Platform server, article-to-be-sorted processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a platform server, an article-to-be-sorted processing system, and a program that can flexibly process articles to be sorted.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a platform server includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a control unit. The first communication interface communicates with a sorter. The second communication interface communicates with a plurality of input devices. The control unit distributes a plurality of divided images extracted for each region of a character line indicating address information in an image of an article to be sorted included in article-to-be-sorted information acquired from the sorter by the first communication interface to the plurality of input devices operated by different persons who strike keys, stores the address information consisting of keystroke results for each divided image acquired from each of the plurality of input devices in an address information database, and transmits the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the sorter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a platform server, a sorting object processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A sorting machine installed in a post office, a logistics center, etc. sorts sorting objects based on address information (sorting information) such as addresses and names. When the address information attached to the sorting object cannot be recognized by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, the sorting machine converts it into data by Video Coding processing.

[0003] The video coding process in the sorting system is a process in which an operator enters address information by keying while referring to an image of the sorting object displayed on a display. In a conventional sorting system, since personal information such as addresses and names is included in the address information, there is an operational restriction that only dedicated operators are responsible for keying in the address information. However, as the number of dedicated operators in the sorting system decreases, there is an increasing operational need to flexibly request keying input from various operators.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a platform server, a sorting object processing system, and a program capable of flexibly performing sorting object processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment, the platform server includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a control unit. The first communication interface communicates with the sorting machine. The second communication interface communicates with a plurality of input devices. The control unit distributes a plurality of divided images, which are extracted for each region of a character line indicating address information in an image of a sorted item included in the sorted item information acquired from the sorting machine by the first communication interface, to a plurality of input devices operated by different key operators, stores address information composed of keying results for each of the divided images acquired from the plurality of input devices in an address information database, and transmits the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the sorting machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The classified object processing system according to this embodiment is a system that processes classified objects, such as postal items (e.g., postcards, letters, etc.) or delivery items (e.g., parcels, goods, etc.), which are classified objects with address information as classification information. The classified object processing system classifies the classified objects to be processed based on the address information. The classified object only needs to have the characters indicating the address information optically readable on the classified object. The address information as the classification information displayed on the classified object is information such as a postal code, an address, a name of the addressee, a telephone number, etc. In this embodiment, a classified object processing system that processes classified objects such as postal items on which address information indicating information such as a postal code, an address, a name of the addressee, a telephone number, etc. is displayed in multiple lines will be described by way of assumption.

[0009] First, the classified object processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the classified object processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the classified object processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a platform (PF) server 10, a classifier 20, and a plurality of input devices 30. The PF server 10 is a device that manages address information as classification information of classified objects. The PF server 10 is composed of a server device arranged in a data center or the cloud, etc. The PF server 10 is communicatively connected to the classifier 20 and the plurality of input devices 30. The PF server 10 manages the address information (classification information) of the classified objects processed by the classifier 20.

[0010] The PF server 10 acquires the parcel information regarding the parcels to be subject to the next-stage sorting process from the sorter 20. The PF server 10 executes a process of specifying the entire address information for the parcel information in which the entire address information is not specified among the parcel information acquired from the sorter 20, and manages it in association with the parcel ID and the address information. The PF server 10 provides the address information managed in association with the ID in response to a request from the sorter 20.

[0011] The PF server 10 performs a coding process as one of the processes for specifying the address information. As the coding process, the PF server 10 distributes the divided images obtained by dividing, for each line, the image of the character group indicating the address information in the parcel image to a plurality of different input devices 30. The PF server 10 acquires, as input information, the information indicated by the characters included in each divided image from each input device 30. The PF server 10 specifies the address information of one parcel by integrating the input information acquired from the plurality of input devices 30.

[0012] The sorter 20 is a device that processes parcels. The sorter 20 performs sorting processing based on the address information attached to the parcels. The sorter 20 has various processing modes. For example, as the processing modes for processing parcels, the sorter 20 has a suspension sorting mode and a route (delivery) sorting mode.

[0013] The processing in the suspension sorting mode is a sorting process (suspension sorting process) for sorting parcels with arbitrary address information (indeterminate address information) for each region (or sorter) that performs the next-stage sorting process (for example, route sorting process) using a part of the address information. Hereinafter, a part of the address information for performing the suspension sorting process is information indicating a region such as a postal code or a part of a postal code, and is hereinafter referred to as suspension information.

[0014] When the sorting machine 20 executes the differential sorting process, it differentially sorts the sorted items for each area (or sorting machine) that performs the next-stage sorting process based on the differential information included in the address information, and supplies the sorted item information including the identification information (ID) of the sorted item and the image of the sorted item to the PF server 10. On the other hand, the PF server 10 executes a process of specifying the address information indicated by the sorted item information acquired from the sorting machine 20 that performs the differential sorting.

[0015] Also, the process in the route sorting mode is a process (route sorting process, route assembly) of sorting the differentially sorted items in a predetermined order such as the route (delivery order). When the sorting machine 20 executes the route sorting process, it sorts the items based on the address information acquired from the PF server 10 by designating the ID of the item. In the route sorting process, the sorting machine 20 sorts the items so as to arrange them in a route such as the delivery order based on the entire address information of the item.

[0016] That is, in the sorted item processing system, the sorting machine 20 that performs the differential sorting process on the mailed or collected sorted items sorts the items by region by differential sorting. Also, in the differential sorting process, the sorting machine 20 assigns an ID to the sorted item and supplies the sorted item information including the ID of the sorted item and the image of the sorted item to the PF server 10. Also, the sorting machine 20 that sorts the differentially sorted items by route reads the supplied ID of the sorted item and acquires the entire address information corresponding to the ID of the sorted item from the PF server 10. The sorting machine 20 sorts the items in the delivery order (route) etc. based on the entire address information acquired from the PF server 10. Here, the sorting machine that executes the differential sorting process and the sorting machine that performs the delivery sorting process may be different devices or the same device.

[0017] Further, in the classification process, the classifier 20 may generate an image (segmented image) obtained by dividing and extracting, for each character line, an image of the area where characters indicating address information are located from the image of the object to be classified. In this case, the classifier 20 may include, as the image of the object to be classified, a plurality of images (segmented images) divided and extracted for each character line in the object information and transmit them to the PF server 10. Since the amount of data of the group of segmented images cut out for each character line can be made smaller than the image of the entire object to be classified, the transfer efficiency of the object information can be improved.

[0018] The input device 30 is a device through which an operator (keyboard operator) inputs information based on the image of the object to be classified included in the object information acquired from the PF server 10. The input device 30 is a device having a communication interface, a display device, and an input device that are communicatively connected to the PF server 10 via a network, and may be a personal computer, or an information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The input device 30 is not limited to being arranged at an arbitrary location, and any device that can be connected to the PF server 10 via a network may be used.

[0019] That is, it is assumed that a keyboard operator who performs video coding work using the input device 30 can log in to the PF server 10 as a keyboard operator at any time and place without being restricted by a specific time or place. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a person (keyboard registration person) registered in advance as a keyboard operator logs in to the PF server 10 using the input device 30 to execute a keyboard process (coding process).

[0020] The PF server 10 distributes keystroke information including a divided image, which is a part of the image of the divided object, to the input device 30 of the keystroke operator selected from the currently logged-in keystroke operators. The input device 30 displays the divided image included in the keystroke information distributed from the PF server 10 on the display device, and accepts keystroke input of the information (a part of the address information) indicated by the divided image using the operation device. The input device 30 supplies the input information input by the operator using the operation device to the PF server 10 as a keystroke result. The PF server 10 acquires the keystroke results for the divided images distributed to the plurality of input devices 30 from each input device 30, and manages a part of the address information included in the acquired keystroke results as the address information of each divided object.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the PF server 10 in the divided object processing system 1 according to each embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the PF server 10 includes a control unit (first control unit) 11, a first communication interface 12, a second communication interface 13, an OCR 14, and a storage device (memory) 15. The control unit 11 performs various processes such as control and data processing of each unit in the PF server 10. The control unit 11 includes a processor 11a and a memory 11b. The processor 11a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 11b includes a buffer memory such as a RAM, a program memory such as a ROM, and a non-volatile memory capable of writing and rewriting data. The control unit 21 performs various processes by the processor 11a executing the program stored in the memory 11b.

[0022] The first communication interface 12 is an interface for communicating with each dividing machine 20 in the divided object processing system 1. The first communication interface 12 is, for example, an interface for communicating with the dividing machines 20 installed in each area (station) via a local area network. Also, the first communication interface 12 may be any interface that communicates with each dividing machine 20, and is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0023] The second communication interface 13 is an interface for communicating with each input device 30 in the sorting object processing system 1. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the input device 30 is a device operated by a keyboard operator located anywhere. For this reason, the second communication interface 13 is, for example, a network interface that communicates with the input device 30 operated by a keyboard operator located anywhere via a wide-area network such as the Internet. The second communication interface may be any interface that communicates with each input device 30 and is not limited to a specific configuration. Also, the second communication interface 13 may be able to communicate with the VCD, which is an input device in the VCS 25 provided in the sorter 20.

[0024] The OCR 14 is a recognition unit that recognizes characters indicating the address information of the sorting object. The OCR 14 recognizes the address information in the image of the sorting object by performing character recognition using an algorithm and dictionary information (reference address database) different from those of the OCR 24 (see FIG. 3) provided in the sorter 20. Since the OCR 14 recognizes the entire address information by character authentication using an algorithm and dictionary information different from those of the OCR 24 of the sorter 20, it is also referred to as a secondary OCR.

[0025] The OCR 14 is composed of a unit including a processor and a memory, and realizes character recognition processing by the processor executing a recognition processing program stored in the memory. Also, the OCR 14 may be realized by dedicated hardware. The character recognition dictionary and the reference address database used by the OCR 14 to recognize characters indicating the address information may be provided in the PF server 10 or may be provided in an externally accessible device as appropriate.

[0026] OCR14 supplies the recognized address information or information indicating unrecognizability (unreadable) to the control unit 11 as a result of the recognition process. The control unit 11 stores the address information recognized by OCR14 in the address information database 15a provided in the storage device 15 in association with the ID of the corresponding item. The control unit 11 distributes the images of the items for which address information could not be obtained by OCR14 to a plurality of input devices 30 as a plurality of divided images.

[0027] The storage device 15 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory. The storage device 15 stores various information. For example, the storage device 15 stores the item information supplied from the sorting machine 20. Further, the storage device 15 may store the program executed by the processor 11a of the control unit 11.

[0028] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 15 stores various databases 15a - 15e. The address information database 15a stores the address information of the item in association with the ID. For example, when the entire address information is recognized by OCR14, the address information database 15a stores the entire address information recognized by OCR14 in association with the ID of the item. Further, when the address information cannot be recognized by OCR14, the address information database 15a stores the input information (a part of the address information) obtained as the keying result for the divided image from a plurality of input devices 30 for each ID of the item.

[0029] The keyer database 15b stores information about the person registered as the keyer (keying registrant). The keyer database 15b stores information such as login information, personal setting information, and processing performance information for each keyer. The login information stored in the keyer database 15b is information for a pre-registered keying registrant to log in to the PF server 10 (or the site provided by the PF server 10). For example, the login information is information including the identification information (user ID) of the keying registrant and recognition information such as a password.

[0030] The personal setting information stored in the key-entry person database 15b is the personal setting individually set by the key-entry registrant. For example, the personal setting information may be information including the conditions for executing the key-entry process specified by the key-entry registrant himself / herself. Specifically, the area of the address information for key-entry processing may be specified, or the part for key-entry processing (such as the postal code part, address part, addressee part, etc.) may be specified. Further, the personal setting information may be information including the contact destination (notification destination) such as the email address for receiving the contact including the request for the key-entry process from the PF server 10. Also, the personal setting information may include the conditions for receiving the request for the key-entry process (for example, the time zone or date and time for receiving the request for the key-entry process, or the content of the key-entry process, etc.). Furthermore, the personal setting information may include the information for receiving the success reward received as a result of the key-entry process.

[0031] The processing result information stored in the key-entry person database 15b is the information indicating the result of the key-entry process of the key-entry registrant. For example, the processing result information is the information indicating the number of key-entry processes, the information indicating the speed of the key-entry process, the number of cases for each area where the key-entry process is performed, the correct (incorrect) rate for the key-entry result, and the information indicating the time logged in as the key-entry person. Also, as a specific example of the information indicating the speed of the key-entry process, the number of processes per unit time, or the time from the distribution of the key-entry information to the acquisition of the key-entry result, etc. can be considered.

[0032] The processing status database 15c stores the information indicating the processing status such as the key-entry process for the classification information supplied from the classifier 20. For example, as the information indicating the processing status stored in the processing status database 15c, the information including the number of pieces of classification information waiting for the key-entry process, the number of key-entry persons logged in, the number of processes per unit time, the number of cases where the remaining key-entry time is less than the predetermined time, the number of cases waiting for the key-entry process for each area (dispatch information), etc. is included.

[0033] The success reward database 15d stores the information indicating the success reward (reward) to be paid to the key-entry person who has performed the key-entry process (coding process). For example, the success reward database 15d stores the information indicating the number of key-entry processes performed and the accumulated amount of the reward for each key-entry registrant for each reward settlement period.

[0034] The usage-based charging database 15e stores information indicating the amount (charge) to be billed to the operator who is performing the processing of the sorted items using the sorter 20. The usage-based charging database 15e stores the amount of usage-based charging to the operator calculated according to the number of implementation cases such as the specific processing of the address information for the sorted item information from the sorter 20. Further, the usage-based charging database 15e may store the amount of usage-based charging to the operator calculated according to the number of pieces of address information managed in the address information database 15a provided to the sorter 20.

[0035] Note that part or all of the databases 15a - 15e described above may be provided in the storage device of an external device accessible by the PF server 10. In this case, the PF server 10 may be provided with an interface for accessing an external device including a storage device storing each database 15a.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the sorter 20 in the sorted item processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the sorter 20 in the sorted item processing system 1 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the sorter 20 includes a control unit (second control unit, third control unit) 21, a communication interface (third communication interface, fourth communication interface) 22, a sorting processing unit 23, an OCR (recognition unit) 24, and a VCS 25.

[0037] The control unit 21 controls the operations of each part of the sorter 20. The control unit 21 includes a processor 121, a memory 122, and a VCS interface (I / F) 123. The processor 121 is, for example, a CPU. The memory 122 includes a buffer memory such as a RAM, a program memory such as a ROM, and a non-volatile memory capable of writing and rewriting data.

[0038] Processor 121 performs various arithmetic operations. The buffer memory temporarily stores the results of the operations performed by processor 121. The program memory and the non-volatile memory store various programs, control data, etc. that are executed by processor 121. The control unit 21 performs various processes by causing processor 121 to execute the programs stored in memory 122.

[0039] VCSI / F123 is a communication interface for communicating with VCS25. VCSI / F123 supplies an image of an item to be sorted for which the information necessary for sorting could not be identified, together with the identification information of the item to be sorted, to VCS25, and acquires a keying result based on the image of the item to be sorted from VCS25. In the present embodiment, VCS25 is directly connected to the sorter 20 without going through PF server 10, and VCSI / F123 is an interface for connecting control unit 21 and VCS25.

[0040] Communication interface 22 is an interface for communicating with PF server 10. Communication interface 22 is, for example, a network interface that communicates with PF server 10 via a network. Also, communication interface 22 may be any interface that communicates with PF server 10, and may be an interface that connects to PF server 10 wirelessly or by wire.

[0041] The sorting processing unit 23 sorts (sorts out) items to be sorted. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the sorting processing unit 23 includes a supply unit 111, a conveyance path (conveyance unit) 112, a barcode reader (hereinafter abbreviated as BCR) 113, a barcode writer (hereinafter abbreviated as BCW) 114, a scanner 115, a sorting unit 116, and an operation panel 117.

[0042] The supply unit 111 supplies items to be sorted, such as postal items, to the conveyance path 112. The supply unit 111 has a plurality of items to be sorted set together, and supplies the set items to the conveyance path 112 one by one. The conveying path 112 conveys the sorted items to each part. For example, the conveying path 112 is composed of a conveying belt, a driving pulley, etc. On the conveying path 112, a BCR 113, a BCW 114, a scanner 115, a sorting section 116, etc. are provided.

[0043] The BCR 113 reads the barcode as the identification information printed on the sorted items conveyed on the conveying path 112. Since an ID barcode is assigned to the sorted items by the process described later, the BCR 113 is configured to read the ID barcode indicating the ID from the sorted items conveyed by the conveying path 112. The BCW 114 is an example of an ID reading section that reads the ID as the identification information assigned to the sorted items.

[0044] The BCW 114 prints a barcode indicating the identification information on the sorted items conveyed on the conveying path 112. The BCW 114 is an example of an ID assigning section that assigns an ID as the identification information to the sorted items. The BCW 114 prints an ID barcode indicating the ID as the identification information on the sorted items. For example, when the control unit 21 specifies the sorting information (part or all of the sorting information) of the sorted items by the VCS 25, the ID indicated by the ID barcode is supplied to the VCS 25 together with the scanned image of the sorted items, and the keystroke information (part or all of the sorting information) associated with the ID is acquired from the VCS 25. Also, when the control unit 21 specifies the address information of the sorted items in the PF server 10, the sorting information such as the image of the sorted items associated with the ID is transmitted to the PF server 10.

[0045] The scanner 115 captures an image of the sorted items conveyed by the conveying path 112. For example, the scanner 115 is composed of a line scanner, a video camera, etc. The scanner 115 may be any device that captures an image including the sorting information described on the sorted items. The scanner 115 captures an image for the OCR 24 to recognize the sorting information described on the sorted items.

[0046] The sorting unit 116 is provided on the downstream side of the BCW 114 in the conveying direction of the conveying path 112. The sorting unit 116 accumulates sorted items according to sorting information. The sorting unit 116 has a plurality of sorting pockets (storage units) for sorting items. For example, the sorting unit 116 may be configured to have a plurality of sorting pockets partitioned into a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Sorting information is set in each sorting pocket of the sorting unit 116, and items corresponding to the set sorting information are accumulated. The sorting unit 116 also has a VCS exclusion unit (reject pocket) in which items for which sorting information indicating the sorting destination cannot be recognized are accumulated.

[0047] The operation panel 117 has an input device through which an operator inputs operation instructions. The input device is constituted by, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. The operation panel 117 also has a display device for displaying information such as guidance to the operator. The display device is constituted by, for example, a display device. The operator designates a processing mode such as a sorting processing mode using the operation panel 117.

[0048] The OCR (recognition unit) 24 performs a process of recognizing the sorting information of the item. The OCR 24 refers to a character recognition dictionary and an address database, and recognizes characters indicating sorting information by performing OCR processing on the image of the item read by the scanner 115. The OCR 24 is constituted by a unit including a processor and a memory, and realizes the recognition process by the processor executing a recognition process program stored in the memory. Also, the OCR 24 may be realized by dedicated hardware. The character recognition dictionary and the address database used by the OCR 24 for the recognition process of sorting information may be provided in the sorter 20, or may be provided in a device that can be accessed as appropriate.

[0049] When OCR24 can recognize the desired classification information (part or all of the classification information), it outputs the classification information obtained by the recognition process. When the classification information cannot be recognized, it outputs information indicating that recognition is impossible. OCR24 supplies the recognized classification information or information indicating non-recognition (unreadable) to the control unit 21 as the result of the recognition process. When OCR24 can recognize the desired classification information, the control unit 21 performs a process of classifying the classified object by the recognition process by OCR24.

[0050] VCS25 is composed of an image storage distribution device and a plurality of VCDs, etc. VCS25 associates the image of the classified object for which the information necessary for classification by OCR24 (for example, the postal code or part of the postal code) cannot be recognized with the ID of the classified object and stores it in the image storage distribution device. The image storage distribution device distributes the stored images of the classified objects to each VCD in association with the ID. Each VCD displays the image of the classified object and outputs the information necessary for classification input by the operator in association with the ID. VCS25 supplies the information input to each VCD to the control unit 21 in association with the ID. The control unit 21 holds the information input by VCS25 in the memory and classifies the classified object specified by the ID according to the information input by VCS25.

[0051] In this embodiment, it is assumed that VCS25 of the classifier 20 is directly connected to the classifier 20 without passing through the PF server 10. Also, VCS25 of the classifier 20 is used to input the separation information (for example, the postal code) for separation in the separation classification process. Further, VCS25 of the classifier 20 may be used to input the entire address information when, for example, the PF server 10 cannot identify the entire address information in the route classification process.

[0052] Next, an example of the configuration of the input device 30 in the classified object processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the input device 30 in the classified object processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the input device 30 includes a control unit 31, a communication interface 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit (input unit) 34.

[0053] The control unit 31 performs various processes such as control and data processing of each unit in the input device 30. The control unit 31 includes a processor 31a and a memory 31b, etc. The processor 31a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 31b includes a buffer memory such as a RAM, a program memory such as a ROM, and a non-volatile memory capable of writing and rewriting data, etc. The control unit 31 performs various processes by the processor 31a executing the program stored in the memory 31b.

[0054] The communication interface 32 is an interface for communicating with each section machine 20. The communication interface 32 is, for example, an interface for communicating with the PF server 10 via a local area network. Also, the communication interface 32 may be any interface that communicates with the PF server 10 and is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0055] The display unit 33 is a display device for displaying information. For example, the display unit 33 displays a divided image that is a part of the image of the divided object supplied from the PF server 10. Also, the display unit 33 displays information input by the operator using the operation unit 34, etc. The operation unit 34 is an operation (input) device for the operator to input information. For example, the input device as the operation unit 34 is composed of a keyboard and a pointing device, etc.

[0056] The control unit 31 of the input device 30 logs in to the PF server 10 via the communication interface 32 in response to an operation by the operator using the operation unit 34. The control unit 31 displays, on the display unit 33, a divided image that is a part of the image of the divided object distributed from the PF server 10, and prompts the operator to input information. In a state where the divided image of the divided object is displayed, the control unit 31 transmits, to the PF server 10, information associating a part of the address information as input (keystroke) information input by the operator using the operation unit 34 with the ID of the divided object. Further, when the control unit 31 receives a keystroke request from the PF server 10, it may notify the keystroke user to prompt for login.

[0057] Next, the operation of the entire divided object processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation example of the divided object processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As an example of the divided object, a delivery object is subject to a shipping procedure after the address information with the delivery destination as the sender is assigned. For example, a postal item as a divided object is dropped into a mailbox or the like. Also, a package or other parcel as a divided object has a sheet with the address information described thereon attached to the parcel and is collected at a predetermined collection location. The divided object after the shipping procedure is collected by a staff member and supplied to a divider that performs the separation (ST11).

[0058] The control unit 21 of the divider 20 sets the operation panel 117 to the separation mode as the processing mode and instructs the start of the separation process. The control unit 21 of the divider 20 causes the divided objects set in the supply unit 111 to be conveyed one by one through the conveyance path 112 in a state where the processing mode is set to the separation mode according to the instruction on the operation panel 117.

[0059] The control unit 21 of the sorter 20 assigns an ID as identification information to the sorted items conveyed by the conveyance path 112 (ST12). The control unit 21 issues an ID to the sorted items conveyed by the conveyance path 112, and prints a barcode indicating the ID on the sorted items by the BCW 114. However, when an ID barcode is already assigned to the sorted item, the control unit 21 may cause the subsequent processes described below to be executed using the ID indicated by the ID barcode read by the BCR 113 as the ID of the sorted item.

[0060] The control unit 21 of the sorter 20 reads an image of the sorted item with an ID assigned thereto conveyed by the conveyance path 112 using the scanner 115 (ST13). The scanner 115 reads an image of the sorted item conveyed by the conveyance path 112. The control unit 21 performs a process of specifying some information (differentiating information) of the address information for differentiating the sorted item based on the image of the sorted item read by the scanner 115 (ST14). The differentiating information is information for specifying the area (or sorter) where the subsequent sorting process for the sorted item is to be performed. For example, the differentiating information is information indicating an area in the address information such as a postal code (or a part of the postal code). Here, it is assumed that the differentiating information is a postal code for the explanation.

[0061] Here, the control unit 21 of the sorter 20 performs an OCR 24 recognition process as a process of specifying address information including differentiating information (for example, a postal code). The OCR 24 recognizes address information including at least the differentiating information by performing a character recognition process on the image of the sorted item read by the scanner 115. In addition, for the sorted items for which the differentiating information cannot be specified by the OCR 24, the control unit 21 acquires the differentiating information using the VCS 25. That is, the control unit 21 specifies the differentiating information or the address information including the differentiating information of the sorted item by the OCR 24 or the VCS 25.

[0062] Note that the OCR 24 of the sorter 20 detects, in the recognition process, an area (address area) in the image of the sorted item where characters indicating address information are described. The OCR 24 specifies the writing direction (e.g., horizontal writing, vertical writing) of the characters indicating the address information, and detects a line of characters arranged in the writing direction of the characters in the address area. The OCR 24 cuts out individual characters from each line of characters and recognizes (selects character candidates) the individual characters. The OCR 24 determines the recognition result by comparing the character string (word) consisting of the character recognition results with the information in the reference address database as a dictionary.

[0063] That is, the OCR 24 of the sorter 20 has a function of performing a process (line detection process) of detecting a line of characters from the image of the sorted item. The control unit 21 generates a divided image in which the image area for each line of characters detected by the line detection process by the OCR 24 is extracted (divided) from the image of the address area in the image of the sorted item. For example, as the divided image for each line of characters in the address area, an image of the postal code description part, an image of the address description part (for each line of characters when described in multiple lines), and an image of the addressee name description part are generated.

[0064] When the control unit 21 of the sorter 20 specifies the distinguishing information included in the address information, it transmits (ST15) the sorted item information including the image of the sorted item associated with the ID of the sorted item to the PF server 10. Here, the sorted item information includes a part of the address information including the specified distinguishing information. Also, the image of the sorted item in the sorted item information transmitted to the PF server 10 may be the entire image of the sorted item read by the scanner 115, may be the image of the address area detected by the OCR 24 from the image of the sorted item, or may be a plurality of divided images extracted (divided) for each image area of the line of characters detected by the OCR 24 in the line detection process.

[0065] For example, the control unit 21 of the sorter 20 shall include the divided images extracted for each character line detected by the OCR 24 as the images of the sorted items in the sorted item information. The divided images for each character line indicating the address information have a smaller data volume than the image of the entire sorted item. Therefore, if the divided image group is included as the image of the sorted item in the sorted item information, the data volume of the sorted item information transferred from the sorter 20 to the PF server 10 can be reduced.

[0066] In addition, the control unit 21 of the sorter 20 transfers the sorted item information including the divided image group to the PF server 10 and performs a sorting classification for sorting the sorted items according to the separation information (ST16). The sorted items sorted by the sorting classification of the sorter 20 are respectively transported to the destinations indicated by the separation information (for example, postal codes). For example, the sorted items are sorted by region indicated by the postal code as the separation information and transported to each region.

[0067] On the other hand, the PF server 10 acquires the sorted item information from the sorter 20 through the first communication interface 12. The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 temporarily stores the sorted item information received from the sorter 20 in the memory in the storage unit or the control unit 11 (ST21). The control unit 11 recognizes the address information from the image of the sorted item included in the temporarily stored sorted item information by the OCR 14 which is a secondary OCR (ST22). However, when the entire address information is specified in the sorted item information, the control unit 11 may proceed to ST32 and register the entire address information in association with the ID in the address information database 15a.

[0068] The OCR 14 of the PF server 10 recognizes the address information by an algorithm different from that of the sorter 20 for the image of the sorted item (the divided image group for each character line) included in the sorted item information. The OCR 14 supplies the control unit 11 with the recognition result of the entire address information for the image of the sorted item in the sorted item information. The control unit 11 determines whether the entire address information can be recognized based on the recognition result obtained from the OCR 14 (ST23).

[0069] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 can recognize all the address information by the OCR 14 (ST23, NO), it associates the address information recognized by the OCR 14 with the ID and registers it in the address information database 15a (ST32).

[0070] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 cannot recognize all the address information by the OCR 14 (ST23, YES), it sets, as the split images for distribution, the split images obtained by splitting the address area in the image of the divided object included in the divided object information for each character line (ST24). For example, when the control unit 11 acquires the divided object information including a plurality of split images obtained by the divider 20 for each character line, it sets the plurality of split images included in the divided object information as the split images for distribution. Also, when the control unit 11 acquires the entire image of the divided object or the image of the address area in the image of the divided object from the divider 20, it sets, as the split images for distribution, the plurality of split images extracted (split) for each image area of the character line detected by the OCR 14.

[0071] Here, the split images for distribution will be described. The address information assigned to the divided object is described with line breaks at specific delimiters. For example, the address information is described in different character lines for at least the postal code, the address up to the house number, and the name of the addressee. These character strings do not form complete personal information alone. Specifically, without associating the address up to the house number with a personal name such as the name of the addressee, it does not become substantial personal information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the personal information as the entire address information from being specified only by the individual split images obtained by splitting the address area for each character line.

[0072] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 sets a plurality of divided images for distribution for one divided object, the control unit 11 performs distribution setting processing for each divided image so that information (key entry request information) that is the target of key entry processing including the plurality of divided images for one divided object is distributed to different key entry operators (ST25). In the distribution setting process, the control unit 11 sets the distribution destination so that at least a plurality of divided images are processed for key entry (coding processing) by different key entry operators. As a result, each key entry operator to whom each divided image divided by character line is distributed can be prevented from identifying personal information as the entire address information.

[0073] Here, the key entry operators to whom the key entry request information can be distributed will be described. The PF server 10 holds login information regarding key entry operators who execute key entry processing in the key entry operator database 15b. For example, the login information of the key entry operator includes authentication information such as a key entry operator identification information (key entry operator ID) and a password registered in the key entry operator database 15b. The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 receives a login request from the input device 30 operated by the key entry operator, and performs a login process for the key entry operator based on the login request from the input device 30 and the login information registered in the key entry operator database 15b.

[0074] When the collation between the login request from the input device 30 and the login information is successful, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 approves the login of the key entry operator. The control unit 11 manages each logged-in key entry operator as a key entry operator capable of distributing divided images. The control unit 11 selects the distribution destination of each divided image from the logged-in key entry operator. The distribution setting process will be described in detail later.

[0075] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 sets the delivery destinations of a plurality of keying information items each including a divided image by means of delivery setting processing, it transmits keying request information to each of the set delivery destinations (ST26). The keying request information is information associating one of the divided images with the ID of the classified object. Further, the keying request information may include the image data of an input screen for inputting the information indicated by the divided image generated by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 transmits the keying request information to the input device 30 of each keyer set as the delivery destination of each divided image in the delivery setting processing.

[0076] For example, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 transmits keying request information including a divided image associated with an ID to the input device 30 of the keyer who is logged in via the network through the second communication interface 13. Further, the control unit 11 may transmit the keying request information to the VCS 25 of the classifier 20 connected via the first communication interface 12.

[0077] After logging in as a keyer to the PF server 10 by the operation of the operator, the input device 30 enters a state of waiting to receive keying request information including the ID of the classified object and the divided image. In this state, the input device 30 receives the keying request information including the ID and the divided image distributed from the PF server 10 by means of the communication interface 32.

[0078] When receiving the keying request information, the control unit 31 of each input device 30 displays, on the display unit 33, an input screen including the divided image indicating the information to be keyed included in the received keying request information, and executes keying processing by accepting keying input of the information by means of the operation unit 34 (ST27a, 27b,...). Among the plurality of input devices 30, each keyer visually observes the divided image displayed on the display unit 33 and inputs the information indicated by the divided image by means of the operation unit 34. The control unit 31 of each input device 30 associates the information indicated by the divided image input by means of the operation unit 34 with the ID of the classified object included in the keying request information and transmits the information to the PF server 10 as a keying result. Further, the control unit 31 shall also add information such as identification information indicating the keyer to the keying result.

[0079] The PF server 10 receives the keying results from each input device 30 that has transmitted keying request information via the communication interface 32. When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 receives the keying results from each input device 30, it stores the received keying results in a memory such as the storage device 15.

[0080] Also, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 stores information regarding the results (the performance of the keying process) input by the keyer based on the received keying results in the keyer database 15b. For example, as the processing performance information for each keyer, the control unit 11 stores information such as the total number of keying processes, the number of keyings per unit time, and the number of keyings for each region or keying part (e.g., address part, name part, postal code part) in the keyer database 15b.

[0081] The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 calculates a reward (success reward) corresponding to the results input by the keyer based on the received keying results (ST31). Here, the reward is the amount paid to the keyer as the consideration for the keying process for the divided image. When the control unit 11 calculates the reward for the keying process indicated by the keying results, it stores the information indicating the calculated reward in the success reward database 15d as the reward information for each keyer. For example, the success reward database 15d stores the accumulated amount of the reward for each keyer.

[0082] Also, the control unit 21 of the PF server 10 may determine the correctness of the keying results received from each input device 30 and store information indicating the correctness of the keying results (e.g., correct answer rate) in the keyer database 15b for each keyer as processing performance information. In this case, the control unit 21 may calculate the success reward for the keying results determined to be correct answers and store the accumulated amount of the success reward in the success reward database 15d.

[0083] Each time the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 receives a keying result from each input device 30, it associates the information (a part of the address information) indicated by the divided image included in the keying result with the ID and stores (registers) it in the address information database 15a (ST32). In this case, in the address information database 15a, when input information for all the divided images corresponding to one ID is obtained from a plurality of input devices 30, the entire address information corresponding to one ID is registered. Thus, the control unit 11 manages the address information so as to provide the address information registered in the address information database 15a in response to a request from the sorting machine 20.

[0084] Also, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 temporarily stores the keying results corresponding to the ID of one sorted item from each input device 30 in a memory or the like, and when the keying results for all the divided images corresponding to one sorted item are obtained, it may identify the entire address information of the sorted item indicated by the ID by integrating the input information included in each keying result corresponding to the ID. In this case, the control unit 11 may save (register) the entire address information corresponding to the ID in the address information database 15a when the entire address information corresponding to the ID is identified.

[0085] When the entire address information corresponding to one sorted item (ID) is stored in the address information database 15a, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 calculates the amount of metered billing according to the result of identifying the entire address information and registering it in the address information database 15a (ST33). The amount of metered billing is preset between the operator who processes the sorted item and the operator who operates the PF server 10. For example, the amount for one sorted item is set as the amount of metered billing. In this case, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of metered billing according to the number of sorted items for which the entire address information is identified.

[0086] The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 stores, in the metered charging database 15e, the amount obtained by accumulating the calculated metered charging amount as the charging amount for each operator. Here, although it has been described that the metered charging amount in the metered charging database 15e is accumulated each time the entire address information for one piece is registered in the address information database 15a, the control unit 11 may calculate the metered charging amount corresponding to the address information registered in the address information database 15a at a predetermined timing (for example, every hour, every day, etc.) and accumulate it in the metered charging database 15e.

[0087] On the other hand, after the sorted item is sorted, it is transported to the destination in parallel with the processing in the PF server 10 as described above. The sorter 20 at the destination replenishes the transported sorted item (ST41). The control unit 21 of the sorter 20 that has replenished the sorted item after sorting executes route sorting with the operation mode set to the route sorting mode.

[0088] The control unit 21 of the sorter 20 reads the ID barcode attached to the sorted item transported one by one on the transport path 112 using the BCR 113 (ST42). When the control unit 21 reads the ID using the BCR 113, it requests the PF server 10 for the address information corresponding to the read ID (ST43).

[0089] The PF server 10 receives the request for the address information corresponding to the ID from the sorter 20. When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 receives the request for the address information, it extracts the address information corresponding to the specified ID from the address information database 15a. The control unit 11 transmits the address information corresponding to the ID extracted from the address information database 15a to the requesting sorter 20 (ST44).

[0090] The sorting machine 20 receives, via the communication interface 22, the address information included in the response from the PF server 10 to the ID query. When the control unit 21 of the sorting machine 20 receives the address information corresponding to the specified ID received from the PF server 10, it sorts the sorted items according to the delivery route based on the address information obtained from the PF server 10 for the ID (ST45). The sorted items sorted by such sorting by the sorting machine 20 are delivered to the delivery destination indicated by the address information.

[0091] Note that, in the processing example shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the sorted item processing system having a sorting machine (first sorting machine) that performs the difference sorting and a sorting machine (second sorting machine) that performs the delivery route sorting at the transport destination of the sorted item has been described. However, the first sorting machine and the second sorting machine may be the same device. Further, the first sorting machine in the sorted item processing system is not limited to performing the difference sorting, and may be any device that transmits the sorted item information in which the image of the sorted item is associated with the ID of the sorted item to the PF server. In this case, the second sorting machine may obtain the address information corresponding to the ID of the sorted item from the PF server and process the sorted item.

[0092] As described above, the sorted item processing system according to the embodiment transmits a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the image area of the address information in the sorted item for each row to different key entry operators, and each key entry operator integrates the information input based on the divided images to specify the entire address information. Thereby, it is possible to prevent personal information from being specified for the key entry operator who is the delivery destination of each divided image, and it is possible to protect the personal information as the address information attached to the sorted item.

[0093] Further, according to the sorted item processing system according to the embodiment, since a plurality of key entry operators input a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the address information of one sorted item, it is possible to request a large number of key entry operators to perform key entry (key entry processing) on the address information of one sorted item without being biased towards a specific key entry operator. As a result, a plurality of key entry operators divide and perform key entry processing on the address information of one sorted item, and since one address information can be processed by parallel processing, it may be possible to realize speeding up of the coding process.

[0094] Also, according to the sorting item processing system according to the embodiment, a key operator who operates an input device to which keying information including a divided image is distributed from the PF server can log in at any place and at any time, and can obtain a reward according to the result of the keying process. As a result, it is possible to provide a working style that is not restricted by time and place, and it is possible to facilitate the recruitment of personnel who perform keying processing.

[0095] Also, according to the sorting item processing system according to the embodiment, the PF server identifies and manages the address information for each sorting item, and charges a usage-based fee for the identification of address information using keying processing and the like and the management of the address information of the sorting item. As a result, an operator who processes sorting items using a sorting machine or the like does not need to secure a fixed number of personnel for the VCS. As a result, an operator who processes sorting items using a sorting machine or the like can reduce fixed costs, and can process sorting items by paying an amount according to the usage amount according to the number of processed items or the like. In addition, an operator who operates the PF server can obtain an appropriate consideration by providing address information identified using keying processing or the like without being responsible for the actual processing of sorting items.

[0096] Next, the distribution setting process of keying information including a divided image by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the distribution setting process of keying information including a divided image by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment. In the distribution setting process, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 identifies the number of divided images for distribution corresponding to one sorting item (ID) to be distributed to different key operators (ST101). When the control unit 11 identifies the number of divided images corresponding to one ID, the control unit 11 identifies candidates for key operators who can execute keying processing on the address information of the sorting item from the key operator who is logged in (ST102).

[0097] The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 selects candidates for the key operator according to pre-set conditions. For example, the control unit 11 selects candidates for the key operator according to the personal setting information set for each key registration person. In this case, it is assumed that the key operator database 15b registers, as personal setting information, conditions for performing keying processes specified in advance by each key registration person. Specifically, as a condition for performing the keying process, the key registration person may limit the area where the keying process is to be performed (the area indicated by information such as the postal code specified by the difference designation), or may set a part in the address information for which the keying process is to be performed (for example, the name part, the address part, the postal code part, etc.).

[0098] When the control unit 11 identifies candidates for the key operator, it determines whether the remaining keying time for the sorting item information to be the target of the keying process is less than a predetermined time (ST103). Here, it is assumed that the sorting item information transmitted from the sorter 20 that executes the difference designation to the PF server 10 is given a deadline for specifying the address information (hereinafter referred to as the keying deadline). For example, the control unit 21 of the sorter 20 sets the keying deadline for each sorting item information based on the transport time to the transport destination of the sorting item specified by the difference information or a predetermined time set for each difference information. In this case, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 determines whether the remaining keying time specified from the current time and the keying deadline set in the sorting item information is less than a predetermined time.

[0099] When the remaining keying time is less than a predetermined time (ST103, YES), the control unit 11 selects a key operator who transmits a plurality of divided images (keying information including the divided images) based on the processing results of each candidate key operator (ST104). For example, the control unit 11 specifies the keying processing speed (for example, the number of processed items per unit time, or the average processing time for one item, etc.) of each key operator selected as a candidate from the processing result information stored in the key operator database 15b, and selects key operators with the number of divided images in descending order of processing speed. Also, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 may preferentially select a key operator with a large number of keying process results for the address information including the area (difference information) of the sorting item information to be processed.

[0100] Further, when the remaining keying time is not less than a predetermined time (ST103, NO), the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 selects a keyer who is the destination of a plurality of keying information including a divided image according to a predetermined order (predetermined distribution rule) (ST105). For example, when distributing a divided image (keying information including the divided image) in the order of longer waiting time (time waiting for processing) as the predetermined order, the control unit 11 selects a keyer who is the destination of a plurality of keying information including the divided image in the order of longer waiting time.

[0101] As described above, the PF server according to the embodiment selects, based on information indicating the performance of each keyer (such as the speed of processing), the keyer who distributes the divided image of the divided object whose remaining keying time is less than the predetermined time, by the distribution setting process. Thereby, the PF server can preferentially distribute keying information including a divided image with a short remaining keying time to a keyer with a record such as fast keying processing, and can achieve high-speed keying processing.

[0102] Next, the monitoring process of the processing status by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the monitoring process of the processing status by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment. The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 performs a monitoring process for monitoring the processing status, separately from the process shown in FIG. 5 described above. Here, as an example of the monitoring process of the processing status in the PF server 10, a process of monitoring a divided object that arrives at the destination while the identification of the address information by the PF server 10 remains unfinished will be described.

[0103] The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 monitors whether there is a divided object (divided object information) that is predicted to arrive at the destination while the keying process remains unfinished (ST121). For example, the control unit 11 estimates whether the keying process under the control of the PF server 10 is completed within the keying deadline for each divided object. When there is divided object information that is estimated not to complete the keying process within the keying deadline (during the transportation of the divided object), the control unit 11 determines that there is a divided object that is predicted to arrive at the destination while the keying process (identification of the entire address information) remains unfinished.

[0104] When there is a classified item predicted to have an unfinished keying process (ST121, YES), the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 identifies the classified item information of the classified items expected to have an unfinished keying process for each transport destination (the area indicated by the suspension information) (ST122). For example, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 calculates the number of classified items expected to have an unfinished keying process for each transport destination.

[0105] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 identifies the classified items predicted to have an unfinished keying process for each transport destination, it predicts the number of keyers required for each transport destination to perform the keying process on the classified item information predicted to have an unfinished keying process (ST123). For example, the control unit 11 predicts the number of keyers required for each transport destination to perform the keying process based on the information aggregated for each transport destination of the classified items predicted to have an unfinished keying process. As a specific example, the control unit 11 predicts the number of keyers required to perform the keying process on the classified item information predicted to be unfinished within the processing deadline based on the number of pieces of classified item information predicted to have an unfinished keying process and the average processing volume of one keyer.

[0106] When there is a classified item predicted to have an unfinished keying process, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 notifies the sorting machine 20 at the transport destination of the classified item predicted to have an unfinished keying process of the processing status (ST124). For example, as the notification of the processing status, the control unit 11 notifies that there are classified items expected to have an unfinished keying process, and also notifies the predicted value of the number of keyers required to perform the keying process on those classified item information within the processing deadline.

[0107] The sorting machine 20 receives a notification of the processing status from the PF server 10 via the communication interface 22. When the control unit 21 of the sorting machine 20 receives a notification of the processing status from the PF server 10, it displays information indicating the received processing status on the operation panel 117 or the administrator's terminal device. For example, the control unit 21 of the sorting machine 20 displays on the operation panel 117 that there are items to be sorted for which the keying process of address information is incomplete and are scheduled to arrive, and the number of keyers required to key in the address information of those items.

[0108] Thus, in a sorting machine that performs route sorting, the PF server can notify staff members and the like of the processing status such as the keying process being monitored. In addition, the PF server can notify that there are items to be sorted for which the keying process is incomplete and are scheduled to arrive, or the number of keyers required to perform the keying process for the item information for which the keying process is incomplete. As a result, on the side of the sorting machine that performs route sorting, it becomes possible to secure the keyers required for the keying process before the items for which the keying process is incomplete arrive.

[0109] Next, a keying request process for notifying a keying registrant of the keying process by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a keying request process for requesting a keying registrant to perform a keying process by the PF server 10 according to the embodiment. The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 is implemented separately from the process shown in FIG. 5 in the same manner as the above-described monitoring process. Here, as an example of a keying request process for requesting a keying process in the PF server 10, a process will be described in which when the number of item information with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time is equal to or more than a predetermined number, a request for a keying process is notified to an unlogged-in keying registrant.

[0110] The control unit 11 of the PF server 10 monitors whether there is item information with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time (ST141). When there is item information with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time (ST141, YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the number of item information with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time is equal to or more than a predetermined number (ST142).

[0111] When there are a predetermined number or more of classified item information with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time (ST142, YES), the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 determines that it requests the keying process from the unlogged-in keyer. When requesting the keying process, the control unit 11 selects the keyer (keying registrant) who requests the keying process (ST143).

[0112] First, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 identifies the number of people who request the keying process. For example, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 identifies the number of people who request the keying process according to the number of classified items with a remaining keying time less than a predetermined time. The control unit 11 may set the number of people who request the keying process according to the difference between the number of classified item information waiting for the keying process and the number of logged-in keyers.

[0113] Next, the control unit 11 selects the keying registrants corresponding to the number of people identified from the unlogged-in keying registrants. For example, when setting the number of people who request the keying process, the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 selects the keying registrant who requests the keying process based on the processing performance information or personal setting information registered in the keyer database 15b.

[0114] As a specific example, the control unit 11 selects the keyers who request the keying process in the order of the fastest processing speed in the processing performance from the unlogged-in registrants (keying registrants). Also, the control unit 11 may select the keyers who request the keying process from the registrants who are set to accept keying requests in the personal setting information. Furthermore, in the personal setting information, conditions for accepting keying requests, such as the time for accepting keying requests or the time when logging in is possible, may be set. In this case, the control unit 11 may select the keyers who request the keying process from the keying registrants who meet the conditions.

[0115] When the control unit 11 of the PF server 10 selects a key operator (registrant) who requests key input processing, it notifies the selected key operator's notification destination of the key input processing request (ST144). For example, the control unit 11 transmits a key input processing request (login request) to the notification destination (e.g., email address, etc.) of the selected key operator registered in the key operator database 15b.

[0116] As a result, when the number of cases where the remaining key input time is less than a predetermined time increases, the PF server notifies the unlogged-in key operator of the key input processing request. Thereby, when the key input processing for the sorted item information supplied from the sorter is delayed, it is possible to prompt the unlogged-in key operator to log in, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

[0117] In addition, when the number of cases where the remaining key input time is less than a predetermined time increases, the PF server according to the embodiment can also preferentially notify the key operator with a high processing speed indicated by the processing record among the unlogged-in key operators of the key input processing request. Thereby, it is also possible to prompt the rapid processing of the sorted item information with a short remaining key input time.

[0118] Note that the methods described in the above embodiments can also be stored and distributed as a program that can be executed by a computer in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. Further, as long as the storage medium can store the program and is readable by the computer, the storage format can be in any form.

[0119] Also, an OS (operating system) operating on the computer, MW (middleware) such as database management software and network software, etc., based on the instructions of the program installed in the computer from the storage medium, may execute a part of each process for realizing the above embodiments. Furthermore, the storage medium in each embodiment is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, and also includes a storage medium that downloads, stores, or temporarily stores a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0120] Also, the storage medium is not limited to one, and when the processing in each of the above embodiments is executed from a plurality of media, it is also included in the storage medium in the present invention, and the medium configuration may be any configuration. Note that the computer in each embodiment executes each of the above processes based on a program stored in the storage medium, and may be any configuration such as a device consisting of one such as a personal computer, or a system in which a plurality of devices are network-connected.

[0121] Also, the computer in each embodiment is not limited to a personal computer, and includes an arithmetic processing unit, a microcomputer, etc. included in an information processing device, and generically refers to devices and apparatuses capable of realizing the functions of the present invention by a program.

[0122] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 1…Sorting object processing system, 10…Platform (PF) server, 11…Control unit (first control unit), 12…First communication interface, 13…Second communication interface, 14…OCR, 15…Memory device, 15a…Address information database, 15b…Keystroke operator database, 15c…Processing status database, 15d…Success reward database, 15e…Usage-based charging database, 20…Sorter, 21…Control unit (second control unit, third control unit), 22…Communication interface (third communication interface, fourth communication interface), 23…Sorting processing unit, 24…OCR (recognition unit), 25…Video coding system (VCS), 30…Input device, 31…Control unit, 32…Communication interface, 33…Display unit, 34…Operation unit, 111…Supply unit, 112…Conveyor path, 113…Barcode reader (BCR, ID reading unit), 114…Barcode writer (BCW, ID assigning unit), 115…Scanner (image reading unit), 116…Sorting unit, 117…Operation panel (display unit, operation unit), 121…Processor, 122…Memory, 123…VCS interface.

Claims

1. A first communication interface for communicating with a sorting machine, A second communication interface for communicating with a plurality of input devices, A control unit that distributes a plurality of divided images, each extracted for each area of a character line indicating address information in an image of an item to be sorted included in the item information obtained from the sorting machine via the first communication interface, to a plurality of input devices operated by different key operators, stores address information consisting of keying results for each of the divided images obtained from the plurality of input devices in an address information database, and transmits the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the sorting machine, A platform server comprising the above.

2. The control unit obtains item information in which a plurality of divided images extracted by the sorting machine from an image of an item for each character line are used as an image of the item via the first communication interface, and distributes the plurality of divided images included in the item information to a plurality of input devices operated by different key operators. The platform server according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit selects a key operator who is the distribution destination of a plurality of divided images from candidates selected based on personal setting information set for each key operator. The platform server according to Claim 1.

4. Furthermore, it has a storage unit for storing information indicating the processing results for each key operator, A processing deadline is set for the item information obtained from the sorting machine via the first communication interface, The control unit selects a key operator who is the distribution destination of a plurality of divided images corresponding to item information whose remaining time until the processing deadline is less than a predetermined time based on the processing results of each key operator stored in the storage unit. The platform server according to Claim 1.

5. A processing deadline is set for the item information obtained from the sorting machine via the first communication interface, When there is item information predicted not to complete the keying process by the processing deadline, the control unit notifies that there is an item predicted not to complete the keying process. The platform server according to Claim 1.

6. The control unit predicts whether the keying process will be completed by the processing deadline for each transport destination of the item, and notifies the sorting machine arranged at the transport destination of the item predicted not to complete the processing by the processing deadline that there is an item predicted not to complete the keying process. The platform server according to Claim 5.

7. When there is classified item information for which it is predicted that the processing will not be completed by the processing deadline, the control unit notifies, for each destination of the classified item, the predicted number of key operators required for the keying process to complete the processing by the processing deadline. The platform server according to claim 6.

8. When the number of classified item information waiting for keying process is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the control unit notifies unregistered key operators who are not logged in of a request for keying process. The platform server according to claim 1.

9. When the number of classified item information waiting for keying process for which the remaining time until the processing deadline is less than a predetermined time is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the control unit notifies unregistered key operators who are not logged in of a request for keying process. The platform server according to claim 8.

10. The control unit stores, for each key operator, information indicating the reward for the keying result for the divided image obtained from the input device operated by the key operator who distributed the divided image, in the storage device. The platform server according to claim 1.

11. The control unit stores, in the storage device, the amount of per-use charging for charging for each address information of one classified item composed of a plurality of keying results obtained from a plurality of input devices that distributed a plurality of divided images corresponding to one classified item. The platform server according to claim 1.

12. A classified item processing system having a classifier and a platform server, wherein the platform server has a first communication interface for communicating with the classifier, a second communication interface for communicating with a plurality of input devices, and a first control unit that distributes a plurality of divided images extracted for each area of a character line indicating address information in an image of a classified item included in the classified item information obtained from the classifier by the first communication interface to a plurality of input devices operated by different key operators, stores the address information consisting of the keying results for each of the divided images obtained from the plurality of input devices in an address information database, and transmits the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the classifier; wherein the classifier has a third communication interface for communicating with the platform server, a scanner for reading an image of a classified item to be processed, and a second control unit that transmits classified item information including the image of the classified item read by the scanner and the ID of the classified item to the platform server. Classified item processing system.

13. The second control unit of the classifier extracts a plurality of divided images for each area of a character line indicating address information in the image of the classified object, and transmits classification object information, which uses the plurality of extracted divided images as the image of the classified object, to the platform server. The classified object processing system according to claim 12.

14. A classified object processing system including a first classifier, a second classifier, and a platform server, wherein the platform server has a first communication interface for communicating with the classifier, a second communication interface for communicating with a plurality of input devices, extracts a plurality of divided images for each area of a character line indicating address information in the image of the classified object included in the classification object information obtained from the classifier by the first communication interface, distributes the plurality of divided images to the plurality of input devices operated by different key operators respectively, associates the address information composed of the keying results for each of the divided images obtained from the plurality of input devices with the ID of the classified object, stores the address information in an address information database, and has a first control unit for transmitting the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the classifier; wherein the first classifier has a third communication interface for communicating with the platform server, a scanner for reading an image of the classified object to be processed, and a second control unit for transmitting classification object information including the image of the classified object read by the scanner and the ID of the classified object to the platform server; wherein the second classifier has a fourth communication interface for communicating with the platform server, a third control unit for obtaining address information corresponding to the ID of the classified object to be processed from the platform server, and a classification processing unit for classifying the classified object based on the address information obtained by the third control unit from the platform server; classified object processing system.

15. A program for causing a server device that communicates with a classifier and a plurality of input devices to distribute a plurality of divided images extracted for each area of a character line indicating address information in the image of the classified object included in the classification object information obtained from the classifier to the plurality of input devices operated by different key operators respectively, store the address information composed of the keying results for each of the divided images obtained from the plurality of input devices in an address information database, and transmit the address information stored in the address information database in response to a request from the classifier. ​

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