JP2002056344A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, sheet sorting apparatus, and sheet sorting method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a paper sheet sorting apparatus capable of improving information processing accuracy and measuring an erroneous processing rate without lowering information processing efficiency. And a paper sheet sorting method. An image that cannot be read by a sorting machine is distributed to one of a plurality of information input terminals by an image information control unit and transmitted. The input information input by the operator at the information input terminal 14 is transmitted to the input information determination unit 15, and is compared with the address original information stored in the address original information storage unit 18 by the address information matching unit 17. When the input information discrimination unit 15 does not match the input information, a re-input request is issued to the image information control unit 13. The image information control unit 13 re-inputs the image including the mismatched input information to the information input terminal. If the second input information matches, the number of erroneous inputs of the operator who has input the first input information is determined. to add.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing method for displaying an image read from a sheet such as a mail and inputting character information contained in the image. The present invention relates to a class sorting apparatus and a paper sheet sorting method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information processing apparatus, a video coding system connected to a sorting machine which reads character information such as a zip code, a destination address, and an address from an image of a mail and automatically sorts the mail. Hereinafter, simply referred to as VCS). In VCS, an image in which character information cannot be read by a sorting machine is stored, and the stored images are stored in a plurality of video coding desks (hereinafter simply referred to as VCs).
D), and the operator visually recognizes the character information included in the image displayed on each VCD, inputs correct character information, and returns the input information input by the operator to the sorting machine. I have to.

In order to enhance the processing efficiency in VCS, operators of each VCD are required to perform high-speed and accurate input operation of character information.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional VCS, the character information input by the operator via each VCD is directly returned to the sorting machine. If the character information is erroneously described, incorrect input information is returned to the sorting machine, and there is a problem that information processing accuracy is reduced.

In a conventional VCS, a plurality of VCDs
When measuring the erroneous input rate of information by the operator in each case, the image of the same postal matter which cannot be read by the sorting machine is simultaneously input to three or more VCDs, and the input input by each operator via each VCD Compare information,
The erroneous input was measured by a majority decision. In this case, it is necessary to process the same unreadable image by three or more VCDs, which is not realistic because the processing efficiency deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of improving information processing accuracy and measuring an erroneous processing rate without reducing information processing efficiency. Processing method, paper sheet sorting device,
And a method of sorting paper sheets.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an image storage unit for storing images read from a plurality of sheets; and an image read from the image storage unit. And a plurality of information input units for receiving input of character information described on the sheet, and collating the character information input through the information input unit with original information in a prepared database. A matching unit that determines whether or not the character information input through the information input unit matches the original information in the database based on the result of the comparison in the comparing unit. A determination unit for outputting information; and an image stored in the image storage unit is read out and selectively distributed and input to the plurality of information input units. An image including character information determined that not includes a control unit for re-entering selectively distributing to the plurality of information input unit.

According to the invention, the character information input via the information input unit is compared with the original information in the database, and an image including the character information which is not matched as a result of the comparison is re-input to the information input unit. As a result, character information that does not match the original information is not output as it is, and the reliability of the output information can be improved.

Further, according to the invention described above, the control unit transfers the image including the character information determined not to match the original information by the determination unit to the information input unit to which the character information has been input. input. As described above, by re-inputting the image including the character information for which the mismatch has been determined once to the same information input unit, the operator who has input the information for the first time can be re-input with the same information. The effect can be expected.

Further, according to the invention described above, the control unit transmits the image including the character information determined not to match the original information by the determination unit to the information input unit that has input the character information. Re-input to another different information input section. As a result, the same image can be processed by different operators, and the reliability of the input information can be improved.

Further, according to the invention described above, there is further provided an information storage unit for storing character information determined by the determination unit not to match the original information, and the determination unit matches the original information. The character information determined to be absent is stored in the information storage unit, a re-input request for an image including the character information is issued to the control unit, and the image is re-input from the information input unit based on the re-input request. The character information is re-collated with the original information in the collation unit, and when the re-input character information matches the original information, the re-input character information is adopted and output, and stored in the information storage unit. The erroneous input of the input character information is determined. This makes it possible to reliably and easily determine an erroneous information input without reducing the processing efficiency during a normal information processing operation.

Further, according to the invention described above, when the character information re-input from the information input unit does not match the original information, the determination unit compares the character information stored in the information storage unit with the character information. The input character information is compared with the input character information, and if there is character information that matches the re-input character information in the information storage unit, the matched character information is adopted and output, and stored in the information storage unit. An erroneous input of character information that does not match among the character information is determined. In other words, if there is character information that matches the re-input character information in the character information stored in the information storage unit due to mismatching of the collation, it is determined that the possibility of erroneous input by the operator is low, and the matched character information is determined. Uses information.

Further, according to the invention described above, the determination section counts the number of incorrect inputs by the operator of the information input section that has input the character information for which the erroneous input has been determined, and determines the erroneous input rate of the operator for each information input section. Is measured. This allows
In the determination unit, the erroneous input rate of information by the operator can be reliably and easily grasped.

Further, the paper sheet sorting apparatus of the present invention takes out and transports a plurality of paper sheets one by one, reads an image of each paper sheet, and reads a character written on each paper sheet from each image. A sorter that recognizes information and sorts each sheet into a predetermined sort destination based on the recognized character information, and an image storage unit that stores an image including character information that has become unrecognizable by the sorter.
A plurality of information input units for displaying an image read from the image storage unit and receiving an input of character information described on the sheet, and character information input through the information input unit are prepared in advance. A collation unit that collates with the original information in the database, and determines whether the character information input via the information input unit matches the original information in the database based on the collation result in the collation unit. A determination unit that returns character information that matches the original information to the sorting machine; and an image stored in the image storage unit is read and selectively distributed to the plurality of information input units and input. A control unit for selectively allocating and re-inputting an image including character information determined to be inconsistent with the original information by the determination unit to the plurality of information input units.

Further, according to the invention described above, there is further provided an information storage unit for storing character information determined by the determination unit not to match the original information, wherein the determination unit matches the original information. The character information determined to be absent is stored in the information storage unit, a re-input request for an image including the character information is issued to the control unit, and the image is re-input from the information input unit based on the re-input request. The character information is re-matched with the original information by the collating unit, and when the re-entered character information matches the original information, the re-entered character information is adopted and returned to the sorting machine. An erroneous input of the character information stored in the storage unit is determined.

Further, according to the invention described above, when the character information re-input from the information input unit does not match the original information, the determination unit compares the character information stored in the information storage unit with the character information. The input character information is compared with the input character information, and if character information that matches the re-input character information is found in the information storage unit, the matched character information is adopted and returned to the sorting machine, and the information storage is performed. An erroneous input of character information that did not match among the character information stored in the section is determined.

Further, according to the invention described above, the determination section counts the number of incorrect inputs by the operator of the information input section that has input the character information for which the erroneous input has been determined, and determines the erroneous input rate of the operator for each information input section. Is measured.

Further, the information processing method of the present invention includes an image storing step of storing images read from a plurality of sheets,
Through an image distribution step of selectively allocating and inputting the image accumulated in the image accumulation step to a plurality of information input units, and via each information input unit receiving an image in the image distribution step,
An information input step of receiving input of character information included in the received image, a collation step of collating the character information input in the information input step with original information in a database prepared in advance, and a collation result in the collation step. A determination step of determining whether the character information input in the information input step matches the original information in the database, and outputting the character information that matches the original information; And an image re-input step of selectively allocating and re-inputting an image including character information determined not to match with the plurality of information input units.

Further, according to the paper sheet sorting method of the present invention, a plurality of paper sheets are taken out and conveyed one by one, an image of each paper sheet is read, and a character written on each paper sheet is read from each image. A paper sheet sorting step of recognizing information and sorting each sheet into a predetermined sorting destination based on the recognized character information, and storing an image including character information that cannot be recognized in the sheet sorting step. An image storing step, an image allocating step of selectively allocating and inputting the image stored in the image storing step to a plurality of information input units, and via each of the information input units receiving the image in the image allocating step. An information input step of receiving input of character information included in a received image, a collation step of collating the character information input in the information input step with original information in a prepared database, and a collation result in the collation step. Based on A determination step of determining whether the character information input in the information input step matches the original information in the database, and returning the character information matching the original information to the paper sheet sorting step; An image re-input step of selectively allocating and re-inputting an image including character information determined not to match the original information in the determination step to the plurality of information input units.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mail sorting apparatus (sheet sorting apparatus) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mail sorting apparatus 1 has a sorting machine 2 and a video coding system (information processing apparatus) (hereinafter simply referred to as VCS) 10 in a one-to-one correspondence.

The sorting machine 2 takes out and transports a plurality of mails one by one, sequentially reads an image of the surface of each mail, and reads characters such as a postal code, a destination address and an address of the mail from each image. The information is recognized, and the mail is sorted and collected in a sorting pocket corresponding to the recognized character information. The sorting machine 2 prints an ID for identifying the mail on the front surface of each mail to process the image information read from each mail and the mail in correspondence with each other. , And is managed as an image ID.

The VCS 10 is connected to the image information receiving unit 11 connected to the sorting machine 2 described above, the image information storing unit 12 (image storing unit) connected to the image information receiving unit 11, and the image information storing unit 12. The image information control unit 13 (control unit), a plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,... 14n (information input units) connected to the image information control unit 13 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the information input terminal 14 and In some cases),
An input information determination unit 15 (determination unit) connected to each information input terminal 14 and the image information control unit 13, an input information determination unit 1
5, an input information storage unit 16 (information storage unit) connected to the input information determination unit 15, an address information matching unit 17 (matching unit) connected to the input information determination unit 15, and an address book information storage unit connected to the address information matching unit 17. 18 (database).

The image information receiving section 11 receives, together with the image ID, an image of which character information has become unrecognizable among the images read from each mail by the sorting machine 2. The image information storage unit 12 stores the image information received via the image information receiving unit 11 together with the image ID. Image information control unit 1
Reference numeral 3 sequentially reads out the image information stored in the image information storage unit 12 together with the image ID, selectively distributes the image information to one of the plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,.

Each information input terminal 14 displays the image information received together with the image ID from the image information control unit 13 on the screen, and displays the character information that cannot be recognized by the sorting machine 2.
The operator who operates each information input terminal 14 visually recognizes the character information of the image displayed on the screen and inputs character information such as a zip code, a destination address, and an address. Then, each information input terminal 14 converts the input information input by the operator together with the corresponding image ID into the input information determination unit 15.
Send to

The input information judging unit 15 first sends the input information received from each of the information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,. The address information collating unit 17 collates the input information received from the input information judging unit 15 with the address original book information prepared in advance in the address original book information storage unit 18, and returns the collation result to the input information judging unit 15.

The address book information storage unit 18 stores the VCS
Address book information that can be a destination of a postal matter to be input to the sorting machine 2 connected to 10 is stored in advance. The address notation includes, for example, one in which the building number of the apartment is described and one in which it is not described, and a plurality of addresses can be present even with the same address. However, since the address original book information storage unit 18 does not store each address original book information in correspondence with all the notation forms, the address information collation unit 17 cannot always collate the address original book information having different notation forms. .

The input information judging section 15 includes the address information collating section 1
7, the necessity of re-input of the input information is determined. This determination method will be described later. The input information for which it is determined by the input information determination section 15 that re-input is not necessary is returned to the sorting machine 2 together with the corresponding image ID. In the sorting machine 2, the input information determination unit 15
Based on the input information received from, the mail corresponding to the image ID is sorted or rejected.

On the other hand, the input information for which re-input is required by the input information determination section 15 is transmitted to the input information storage section 16 and stored together with the operator ID of the operator who has input the input information. . At the same time, the re-input request of the input information that needs to be re-input
5 to the image information control unit 13. In response to the re-input request from the input information determining unit 15, the image information control unit 13 converts the image information having the corresponding image ID into the image ID.
And a plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14
c,..., and selectively retransmit to one of the 14n. Note that the information input terminal 14 to which the image information is distributed may be either the terminal that previously processed the image information or another terminal.

Next, the VCS 10 configured as described above is used.
Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, prior to the processing, each information input terminal 1
The operator ID of the operator who operates 4a, 14b, 14c,... 14n is input via each terminal and transmitted to the input information determination unit 15. The input information determination unit 15 manages the number of information inputs, the information input speed, the erroneous information input rate, etc. of each operator at each information input terminal 14 in association with the operator ID received via each information input terminal 14. I do.

When the input of the operator ID is completed, the VCS
The image information control unit 13 determines whether image information to be processed exists in the image information storage unit 12 (step 1). If there is no image information to be processed in the image information storage unit 12, it is determined whether or not the sorting machine 2 is performing a processing operation (step 2). If the sorting machine 2 is operating (step 2; YES) ) Enters a state of waiting for an image to be processed (step 3).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step 1 is that there is image information to be processed in the image information storage unit 12, the image information control unit 13 reads out the image information to be processed from the image information storage unit 12 and The number of times of inputting the image ID is 1
Is set (step 4), and the image information read out to one of the plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,... 14n is selectively transmitted together with the corresponding image ID.

The information input terminal 14 that has received the image information from the image information control unit 13 displays the received image information on the screen, and displays the character information that cannot be recognized by the sorting machine 2.
Then, the operator who operates the information input terminal 14 visually recognizes the displayed character information, and checks the postal code, the destination address,
Character information such as an address is input via a keyboard (not shown) or the like (step 5). In this way, the input information input by the operator is transmitted to the input information determination unit 15 together with the corresponding image ID each time.

The input information judging section 15 is a terminal for inputting information.
4 is associated with the corresponding operator ID and managed, and each input information is transmitted to the address information matching unit 17. The address information collating unit 17 collates the input information received from the input information judging unit 15 with the address original book information stored in the address original book information accumulating unit 18 (step 6), and returns the collation result to the input information judging unit 15.

The input information judging section 15 includes the address information collating section 1
When it is determined that the input information matches the address information based on the collation result received from Step 7 (Step 7; O
K), after confirming the flag indicating the number of input times 1 of the corresponding image ID (step 8),
It is adopted as character information corresponding to D (step 9), and is returned to the sorting machine 2 together with the image ID. The sorting machine 2 sorts the mail having the image ID based on the input information received from the input information determining unit 15.

On the other hand, in step 7, the input information determination section 15
Determines that the input information does not match the address information (step 7; NG), and checks the flag indicating the number of times the corresponding image ID has been input (step 1).
0), the input information that did not match is transmitted from the input information determination unit 15 to the input information storage unit 16 and stored. At this time, the operator ID of the operator who has input the input information is also transmitted from the input information determination unit 15 to the input information storage unit 16 in association with the input information and stored (step 11).

At the same time, the input information determination unit 15 issues a request for re-input of the input information to the image information control unit 13. At this time, the input information determination unit 15 requests the image information control unit 13 to re-input the input information by transmitting the image ID corresponding to the input information that did not match to the image information control unit 13.

The image information control unit 13 receiving the re-input request from the input information determination unit 15 sets the number of times of inputting the image ID to 1
The increased flag is set (step 12), and the image ID
Is transmitted to one of the plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,... 14n together with the image ID.

At this time, the image information control section 13 may re-input the image information to the information input terminal 14 which has previously processed the image information having the image ID, or may re-input the image information to another information input terminal 14. You can enter it. When the image information is re-input to the same information input terminal 14 as the previous time, the same operator is to process the same image information again, and a learning effect for the operator can be expected. Further, when the image information is re-input to another information input terminal 14 different from the previous time, an operator different from the previous time processes the image information, and the reliability of the input information can be improved. Erroneous input of information by the operator can be reliably determined.

Thereafter, the processing from step 5 to step 7 concerning the image information re-input to the information input terminal 14 is repeated, and the input and collation of the character information are performed.

When the input information determination unit 15 determines that the second input information matches the address original information (step 7; OK), the input information determination unit 15 checks a flag indicating the number of input times 2 of the corresponding image ID, and then checks the flag. (Step 8) It is determined that the first input information does not match and the second input information matches, and the first input information is determined to be an erroneous input, and an erroneous input associated with the operator ID of the erroneously input operator. The number of times is increased by 1 (step 13). In this way, the erroneous input rate of each operator is measured based on the number of erroneous inputs for each operator ID counted by the input information determination unit 15. In this case, the second input information is adopted as character information corresponding to the image ID, and is returned to the sorting machine 2 together with the image ID (step 9).

On the other hand, when the input information determination unit 15 determines that the second input information does not match the address original information (step 7; NG), the input number of the corresponding image ID is 2
(Step 10), the input information determination unit 15 reads out the previous input information stored in the input information storage unit 16 in Step 11 together with the operator ID. Then, the input information determination unit 15 compares the first input information and the second input information (Step 14),
If the two pieces of input information match as a result of the comparison, the matched input information is adopted as character information corresponding to the image ID (step 9), and the input information determination unit 15 sends the input information to the classifier 2
Reply to

In this case, neither the first input information nor the second input information matches the address original information, but since the first input information and the second input information match, the operator inputs The possibility of erroneous input is low. That is, in this case, the character information itself described in the postal matter is incorrectly described, or the notation form of the address original book information in the address original book information storage unit 18 and the character information described in the postal matter is changed. Different things are possible. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that there is no erroneous input by the operator,
The input information is adopted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 14 that the first input information and the second input information do not match, it is determined that the two input information do not match. Since the input information cannot be obtained, each input information is invalidated (step 15), and the image ID is returned from the input information determination unit 15 to the sorting machine 2. In the sorting machine 2,
It is determined that the character information of the mail having the image ID cannot be read, and the mail is rejected to a predetermined stacking unit.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the input information input by the operator is collated with the address original book information prepared in advance, and if there is no match in the first collation, the input information can be re-input. As a result, the information processing accuracy can be improved, and highly reliable and reliable information processing can be performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the number of erroneous inputs by the operator is counted in parallel with the normal information processing operation, so that the number of erroneous inputs for each operator can be grasped in a timely, reliable and easy manner. Therefore, the erroneous input rate of information by each operator can be easily measured without lowering the processing efficiency of the apparatus, and the erroneous input rate of each operator can be easily determined.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration provided with the input information storage unit 16 for storing the input information which did not match in the first comparison has been described. It is not always necessary to provide the input information, and the input information that did not match in the first matching may be temporarily stored in the input information determination unit 15. In this case, a memory may be provided in the input information determination unit 15.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, when the input information by the operator does not match the address original book information in the input information determination unit 15, the VCS 10 that makes the number of re-input requests issued from the input information determination unit 15 to the image information control unit 13 variable is used. The information processing operation will be described. Note that the configuration of the VCS 10 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG.

First, similarly to the above-described embodiment, prior to the processing, each of the information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,.
... The operator ID of the operator operating 14n is input via each terminal, and the operator ID of the operator operating each terminal is transmitted to the input information determination unit 15. The input information determination unit 15 manages the number of information inputs, the information input speed, the erroneous information input rate, etc. of each operator at each information input terminal 14 in association with the operator ID received via each information input terminal 14. Will do.

At this time, the input information determination unit 15 sets an upper limit value M of the number of times of re-input of the input information that did not match (step 1). Upper limit M of re-input times
Is set to two or more times here to make it different from the above-described embodiment (the number of re-inputs 1).

The upper limit M of the number of re-inputs is set in the input information determination unit by the VCS administrator in advance, and the processing operation by the VCS 10 is started.

When the processing is started, the image information control unit 13
Determines whether the image information to be processed exists in the image information storage unit 12 (step 2). If there is no image information to be processed in the image information storage unit 12,
Is determined whether or not is processing (step 3),
If the sorting machine 2 is in operation (step 3; YES), the sorter 2 waits for an image to be processed (step 4).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step 2 is that there is image information to be processed in the image information storage unit 12, the image information control unit 13 reads out the image information to be processed from the image information storage unit 12 and A flag for setting the number of times L of inputting the image ID to 1 is set (step 5). The image information control unit 13 includes a plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 1
The image information read out to one of 4c,... 14n is transmitted together with the corresponding image ID.

The information input terminal 14 that has received the image information from the image information control unit 13 displays the received image information on the screen, and displays the character information that cannot be recognized by the sorting machine 2.
Then, the operator who operates the information input terminal 14 visually recognizes the displayed character information, and checks the postal code, the destination address,
Character information such as an address is input via a keyboard or the like (not shown) (step 6). In this way, the input information input by the operator is transmitted to the input information determination unit 15 together with the corresponding image ID each time.

The input information judging section 15 is a terminal for inputting information.
4 is associated with the corresponding operator ID and managed, and each input information is transmitted to the address information matching unit 17. The address information collating unit 17 collates the input information received from the input information judging unit 15 with the address original book information stored in the address original book information accumulating unit 18 (Step 7), and returns the collation result to the input information judging unit 15.

The input information judging section 15 includes the address information collating section 1
When it is determined that the input information matches the address information based on the collation result received from step 7 (step 8; O
K), the number of erroneous inputs by the operator who has input the input information up to the previous time (in this case, the input information is the first input information and thus no input information exists up to the previous time) is increased by one (step 9). Then, the input information is adopted as character information corresponding to the image ID (step 10). The input information adopted in step 8 is transmitted to the sorting machine 2 together with the image ID, and the mail having the image ID is sorted based on the input information.

On the other hand, at step 8, the input information determination unit 15
Determines that the input information and the address information do not match (step 8; NG), the input information that does not match is input from the input information determination unit 15 to the input information storage unit 1.
6 and stored. At this time, the operator ID of the operator who has input the input information is also associated with the input information, and the
Is transmitted to and stored (step 11).

At this time, the number of times L of the input information is 1
A flag indicating that this is the first time is confirmed (step 1).
2) After confirming that the number L of inputs is smaller than the upper limit M set in step 1 (step 13), the input information determination unit 15 sends the image information control unit 1
3, a request for re-input of the input information is issued. At this time, the input information determination unit 15 requests the image information control unit 13 to re-input the input information by transmitting the image ID corresponding to the input information that did not match to the image information control unit 13.

Upon receiving the re-input request from the input information determination unit 15, the image information control unit 13 sets a flag that increases the number of times L of inputting the image ID by 1 (step 14), and
The image information corresponding to D is retransmitted together with the image ID to one of the plurality of information input terminals 14a, 14b, 14c,... 14n.

At this time, the image information control section 13 may re-input the image information to the information input terminal 14 which has previously processed the image information having the image ID, or may re-input the image information to another information input terminal 14. You can enter it. When the image information is re-input to the same information input terminal 14 as the previous time, the same operator is to process the same image information again, and a learning effect for the operator can be expected. Further, when the image information is re-input to another information input terminal 14 different from the previous time, an operator different from the previous time processes the image information, and the reliability of the input information can be improved. Erroneous input of information by the operator can be reliably determined.

Thereafter, the above-described processing from step 4 to step 6 regarding the image information re-input to the information input terminal 14 is repeated, and the input and the collation of the character information are performed.

When the input information judging unit 15 judges that the input information matches the address original information (step 8; OK), it judges that the input information up to that time does not match and the input information matches. The input information up to the previous time is erroneously input, and the operator I
The number of erroneous inputs associated with D is increased by one (step 9). In this case, the input information is the image ID
And is returned to the sorting machine 2 together with the image ID (step 10).

On the other hand, when the input information determination section 15 determines that the input information does not match the address original book information (step 8; NG), the input information determination section 15 inputs the input information together with the operator ID. The information is transmitted to the information storage unit 16 and stored (step 11).

At this time, the number of times L of input information is 2
The flag indicating the number of times or more is confirmed (step 12), and the input information determination unit 15 reads out all the input information up to the previous time stored in the input information storage unit 16 in step 11 together with the operator ID. Then, the input information determination unit 15 compares the input information with all the input information up to the previous time (step 15), and determines that the input information matches any of the input information up to the previous time. Then, the number of erroneous inputs of the operator who has input other input information excluding the input information that matches the input information is increased by one (step 16). Then, the input information is adopted as character information corresponding to the image ID (step 10), and the input information determination unit 15 returns the input information to the sorting machine 2.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 15 that the input information up to the previous time and the input information have not been compared with each other as a result of the comparison, the number of input times of the input information is determined. Is confirmed (Step 1
3) On condition that the number L of inputs is less than the upper limit M set in step 1, the input information is stored in the input information storage unit 16 together with the operator ID, and the corresponding image I
D is transmitted to the image information control unit 13 and a re-input request is issued.

Upon receiving the re-input request from the input information judging unit 15, the image information control unit 13 sets a flag that increases the number of times of input by 1 (step 14), and inputs the image information corresponding to the image ID to a plurality of information input units. Terminals 14a, 14
b, 14c,... 14n.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 13 that the number of inputs L has reached the upper limit M, the input information corresponding to the image ID cannot be obtained. Each input information is invalidated (step 17), and the image ID is returned from the input information determination unit 15 to the sorting machine 2. The sorting machine 2 determines that the character information of the mail having the image ID cannot be read, and rejects the mail to a predetermined stacking unit.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, 1
Until the input information by the operator for one piece of image information matches the address original information, until two of the plurality of pieces of input information match, or until the number of re-input attempts reaches the upper limit, Added re-input processing. For this reason, the processing accuracy of the information can be further improved as compared with the above-described embodiment, and the reliability can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, the upper limit M of the number of re-inputs can be set to an arbitrary number.
Can be arbitrarily set to a level that requires information processing accuracy.
In other words, if the number of re-inputs is set to a relatively large value, the reliability of the input information by the operator can be improved, but the processing speed is reduced. If the number of re-inputs is set to a relatively small number, the processing speed is increased. On the other hand, the reliability of input information decreases. Therefore, the upper limit value M of the number of re-inputs is set to an appropriate number in accordance with the required accuracy regarding the reliability and processing speed of the input information.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, when re-inputting the image information whose input information does not match the address original book information, the same image information is transmitted to the same operator as the previous time. May be connected to the input information determination unit 15, the address information collation unit 17, and the original address book information storage unit 18 to execute the re-input processing for each information input terminal 14. Also, in this case,
It is also possible to extract and display a plurality of pieces of address original information similar to the input information input by the operator, and allow the operator to select appropriate address original information.

[0073]

As described above, the information processing apparatus and the paper sheet sorting apparatus of the present invention have the above-described configuration and operation, so that the information processing accuracy can be improved. The error processing rate can be measured without lowering the information processing efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mail sorting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an information processing operation by a VCS incorporated in the mail sorting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining another information processing operation by the VCS incorporated in the mail sorting apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mail sorting apparatus, 2 ... Sorting machine, 10 ... Video coding system (VCS), 11 ... Image information receiving part, 12 ... Image information storage part, 13 ... Image information control part, 14a, 14b, 14c, ... 14n ... an information input terminal, 15 ... an input information determination section, 16 ... an input information storage section, 17 ... an address information collation section, 18 ... an address book information storage section.

Claims (12)

[Claims] An image storage unit for storing images read from a plurality of sheets, an image read from the image storage unit, and input of character information described on the sheets. A plurality of information input units to be accepted; a collation unit for collating character information input via the information input unit with original book information in a prepared database; and the information input unit based on a collation result in the collation unit. A determination unit that determines whether the character information input via the server matches the original information in the database, and outputs the character information that matches the original information, and an image stored in the image storage unit. The information is read and input selectively to the plurality of information input units, and the image including character information determined not to match the original information by the determination unit is input to the plurality of information input units. The information processing apparatus characterized by selectively distributing it to the input unit includes a control unit to re-enter, the. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit re-inputs an image including character information determined to be inconsistent with original information by the determination unit to an information input unit to which the character information has been input. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs an image including the character information determined to be different from the original information by the determining unit to another information input unit different from the information input unit to which the character information is input. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is input again. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information storage unit for storing character information determined by said determining unit not to match the original information, wherein said determining unit determines that the character information does not match the original information. The information is stored in the information storage unit, a request for re-input of an image including the character information is issued to the control unit, and the character information re-input from the information input unit based on the re-input request is compared with the collation unit. In the case where the re-input character information matches the original information, the re-input character information is adopted and output, and the erroneous input of the character information stored in the information storage unit is performed. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the character information re-input from the information input unit does not match the original information.
The character information stored in the information storage unit is compared with the re-input character information. If there is character information in the information storage unit that matches the re-input character information, the matched character information is adopted. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: outputting a character information that does not match among the character information stored in the information storage unit. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit counts the number of erroneous inputs by the operator of the information input unit that has input the character information for which the erroneous input has been determined, and measures the erroneous input rate of the operator for each information input unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein 7. A plurality of paper sheets are taken out and conveyed one by one, an image of each paper sheet is read, character information described in each paper sheet is recognized from each image, and the recognized character information is converted to the recognized character information. A sorting machine that sorts each sheet into predetermined sorting destinations based on the sorting machine, an image storage unit that stores an image including character information that cannot be recognized by the sorting machine, and an image that is read from the image storage unit. A plurality of information input units for receiving input of character information described on the paper sheet, and a collating unit for collating the character information input via the information input unit with original information in a prepared database. Based on the collation result in the collating unit, it is determined whether the character information input via the information input unit matches the original information in the database, and the character information that matches the original information is Ward A determination unit that sends a reply to the device, and reads out the image stored in the image storage unit, selectively distributes and inputs the image to the plurality of information input units, and determines that the determination unit does not match the original book information. And a control unit for selectively allocating and re-inputting the image including the determined character information to the plurality of information input units. 8. An information storage unit for storing character information determined by the determination unit not to match the original information, wherein the determination unit determines that the character information does not match the original information. The information is stored in the information storage unit, a request for re-input of an image including the character information is issued to the control unit, and the character information re-input from the information input unit based on the re-input request is compared with the collation unit. In the case where the re-entered character information matches the original information, the re-input character information is adopted and returned to the sorting machine, and the character stored in the information storage unit is returned. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an erroneous input of information is determined. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the character information re-input from the information input unit does not match the original information.
The character information stored in the information storage unit is compared with the re-input character information. If there is character information in the information storage unit that matches the re-input character information, the matched character information is adopted. 9. The paper sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a reply to the sorting machine is made, and erroneous input of character information that does not match among the character information stored in the information storage unit is determined. 10. The deciding section counts the number of erroneous inputs by the operator of the information input section that has input the character information for which erroneous input has been judged, and measures the operator's erroneous input rate for each information input section. The sheet sorting apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: 11. An image storage step of storing images read from a plurality of sheets, and an image distribution step of selectively distributing and inputting the images stored in the image storage step to a plurality of information input units. An information input step of receiving an input of character information included in the received image via each information input unit that has received the image in the image distribution step, and the character information input in the information input step is prepared in advance. A collation step of collating with the ledger information in the database; and, based on the collation result in the collation step, determining whether or not the character information input in the information input step matches the ledger information in the database. A determination step of outputting character information matching the information; and an image including the character information determined not to match the original information in the determination step to the plurality of information input units. An information processing method characterized by comprising an image re-input step of re-entering allocated to 択的, the. 12. A plurality of sheets are taken out and conveyed one by one, an image of each sheet is read, character information described on each sheet is recognized from each image, and the recognized character information is converted to the recognized character information. A sheet sorting step of sorting each sheet to a predetermined sorting destination based on the image data; an image storing step of storing an image including character information that has become unrecognizable in the sheet sorting step; An image distribution step for selectively allocating and inputting the stored images to a plurality of information input units; and, via each of the information input units receiving the images in the image distribution step, the character information included in the received image. An information input step of receiving input, a collation step of collating the character information input in the information input step with original book information in a prepared database, and an input in the information input step based on a collation result in the collation step. Determining whether the extracted character information matches the original information in the database, and returning the character information that matches the original information to the paper sheet sorting step; An image re-input step of selectively distributing an image including character information determined to be out of alignment to the plurality of information input units and re-inputting the same.