JP2012043175A - Commodity code reader and commodity code reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To read, even if a code symbol corresponding to a service display is configured to be detected by light other than a visible light region, both of the code symbol and a code symbol of a commodity code.SOLUTION: A camera 20 captures an image based on irradiation light by a first light source applying light with a wavelength in the visible light region or a second light source applying light with a wavelength other than the visible light region. A camera control unit 55 controls the irradiation in the first light source and the second light source and the imaging by image pickup means such that code information corresponding to a first code symbol included in an image captured by the irradiation light by the first light source and code information corresponding to a second code symbol included in an image captured based on the irradiation light by the second light source. An information output unit 54 outputs at least one of the code information corresponding to the first code symbol and the code information corresponding to the second code symbol as read information.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a product code reading device and a product code reading method.

  Conventionally, in a supermarket or the like, a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code (registered trademark)) attached to a product is captured by a digital camera such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and the image is captured. A product code reader that reads a product code by detecting and decoding a code symbol detected from an image is used. A product to be read by the product code reader may be attached with a discount sticker indicating that a discount or discount service is provided. For this reason, in the product code reader, an electronic register for detecting a discount sticker from an image captured by a digital camera and decoding the code symbol of the discount sticker and a product code for sales registration and settlement processing And information devices such as POS (Point Of Sale) terminals.

  By the way, it is better to detect code symbols such as discount stickers with light outside the visible light range so that they are not visible to the customer's eyes. Can stand out. Then, by making the presence of the discount seal conspicuous, it is possible to expect a customer attraction effect by the discount seal. In addition, it is useful for preventing counterfeiting of discount seals by making code symbols such as discount seals invisible to customers. However, when a code symbol such as a discount sticker is detected by light outside the visible light region, the above-described conventional product code reader can read the product code, but the code symbol of the discount sticker can be read. Could not read.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an embodiment of the present invention includes a product code reading apparatus comprising: an imaging unit, an image capturing unit, a code reading unit, a control unit, and an output unit. It is. The imaging means captures an image based on light emitted from a first light source that emits light having a wavelength in the visible light region or a second light source that emits light having a wavelength outside the visible light region. The image capturing unit captures an image captured by the imaging unit. The code reading unit detects a code symbol included in the captured image and reads code information corresponding to the code symbol. The control means is included in the code information corresponding to the first code symbol included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source and the image captured based on the light emitted from the second light source. The irradiation of the first light source and the second light source and the imaging by the imaging unit are controlled so that the code information corresponding to the second code symbol is read by the code reading unit. The output means outputs at least one of code information corresponding to the first code symbol and code information corresponding to the second code symbol read by the code reading means as read information.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, imaging is performed based on irradiation light from a first light source that emits light having a wavelength in the visible light region or a second light source that emits light having a wavelength outside the visible light region. A product code reading method of a product code reading device having means, comprising: an image capturing step, a code reading step, a control step, and an output step. In the image capturing step, an image captured by the imaging unit is captured. In the code reading step, a code symbol included in the captured image is detected, and code information corresponding to the code symbol is read. The control step is included in the code information corresponding to the first code symbol included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source and the image captured based on the light emitted from the second light source. The irradiation with the first light source and the second light source and the imaging by the imaging means are controlled so as to read the code information corresponding to the second code symbol. The output step outputs at least one of the code information corresponding to the first code symbol and the code information corresponding to the second code symbol read by the code reading step as read information.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a checkout lane system using the product code reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product code reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional external view illustrating the configuration of the camera. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bar code label and a discount label. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the product code reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discount label according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a product code reading device and a product code reading method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a checkout lane system 4 using a product code reading device 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a checkout lane system 4 includes a soccer stand 1 for placing a shopping basket containing merchandise, a merchandise code reader 2 erected substantially in the center of the soccer stand 1, A code reader 2 and a POS terminal 3 connected to each other via a transmission path (not shown) are provided.

  The POS terminal 3 performs sales registration of products purchased by customers. As shown in FIG. 1, 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. It has been. The keyboard 31 is provided with a fastening key or the like necessary for settlement of the commodity price. The POS terminal 3 has the same configuration and functions as the POS terminal that is used as standard in this type of checkout lane system.

  The merchandise code reader 2 reads a bar code or a code symbol (hereinafter referred to as a bar code) such as a two-dimensional code attached to the merchandise when the operator (user) holds the merchandise over the reading window 21 to read the bar code. Is an apparatus for outputting the product information included in the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the product code reader 2 mainly includes a reading window 21, a keyboard 22, a display 23, a display LED 24, and a buzzer 25. The keyboard 22 accepts operator operations using various keys. For example, the keyboard 22 accepts input from various keys when registering a product that cannot be registered with a barcode. The display 23 displays the registered product name, price, etc. to the shopper. The display LED 24 is turned on when the barcode attached to the product is read to notify the operator that the barcode is being read. The buzzer 25 sounds a buzzer sound when the barcode attached to the product is read to notify the operator. A product code reader 2 provided with a reading window 21 incorporates a camera 20 such as a CCD image sensor (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product code reading device 2 according to the present embodiment. The product code reader 2 includes a CPU 50 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 42 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 43 (Random Access Memory), a communication I / F 44, an output port 46, a keyboard controller 47, and a display controller 48. A camera controller 49 and a memory 45, which are connected by a bus line 41 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The CPU 50 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the product code reading device 2. The ROM 42 stores programs according to the present embodiment, other programs that control the operation of the CPU 50, and the like. The RAM 43 functions as a work area when the CPU 50 develops various programs stored in the ROM 42. The RAM 43 stores various data such as image data captured by the camera 20.

  The communication I / F 44 controls data communication with the POS terminal 3 (see FIG. 1) connected via a bus (not shown). The output port 46 outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 25 and the display LED 24. The keyboard controller 47 captures key signals from the keyboard 22. The display controller 48 controls data display on the display 23. The camera controller 49 controls the imaging operation of the camera 20.

  The camera 20 images a barcode attached to a product, a label (service display) that displays a service such as discount or point addition.

  Here, the camera 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional external view illustrating the configuration of the camera 20. More specifically, FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross-sectional appearance when the product code reading device 2 is cut in the horizontal direction at the approximate center of the reading window 21 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in the case 201 of the product code reading device 2, the camera 20 includes a substrate 202 provided with a first light source 203a and a second light source 203b, and a substrate provided with an image sensor 204. 205.

  The first light source 203 a and the second light source 203 b are light sources that irradiate light onto the imaging area 70 a of the imaging element 204. Specifically, the first light source 203a is a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and is a light source that emits light having a wavelength in the visible light region. The second light source 203b is an ultraviolet light emitting diode, an infrared light emitting diode, or the like, and is a light source that emits light having a wavelength outside the visible light region. In the present embodiment, an ultraviolet light emitting diode is used as the second light source 203b. The imaging area 70a is an area where the camera 20 can capture images in one frame. The imaging element 204 images the imaging area 70a based on the irradiation light from the first light source 203a or the second light source 203b.

  Here, imaging of the barcode and service display by the camera 20 will be described. Specifically, the relationship between the product processed by the product code reading device 2 and the imaging area 70a of the camera 20 will be described as an example. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bar code label 61 and the discount label L1. A region surrounded by a two-dot chain line in the figure indicates an imaging area 70a. In addition to the barcode label 61, a discount label L1, which is an example of service display, is attached to the product 60 shown in FIG.

  On the bar code label 61, the product name “pig rose thin cut”, the product price “200 yen”, the bar code 62, and the like are displayed. The bar code 62 incorporates information such as a product code as product information necessary for registering the sales data of the product 60 at the POS terminal 3. In addition, the product code “2101234567890” incorporated in the barcode 62 is displayed in the lower part of the barcode 62 as a number. The discount label L1 is service information related to the product 60, and character information “50 yen discount from display price” indicating the discount amount is displayed under visible light. Further, a bar code 63 including service information corresponding to the service display described above is displayed on the discount label L1. The bar code 63 incorporates information such as a code (“XXXXXXX” in the illustrated example) obtained by encoding service information such as discount and point addition according to a predetermined rule.

  The bar code 63 is printed with a paint that fluoresces with ultraviolet light, which is light having a wavelength outside the visible light region. Therefore, the barcode 63 cannot be seen under visible light from the first light source 203a and is not included in an image captured by the camera 20, but fluoresces under ultraviolet light from the second light source 203b. Therefore, it is included in the image captured by the camera 20. As described above, the discount label L1 detects the barcode 63 with light outside the visible light region, thereby improving the design, such as making the display “50 yen discount from the display price” stand out. Thus, the presence of the discount label L1 can be made conspicuous. For this reason, the customer attraction effect by the discount label L1 can be expected. Further, since the barcode 63 is not visible to the customer's eyes and is detected by irradiating light outside the visible light region, it is useful for preventing counterfeiting of the discount label L1.

  As the service display described above, any service display may be used as long as it displays a service related to a service attached to the product 60 and given when the product 60 is purchased. Other examples of service display include a discount label that displays the discount rate of the product 60, and a point premium that displays the number of points that are given to the customer who has purchased the product 60 in addition to the normal number of points granted It may be a label or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the memory 45 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores various setting information in the product code reading device 2. The various setting information stored in the memory 45 includes, for example, a rule for decoding the barcode 63 read by the camera 20 into service information.

  Here, a functional configuration of the product code reading device 2 realized by the CPU 50 executing the program will be described. The CPU 50 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 42 expanded in the RAM 43, so that as shown in FIG. 2, the image data capturing unit 51, the barcode reading unit 52, the label reading unit 53, and the information output unit 54 and the camera control unit 55.

  The image data capturing unit 51 outputs an imaging on signal to the camera controller 49 to cause the camera 20 to start an imaging operation. The image data capturing unit 51 captures the image data in the imaging area 70 a captured by the camera 20 after the start of the imaging operation, and stores it in the image work area of the RAM 43.

  The barcode reading unit 52 detects a barcode included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51. Specifically, barcode detection is performed from a captured image using a pattern matching technique, and a two-dimensional code is detected from a predetermined finder pattern. The barcode reader 52 reads the code information corresponding to the detected barcode by converting the detected barcode into code information (for example, JAN code) according to a predetermined rule.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the barcode reader 52 detects the barcode 62, and the product code “2101234567890” corresponding to the barcode 62 is read. Further, when the barcode 63 is detected by the barcode reading unit 52 under the ultraviolet light from the second light source 203b, the code “XXXXXXX” corresponding to the barcode 63 is read.

  The label reading unit 53 detects a service display included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51 and reads the service display. Specifically, the label reading unit 53 detects the label by image recognition technology based on information indicating the characteristics (frame line, shape, etc.) of the label for service display, which is preset in the ROM 42 or the like. To do. The label reading unit 53 performs character recognition processing such as OCR (Optical Character Reader) around the detected label position, thereby displaying service indications such as discounts, discount rates, and grant points displayed on the labels. read. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the discount label L <b> 1 is detected by the label reading unit 53. Next, characters such as “50 yen” and “deduction” written on the discount label L1 are recognized, and a service display for discounting 50 yen is read.

  The information output unit 54 outputs code information such as a product code read from the barcode 62 and a code read from the barcode 63 to the POS terminal 3 via the communication I / F 44 as read information. The information output unit 54 may output at least one of the product code read from the barcode 62 and the code read from the barcode 63 to the POS terminal 3 as read information. This is because some products do not have the discount label L1 attached, and only the product code may be read from the barcode 62.

  The camera control unit 55 controls imaging of the camera 20 by the camera controller 49. Specifically, imaging is performed based on the product code corresponding to the barcode 62 included in the image captured by the image sensor 204 based on the light emitted from the first light source 203a and the light emitted from the second light source 203b. The irradiation of the first light source 203a and the second light source 203b in the camera 20 and the imaging by the image sensor 204 are performed so that the barcode reading unit 52 reads the code corresponding to the barcode 63 included in the image. Control (details will be described later).

  Next, the operation of the product code reading device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the product code reading apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the process is started, the image data capturing unit 51 outputs an imaging on signal to the camera controller 49 and starts imaging by the camera 20 (S1). Next, the camera control unit 55 causes the first light source 203a to emit visible light (S2). Next, the image data capturing unit 51 captures the image data in the imaging area 70a captured by the camera 20 under visible light and stores it in the image work area of the RAM 43 (S3). Next, the barcode reading unit 52 detects a barcode included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51, and performs a barcode reading process for reading code information corresponding to the detected barcode (S4). . In S4, the barcode 62 illustrated in FIG. 4 is read under visible light from the first light source 203a.

  Next, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the service display has been read by the label reading unit 53 from the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51, thereby reducing the price of the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51. It is determined whether or not the label L1 is included (S5). When the discount label L1 is not included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51 (S5: NO), the CPU 50 advances the process to S9.

  When the discount label L1 is included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51 (S5: YES), the camera control unit 55 causes the second light source 203b to emit ultraviolet light (S6). Next, the image data capturing unit 51 captures the image data in the imaging area 70a captured by the camera 20 under ultraviolet light and stores it in the image work area of the RAM 43 (S7). Next, the barcode reading unit 52 detects a barcode included in the image captured by the image data capturing unit 51, and performs a barcode reading process for reading code information corresponding to the detected barcode (S8). , The process proceeds to S9. In S8, the barcode 63 illustrated in FIG. 4 is read under ultraviolet light from the second light source 203b.

  In this manner, when the service display is read by the label reading unit 53 when the product control code is read from the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source 203a, the camera control unit 55 displays the service display. In order to read the service information corresponding to the above, imaging based on the irradiation light from the first light source 203a is performed. Therefore, when the discount label L1 is not attached to the product 60, the process for reading the barcode 63 by irradiating the second light source 203b can be omitted.

  In S9, the information output unit 54 uses the POS terminal via the communication I / F 44 as code information such as a product code read by the bar code reading unit 52 from the bar code 62 and a code read from the bar code 63. 3 (S9).

  Next, the CPU 50 determines the presence / absence of business end from the POS terminal 3 based on a product registration end notification or the like (S10). When the business is continued (S10: NO), the CPU 50 returns the process to S2 and continues the process. When the job is to be ended (S10: YES), the CPU 50 outputs an imaging off signal to the camera controller 49, ends the imaging by the camera 20 (S11), and ends the process.

  As described above, the camera control unit 55 receives the product code corresponding to the barcode 62 included in the image captured based on the irradiation light from the first light source 203a and the irradiation light from the second light source 203b. Control the irradiation with the first light source 203a and the second light source 203b and the imaging with the camera 20 so that the barcode reading unit 52 can read the code corresponding to the barcode 63 included in the captured image. is doing. Therefore, the product code reading device 2 is a case where the bar code 63 such as the discount label L1 attached to the product is detected by light outside the visible light region so as not to be seen by the customer's eyes. Can also be read together with the barcode 62.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the embodiment described above, a configuration in which an ultraviolet light emitting diode is used as the second light source 203b and the barcode 63 printed with paint that fluoresces with ultraviolet light is read is illustrated. In another embodiment, an infrared light emitting diode is used as the second light source 203b and the barcode 63 is read under infrared light. The configuration and operation of the product code reading device 2 are the same except that an infrared light emitting diode is used as the second light source 203b. In other embodiments, the barcode 63 cannot be seen under visible light, and only the configuration that allows viewing under infrared light is different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discount label L1a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the barcode 63 is printed on the discount label L1a. The discount label L1a is configured to cover the upper surface of the barcode 63 with a light absorption / infrared transmission filter (IR filter). Therefore, the barcode 63 is imaged through a light absorption / infrared transmission filter when irradiated with light having a wavelength in the infrared region by the second light source 203b, and under visible light by the first light source 203a. I can't see it. For this reason, the discount label L1a can improve the design and make the presence of the discount label L1a conspicuous, such as making the display of “50 yen discount from the display price” stand out like the discount label L1.

  The program executed by the product code reading device 2 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. The program executed by the product code reading apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. You may comprise so that it may record and provide on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the program executed by the product code reading device 2 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the product code reading device 2 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the product code reading device 2 of the present embodiment includes the above-described units (image data capturing unit 51, barcode reading unit 52, label reading unit 53, information output unit 54, camera control unit 55). The module is configured, and as actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the ROM and executes it, so that the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the image data capturing unit 51, barcode reading The unit 52, the label reading unit 53, the information output unit 54, and the camera control unit 55 are generated on the main storage device.

2 Product code reader 3 POS terminal 4 Checkout lane system 20 Camera 21 Reading window 42 ROM
50 CPU
51 Image Data Acquisition Unit 52 Barcode Reading Unit 53 Label Reading Unit 54 Information Output Unit 55 Camera Control Unit 60 Product 61 Barcode Label 62, 63 Barcode 70a Imaging Area 203a First Light Source 203b Second Light Source 204 Imaging Element L1, L1a discount labels

JP 2008-33640 A

Claims (6)

Imaging means for imaging based on irradiation light from a first light source that emits light having a wavelength in the visible light region or a second light source that emits light having a wavelength outside the visible light region;
Image capturing means for capturing an image captured by the image capturing means;
Code reading means for detecting code symbols included in the captured image and reading code information corresponding to the code symbols;
Code information corresponding to the first code symbol included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source and a second image included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the second light source. Control means for controlling irradiation of the first light source and the second light source and imaging by the imaging means so that the code reading means reads code information corresponding to the code symbol of
Output means for outputting at least one of code information corresponding to the first code symbol and code information corresponding to the second code symbol read by the code reading means as read information;
A product code reading device comprising: The second light source emits light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region;
The second code symbol is fluorescent with light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region;
The product code reading device according to claim 1. The second light source emits light having a wavelength in the infrared region,
The second code symbol is imaged through a light absorption / infrared transmission filter;
The product code reading device according to claim 1. The code information corresponding to the first code symbol includes a product code for identifying a product,
The code information corresponding to the second code symbol includes service information corresponding to a service indication;
The product code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Service display reading means for reading the service display included in the image captured based on the irradiation light from the first light source;
The control means corresponds to the service display when the service display is read by the service display reading means when reading the product code from the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source. Performing imaging based on irradiation light from the second light source so as to read service information;
The product code reader according to claim 4. Product of product code reading apparatus having imaging means for imaging based on irradiation light from first light source that emits light of wavelength in visible light region or second light source that emits light of wavelength outside visible light region A code reading method,
An image capturing step for capturing an image captured by the imaging means;
A code reading step of detecting a code symbol included in the captured image and reading code information corresponding to the code symbol;
Code information corresponding to the first code symbol included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the first light source and a second image included in the image captured based on the light emitted from the second light source. A control step for controlling irradiation in the first light source and the second light source and imaging by the imaging means so as to read the code information corresponding to the code symbol;
An output step of outputting at least one of code information corresponding to the first code symbol and code information corresponding to the second code symbol read by the code reading step as read information;
A product code reading method comprising:

Images