and a mark writing area provided in advance at one place on the form. From the color components of the color image image of the form captured by the scanning unit, the color component having the same color as the color component obtained by capturing the character / figure of FIG. The same color extraction means for sequentially extracting simultaneously with the capturing of the image image and the character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extraction means are provided, and the characters recognized by the character recognition means are recognized. This is achieved by making the corresponding color components output character by character.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a scanning means for taking in a color image image from a form and a storage means for storing color components of the color image image. A same-color extracting unit that extracts a color component having the same color as the color component of the mark writing area provided in advance in one place on the form from the color component of the color image image of the form captured by the storage unit; Achieved by providing a character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the means, and outputting a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition means for each of the forms. To be done.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a scanning means for taking in a color image image from a form, and a storage means for storing color components of the color image image. A same-color extracting unit that extracts a color component having the same color as the color component of the mark writing area provided in advance in one place on the form from the color component of the color image image of the form captured by the storage unit; Achieved by providing a character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the means, and outputting a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition means in the character unit. To be done.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 5, there is provided a scanning means for taking in a color image image from a form and a mark writing area provided in advance at a plurality of positions on the form. A plurality of color components obtained by capturing the plurality of characters / figures before the capture of the character to be read by the scanning means, and the stored plurality of color components and the form captured by the scanning means. Comparing the color components of the color image image of, the same color extraction means for sequentially extracting the color components of the same color at the same time as capturing the color image image, and the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extraction means. Character recognition means for recognizing, and a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition means is output in units of the characters. Thus it is achieved.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 6, there is provided a scanning means for taking in a color image image from a form, and a storage means for storing color components of the color image image. , Storing a plurality of color components of a mark writing area provided at a plurality of locations in advance on the form, and storing the plurality of stored color components and the color components of the color image image of the form captured by the storage means. The same color extraction means for comparing and sequentially extracting color components of the same color, and a character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extraction means are provided, and are recognized by the character recognition means. This is achieved by the configuration in which the color component corresponding to the character is output in the character unit.

[0012]

According to each of the above constructions, the color component of the mark filled in with the writing tool used by the person who filled out the form or the mark printed in the color of the character to be printed is set at a predetermined position on the form. Since the character image is extracted by using the character image, the character image can be extracted with high accuracy, and at the same time, the character of any color other than the color of the character entry frame can be recognized. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. In addition, since the data related to the color of the characters to be read is output at the same time as the character recognition results for each character or each form, classification and aggregation corresponding to the character color is performed for each character in each form, and the form type for each form By setting the character color according to, it is possible to construct a system or the like that effectively uses the color information of the character, such as classifying and totaling according to the character color of each form.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical character reading device shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, this optical character reading device includes a scanning unit 11, a same-color determination unit 12, an image storage unit 13, and a character recognition unit 14.

More specifically, the scanning unit 11 scans the form, and from this form, R (red), G (green),
A color image of three colors of B (blue) is taken in, and common values (hereinafter, referred to as “table values”) are given to the same color system. The same-color determination unit 12 uses a mark writing unit 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), which will be described later, provided on the form,
The table value obtained by capturing the part of the mark by the writing instrument used when filling the form, and the scanning unit 1
The table values of the color image image captured in 1 are compared, and if they are the same, "1" is output, and if they are different, "0" is output, and at the same time, the table value of the mark writing section 2 is output. The image storage unit 13 includes the same-color determination unit 1 described above.
The output other than the table value of the mark writing unit 2 from 2 is stored. The character recognition unit 14 cuts out a character image for each character from the binarized image of the character stored in the image storage unit 13, recognizes the cut out character image for each character, and recognizes this character. The table value of the mark writing unit 2 obtained from the same color determination unit 12 as the result is output.

2 and 3 show an example of a form used in the first embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an unfilled form 1 in a state in which nothing is entered. , Fig. 3
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a filled-in form 4 in which a person who fills out the form fills in necessary items for the unfilled form 1. The blank form 1 is preliminarily printed with a mark writing area 2 to be filled with a form writing tool or to be filled with a color of a character to be printed and a character entry frame 3 showing an entry area of a character with an arbitrary dropout color. ing. On the other hand, completed form 4
The mark entry portion 2 is filled with a writing tool used by the writer, and the reading target character 5 is entered in the character entry frame 3. In the present embodiment, the character entry frame 3 is black, the background color of the form sheet is white, and the reading target character 5 is blue. The mark writing section 2 is the same writing tool as the reading target character 5. Is painted in blue.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main scanning direction X and the sub scanning direction Y when the color image image of the completed form 4 is captured.

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. First, the scanning section 11 will be described.
Automatically scans the completed form 4 in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y shown in FIG. 4 to sequentially capture R, G, and B three-color images, and set common values for the same color system. It is given and output to the same color determination unit 12. Specifically, "0" is assigned to black-colored pixels, "1" is assigned to red-colored pixels, "2" is assigned to green-colored pixels, and "2" is assigned to blue-colored pixels. Numerical values such as "3" and "4" are assigned to pixels of white color. Further, at this time, since the mark writing portion 2 is located above the character writing frame 3, the image is first captured and the table value is given.

When the scanning unit 11 outputs the table value of the portion corresponding to the image of the mark writing unit 2 of the completed form 4, the same color determination unit 12 thereafter corresponds to the image of the mark writing unit 2. The table value of the portion is output to the character recognition unit 14, and the table value of the mark writing unit 2 is compared with the table value of the color image image taken after the mark writing unit 2 is loaded, and the same table value is used. If there is one, "1" is stored in the image storage unit 13, and if not "0". That is, in the present embodiment, the table value of the portion corresponding to the mark writing section 2 is "3" corresponding to blue, so the character recognition section 14
"3" is output as a table value to the image storage unit 13, and the image storage unit 13 stores the same "3" as the table value of the mark writing unit 2 among the table values of the color image images fetched after the mark writing unit 2 is loaded. "1" is stored in the part that is, and "0" is stored in the other parts.

FIG. 5 is finally stored in the image storage unit 13 when the processing by the same color determination unit 12 is completed for the table values of the color image images that have been captured after all the mark writing units 2 have been captured. The result is shown as an image. As shown in FIG. 5, the image storage unit 13 stores the binarized image of the read target character 5.

The character recognition unit 14 outputs the table value "3" corresponding to the character color of the completed form 4 obtained from the same color determination unit 12 and is stored in the image storage unit 13 by a well-known method. An image of each character is cut out from the binarized image of the read target character 5, the cut-out image of each character is subjected to character recognition processing by a known method, and the result is output.

Therefore, according to the optical character reading device of the first embodiment, the optical character reading device is provided at a predetermined position on the form.
Since the character image is extracted using the table values of the marks entered by the person who filled out the form using the writing instrument used when filling out the form, the character image can be extracted with high accuracy, and at the same time, the color other than the color of the character entry frame 3 can be extracted. If so, it is possible to recognize characters of all colors. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. Furthermore, since the binarization condition can be determined in advance by loading the table value of the mark writing unit 2 prior to loading the table value of the read target character 5, at the same time when the image of the form is loaded. Binarization is possible, and high-speed character recognition is possible. In addition, since the data related to the color of the read target character 5 is output at the same time as the character recognition result for each form, by setting the character color for each form according to the type of form, it is possible to sort by the character color of each form.
It is also possible to construct a system or the like that effectively uses the color information of characters, such as totaling.

The first embodiment is not limited to this structure and can be modified as described in the following (1) to (3). (1) The case where the scanning unit 11 converts the color image image of the filled-in form 4 into a predetermined table value for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. While outputting the R, G, B values of the part corresponding to the mark entry part 2 of
A method of extracting the read target character 5 using this value may be used. (2) Further, in the present embodiment, the case where one kind of color is used as the character entry frame 3 is shown, but character entry frames of a plurality of kinds of colors may be used on the same form. (3) Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the table value corresponding to the character color is output for each form, but the table value corresponding to the character color may be output for each character.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical character reading device shown as the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the optical character reading device includes a scanning unit 21.
The table value storage unit 22, the same color determination unit 23, the image storage unit 24, and the character recognition unit 25.

More specifically, the scanning unit 21 scans the form, and from this form, R (red), G (green) of each pixel,
A color image of three colors of B (blue) is taken in, and common values (hereinafter, referred to as “table values”) are given to the same color system. The table value storage unit 22 includes a scanning unit 21.
The table value of each pixel given by is stored. The same-color determination unit 23 is obtained by taking in from the table value storage unit 22 into the mark writing unit 2 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) provided in advance on the form, the mark portion written by the writing instrument used when writing the form. The table value stored in the table value storage unit 22 is compared with the table values of all the pixels of the color image image stored in the table value storage unit 22.
If they are different, "0" is output, and at the same time, the table value of the mark writing section 2 is output. Image storage unit 24
Stores the output from the same color determination unit 23 other than the table value of the mark writing unit 2. The character recognition unit 25 cuts out a character image for each character from the binary image of the character stored in the image storage unit 24, recognizes the cut out character image for each character, and recognizes this character. Mark writing section 2 obtained from the same color determination section 23 as the result
Output the table value of.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described assuming that the forms shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 which are the same as those in the first embodiment are used. First, the scanning unit 21 scans the completed form 4 in the main scanning direction X and the sub scanning direction Y shown in FIG.
The R, G, and B three-color images are sequentially captured by sequentially scanning, and common values are given to the same color system, and stored in the table value storage unit 22. Specifically, "0" is assigned to black-colored pixels, "1" is assigned to red-colored pixels, "2" is assigned to green-colored pixels, and "2" is assigned to blue-colored pixels. Numerical values such as “3” and white-colored pixels are given to the pixels of “4” and are stored in the table value storage unit 22.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the table values for the color image image of the completed form 4 are stored in the table storage unit 22. Note that, in FIG. 7, the contents of the table value storage unit 22 are expressed in an image form and are expressed in the state of the completed form 4, but in reality, it corresponds to the color of each pixel. Stores the table value. Therefore, actually, "3" is stored in the portion corresponding to the mark writing portion 2 and the reading target character 5 written in blue, and "0" is stored in the portion corresponding to the black character writing frame 3. However, "4" is stored in each portion corresponding to the background of the white form.

The table values for the color image of the form 4 completed by the scanning unit 21 are stored in the table value storage unit 2.
2 is stored in the mark writing unit 2 in the same color determination unit 23.
The table value of the portion corresponding to the image of is extracted and output to the character recognition unit 25, and the table value of the mark writing unit 2 is compared with all the table values for each pixel stored in the table value storage unit 22. However, if the table values are the same, “1” is stored in the image storage unit 24, and if they are not the same, “0” is stored in the image storage unit 24. That is, in the present embodiment, the table value of the portion corresponding to the mark writing section 2 is “3” corresponding to blue, so that “3” is output as the table value to the character recognition section 25 and the image storage section 24 is also output. In all the table values of the filled-in form 4 stored in the table value storage unit 22, “1” is stored in the same “3” as the table value of the mark writing unit 2, and the other values are stored. "0" is stored in the portion of.

FIG. 8 shows an image finally stored in the image storage unit 24 when the processing by the same color determination unit 23 is completed for all the table values stored in the table value storage unit 22. It is a thing. As shown in FIG. 8, the image storage unit 24 stores the binarized image of the mark writing unit 2 and the read target character 5.

The character recognition section 25 outputs the table value "3" corresponding to the character color of the completed form 4 obtained from the same color determination section 23 and stored in the image storage section 24 by a known method. An image for each character is cut out from the binarized image of the read target character 5, character recognition processing is performed on the cut out image for each character by a known method, and the result is output.

Therefore, according to the optical character reader of the second embodiment, the optical character reading device can be set at a predetermined position on the form.
Since the character image is extracted using the table values of the marks entered by the person who filled out the form using the writing instrument used when filling out the form, the character image can be extracted with high accuracy, and at the same time, the color other than the color of the character entry frame 3 can be extracted. If so, it is possible to recognize characters of all colors. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. Furthermore, since the data related to the color of the read target character 5 is output at the same time as the character recognition result for each form, by setting the character color for each form according to the type of form, classification and aggregation can be performed by the character color of each form. It is also possible to construct a system or the like that effectively uses character information, such as "do".

The second embodiment is not limited to this structure and can be modified as described in the following (1) to (3). (1) The case where the scanning unit 21 converts the color image image of the filled-in form 4 into a predetermined table value for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The R, G, B values of the portion corresponding to the mark writing section 2 are stored as they are, and the R, G, B values of the portion corresponding to the mark writing section 2 are extracted from the stored color image image and output. A method of extracting the read target character 5 using this value may be used. (2) In addition, in the present embodiment, the mark writing unit 2 is arranged above the read target character 5, but the table value storage unit 22 is provided. The part 2 may be arranged. (3) Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the table value corresponding to the character color is output for each form, but the table value corresponding to the character color may be output for each character.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical character reading device shown as the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the optical character reading device includes a scanning unit 31.
The same color determination unit 32, the image storage unit 33, and the character recognition unit 34.

More specifically, the scanning unit 31 scans the form, and from the form, R (red), G (green),
A color image of three colors of B (blue) is taken in, and common values (hereinafter, referred to as “table values”) are given to the same color system. The same-color determination unit 32 includes mark writing units 102A to 102C (FIG.
11 and FIG. 11), the table value obtained by capturing the mark portion by the writing instrument used when filling the form is compared with the table value of the color image image captured by the scanning unit 31, and if they are the same, The same table value is output, and if they are different, "0" is output.
The image storage unit 33 stores the output of the same color determination unit 32. The character recognition unit 34 extracts a character table value for each character from the character table value stored in the image storage unit 33, and recognizes the cut out character table value for each character as a character image. The character recognition result and the table value corresponding to the character recognized are output.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example of a form used in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an unfilled form 101 in which nothing is entered.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a completed form 104 in which the person who filled out the form has filled in necessary items for the blank form 101. The blank form 101 is filled with a form writing tool, or is filled with the color of the characters to be printed. Is printed in advance. On the other hand, completed form 10
4, the mark writing portions 102A, 102B, 102C are filled with writing tools used by the writer, and the reading target characters 105A, 10
5B and 105C are entered. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the read target character 105A is a red writing tool, the read target character 105B is a green writing tool, and the read target character 105C is a blue writing tool. Therefore, the mark writing portions 102A-1
02C is also painted in red, green, and blue because it is painted with the same writing tool as the reading target characters 105A to 105C. Further, it is assumed that the character entry frame 103 is black and the background color of the form sheets 101 and 104 is white.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y when the color image image of the completed form 104 is captured.

The operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. First, the scanning section 31 will be described.
Shows the completed form 104 in the main scanning direction X shown in FIG.
And, it optically scans in the sub-scanning direction Y, sequentially takes in R, G, and B three-color images, gives common values to the same color system, and outputs them to the same color determination unit 32. Specifically, "0" is assigned to black-colored pixels, "1" is assigned to red-colored pixels, "2" is assigned to green-colored pixels, and "2" is assigned to blue-colored pixels. 3 ",
A numerical value such as “4” is given to the pixels of white color.
Further, at this time, since the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are located above the character writing frame 103, the image is first captured and the table value is given.

When the scanning unit 31 outputs the table value of the portion corresponding to the image of the mark writing portions 102A to 102C of the filled-out form 104, the same color determination unit 32 subsequently outputs the mark writing portions 102A to 102C. The table values of the three types corresponding to the image are compared with the table values of the color image image captured after the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are captured, and the table values are the same as any of the above three types of table values. If there is, the table value is stored in the image storage unit 33, and if not, “0” is stored in the image storage unit 33. That is, in this embodiment,
Since the table values of the portions corresponding to the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are "1", "2", and "3", respectively,
The image storage unit 33 includes mark writing units 102A to 102A.
Of the table values of the color image image captured after the capture of C, "1", "2", and "3" are the same as the table values of the mark writing portions 102A to 102C, respectively. , "3" are stored, and "0" is stored in the other parts.

FIG. 13 shows that the processing by the same color determination unit 32 is
It is an image showing the result finally stored in the image storage unit 33 when the table values of the color image images fetched after fetching all the mark writing units 102A to 102C are finished. As shown in FIG. 13, the image storage unit 33 stores only the table values of the read target characters 105A to 105C.

In the character recognition unit 34, the read target character 1 stored in the image storage unit 33 by a well-known method.
The image for each character is cut out from the table value of the portion corresponding to 05A to 105C, the cut out table value for each character is subjected to character recognition processing by a known method as a character image, and the recognition result is output. , The table value of the recognized character is also output at the same time.

Therefore, according to the optical character reading device of the third embodiment, the optical character reading device is arranged at a predetermined position on the form.
Since the character image is extracted using the table value of the mark entered by the person who filled out the form using the writing instrument used when filling out the form, it is possible to extract the character image with high accuracy and at the same time, use a color other than the color of the character entry frame. If so, it is possible to recognize characters of all colors. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. Further, since the table values of the mark writing units 102A to 102C are captured prior to the capture of the table value of the read target character, the determination value for extracting the read target character can be determined in advance, so It becomes possible to extract the characters to be read at the same time when the image is captured, and high-speed character recognition is possible. Further, since the data related to the colors of the read target characters 105A to 105C is output at the same time as the character recognition result for each character, character color information such as performing classification / aggregation corresponding to the character color for each character in each form is provided. It is also possible to construct a system that has been effectively used. That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the completed form 104 in which the reading target characters 105A to 105C are respectively written in blue, green, and red.
(A) and the completed form 1 in which the reading target characters 105a to 105c are written in blue, green, and red, respectively.
In the case of reading 04 (B), after performing character recognition, if all the characters (numbers) written in red of the completed forms 104 (A) and 104 (B) are summed up, , "12345" and "67890" can be added.

The third embodiment is not limited to this structure and can be modified as described in the following (1) and (2). (1) The case where the scanning unit 11 converts the color image image of the completed form 104 into a predetermined table value for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the completed form 104 is described. It is also possible to use a method in which the R, G, and B values of the portions corresponding to the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are directly output and the reading target characters 105A to 105C are extracted using these values. (2) In the present embodiment, the character entry frame 103 is set to 1
Although the case where different kinds of colors are used is shown, character entry frames of plural kinds of colors may be used on the same form.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical character reading device shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 16, the optical character reading device includes a scanning unit 4
1, a table value storage unit 42, a same color determination unit 43, an image storage unit 44, and a character recognition unit 45.

More specifically, the scanning section 41 scans the form, and from this form, R (red), G (green),
A color image of three colors of B (blue) is taken in, and common values (hereinafter, referred to as “table values”) are given to the same color system. The table value storage unit 42 includes the scanning unit 41.
The table value of each pixel given by is stored. The same-color determination unit 43 extracts from the table value storage unit 42 the mark portions 102A to 102C (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) provided in advance on the form by using the writing tool used when writing the form. The obtained table value is compared with the table values of all the pixels of the color image image stored in the table value storage unit 42. If they are the same, the same table value is given, and if they are different, "0" is given. Is output. The image storage unit 44 stores the output of the same color determination unit 43. The character recognition unit 45 cuts out a character table value for each character from the character table value stored in the image storage unit 44, and character-recognizes the cut out character table value for each character as a character image. The character recognition result and the table value corresponding to the character recognized are output.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described assuming that the forms shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 which are the same as those of the third embodiment are used. First, the scanning unit 41
The completed form 104 is optically scanned in the main-scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y shown in FIG. 12 to sequentially capture R, G, and B color images, and to assign common values to the same color system. , In the table value storage unit 42. Specifically, "0" is assigned to black-colored pixels, and "1" is assigned to red-colored pixels.
Numerical values such as “2” are assigned to green-colored pixels, “3” to blue-colored pixels, and “4” to white-colored pixels, and these are stored in the table value storage unit 42. Figure 17
The state when the scanning unit 41 stores the table value for the color image image of the completed form 104 in the table value storage unit 42 is shown. Note that, in FIG. 17, the contents of the table value storage unit 42 are as follows.
Although it is represented by the image as it is, the table value corresponding to the color of each pixel is actually stored. Therefore, actually, "1" is stored in a portion corresponding to the mark writing portion 102A and the reading target character 105A written in red, and the mark writing portion 102B and the reading target character written in green are stored. In the portion corresponding to 105B, "2" is stored, and the mark writing portion 102C and the reading target character 1 written in blue are stored.
"3" is stored in the portion corresponding to 05C. Further, “0” is stored in the portion corresponding to the black character entry frame 103, and “4” is stored in the portion corresponding to the background color of the form that is white.

When the scanning unit 41 stores the table value for the color image image of the completed form 104 in the table value storage unit 42, the same color determination unit 43 detects the portion corresponding to the image of the mark writing units 102A to 102C. The three types of table values are compared with all the table values for each pixel stored in the table value storage unit 42, and the above 3
If the table value is the same as any of the table values of the types, this table value is stored in the image storage unit 44, and if it is not the same, “0” is stored in the image storage unit 44. That is, in the present embodiment, since the table values of the portions corresponding to the mark writing sections 102A to 102C are "1", "2", and "3", respectively, the image storage section 44 stores them in the table value storage section 42. Of all the table values of the filled-out completed form 104, “1”, “2” and “3” are the same as the table values of the mark writing sections 102A to 102C, respectively. 3 "is stored, and" 0 "is stored in the other parts.

In FIG. 18, the processing by the same color determination unit 43 is
When all the table values stored in the table value storage unit 42 are finished, the image storage unit 44 finally
It is an image of the result stored in. As shown in FIG. 18, the image storage unit 44 includes the mark writing units 102A to 102C and the target character 1 to be read.
Only table values of 05A to 105C will be stored.

In the character recognition unit 45, the read target character 1 stored in the image storage unit 44 by a known method.
The image for each character is cut out from the table value of the portion corresponding to 05A to 105C, the cut out table value for each character is subjected to character recognition processing by a known method as a character image, and the recognition result is output. , The table value of the recognized character is also output at the same time.

Therefore, according to the optical character reading device of the fourth embodiment, the optical character reading device is arranged at a predetermined position on the form.
Since the character image is extracted using the table value of the mark entered by the person who fills out the form using the writing instrument used when filling the form, the character image can be extracted with high accuracy and at the same time, the color other than the color of the character entry frame 103 can be extracted. If so, it is possible to recognize characters of all colors. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of mark writing sections 102A to 102C,
If the color is different from that of the character entry frame 103, it is possible to recognize characters of a plurality of colors. Further, since the data related to the colors of the read target characters 105A to 105C is output at the same time as the character recognition result for each character, character color information such as performing classification / aggregation corresponding to the character color for each character in each form is provided. It is also possible to construct a system that has been effectively used. That is, for example, in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 in the third embodiment, the completed form 104 (A) in which the reading target characters 105A to 105C are written in blue, green, and red, respectively. When reading the completed form 104 (B) in which the characters to be read 105a to 105c are respectively written in blue, green, and red, after the character recognition, each completed form 104 is read.
If the process of summing up all the characters (numbers) written in red in (A) and 104 (B) is performed, “12
It is possible to add "345" and "67890".

The fourth embodiment is not limited to this structure and can be modified as described in the following (1) and (2). (1) The case where the scanning unit 41 converts the color image image of the completed form 104 into a predetermined table value for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the completed form 104 is described. The color image images of three colors R, G and B corresponding to the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are stored as they are, and the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are stored from the stored color image images.
The R, G, and B values of the portion corresponding to C are extracted and output, and the read target characters 105A to
You may use the method of extracting 105C. (2) Further, in this embodiment, the mark writing sections 102A to 102A-1
02C is arranged above the characters to be read 105A to 105C, but since the table value storage unit 42 is provided, the mark writing units 102A to 102A to
02C may be arranged.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical character reading device shown as the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 19, the optical character reading device includes a scanning unit 5
1, a table value storage unit 52, a same color determination unit 53, an image storage unit 54, and a character recognition unit 55. And, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the third and fourth
In the case of using the forms shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 which are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG.
In the first example, the completed form 104 is optically scanned in the main scanning direction X and the sub scanning direction Y shown in FIG.
Color images are sequentially taken in, common values are given to the same color system, and stored in the table value storage unit 52. Specifically, "0" is assigned to black-colored pixels, "1" is assigned to red-colored pixels, "2" is assigned to green-colored pixels, and "2" is assigned to blue-colored pixels. Numerical values such as “3” and pixels of white color are given as “4” and stored in the table value storage unit 52. Note that, here, the table value for the color image of the completed form 104 is set to the table value storage unit 52 by the scanning unit 51.
The state when stored in FIG. 1 is similar to that of the fourth embodiment.
7 is shown.

When the scanning unit 51 stores the table value for the color image image of the filled-in form 104 in the table value storage unit 52, the same color determination unit 53 detects the portions corresponding to the images of the mark writing units 102A to 102C. The three types of table values are compared with all the table values for each pixel stored in the table value storage unit 52, and the above 3
If the table value is the same as one of the table values of the types, "1" is stored in the image storage unit 54, and if it is not the same, "0" is stored in the image storage unit 54. That is, in the present embodiment, since the table values of the portions corresponding to the mark writing sections 102A to 102C are "1", "2", and "3", respectively, the image storage section 54 stores them in the table value storage section 52. Of all the table values of the filled-out completed form 104, "1" is stored in the same "1", "2", and "3" as the table values of the mark writing sections 102A to 102C, and the other values are stored. "0" is stored in the part.

In FIG. 20, the processing by the same color determination unit 53 is
When all the table values stored in the table value storage unit 52 are completed, finally the image storage unit 54
It shows an image stored in. As shown in FIG. 20, the image storage unit 54 includes a mark writing unit 10
2A to 102C and the characters to be read 105A to
Only the image of 105C is binarized and stored.

In the character recognition unit 55, the read target character 1 stored in the image storage unit 54 by a well-known method.
The image for each character is cut out from the binarized image of the portion corresponding to 05A to 105C, and the cut-out table value for each character is subjected to character recognition processing by a well-known method as a character image, and the recognition result is output. In addition, the table value of the recognized character is also stored in the table value storage unit 52.
And output at the same time.

Therefore, according to the optical character reading apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the marks written by the person who fills out the form by using the writing instrument used when filling the form are written at a plurality of predetermined positions on the form. Since the character image is extracted using the table value, the character image can be extracted with high accuracy, and at the same time, the character of any color other than the color of the character entry frame 103 can be recognized. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. Further, by providing a plurality of mark writing sections 102A to 102C, it is possible to perform character recognition on a plurality of color characters, provided that the color is different from that of the character entry frame 103. Further, similarly to the case of the fourth embodiment, the read target character 105A
Since the data related to colors of ~ 105C is output for each character at the same time as the character recognition result, a system that effectively uses the character color information, such as performing classification / totalization corresponding to the character color for each character in each form, is provided. It is also possible to build. Further, the image stored in the image storage unit 54 is 2
Since it is a value image, the capacity of the image storage unit 54 can be smaller than that of a multivalued image.

The fifth embodiment is not limited to this structure and can be modified as described in the following (1) and (2). (1) The case where the scanning unit 51 converts the color image image of the completed form 104 into a predetermined table value for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the completed form 104 is described. The color image images of three colors R, G and B corresponding to the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are stored as they are, and the mark writing portions 102A to 102C are stored from the stored color image images.
The R, G, and B values of the portion corresponding to C are extracted and output, and the read target characters 105A to
You may use the method of extracting 105C. (2) Further, in this embodiment, the mark writing sections 102A to 102A-1
The example in which 02C is arranged above the characters to be read 105A to 105C is shown. However, since the table value storage unit 52 is provided, the mark writing unit 102A to 1A is located in which part of the form.
02C may be arranged.

[0056]

As described above, according to the optical character reading apparatus of the present invention, a mark or a mark written by a person who fills out a form at a predetermined position on the form using a writing instrument used when filling the form is used. Since the character image is extracted using the color component of the printed mark in the color of the character to be printed, it is possible to extract the character image with high accuracy and at the same time, if it is a color other than the color of the character entry frame, Recognition is also possible. Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of instructing unnecessary portions other than characters, it is advantageous in terms of work efficiency. In addition, since the data related to the color of the characters to be read is output at the same time as the character recognition results for each character or each form, classification and aggregation corresponding to the character color is performed for each character in each form, and the form type for each form By setting the character color according to, it is possible to construct a system or the like that effectively uses the color information of the character, such as classifying and totaling according to the character color of each form.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an apparatus shown as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a form used in each of the first and second embodiment devices in a blank state.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a form used in the devices of the first and second embodiments in a completed state.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a document scanning direction in a scanning unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image stored in an image storage unit of the first embodiment device.

FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of an apparatus shown as a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing results stored in a table value storage unit of the second example device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the results stored in the image storage unit of the second embodiment device.

FIG. 9 is a configuration block diagram of an apparatus shown as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form used in the devices of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments in a blank state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a form used in the devices of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments in a completed state.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a document scanning direction in a scanning unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing results stored in an image storage unit of the apparatus of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the devices of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an effect in each of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiment devices.

FIG. 16 is a configuration block diagram of an apparatus shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram conceptually showing results stored in the table value storage unit of the fourth and fifth embodiment devices.

FIG. 18 is a diagram conceptually showing results stored in the image storage unit of the fourth embodiment device.

FIG. 19 is a configuration block diagram of an apparatus shown as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram conceptually showing results stored in the image storage unit of the fifth embodiment device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 blank form 2 mark entry part (mark entry area) 3 character entry frame 4 completed form 5 reading target character 11 scanning part 12 same color judgment part 13 image storage part 14 character recognition part 21 scanning part 22 table value storage part 23 same color Judgment unit 24 Image storage unit 25 Character recognition unit 31 Scanning unit 32 Same color determination unit 33 Image storage unit 34 Character recognition unit 41 Scanning unit 42 Table value storage unit 43 Same color determination unit 44 Image storage unit 45 Character recognition unit 51 Scanning unit 52 Table Value storage unit 53 Same-color determination unit 54 Image storage unit 55 Character recognition unit 101 Unfilled form 102A to 102C Mark entry unit (mark entry area) 103 Character entry frame 104 Completed form 105A to 105C Read target character

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location H04N 1/46

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, and a character / figure in a mark writing area provided in advance at one place on the form, are acquired by the scanning means before reading a character to be read. A color component having the same color as that of the color component extracted from the color component of the color image image of the form captured by the scanning unit by the same color extraction unit that sequentially extracts the color image image at the same time as the color image image is captured; An optical character reader for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image, and outputting a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognizing unit for each form. . 2. A scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, and a character / figure in a mark writing area provided in advance at one place on the form, are acquired by the scanning means before reading a character to be read. A color component having the same color as that of the color component extracted from the color component of the color image image of the form captured by the scanning unit by the same color extraction unit that sequentially extracts the color image image at the same time as the color image image is captured; And a character recognition unit for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image, and outputting a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition unit on a character-by-character basis. 3. A scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, a storage means for storing color components of the color image image, and a color having the same color as the color component of a mark writing area provided in one place in advance on the form. The same color extraction means for extracting the components from the color components of the color image image of the form taken in by the storage means; and the character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extraction means. An optical character reading device comprising: a color component corresponding to a character recognized by the character recognition means, and output for each form. 4. A scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, a storage means for storing color components of the color image image, and a color having the same color as the color component of a mark writing area provided in one place in advance on the form. The same color extraction means for extracting the components from the color components of the color image image of the form taken in by the storage means; and the character recognition means for recognizing the characters of the form based on the image extracted by the same color extraction means. An optical character reading device comprising: a color component corresponding to a character recognized by the character recognizing means, output in character units. 5. A scanning means for capturing a color image image from a form, and a plurality of characters / figures in a mark writing area provided in advance at a plurality of positions on the form before capturing the character to be read by the scanning means. Stores a plurality of color components obtained by, and the stored plurality of color components,
An image extracted by the same color extracting unit that compares the color components of the color image image of the form captured by the scanning unit and sequentially extracts the color components of the same color at the same time when the color image image is captured. And a character recognition unit for recognizing the characters of the form based on the above, and a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition unit is output in character units. 6. A scanning means for taking in a color image image from a form, a storage means for storing color components of the color image image, and a plurality of color components of a mark writing area previously provided in a plurality of places on the form. Then, the plurality of stored color components are compared with the color components of the color image image of the form captured by the storage unit, and the same color extraction unit that sequentially extracts the color components of the same color by the same color extraction unit. An optical character comprising: a character recognition unit for recognizing a character of the form based on the extracted image, wherein a color component corresponding to the character recognized by the character recognition unit is output in the character unit. Reader.