JP2008033640A - Data code reader and reading method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To read information of a data code and information displayed on a label by one operation, and to guarantee that the information of the read data code and information displayed on the label are prepared for the same commodity. <P>SOLUTION: The data code displayed on the commodity and a symbol displayed on the designated label stuck to the same surface with the data code display surface of the commodity are photographed in the same image. The data code is read out from the photographed image, and the symbol in the photographed image is also recognized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data code reader for reading a data code such as a barcode displayed on a product, and in particular, recognizes label information such as a discount label attached when discounting a product together with the data code. The present invention relates to a data code reading apparatus and a reading method thereof.

  In retail stores such as supermarkets, products are often sold at discounted prices when closing time approaches in order to reduce waste disposal of fresh produce. In this case, the store will clearly indicate to the customer that the product is a discounted product by attaching a predetermined label or sticker (hereinafter referred to as a label) indicating the discounted price or discount rate to the product. It was. When an operator of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal confirms that a discount label is affixed to a product purchased by a customer, the bar code of the product is scanned and input at the POS terminal, and the discount label is displayed. The discount operation was performed according to the information. For this reason, there is a possibility that the operator will sell the discounted product at a normal price without noticing the discount label.

  In order to avoid such an inconvenience, there has conventionally been a barcode reader in which a discount label detection device equipped with a CCD camera is attached in the vicinity of the barcode scanner. The discount label detection apparatus processes an image picked up by a CCD camera and notifies when a discount label is detected. Accordingly, the operator causes the barcode displayed on the product purchased by the customer to be read by the barcode scanner and causes the CCD camera to capture an image of the product. At this time, since it is notified that the discount label is attached to the product, the operator always notices that the discount label is attached (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, there is also a technique for creating a bar code label dedicated to discounted merchandise and displaying it on the discounted merchandise, in which the code information before and after the price cut is displayed, for example, in two or two rows. It was. In this case, when the two-stage barcode is read by the barcode scanner, the price after the discount of the discounted product is automatically recognized from the code information before the price reduction and the code information after the price reduction (for example, patents). Reference 2).
Registered Utility Model No. 304598 JP 2002-358014 A

  However, in the conventional technique using the discount label detection device, the barcode is read by the barcode scanner and the discount label is detected by the discount label detection device, so the barcode is read by the barcode scanner. There is a problem that it cannot be guaranteed that the product and the product for which the discount label is detected by the discount label detection device are the same product.

  On the other hand, in the conventional technology using a two-stage bar code, although there is no problem as described above, every time a discount sale of a product occurs, a bar code of the discount product is sent to a dedicated label issuing device. In addition to inputting information after discounting and issuing a two-level barcode label, there is a problem in that it takes time and requires a dedicated label issuing device, resulting in high costs.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to perform a single operation on a product provided with a predetermined label such as a discount label together with a data code such as a barcode. The information of the data code and the information displayed on the label can be read, and it can be ensured that the information of the read data code and the information displayed on the label are of the same product. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data code reading apparatus and method for reading the same that can eliminate the need for a label issuing apparatus.

  The data code reading device of the present invention, an image pickup unit for picking up a data code displayed on a product and a symbol displayed on a specific label affixed on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product on the same image, Data code reading means for reading the data code in the image captured by the imaging section and symbol recognition means for recognizing the symbol in the image captured by the imaging section are provided.

  In the data code reading method of the present invention, first, the data code reading device includes a data code displayed on a product and a symbol displayed on a predetermined label affixed on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product. Capture the same image. Next, the data code is read from the captured image and the position of the data code in the screen is specified. Next, an image region shifted by a predetermined amount from the reference position is cut out with reference to the position of the specified data code in the screen. Next, the image in this cut-out area is collated with a symbol image registered in advance. A symbol is recognized based on the collation result.

  According to the present invention in which such measures are taken, information on the data code and information displayed on the label in one operation for a product provided with a predetermined label such as a discount label along with a data code such as a barcode. It is possible to ensure that the information of the read data code and the information displayed on the label belong to the same product. In addition, a dedicated label issuing device is unnecessary, and costs can be reduced.

Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the data code is a bar code, and the symbol is character information displayed on a predetermined label such as a discount label.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a checkout lane system using the data code reader of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a soccer stand that partitions the checkout lane. A data code reader 2 according to the present invention is erected substantially at the center of the soccer table 1. A POS terminal 3 is installed inside the soccer stand 1. The data code reader 2 and the POS terminal 3 are connected to each other via a transmission line (not shown) so as to be able to communicate with each other.

  The POS terminal 3 is provided with a keyboard 31, an operator display 32, a customer display 33, a printer 34 for printing receipts, a drawer 35 for storing cash, and the like. The keyboard 31 is provided with a fastening key or the like necessary for settlement of the commodity price. Such a POS terminal 3 is normally used in this type of checkout lane system.

  Registered in the data code reading device 2 is an imaging unit 21 for reading a barcode, a keyboard 22 provided with various keys for registering products that cannot be registered with the barcode, and registered for shoppers. A display 23 for displaying the product name, price, etc. of the product is provided. The imaging unit 21 incorporates a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 21A (see FIG. 2).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the data code reading device 2. The data code reader 2 is provided with a CPU 41 as a control unit main body. In addition, a ROM 42 in which fixed data such as a business program for controlling the operation of the CPU 41 is stored in advance, a RAM 43 in which a work area for temporarily storing various data is formed, and a POS terminal connected via a transmission path 3, a communication interface 44 that controls data communication with the computer 3, an output port 46 that outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 45, a keyboard controller 47 that captures key signals from the keyboard 22, a display controller 48 that controls data display on the display 23, A camera controller 49 that controls the imaging operation of the CCD camera 21A provided in the imaging unit 21, a nonvolatile symbol image memory 50 that stores various symbol image data in advance, and the like are provided.

  The CPU 41, the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the communication interface 44, the keyboard controller 47, the display controller 48, the camera controller 49, and the symbol image memory 50 are connected by a bus line 51 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the symbol image memory 50, image data (symbol images) of predetermined labels such as discount labels, discount labels, point premium labels, and the like are displayed in the order of a series of numbers. Alphanumeric information corresponding to information meaning characters is stored. For example, alphanumeric value information “−50YEN” is stored for the image data of the discount label L1 meaning 50 yen discount. Alphanumeric information “−10%” is stored for the image data of the discount label L2, which means a discount of 10%. Alphanumeric information “+ 10P” is stored for the image data of the point premium label L3 which means a point premium of 10 points. Incidentally, the alphanumeric information is information digitized so that it can be processed by the POS terminal 3.

  In this configuration, the CPU 41 functions as a barcode reading unit (data code reading unit) 52 that reads a barcode from an image of a product imaged by the imaging unit 21 based on a program stored in the ROM 42. The function as the symbol recognizing means 53 for recognizing character information displayed at a specific level is realized.

Further, the CPU 41 recognizes whether or not the symbol is recognized by the symbol recognizing means 53, and the bar code read by the bar code reading means 52 when the recognition determining means determines that the symbol is not recognized. When the code information is output independently and it is determined that the symbol has been recognized, the bar code information read by the bar code reading means 52 is associated with the information that the symbol recognized by the symbol recognition means 53 means. In addition, a function as an information output means for outputting and a function as a symbol notification means for notifying that a symbol is recognized by the symbol recognition means 53 are further realized.
Hereinafter, these functions will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the specific examples shown in FIGS.

  The CPU 41 of the data code reading device 2 starts the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 when a job activation is instructed by a command from the POS terminal 3. First, a shooting on signal is output to the camera controller 49 as ST (step) 1. Thereby, in the imaging unit 21, a photographing operation by the CCD camera 21A is started.

  Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an end of business has been instructed by a command from the POS terminal 3 as ST2. If the end of business is not instructed, image data captured by the CCD camera 21A is fetched as ST3. Then, as ST4, the barcode reading process specifically shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started.

  That is, the CPU 41 binarizes the image data stored in the image work area as ST21. In ST22, the binarized image is analyzed to determine whether or not a barcode data area exists in the image data. When the barcode data area does not exist in the image data, the CPU 41 ends the barcode reading process.

  Thereafter, since it is determined in ST5 that the barcode data is not read, the CPU 41 returns to the work end determination process in ST2. When it is confirmed that the end of business is not instructed, the CPU 41 captures image data captured by the CCD camera 21A again.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 7, the barcode label 61 of the product 60 on which the barcode label 61 and the discount label L1 are pasted on the same surface and the pasting surface of the barcode label 61 and the discount label L1 (one-dotted line area 70) ) Is captured by the CCD camera 21A. Incidentally, on the barcode label 61, a barcode 62 in which product information necessary for registering the sales data of the product 60 with the POS terminal 3, for example, information such as a product number and a price, is displayed by printing. Yes. The product name 63, price 64, etc. are also displayed by printing. On the discount label L1, character information “50 yen discount” indicating the discount amount is displayed by printing. In the present embodiment, this character information “50 yen discount” is recognized as a symbol.

  In this case, image data 70 as shown in FIG. 8 is taken in via the camera controller 49 (ST3) and stored in the image work area of the RAM 43. Then, a barcode reading process is performed (ST4).

  Accordingly, the CPU 41 binarizes the image data 70 (ST21), analyzes the binarized image, and determines whether or not a barcode data area exists in the image data 70 (ST22). This time, since the data area 71 of the barcode 62 exists (YES in ST22), the CPU 41 cuts out the data area 71 of the barcode 62 from the image data 70 as ST23. In ST24, the barcode 62 in the cut-out data area 71 is decoded to obtain barcode data (numerical value). As a result, if the barcode data can be acquired (YES in ST25), the CPU 41 temporarily stores the barcode data in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST26, and ends this barcode reading process (barcode data). Code reading means).

  Thereafter, since it is determined in ST5 that the barcode data has been read, the CPU 41 starts the symbol recognition process in ST6.

  That is, the CPU 41 acquires, as ST31, the coordinates of the vertex 81 of the leftmost bar among the barcodes 62 in the data area 71 as reference position coordinates (x, y), for example, as shown in FIG. Next, as ST32, a region of interest 82 located at a predetermined location with respect to the reference position coordinates (x, y) is cut out.

  Specifically, the first coordinate 83 is shifted from the reference position coordinate (x, y) by m in the −X axis direction and by n in the Y direction, and is shifted from the first coordinate 83 by p in the Y axis direction. A second coordinate 84, a third coordinate 85 that is shifted from the second coordinate 84 by q in the X-axis direction, and a fourth coordinate 86 that is shifted from the third coordinate 85 by p in the −Y-axis direction. And a rectangular area connecting the first to fourth coordinates 83 to 86 is cut out as the attention area 82. Here, p is set to a value sufficiently larger than the vertical width of the predetermined label (for example, twice the vertical width). Similarly, q is set to a value sufficiently larger than the horizontal width of the predetermined label (for example, twice the horizontal width).

  Next, CPU41 performs an outline emphasis process about the image in the attention area 82 as ST33. Then, in ST34, it is determined whether or not the image data in the region of interest 82 on which the contour emphasis processing has been performed has a rectangular label contour that is substantially equal to a predetermined label size.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, if a rectangular label contour 91 substantially equal to a predetermined label size set in advance can be detected from the image data in the region of interest 82 subjected to the contour emphasis processing (ST34). YES), the CPU 41 sequentially collates the image data in the label outline 91 with the data of each symbol image stored in advance in the symbol image memory 50 in ST35. Then, in ST36, it is determined whether or not there is symbol image data whose collation degree (matching degree) exceeds a preset reference value.

  As a result, if symbol image data having a matching level exceeding a preset reference value is detected (YES in ST36), the CPU 41 symbolizes the alphanumeric information set corresponding to the symbol image data as ST37. Obtained from the image memory 50. In ST38, the alphanumeric information is used as symbol data, temporarily stored in the symbol work area of the RAM 43, and the symbol recognition process is terminated (symbol recognition means).

  If the label contour 91 cannot be detected from the image data in the attention area 82 that has been subjected to the contour enhancement processing (NO in ST34), symbol image data whose collation degree exceeds a preset reference value can be detected. If not (NO in ST36), the symbol recognition process is terminated without storing the symbol data in the symbol work area of the RAM 43.

  When the symbol recognition process ends, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the symbol data is stored in the symbol work area in ST7 (recognition determination means). If the symbol data is not stored (NO in ST7), the CPU 41 stores the barcode data stored in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST8 in the POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 44. Transmit and output (information output means). In ST9, the buzzer 45 is driven to sound a first buzzer sound (for example, “beep”) indicating that only the bar code has been read. Thereafter, the process returns to the work end determination process of ST2.

  On the other hand, when the symbol data is stored (YES in ST7), the CPU 41 stores the barcode data stored in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST10 and the symbol data stored in the symbol work area. Are transmitted to the POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 44 (information output means). In ST11, the buzzer 45 is driven to sound a second buzzer sound (for example, “beep”) indicating that the barcode and the symbol have been read (symbol notification means). Thereafter, the process returns to the work end determination process of ST2.

  If it is determined in ST2 that the business end is not instructed, the CPU 41 captures image data captured by the CCD camera 21A again (ST3). And each process of said ST4-ST11 is performed.

  If it is determined in ST2 that the end of business has been commanded, the CPU 41 outputs a photographing off signal to the camera controller 49 in ST12. Thereby, the photographing operation by the CCD camera 21A is completed.

  In the checkout lane system provided with the data code reading device 2 having such a configuration, the cashier stands inside the soccer base 1. Then, the products purchased by the customer are taken out one by one from the shopping basket P placed on the upstream side of the lane across the data code reader 2. At this time, when the barcode 62 is displayed on the taken-out product, the imaging unit 21 captures the surface of the product on which the barcode 62 is displayed.

  In the data code reader 2, the barcode 62 is read from the product image 70 captured by the imaging unit 21. If the bar code 62 is read correctly, a buzzer sound is sent from the data code reading device 2 to notify the end of reading. Therefore, if the cashier confirms the buzzer sound, the cashier moves the product to the shopping basket Q placed on the downstream side of the lane.

  By the way, in this embodiment, a discount label L1 in which a discount amount is displayed in a predetermined size is attached to a product sold at a discount. A discount label L2 displaying a discount rate with substantially the same size is affixed to a product sold at a discount. A point premium label L3 on which the premium points are displayed in approximately the same size is attached to the product whose points are premium.

  Here, the pasting locations of the labels L1 to L3 are on the same surface as the pasting surface of the barcode label 61 and within the attention area 82 in the vicinity thereof. By doing so, in the data code reading device 2, the character information displayed on the labels L1 to L3 from the same image data 70 automatically as the symbol data following the barcode data read from the image data 70. This symbol data is converted into alphanumeric information.

  For example, when a 50 yen discount label L1 is attached, alphanumeric value information “−50YEN” is obtained as the symbol data of the label L1. The alphanumeric value information “−50 YEN” is associated with the barcode data of the product and transmitted to the POS terminal 3. Thereby, in the POS terminal 3, the sales price of the product is reduced by 50 yen and the sales registration process is performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a simple operation of holding the surface on which the barcode of the product is displayed on the imaging unit 21 is performed once, and the information on the barcode is attached to the product. The information displayed on the predetermined label can be read, and the barcode information and the information displayed on the predetermined label can be associated with each other and transmitted to the POS terminal 3 so that the read barcode can be read. And the information displayed on the predetermined label can be guaranteed to belong to the same product.

  Further, in the data code reader 2, when the symbol data is recognized following the barcode data, a second buzzer sound indicating that the barcode and the symbol are read is generated. This buzzer sound is different from the first buzzer sound that is generated when only the bar code is read, in the type of sound (number of times, tone color, etc.). Therefore, the cashier can easily determine whether or not the product is registered with a predetermined label such as the discount label L1 based on the difference in the buzzer sound.

  By the way, in the said embodiment, the sticking position of predetermined labels, such as discount label L1, is restrict | limited to the attention area 82 of the vicinity on the basis of the position where the barcode of goods is displayed. For this reason, when a predetermined label is pasted outside the attention area 82, the character information displayed on the label is ignored. Therefore, for example, even if the customer performs a fraud such as peeling off the discount label L1 that has been affixed to another product and affixing it to the product that he / she purchases, if the affixing position is significantly shifted, this fraud is There is an effect that can be prevented.

  However, when pasted in the attention area 82, this kind of fraud cannot be found. As a means for preventing this, a method of narrowing the attention area 82 to be close to the area of the label can be considered. However, in that case, the position where the store clerk properly applies the label is extremely limited, which makes the operation complicated and impractical.

  Therefore, next, even in the attention area 82, if a predetermined label is pasted out of the basic position, a warning is issued and the cashier can be alerted. Will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the data code reading device 2 according to the second embodiment. The data code reading device of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the CPU 41 detects the position information in the bar code image read by the bar code reading means 52 and the symbol recognition means 53. Function as label position determination means 54 for determining whether or not the label is attached to a predetermined position from the position information in the image of the label on which the symbol recognized by is displayed, and this label position determination means 54. It has a function as a label position warning means for issuing a warning when it is determined by 54 that the label is not attached at a predetermined position. These means are also realized based on a program stored in the ROM 42.

Hereinafter, these functions will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and the specific examples shown in FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main processing procedure of the symbol recognition process in the second embodiment. That is, when the CPU 41 determines that barcode data is read in ST5 in FIG. 4, the CPU 41 starts this symbol recognition process. In this process, the processes of ST41 to ST49 are the same as the processes of ST31 to ST38 in the symbol recognition process of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The CPU 41 first acquires the reference position coordinates (x, y) of the barcode 62 in the data area 71 (ST41), and the attention area 82 located at a predetermined location with respect to the reference position coordinates (x, y). Is cut out (ST42). Next, the CPU 41 performs outline emphasis processing on the image in the attention area 82 (ST43), and determines whether or not a rectangular label outline 91 substantially equal to the size of the predetermined label can be detected (ST44).

  When the label outline 91 can be detected, the CPU 41 sequentially collates the image data in the label outline 91 with each symbol image data in the symbol image memory 50 (ST45). If symbol image data having a matching degree exceeding a preset reference value can be detected (YES in ST46), the CPU 41 uses the symbol image memory to store the alphanumeric information set corresponding to the symbol image data. 50 from ST50 (ST47). The alphanumeric information is temporarily stored in the symbol work area of the RAM 43 as symbol data (ST48).

  Thereafter, the CPU 41 calculates a deviation amount δ from the label standard pasting position of the label outline 91 in ST49. Now, as shown in FIG. 13, the standard application position of a predetermined label such as a discount label L1 on the product 60 is defined as an area 100 surrounded by a broken line in the figure. This area 100 can be obtained with reference to the reference position coordinates (x, y) of the barcode 62 obtained in order to cut out the attention area 82.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the first coordinate 83 of the attention area 82 obtained with reference to the reference position coordinates (x, y) is shifted by m1 in the X-axis direction and n1 in the Y-axis direction. A fifth coordinate 101, a sixth coordinate 102 shifted by r in the Y-axis direction from the fifth coordinate 101, and a seventh coordinate 103 shifted by s in the X-axis direction from the sixth coordinate 102. And an eighth coordinate 104 shifted by r in the −Y-axis direction from the seventh coordinate 103, and a rectangular region connecting the fifth to eighth coordinates 101 to 104 is defined as a standard pasting region of a predetermined label. Calculate as 100. Here, r is approximately equal to the vertical width of the predetermined label, and q is also approximately equal to the horizontal width of the predetermined label.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance between the fifth coordinate 101 of the label standard pasting region 100 and the coordinate 105 of the lower left vertex of the label outline 91 is obtained as a deviation amount δ. The distance between the sixth coordinate 102 of the label standard pasting region 100 and the coordinate of the upper left vertex of the label contour 91, the seventh coordinate 103 of the label standard pasting region 100, and the coordinate of the upper right vertex of the label contour 91. The distance or the distance between the eighth coordinate 104 of the label standard pasting area 100 and the coordinate of the lower right vertex of the label outline 91 may be obtained as the shift amount δ.

  If the deviation amount δ is calculated in ST49, the CPU 41 determines in ST50 whether the deviation amount δ is within the allowable value of the preset label deviation amount or exceeds the allowable value (label position determination means). . If the deviation amount δ is within the allowable value, the symbol recognition process is terminated at that time.

  On the other hand, when the deviation amount δ exceeds the allowable value, the buzzer 45 is driven as ST51, and a third buzzer sound (for example, warning that the pasting position of the predetermined label is deviated from the standard pasting position) “Pip, beep, beep”) is sounded (label position warning means), and the symbol recognition process is terminated.

  In the second embodiment configured as described above, even when a predetermined label such as the discount label L1 is pasted in the attention area 82, the deviation amount δ from the label standard pasting area 100 is set in advance. When the allowable value is exceeded, a third buzzer sounds and a warning is issued. Therefore, even if a customer who does not know the label standard pasting area 100 improperly affixes the discount label L1 or the like, it is possible to increase the possibility of the cashier noticing illegally. As a result, this kind of fraud suppression effect can be achieved.

  By the way, in the said embodiment, although the number of the predetermined labels stuck on goods was explained as one sheet, a plurality of labels may be stuck on one goods. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, it is a case of a product 60 that is a discount target and a point premium target.

  Therefore, next, even when a plurality of labels are attached to one product 60, the character information of each label is recognized as symbol data, and each symbol data is associated with the barcode data of the product 60 to be a POS terminal. A third embodiment in which the data code reading device 2 has a function of transmitting and outputting to 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main part processing procedure of the symbol recognition process executed by the CPU 41 of the data code reader 2 in the third embodiment. That is, when the CPU 41 determines that barcode data is read in ST5 in FIG. 4, the CPU 41 starts this symbol recognition process. In this process, each process of ST61 to ST64 is the same as each process of ST31 to ST38 in the symbol recognition process of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The CPU 41 first acquires the reference position coordinates (x, y) of the barcode 62 in the data area 71 (ST61), and the attention area 82 located at a predetermined location with respect to the reference position coordinates (x, y). Is cut out (ST62). Next, the CPU 41 performs outline emphasis processing on the image in the attention area 82 (ST63), and determines whether or not a rectangular label outline 91 substantially equal to the size of the predetermined label can be detected (ST64).

  If the label contour 91 can be detected, the CPU 41 counts the number N of label contours 91 in ST65, and sets this value N in the counter. Next, the CPU 41 selects one label outline 91 in the attention area 82 in ST66. In ST67, the image data in the label outline 91 and each symbol image data in the symbol image memory 50 are sequentially collated. In ST68, it is determined whether or not there is symbol image data whose collation degree exceeds a preset reference value. As a result, if symbol image data having a matching degree exceeding a preset reference value can be detected (YES in ST68), the CPU 41 obtains alphanumeric value information set corresponding to the symbol image data in ST69. Obtained from the symbol image memory 50. In ST70, the alphanumeric information is stored as symbol data in the symbol work area of the RAM 43.

  Next, the CPU 41 subtracts "1" from the counter value N in ST71. Then, in ST72, it is determined whether or not the count value N has become “0”. If the count value N is greater than “0” (YES in ST72), the label outline 91 that has not yet been selected exists in the attention area 82, and the process returns to ST66. And if the label outline 91 which is not selected is selected, the process of ST67-ST71 will be performed.

  As a result, symbol image data whose degree of matching with the image data in the contour 91 is greater than or equal to the reference value is obtained for every label contour 91 in the attention area 82, and alphanumeric information corresponding to the symbol image data is obtained. The data is stored in the symbol work area of the RAM 43 in a lump.

  If the counter value N becomes “0” (NO in ST72), the CPU 41 ends the symbol recognition process. Then, the barcode data stored in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 is associated with all the symbol data stored in the symbol work area, and transmitted to the POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 44.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, two types of labels, a discount label L1 and a point premium label L3, are attached to the same product 60 on the same surface as the barcode 62. Suppose that As shown in FIG. 18, from the attention area 82, the label outline 91a of the discount label L1 and the label outline 91b of the point premium label L3 are detected. Since the image data in the label outline 91a substantially matches the symbol image data of the 50-yen discount label L1, the alphanumeric information “−50YEN” is stored as the symbol data. Further, since the image data in the label outline 91b substantially coincides with the symbol image data of the point premium label L3 of 10 points, the alphanumeric value information “+ 10P” is stored as the symbol data.

  Thereafter, the bar code data of the product 60 and the alphanumeric value information “−50YEN” and “+ 10P” are transmitted and output to the POS terminal 3. As a result, in the POS terminal 3, the sales price of the product is reduced by 50 yen and sales registration processing is performed. In addition, the service points given to customers are increased by 10 points.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the data code reading unit is described as the bar code reading unit 52. However, the data code is not limited to a one-dimensional bar code, and may be a two-dimensional bar code or a data code. Also good.

  Further, the symbol recognizing means 53 recognizes the character information displayed on the predetermined label as the symbol data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the color, size, and shape of the symbol or figure displayed on the predetermined label May be identified and recognized as symbol data. For example, by assigning a product expiration date to the color, shape, or size of a symbol, if a product with an expired expiration date is recognized, a warning is issued to the cashier so that the product with an expiration date is not sold. It is also possible to prevent it.

  In each of the above embodiments, the symbol image data is registered in advance in the symbol image memory 50 and the symbol data is recognized by collating with the image in the label outline 91. However, an OCR (Optical Character Reader) is used. The character information in the label outline 91 may be recognized using the function, and the character information may be converted into alphanumeric information and output to the POS terminal 3.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a checkout lane system using a data code reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the data code reading apparatus in the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the symbol image memory of the data code reader in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main process sequence sum which CPU of a data code reader performs in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the content of the barcode reading process in FIG. 4 concretely. The flowchart which shows the content of the symbol recognition process in FIG. 4 concretely. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the goods to which the barcode label and the discount label were stuck. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the image data when image | photographing the goods in FIG. The schematic diagram used for description of the process which extracts an attention area | region from the image data when image | photographing the goods in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image data when a contour enhancement process is performed on a region of interest in FIG. 9. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the data code reader in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the specific procedure of the symbol recognition process which CPU of a data code reader performs in the said 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the other example of the goods to which the barcode label and the discount label were stuck. The schematic diagram used for description of the label standard sticking area | region required in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the relationship between the label outline image in the attention area cut out from the image data when image | photographing the goods shown in FIG. 13, and a label standard sticking area | region. The flowchart which shows the specific procedure of the symbol recognition process which CPU of a data code reader performs in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the example of the goods to which the barcode label and the several predetermined label were affixed. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the label outline image in the attention area cut out from the image data when image | photographing the goods shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Data code reading apparatus, 3 ... POS terminal, 21 ... Imaging part, 21A ... CCD camera, 50 ... Symbol image memory, 52 ... Bar code reading means, 53 ... Symbol recognition means, 54 ... Label position determination means.

Claims (7)

  An imaging unit that images a data code displayed on a product and a symbol displayed on a predetermined label affixed on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product on the same image, and is captured by the imaging unit A data code reading device comprising: data code reading means for reading the data code in the image; and symbol recognition means for recognizing the symbol in the image picked up by the image pickup unit.   A recognition judging means for judging whether or not the symbol is recognized by the symbol recognizing means; and the data code read by the data code reading means when the recognition judging means judges that the symbol is not recognized. When the symbol is recognized, the information of the data code read by the data code reader means information that the symbol recognized by the symbol recognizer means. The data code reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising information output means for outputting the information in association with each other.   3. The data code reader according to claim 1, further comprising symbol notifying means for notifying that the symbol has been recognized by the symbol recognizing means.   From the position information in the image of the data code read by the data code reading means and the position information in the image of the label on which the symbol recognized by the symbol recognition means is displayed, the label Label position determination means for determining whether or not the label is attached to the position, label position warning means for issuing a warning when the label position determination means determines that the label is not attached to a predetermined position, and The data code reading device according to claim 1, further comprising:   2. The data according to claim 1, wherein the symbol recognizing means recognizes the character information displayed on the label as a symbol and converts the recognized character information into alphanumeric information such as a discount amount and a discount rate. Code reader.   2. The data code reader according to claim 1, wherein the symbol recognizing unit is capable of recognizing symbols respectively displayed on a plurality of labels included in an image picked up by the image pickup unit. A data code reading method of a data code reading device for reading a data code displayed on a product,
The data code reader is
The data code displayed on the product and the symbol displayed on a predetermined label attached on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product are captured in the same image, and the data code is read from the captured image. And specifying the position of the data code in the screen, cutting out an image area deviated from the reference position by a predetermined amount with reference to the position of the specified data code in the screen, and images in the cut-out area And a symbol image registered in advance, and the symbol is recognized based on the result of the comparison.

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