Sorting device, sorting method, and sorting program

Abstract

To provide a sorting device, a sorting method and a sorting program which not only can sort articles by sorting information but also can segregate articles to be sorted from articles not to be sorted.SOLUTION: A sorting device according to an embodiment comprises a camera, a recognizing part and a control part. The camera photographs an image of an article. The control part performs an extracting process for extracting characteristics of an article not to be sorted from the image of the article photographed with the camera and a recognizing process for recognizing sorting information with respect to the image of the article, and instructs to sort article from which characteristics of the article not to be sorted are extracted by the extracting process into a specific section place, and sort an article from which characteristics of an article not to be sorted are not extracted into a section place based on the sorting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sorting device, a sorting method, and a sorting program. [Background technology]

[0002] Sorting systems (sorting devices) including sorters have become widespread in order to automate the sorting of deliveries and other items. Sorting systems have a reading unit that reads information indicating the sorting destination from the items, and the sorter sorts each item to its destination based on the information read from the items by the reading unit. Sorting systems sometimes target multiple types (categories) of deliveries that have different tasks, such as delivery, after sorting. Conventional sorting systems operate by having an operator supply multiple items of the same type, and then sort each item by the same type. As a result, items sorted by the sorting system are subjected to tasks appropriate to the type of item.

[0003] However, even when a sorting system is targeting a specific type of item, it is possible that items of a type that are not the target of sorting are mixed in with the supplied items. Conventional sorting systems sort items of a type that are not the target of sorting in the same way as items of the target type of sorting, as long as the sorting information can be identified for the item. For example, when deliveries with long delivery deadlines are targeted for sorting, if deliveries with short delivery deadlines are mixed in with the supplied items, the sorting system will sort the deliveries with short delivery deadlines in a mixed state. In such a case, deliveries with short delivery deadlines that are sorted together with deliveries with long delivery deadlines may not be delivered within the specified short delivery deadline because they are processed for delivery based on the long delivery deadline. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-104948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting device, a sorting method, and a sorting program that can not only classify items based on sorting information, but also separate items to be sorted from items not to be sorted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, the sorting device includes a camera, a recognition unit, and a control unit. The camera captures an image of an article. The control unit detects an article that is not to be sorted from the image of the article captured by the camera. Other than the destination The characteristics of Extraction processing is performed to extract the Not subject to sorting becomes Features When an item is extracted, it is sent to a specific sorting area where items that are not subject to sorting are collected. Instruct to sort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a sorting system including an article sorting control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a reading unit (recognition unit) in a sorting system as a sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the control unit 14 in the sorting system as the sorting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a sorting process in a sorting system as a sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail an example of a feature extraction process for another category in the sorting process by the sorting system as the sorting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a slip to be attached to a specific type of delivery to be sorted by a sorting system as a sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a label that is attached to a specific type of delivery that is sorted by a sorting system as a sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the sorting process in the sorting system as the sorting device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a sorting system including an article sorting control device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting system 1 includes an input unit (input device) 10, a conveying path (conveying device) 11 (11a, 11b), a camera 12, and a reading unit (recognition unit, reading device) 13. 、 The system includes a control unit (sorting control device) 14, a video coding system (VCS) 15, and a sorter (sorting unit) 16. In addition, at various locations on the conveying path 11, a plurality of article detection sensors S1, S2, S3 are provided to detect articles.

[0009] The sorting system 1 sorts each item based on sorting information for specifying the sorting destination, which is recorded on a plurality of continuously supplied items. The sorting information may be recorded directly on each item, or may be written on a slip and attached to each item. The items sorted by the sorting system 1 may be deliveries, items stored and managed in a warehouse, or parts used in a factory. In the following description of this embodiment, it is assumed that the items sorted by the sorting system 1 are deliveries.

[0010] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are multiple types of deliveries. After the deliveries are sorted by a sorting system, tasks such as delivery are carried out according to the type of deliveries. For deliveries, a delivery deadline, a management status until delivery to the destination, and a delivery direction are set according to the type of deliveries. For example, a short delivery deadline is set for deliveries classified as "urgent," and a longer delivery deadline is set for deliveries classified as "normal." Furthermore, deliveries classified as "refrigerated" are delivered to the destination in a temperature-controlled state so that they are kept refrigerated using a refrigerated truck or the like. Furthermore, deliveries classified as "frozen" are delivered to the destination in a frozen state.

[0011] Regardless of the type of delivery, the sorting system 1 records information including destination information as sorting information in an optically readable manner. In other words, the sorting system 1 reads sorting information including destination information and sorts any type of item. Destination information is information recorded on the surface of the item as characters, numbers, code information, or the like. It may also be information that can be visualized by shining light of a specific wavelength, such as a stealth barcode. Destination information is information such as an address and the recipient's name. Destination information is information recorded as characters visible to an operator, and is information that is read by the reader 13 using optical character recognition (OCR) processing from an image of the item captured with a camera or scanner.

[0012] In addition to destination information, information indicating the type of the delivery is recorded on the delivery. The information indicating the type may be a slip attached to the delivery, a specific label attached to a specific type of delivery, or code information that encodes information including the package type. In this embodiment, the information indicating the type of the delivery may be information that can be recognized by optically photographing the delivery.

[0013] For example, a delivery slip containing information indicating the type of delivery may be attached to the delivery. For example, the delivery slip containing information indicating the type may be configured in a format that has characteristics specific to the type of delivery. Furthermore, the delivery slip containing information indicating the type may also be configured to include characters or marks indicating the type.

[0014] Furthermore, if a delivery is of a specific type, a specific label may be attached to the delivery. Examples of specific labels include a sorting label attached when the delivery is received, or a label indicating that the delivery is of a specific type. Furthermore, a delivery may be recorded with coded information such as a barcode that encodes information including the type. The coded information that encodes information including the type may be printed on a slip that is attached to the delivery, or may be printed or attached directly to the surface of the delivery.

[0015] In the sorting system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the input unit 10 has a mechanism for inputting multiple deliveries to be sorted (classified). For example, an operator inputs multiple deliveries to be sorted into the input unit 10. The input unit 10 sets the deliveries input by the operator on the conveyor belt 11a. The input unit 10 may also set the deliveries to be sorted, which are sent in by a conveyor belt or the like, on the conveyor belt 11a. The conveyor belt 11a transports the items input into the input unit 10 to the reading unit 13.

[0016] The conveying path 11 is made up of a plurality of conveying belts 11a and 11b. The conveying belt 11a forms a conveying path for conveying deliveries from the input unit 10 to the reading unit 13. The conveying belt 11b forms a conveying path for conveying deliveries from the reading unit 13 to the sorter 16. The conveying belt 11b sends deliveries onto trays provided in the sorter 16.

[0017] The camera 12 takes images of the delivery items being transported on the conveyor path 11. For example, the camera 12 is provided at a position facing the conveyor belt 11b and takes images of the delivery items being transported by the conveyor belt 11b. There may be multiple cameras 12. The multiple cameras 12 may be positioned so as to take images of the delivery items being transported on the conveyor path 11 from various angles.

[0018] The reading unit 13 is a recognition unit that recognizes (reads) information for sorting a delivery from an image of the delivery captured by the camera 12. For example, the reading unit 13 has a function of executing an extraction process that extracts various features that indicate the type of the delivery from the image of the delivery captured by the camera 12. The reading unit 13 also has a function of executing OCR (optical character recognition) processing and BCR (barcode reader) processing on the image captured by the camera 12. The reading unit 13 reads sorting information for sorting the delivery from the image of the delivery captured by the camera 12 by the OCR processing and BCR processing.

[0019] For example, the reading unit 13 recognizes destination information as sorting information by performing OCR processing on the photographed image of the delivery piece captured by the camera 12. Furthermore, when the reading unit 13 extracts a code image such as a barcode or two-dimensional code from the photographed image of the delivery piece, it reads information including the coded sorting information by decoding the code image extracted from the photographed image using BCR processing. If the reading unit 13 is able to read the sorting information by OCR processing or BCR processing, it outputs the read sorting information to the control unit 14. If the reading unit 13 is unable to read the sorting information, it outputs the photographed image of the delivery piece to the control unit 14 along with a message that the sorting information could not be read.

[0020] The control unit 14 is a sorting control device that controls the sorting process for deliveries. The control unit 14 is realized by one computer or a combination of multiple computers. The control unit 14 may also be realized by multiple computers and multiple storage devices connected to a network. The control unit 14 communicates with other devices via wired or wireless communication, receives information from other devices, and stores the received information. The control unit 14 also has the function of communicating with a management device 17 as a higher-level device. The control unit 14 and the reading unit 13 may also be realized by the same hardware composed of one or multiple computers. In this case, the control unit 14 may be configured as a control device equipped with a program or the like that realizes the processing functions executed by the reading unit (recognition unit) 13.

[0021] The control unit 14 controls the insertion unit 10, the reading unit 13, and the sorter 16 to control the sorting process of deliveries by the sorting system 1. The control unit 14 transports deliveries inserted into the insertion unit 10 along the transport path 11. The control unit 14 monitors detection signals from multiple detection sensors S (S1, S2, S3), traces the transport (movement) of each delivery, and detects or estimates the location of each delivery. The control unit 14 also manages the position of each delivery (each delivery inserted sequentially from the insertion unit 10) detected by the multiple detection sensors S1, S2, S3.

[0022] The control unit 14 acquires the processing results by the reading unit 13 for the deliveries transported along the transport path 11. The control unit 14 determines the sorting destination (sorting location) for the deliveries in the sorter 16 based on the processing results by the reading unit 13 for the images captured by the camera 12. The control unit 14 supplies information indicating the determined sorting destination to the sorter 16, and causes the sorter 16 to sort the deliveries.

[0023] For example, when the control unit 14 receives information from the reading unit 13 indicating that a delivery is not subject to sorting (delivery in a different category), the control unit 14 sets the sorting destination of the delivery to a specific sorting location that is set up to collect deliveries that are not subject to sorting. Furthermore, when the control unit 14 receives sorting information from the reading unit 13, the control unit 14 sets the sorting destination of the delivery in accordance with the sorting information read by the reading unit 13. Furthermore, to reduce the processing load, the reading unit 13 may first determine whether or not the delivery is not subject to sorting, and for deliveries that are not subject to sorting, the reading unit 13 may omit the process of reading the sorting list information (see FIG. 8).

[0024] Furthermore, when the control unit 14 receives a notification from the reading unit 13 that the sorting information could not be read, the control unit 14 sends a photographed image of the delivery whose sorting information could not be recognized by the reading unit 13 to the VCS 15. After sending the photographed image to the VCS 15, the control unit 14 obtains information entered by the operator from the VCS 15. In this case, the control unit 14 determines the sorting destination of the delivery in the sorter 16 based on the information obtained from the VCS 15.

[0025] The VCS (Video Coding System) 15 obtains sorting information (such as destination information) for deliveries that the reading unit 13 was unable to read by keying in the sorting information from an operator. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the VCS 15 has a distribution control device 15A and a VCD (Video Coding Disc) 15B. There may be multiple VCDs 15B. The distribution control device 15A has a processor, memory, and various interfaces. Each VCD 15B has a display unit and an input unit in addition to the processor, memory, and various interfaces.

[0026] The distribution control device 15A acquires photographed images of deliveries that require video coding from the control unit 14. The distribution control device 15A temporarily stores the photographed images of the deliveries for video coding, which are supplied from the control unit 14, in a memory, and distributes the stored photographed images of the deliveries to each VCD 15B.

[0027] The VCD 15B displays the photographed image of the delivery delivered from the distribution control device 15A on a display unit and acquires information such as sorting information entered by an operator using an input unit such as a keyboard. While viewing the photographed image of the delivery displayed on the display unit, the operator of the VCD 15B returns to the distribution control device 15A the sorting information entered using the input unit or information indicating that the delivery is not to be sorted (video coding information) as a keystroke input result (video coding processing result). The distribution control device 15A acquires the video coding information entered by the operator from the VCD 15B that distributed the photographed image, and returns the acquired video coding information to the control unit 14.

[0028] The control unit 14 also traces the location of the piece and controls the transport of the piece using the sorter 16 based on the video coding information obtained from the VCS 15. For example, when the control unit 14 receives video coding information including information indicating that the piece is a type of piece that is not subject to sorting (a piece in a different category), it determines the sorting destination of the piece to be a specific sorting location that is set up to collect pieces that are not subject to sorting. When the control unit 14 receives sorting information for the piece as video coding information, it determines the sorting destination of the piece to be a sorting destination that corresponds to the sorting information included in the video coding information.

[0029] The sorter 16 is a sorting device that sorts each delivery piece into a sorting destination called a sorting surface. The sorter 16 sends the delivery piece to a sorting destination determined based on the delivery piece's sorting information (delivery piece ID or destination information). The sorter 16 accepts deliveries transported by the transport path 11 and sorts the deliveries into the sorting destinations specified by the control unit 14 based on the sorting information.

[0030] For example, the sorter 16 may be a cross belt sorter, a sliding shoe sorter, or a bomb-bay sorter. A cross belt sorter transports deliveries on a carrier tray composed of a belt conveyor, and the rotation of the belt conveyor supplies the deliveries on the carrier tray to a destination sorting tray. A sliding shoe sorter transports deliveries on a carrier tray, and when the carrier tray reaches the destination sorting tray, tilts the carrier tray to slide the deliveries on the carrier tray toward the destination sorting tray. A bomb-bay sorter transports deliveries on a carrier tray whose bottom is configured to be openable and closable, and when the carrier tray reaches the destination sorting tray or a chute that sends the deliveries to the destination sorting tray, opens the bottom and drops the deliveries toward the destination sorting tray or chute.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sorter 16 is assumed to be a Bombay sorter. The sorter 16 shown in FIG. 1 has a conveying path 16A for transporting deliveries to their sorting destinations and conveying trays 16B for holding deliveries received from the conveying path 11. Each conveying tray 16B is loaded with deliveries supplied from the conveying path 11. The conveying trays 16B with deliveries loaded thereon are transported along the conveying path 16A. The sorter 16 opens a bottom gate when the conveying tray 16B reaches a position corresponding to the sorting tray or chute designated by the control unit 14 as the sorting destination. Deliveries dropped from the bottom gate are loaded onto the sorting tray via the chute.

[0032] The sorter 16 also has a reject section 16C to which deliveries that have not been sorted to a specific destination are transported. The reject section 16C is located near the end of the transport path 16A, and deliveries that have not been sorted to a specific sorting destination (sorting tray or chute) are transported.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the reading unit 13 in the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the reading unit 13 in the sorting system as the sorting device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the reading unit 13 includes a processor 21, a read-only memory (ROM) 22, a random-access memory (RAM) 23, an auxiliary storage device 24, a first interface 25, and a second interface 26.

[0034] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculations and control. The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processor 21 may also be a combination of two or more of these. The processor 21 executes processing to realize various functions of the reading unit 13 based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage device 24. For example, the processor 21 executes, as processing performed by the reading unit 13, a feature extraction process for types that are not to be sorted (a feature extraction process for other categories) and a recognition (reading) process for sorting information.

[0035] The ROM 22 corresponds to the main memory of the computer centered around the processor 21. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 22 stores the above-mentioned programs. The ROM 22 also stores data and various setting values ​​used by the processor 21 when performing various processes.

[0036] The RAM 23 corresponds to the main memory device of the computer centered around the processor 21. The RAM 23 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 23 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 21 performs various processes.

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 24 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered around the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 24 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 24 may also store the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 24 also stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 21, various setting values, etc.

[0038] The programs stored in ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage device 24 include programs for processes to be executed by the reading unit 13. For example, the reading unit 13 is transferred to an administrator of the reading unit 13 with the programs stored in ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage device 24. The reading unit 13 may also be transferred to the administrator without the programs being stored in ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage device 24. In this case, the programs for executing the processes of the reading unit 13 may be transferred separately to the administrator and written into the auxiliary storage device 24 under the operation of the administrator or a service technician. The program may also be transferred by recording it on a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network.

[0039] The first interface 25 is an interface for communicating with the control unit 14 of the sorting system 1. For example, the processor 21 communicates with the control unit 14 via the first interface 25. The second interface is an interface for communicating with the camera 12. For example, the processor 21 acquires an image captured by the camera 12 via the second interface .

[0040] Next, the configuration of the control unit 14 in the sorting system as the sorting device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the control unit 14 in the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the control unit 14 includes a processor 31, a ROM (read-only memory) 32, a RAM (random-access memory) 33, an auxiliary storage device 34, a first interface 35, a second interface 36, a third interface 37, a fourth interface 38, and an input / output unit 39.

[0041] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and control. The processor 31 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processor 31 may also be a combination of two or more of these. The processor 31 executes processes to realize various functions of the control unit 14 based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 34.

[0042] For example, the processor 31 controls the transportation of deliveries in the sorting system 1 by executing a program. The processor 31 traces the transportation (movement) of each delivery piece based on detection signals from multiple detection sensors S1, S2, and S3, and detects or estimates the location of each delivery piece. The processor 31 acquires sorting information read by the reading unit 13 from the image of each delivery piece, information indicating that the delivery piece is not subject to sorting, or information indicating that the sorting information cannot be read. The processor 31 also performs processing such as supplying the VCS 15 with a photographed image of a delivery piece whose sorting information could not be read by the reading unit 13, and acquiring the sorting information for that delivery piece from the VCS. The processor 31 determines the sorting destination (sorting location) of each delivery piece based on information from the reading unit 13 or the VCS 15.

[0043] The ROM 32 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around the processor 31. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 32 stores the above-mentioned programs. The ROM 32 also stores data and various setting values ​​used by the processor 31 when performing various processes.

[0044] The RAM 33 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer centered around the processor 31. The RAM 33 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 33 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 31 performs various processes.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 34 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered around the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 34 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) (registered trademark), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 34 may also store the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 34 also stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 31, various setting values, etc.

[0046] The programs stored in ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 34 include a program for processing deliveries. For example, the control unit 14 is transferred to an administrator of the control unit 14 with the program stored in ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 34. However, the control unit 14 may also be transferred to an administrator without the program being stored in ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 34. In this case, the program for the processing executed by the control unit 14 may be transferred separately to the administrator and written to the auxiliary storage device 34 under the operation of the administrator or a service technician. In this case, the program may be transferred by recording it on a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network, for example.

[0047] The first interface 35 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like, either wired or wirelessly. The first interface 35 is an interface for communicating with each part of the sorting system 1. For example, the first interface 35 is an interface for communicating with the reading unit 13. The processor 31 receives the reading result (recognition result) by the reading unit 13 by communicating with the reading unit 13 via the first interface 35.

[0048] The second interface 36 is an interface for communicating with the VCS 15. For example, the second interface 36 supplies the captured image of the delivery to be video coded to the VCS 15, and obtains sorting information (keystroke input result) as a result of the video coding from the VCS 15.

[0049] The third interface 37 is an interface for communicating with the sorter 16. The processor 31 transmits information to the sorter 16 via the third interface 37, which indicates the sort destination of the delivery.

[0050] The fourth interface 38 is an interface for communicating with the management device 17, which is an upper server of the sorting system 1. For example, the processor 31 supplies information indicating the processing results of the delivery by the sorting system 1 to the management device 17 via the fourth interface 38.

[0051] The input / output unit 39 includes a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, a touch panel display, etc. The input / output unit 39 receives instructions input from an operator and notifies the processor 31. The touch panel display also displays various information to the operator.

[0052] Next, the operation of the delivery sorting process by the sorting system 1 as a sorting device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the sorting process in the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment. First, the control unit 14 sets the type of delivery to be sorted in response to an instruction from an operator. For example, when sorting "direct mail" as the type of delivery, the control unit 14 sets the type to be sorted to "direct mail." A plurality of delivery pieces of the type to be sorted are input into the input unit 10 of the sorting system 1. Here, it is assumed that there is a possibility that delivery pieces of types other than the type to be sorted may be mixed into the input unit 10.

[0053] After setting the type of item to be sorted, the control unit 14 instructs the conveying path 11 to start conveying the item in response to an instruction from the operator. The conveying path 11 starts conveying the item inserted into the insertion unit 10 in response to the instruction to start conveying from the control unit 14 (ST11). When conveying of the item begins, each detection sensor S detects the items being conveyed one after another and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 receives the detection signal from each detection sensor S via the first interface 35 to monitor the current location of each item.

[0054] The delivery taken in from the insertion unit 10 is transported by the transport path 11 to the photographing position of the camera 12. The camera 12 takes an image of the delivery being transported by the transport path 11 at the photographing position. The camera 12 supplies the photographed image of the delivery being transported on the transport path 11 to the reading unit 13.

[0055] The reading unit 13 acquires the captured image of the delivery piece taken by the camera 12 via the second interface 26 (ST12). When the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 acquires the captured image of the delivery piece taken by the camera 12, it executes a reading process (recognition process) to read sorting information from the captured image taken by the camera 12 (ST13). The processor 21 of the reading unit 13 executes an OCR process to recognize destination information, etc. as sorting information, for the captured image of the delivery piece. For example, the processor 21 recognizes the destination address, name, telephone number, sorting code, etc. recorded on the delivery piece as OCR processing. The processor 21 of the reading unit 13 also executes a BCR process on a code image (barcode or two-dimensional code) extracted from the captured image of the delivery piece. As a result, the processor 21 reads code information, including the slip number, etc. recorded on the delivery piece as a code image. If the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 can recognize (read) sorting information such as destination information for sorting deliveries from the captured image (ST14, YES), it notifies the control unit 14 of the recognized sorting information (ST15) and executes feature extraction processing for another category for the captured image taken by the camera 12 (ST16). The processor 21 transmits the sorting information read from the captured image of the delivery to the control unit 14 via the first interface 25. In this case, the control unit 14 obtains the sorting information from the reading unit 13 via the first interface 35.

[0056] Furthermore, if sorting information such as destination information for sorting the delivery piece cannot be recognized (read) from the captured image (ST14, NO), the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 notifies the control unit 14 that the image captured by the camera 12 and the sorting information could not be recognized (information indicating unrecognizable) (ST17). The processor 21 communicates with the control unit 14 via the first interface 25 to notify that the sorting information could not be recognized, and also transmits the captured image of the delivery piece to the control unit 14. In this case, the control unit 14 obtains the captured image of the delivery piece and information indicating that the sorting information could not be recognized from the reading unit 13 via the first interface 35.

[0057] When the processor 31 of the control unit 14 receives information that the reading unit 13 was unable to recognize the sorting information, it causes the VCS 15 to execute a process (video coding process) for the operator to input the sorting information for the piece. In this case, the processor 31 sends a request for input of the sorting information (coding process) and a captured image of the piece for which the reading unit 13 was unable to recognize the sorting information to the VCS 15 via the third interface 36 (ST18).

[0058] The VCS 15 receives captured images of the deliveries from the control unit 14 via the distribution control device 15A and stores the received captured images in the memory of the distribution control device 15A. The distribution control device 15A determines which VCD 15B will perform coding processing on the captured images from the control unit 14 based on the operating status of the VCD 15B, and distributes the captured images of the deliveries to the determined VCD 15B as images for video coding. When the VCD 15B receives the captured images of the deliveries from the distribution control device 15A, it displays the received images on the display unit and accepts input of sorting information by the operator using the input unit. The VCS 15 then executes keying processing for deliveries for which sorting information could not be read by the reading unit 13 (ST19), inputs sorting information such as the delivery address information of the deliveries using the input unit of the VCD 15B, and notifies the control unit of the sorting information such as the delivery address information of the deliveries (ST20).

[0059] In this embodiment, the operator of VCD15B inputs into the input section of VCD15B sorting information such as the destination information of the delivery, along with whether the delivery is of a type (other category) that is not subject to sorting, based on the captured image displayed on the display section.

[0060] Here, the other category refers to a category other than the category to be sorted. That is, as the feature extraction process for the other category, processor 21 executes an extraction process to extract features indicating a category other than the category to be sorted from the image of the delivery captured by camera 12. For example, if the category to be sorted is "direct mail," processor 21 executes the feature extraction process for the other category to extract information indicating a category other than "direct mail" from the captured image of the delivery. An example of the feature extraction process for the other category will be described in detail later.

[0061] If a feature indicating that the delivery is in a different category (a category not to be sorted) is extracted from the image captured by camera 12, or if information indicating that the delivery is in a different category is input via the input section of VCD 15B (ST21, YES), a specific sorting destination (sorting location) for collecting delivery items not to be sorted is determined as the sorting destination for the delivery. Once the processor 31 determines the sorting destination for the delivery as a specific sorting destination, it specifies the specific sorting destination for the delivery to the sorter 16, with which it communicates via the second interface 36, thereby causing the sorter 16 to sort the delivery to the specific sorting destination (ST22).

[0062] If no features indicating that the delivery is in a different category (a category not subject to sorting) are extracted from the image captured by camera 12, or if information indicating that the delivery is in a different category is not input by the input section of VCD 15B (ST21, NO), information specifying the sorting destination of the delivery is supplied to sorter 16 via second interface 36, causing sorter 16 to sort the delivery to the specified sorting destination according to the sorting information (ST22).

[0063] According to the above operation, the sorting system as a sorting device of the embodiment collects deliveries that are detected by the reading unit to be of a type that is not subject to sorting, and deliveries that are input (confirmed) by the VCS to be of a type that is not subject to sorting, in a pre-set specific sorting location that is different from the sorting location where deliveries of the type that are subject to sorting are collected.

[0064] As a result, even if deliveries of a type not to be sorted are supplied mixed with deliveries of a type to be sorted, the deliveries of the type not to be sorted can be reliably separated without being mixed with deliveries of a type to be sorted. As a result, even if deliveries of a mixed type are supplied to the sorting system, the post-sorting work according to the type of deliveries can be reliably carried out without delay.

[0065] Next, an example of feature extraction processing for another category executed in the sorting processing by the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail an example of a feature extraction process for another category executed in the sorting process by the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment. In the above-described sorting process, when the camera 12 captures an image of a delivery, the reader 13 executes a feature extraction process for a different category for the image captured by the camera 12. In the example of the process shown in Fig. 5, features indicating a type that is not to be sorted are extracted based on the slip, label, and slip code.

[0066] First, as a feature extraction process for a different category, processor 21 of reading unit 13 detects slips in the image of the delivery captured by camera 12 (ST41). Processor 21 determines whether or not slips for categories other than the sorting target are present in the image of the delivery captured by camera 12 (ST42).

[0067] For example, the processor 21 extracts an image of a slip from an image of a delivery captured by the camera 12, and identifies the type of delivery that uses the slip from the extracted image of the slip. The processor 21 may identify the type of slip included in the captured image by comparing the format of the slip for each type attached to the delivery with the format of the slip extracted from the captured image.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a slip 60 that is affixed to a particular delivery. A delivery slip in a predetermined format may be attached to a delivery depending on its type. The delivery slip attached to a delivery may have a distinctive format for each type, or may include information indicating the type. As shown in FIG. 6, a delivery slip 60 for a specific type is configured with a predetermined size and shape. The type of such a delivery slip 60 may be identified by its size and shape. The delivery slip 60 shown in FIG. 6 also has a predetermined layout including an area 61 for writing the delivery destination (addressee), an area 62 for writing the sender (sender), an area 63 for writing the item name and delivery conditions, and an area 64 for writing the delivery slip barcode. The type of such a delivery slip 60 may be identified by the layout of each area.

[0069] Furthermore, slips may have specific character information or the like written on them that indicates the type. In the example shown in FIG. 6, slip 60 has specific character information 65 written on it that indicates the type. The type of such slip 60 may be identified by recognizing the character information 65. Furthermore, slips may have marks or the like written on them that indicate the type. In the example shown in FIG. 6, slip 60 has mark 66 written on it that indicates the type. The type of such slip 60 may be identified by recognizing mark 66.

[0070] If the processor 21 detects that the slip included in the captured image of the piece is for a type (other category) that is not subject to sorting (ST42, YES), the processor 21 identifies the piece as a piece in the other category (ST48). In this case, the processor 21 notifies the control unit 14 via the first interface 25 that the piece photographed by the camera 12 is a piece in the other category.

[0071] If no slip for a type not to be sorted is detected in the photographed image of the delivery (ST42, NO), processor 21 detects a label for a different classification that is attached to delivery pieces of a type not to be sorted in the photographed image of the delivery (ST43).

[0072] Processor 21 determines whether or not a label to be affixed to a delivery not to be sorted is present in the captured image of the delivery captured by camera 12 (ST44). For example, processor 21 extracts an image of a label from the captured image and determines whether or not the extracted label is a label to be affixed to a delivery not to be sorted.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a label that is affixed to a particular type of delivery. The label shown in Fig. 7 is, for example, a sorting label that is affixed to a specific type of delivery when delivery of the delivery is accepted. If the sorting label shown in Fig. 7 is not affixed to the delivery item of the type to be sorted, the processor 21 can identify that the delivery item is of a type that is not to be sorted by extracting the sorting label shown in Fig. 7 from the captured image.

[0074] If a label for a category other than the category to be sorted is detected from the captured image of the piece (ST44, YES), processor 21 identifies the piece as a different category piece (ST48). In this case, processor 21 notifies control unit 14 via first interface 25 that the piece photographed by camera 12 is a different category piece.

[0075] If a label for a type not to be sorted is not detected in the photographed image of the delivery (ST44, NO), the processor 21 executes a process to recognize information indicating the package type from the photographed image of the delivery (ST45). For example, the information indicating the package type is included in information decoded from a code image recorded on the delivery. The code image containing the information indicating the package type may be written on a slip affixed to the delivery, or may be printed on a medium and affixed to the delivery. The processor 21 recognizes the information indicating the package type by decoding the code image extracted from the photographed image.

[0076] If information indicating the package type can be recognized from the photographed image of the delivery piece, processor 21 determines whether the recognized package type is a package in a different category (ST46). If the package type recognized from the photographed image of the delivery piece is a package in a different category (ST46, YES), processor 21 identifies the delivery piece as a package in a different category (ST48). In this case, processor 21 notifies control unit 14 via first interface 25 that the delivery piece photographed by camera 12 is a package in a different category.

[0077] If the package type recognized from the photographed image of the piece is not a package type for a different category, that is, if the package type is a type to be sorted (ST46, NO), processor 21 identifies the piece as a package to be sorted (ST47). In this case, processor 21 notifies control unit 14 via first interface 25 that the piece photographed by camera 12 is a package for a different category.

[0078] Although the above-mentioned feature extraction process for different categories has been described as being executed by the processor 21 of the reading unit 13, it may also be configured to be executed by the processor 31 of the control unit 14. In this case, the control unit 14 may acquire the photographed image of the delivery captured by the camera 12 via the reading unit 13, or the camera 12 may acquire the photographed image of the delivery directly.

[0079] 5 are examples of processes for extracting information indicating the type of items not to be sorted, and the processes for extracting information indicating the type of items not to be sorted are not limited to the processes described above. In addition, in the processes shown in FIG. 5, the processes of ST41-42, ST43-44, and ST45-46 may be performed in any order.

[0080] Next, a modified example of the delivery sorting process by the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment will be described. As described above, in order to reduce the processing load, the sorting system 1 may be configured so that the reading unit 13 first determines whether or not a delivery is of a type that is not subject to sorting, and for deliveries that are not subject to sorting, the reading process of the sorting form information by the reading unit 13 is omitted. An example of such an operation will be described below as a modified example.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the sorting process in the sorting system 1 as the sorting device according to the embodiment. First, the control unit 14 sets the type of delivery to be sorted in response to an instruction from an operator. For example, when sorting "direct mail" as the type of delivery, the control unit 14 sets the type to be sorted to "direct mail." A plurality of delivery pieces of the type to be sorted are input into the input unit 10 of the sorting system 1. Here, it is assumed that there is a possibility that delivery pieces of types other than the type to be sorted may be mixed into the input unit 10.

[0082] After setting the type of item to be sorted, the control unit 14 instructs the conveying path 11 to start conveying the item in response to an instruction from the operator. The conveying path 11 starts conveying the item inserted into the insertion unit 10 in response to the instruction to start conveying from the control unit 14 (ST111). When conveying of the item begins, each detection sensor S detects the item being conveyed sequentially and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 receives the detection signal from each detection sensor S via the first interface 35 to monitor the current location of each item.

[0083] The delivery taken in from the insertion unit 10 is transported by the transport path 11 to the photographing position of the camera 12. The camera 12 takes an image of the delivery being transported by the transport path 11 at the photographing position. The camera 12 supplies the photographed image of the delivery being transported on the transport path 11 to the reading unit 13.

[0084] The reading unit 13 acquires the image of the delivery captured by the camera 12 via the second interface 26 (ST112). When the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 acquires the image of the delivery captured by the camera 12, it executes a feature extraction process for a different category for the image captured by the camera 12 (ST113). Note that the process described above can be applied to the feature extraction process for a different category.

[0085] If a feature indicating that the piece belongs to a different category (a category not subject to sorting) is extracted from the image captured by camera 12 (ST114, YES), processor 21 notifies control unit 14 that the piece photographed by camera 12 belongs to a different category (ST115). In this case, control unit 14 obtains information from reading unit 13 via first interface 35 indicating that the piece belongs to a different category.

[0086] When the processor 31 of the control unit 14 acquires information from the reading unit 13 indicating that the delivery piece is a delivery piece of a different category, it determines a specific sorting destination (sorting location) for collecting delivery pieces of a category that are not subject to sorting as the sorting destination for the delivery piece. When the processor 31 determines the sorting destination for the delivery piece to be the specific sorting destination, it specifies the specific sorting destination as the sorting destination for the delivery piece to the sorter 16 with which it communicates via the second interface 36, thereby causing the sorter 16 to sort the delivery piece to the specific sorting destination (ST126).

[0087] Here, the specific sorting destination for collecting deliveries of a type not to be sorted is a sorting location different from the reject unit 16C, and is a sorting location (special chute) that is set in advance to collect deliveries of a type not to be sorted. For example, the processor 31 assigns a special sorting code to deliveries identified as deliveries of a type not to be sorted, and controls the sorter 16 to collect the deliveries in the specific sorting destination.

[0088] Furthermore, if no features indicating that the delivery belongs to a different category cannot be extracted from the image captured by the camera 12 (ST114, NO), the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 executes a reading process (recognition process) to read sorting information from the image captured by the camera 12 (ST116). The processor 21 of the reading unit 13 executes an OCR process to recognize destination information, etc., as sorting information, from the captured image of the delivery. For example, the processor 21 recognizes the destination address, name, telephone number, and sorting code recorded on the delivery as OCR processing. The processor 21 of the reading unit 13 also executes a BCR process on a code image (barcode or two-dimensional code) extracted from the captured image of the delivery. As a result, the processor 21 reads code information, including the slip number, recorded on the delivery as a code image.

[0089] When the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 recognizes (reads) sorting information such as destination information for sorting deliveries from the captured image (ST117, YES), it notifies the control unit 14 of the recognized sorting information (ST118). The processor 21 transmits the sorting information read from the captured image of the deliveries to the control unit 14 via the first interface 25. In this case, the control unit 14 obtains the sorting information from the reading unit 13 via the first interface 35.

[0090] When the processor 31 of the control unit 14 acquires the sorting information from the reading unit 13, it determines the sorting destination of the delivery piece based on the sorting information of the delivery piece read by the reading unit 13. After determining the sorting destination based on the read sorting information, the processor 31 supplies information specifying the sorting destination of the delivery piece to the sorter 16 via the second interface 36, thereby causing the sorter 16 to sort the delivery piece into the specified sorting destination in accordance with the sorting information (ST124).

[0091] Furthermore, if sorting information such as destination information for sorting the delivery piece cannot be recognized (read) from the captured image (ST117, NO), the processor 21 of the reading unit 13 notifies the control unit 14 that the image captured by the camera 12 and the sorting information could not be recognized (information indicating unrecognizable) (ST119). The processor 21 communicates with the control unit 14 via the first interface 25 to notify that the sorting information could not be recognized, and also transmits the captured image of the delivery piece to the control unit 14. In this case, the control unit 14 obtains the captured image of the delivery piece and information indicating that the sorting information could not be recognized from the reading unit 13 via the first interface 35.

[0092] If the reading unit 13 is unable to recognize the sorting information, the processor 31 of the control unit 14 causes the VCS 15 to execute a process (video coding process) for the operator to input the sorting information for the piece. In this case, the processor 31 sends a request for input of the sorting information (coding process) and a captured image of the piece for which the reading unit 13 was unable to recognize the sorting information to the VCS 15 via the third interface 36 (ST120).

[0093] The VCS 15 receives photographed images of the deliveries from the control unit 14 via the distribution control device 15A and stores the received photographed images in the memory of the distribution control device 15A. The distribution control device 15A determines which VCD 15B will perform coding processing on the photographed images from the control unit 14 based on the operating status of the VCD 15B, and distributes the photographed images of the deliveries to the determined VCD 15B as images for video coding. When the VCD 15B receives photographed images of the deliveries from the distribution control device 15A, it displays the received images on the display unit and accepts input of sorting information by the operator using the input unit. The VCS 15 then executes keying processing for deliveries for which sorting information could not be read by the reading unit 13 (ST121).

[0094] In this embodiment, the operator of the VCD 15B first checks whether the piece is of a category that is not subject to sorting (a separate category) based on the captured image displayed on the display unit. If the category of the piece displayed on the display unit is a category that is not subject to sorting, the operator uses the input unit of the VCD 15B to input information indicating that the piece is of a separate category. If the category of the piece displayed on the display unit is a category that is subject to sorting, the operator uses the input unit of the VCD 15B to input sorting information such as the addressee information of the piece.

[0095] For example, if the type of item to be sorted is "direct mail," the operator uses the input unit to input information indicating that the item is in a different category if the type of item displayed on the display unit is a type other than "direct mail," and if the type of item displayed on the display unit is "direct mail," the operator uses the input unit to input sorting information for the item.

[0096] When information indicating that the piece is in a different category is input via the input section of VCD 15B (ST122, YES), VCS 15 notifies the control section 14 of information indicating that the piece in the captured image is in a different category (a type not to be sorted) (ST125). In this case, the control section 14 obtains information indicating that the piece is in a different category input by the operator from VCS 15 via the second interface 36.

[0097] When the processor 31 of the control unit 14 receives information from the VCS 15 indicating that a delivery item is a delivery item in a different category, it determines a specific sorting destination (sorting location) for collecting delivery items of a type that are not subject to sorting as the sorting destination for the delivery item. When the processor 31 determines the sorting destination for the delivery item to be the specific sorting destination, it specifies the specific sorting destination for the delivery item to the sorter 16, which communicates with the processor 31 via the second interface 36, thereby causing the sorter 16 to sort the delivery item into the specific sorting destination (special chute) (ST126).

[0098] Furthermore, if sorting information is input via the input section of VCD 15B (ST122, YES), VCS 15 determines that the piece is not in a separate category and notifies the control section 14 of the sorting information input by the operator for the piece in the photographed image (ST123). In this case, the control section 14 obtains the piece sorting information input by the operator from VCS 15 via the second interface 36.

[0099] When processor 31 of control unit 14 acquires the sorting information input by the operator from VCS 15, it determines the sorting destination of the delivery based on the sorting information acquired from VCS 15. After determining the sorting destination based on the sorting information input by the operator at VCS 15, processor 31 supplies information specifying the sorting destination of the delivery to sorter 16 via second interface 36, thereby causing sorter 16 to sort the delivery to the specified sorting destination in accordance with the sorting information (ST124).

[0100] According to the above-described modified example, the sorting system as a sorting device of the embodiment collects deliveries that are detected by the reading unit as being of a type that is not subject to sorting, and deliveries that are input (confirmed) by the VCS as being of a type that is not subject to sorting, in a pre-set specific sorting location that is different from the sorting location where deliveries of the type that are subject to sorting are collected.

[0101] As a result, with the sorting system of the above-described modified example, even if deliveries of a type not to be sorted are supplied mixed with deliveries of a type to be sorted, the deliveries of the type not to be sorted can be reliably separated without being mixed with deliveries of a type to be sorted. As a result, even if deliveries of mixed types are supplied to the sorting system, post-sorting work according to the type of deliveries can be reliably carried out without delay. Furthermore, with the sorting system of the modified example, the sorting information recognition process and the sorting information keying process can be omitted for deliveries of a type not to be sorted.

[0102] Although several 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 embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The following additionally describes the contents of the claims as originally filed in this application. [1] a camera for taking an image of the item; A sorting device having a control unit that performs an extraction process to extract features that are not to be sorted from images of items captured by the camera and a recognition process to recognize sorting information from the images of the items, and that instructs the device to sort items from which features that are not to be sorted by the extraction process into a specific sorting location, and to sort items from which features that are not to be sorted into a sorting location based on the sorting information. [2] The control unit executes, as the extraction process, a process of detecting slips for a type that is not a sorting target in the image of the item captured by the camera, When a slip for a type that is not subject to sorting is detected, an instruction is given to sort the item into a specific sorting location. The sorting device according to [1]. [3] the control unit executes, as the extraction process, a process of detecting labels attached to items of a type that are not to be sorted in the image of the items photographed by the camera; When a label attached to an article of a type that is not subject to sorting is detected, an instruction is given to sort the article into a specific sorting location. A sorting device according to any one of [1] and [2]. [4] the control unit recognizes a code image to be extracted from the image of the article photographed by the camera as the extraction process, If the code information indicated by the code image includes information indicating a type that is not subject to sorting, an instruction is given to sort the item into a specific sorting location. A sorting device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The control unit further includes a video coding system that receives input of sorting information or information indicating non-target for an image of an item for which sorting information cannot be recognized, the control unit instructs the video coding system to sort an item for which information indicating that the item is not to be sorted into a specific sorting location, and to sort an item for which information indicating that the item is not to be sorted into a specific sorting location but which information is not to be sorted into a specific sorting location based on the sorting information inputted. A sorting device according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] Taking an image of the item with a camera; performing an extraction process to extract features that are not to be sorted from the images of the articles photographed by the camera; and recognizing sorting information for the images of the articles from which features that are not to be sorted are not extracted in the extraction process; sorting the items for which the characteristics of the items not to be sorted are extracted by the extraction process into a specific sorting location, and sorting the items for which the characteristics of the items not to be sorted are not extracted by the extraction process into a sorting location based on the sorting information; Sorting method. [7] A computer connected to a sorter that sorts items Executing an extraction process to extract features that are not to be sorted from images of items captured by a camera; recognizing sorting information for images of items from which features that are not to be sorted are not extracted by the extraction process; instructing the sorter to sort the items for which the characteristics of the items not to be sorted by the extraction process have been extracted into a specific sorting location, and to sort the items for which the characteristics of the items not to be sorted by the extraction process have not been extracted into a sorting location based on the sorting information; Sorting program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1...Sorting system, 11...Conveying path, 12...Camera, 13...Reading unit (recognition unit), 14...Control unit, 15...VCS, 16...Sorter, 21...Processor, 22...ROM, 23...RAM, 24...Auxiliary memory device, 25...First interface, 26...Second interface, 31...Processor, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34...Auxiliary memory device, 35...First interface, 36...Second interface, 37...Third interface.

Claims

1. a camera for taking an image of the item; a control unit that executes an extraction process to extract features other than the destination that will not be sorted from the image of the item captured by the camera, and when a feature that will not be sorted is extracted from the image of the item, instructs the item to be sorted into a specific sorting location that collects items that will not be sorted; A sorting device having:

2. The control unit executes, as the extraction process, a process of detecting slips for a type that is not a sorting target in the image of the item captured by the camera, When a slip for a type that is not subject to sorting is detected, an instruction is given to sort the item into the specific sorting location. The sorting device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit executes, as the extraction process, a process of detecting labels attached to items of a type that are not to be sorted in the image of the items photographed by the camera; When a label attached to an article of a type that is not to be sorted is detected, an instruction is given to sort the article into the specific sorting location.

3. A sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit determines whether or not code information indicated by a code image extracted from an image of the item photographed by the camera as the extraction process includes information indicating a type that is not to be sorted; If the code information indicated by the code image includes information indicating a type that is not subject to sorting, an instruction is given to sort the item into the specific sorting location. A sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit further includes a video coding system that receives input of sorting information for an image of an item for which sorting information cannot be recognized or information indicating that the item is not to be sorted, the control unit instructs the video coding system to sort the item for which information indicating that the item is not to be sorted into the specific sorting location. A sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a camera capturing an image of the item; a step of executing an extraction process in which a reader extracts features other than the destination that are not to be sorted from the image of the item photographed by the camera, which is input from the camera; a step in which, when the reading device extracts a feature that makes the item ineligible for sorting from the image of the item through the extraction process, the sorting control device receives information indicating that the feature has been extracted and supplies the sorting device with information specifying that the item be sorted into a specific sorting location for accumulating items that are not eligible for sorting; A sorting method including:

7. A computer connected to a sorter that sorts items Execute an extraction process to extract features other than the destination that are not to be sorted from the image of the item captured by the camera, instructing the sorter to sort the item into a specific sorting location for accumulating items that are not to be sorted, when the extraction process extracts features that make the item not to be sorted from the image of the item; Sorting program.

Images