JP7349862B2 - Product registration device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device and a program.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in retail stores (stores) such as supermarkets, product codes such as JAN (Japanese Article Number) codes are read from code symbols (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) attached to products. In addition, in stores, customers register the products they purchase (sales registration) based on the read product codes.

Further, conventionally, a reading device has been proposed in which a product is conveyed on a conveyance path such as a belt conveyor and a code symbol attached to the product is imaged with a camera or the like installed in the middle of the conveyance path. In such reading devices, multiple cameras are used to capture images of code symbols in order to prevent over-reading of product codes.

However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, for example, if a product with a code symbol is transported with other products superimposed on its surface, the state cannot be detected, and the product code that can be read cannot be detected. Sales will be registered within the range. As described above, in the conventional technology, there is a possibility that over-reading of product codes may occur when products are transported in a stacked state, and there is room for further improvement.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device and a program that can register the sales of products transported along a transport path.

The product registration device of the embodiment includes a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, and a sales registration means. The first acquisition means acquires first height information indicating the height of the product transported along the transport path from a detection unit that detects the height of the product on the transport path. The second acquisition means calculates the height of the product on the conveyance path based on captured images taken by a plurality of imaging units that image the product being conveyed on the conveyance path from different positions and angles. Obtain the second height information indicated. If the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold, the sales registration means registers the product based on identification information for identifying the product included in the captured image. Register sales.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the product according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of a superimposed state of products according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product sales data processing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a product master according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product sales data processing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of product sales data processing executed by the product sales data processing device of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of a superimposed state of products according to Modification 2 of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a product registration device and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a product sales data processing system that can perform product sales registration and accounting processing. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the product sales data processing system 1 includes a reading device 10 and a product sales data processing device 20.

The reading device 10 is a device that performs processing for reading information regarding the product H from the product H that a customer purchases. As a reading tool, the reading device 10 includes a product placement table 11, a base 12, a loading table 13, a height sensor 15, and an imaging section 16.

The product placement stand 11 is a stand on which a customer temporarily places a product H to be purchased. The base 12 is a casing that connects the product placement platform 11 and the loading platform 13. The base 12 includes a belt conveyor 14 that moves from the product placement platform 11 toward the loading platform 13.

The belt conveyor 14 forms a conveyance path for conveying the product H from the product placement table 11 toward the loading platform 13. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the belt conveyor 14 is composed of two units, a belt conveyor 14a and a belt conveyor 14b. The belt conveyor 14a and the belt conveyor 14b are driven by a drive motor (not shown) or the like, and move in the conveyance direction indicated by arrow A1 in the figure, that is, in the direction along the Y axis.

Further, the belt conveyor 14a and the belt conveyor 14b are arranged horizontally with a predetermined gap G1 provided therebetween. Although the size of the gap G1 is not particularly limited, it is preferably set to a size that allows the product H to be transported from the product placement table 11 side to the loading platform 13 side without any delay. Specifically, the gap G1 is preferably set to a value smaller than the length of the side having the minimum length among the sides of each product H to be transported.

The height sensor 15 is an example of a detection section. The height sensor 15 detects first height information indicating the height on the conveyance path of the product H conveyed on the conveyance path (belt conveyor 14). Specifically, the height sensor 15 is installed above the belt conveyor 14 and detects the height from the placement surface of the belt conveyor 14 to the top surface of the product H as first height information. The first height information of the product H read by the detection is output as information regarding the product H to the product sales data processing device 20 via a connection line (not shown) or the like. Note that the height sensor 15 can be realized by, for example, a reflective laser displacement sensor, an ultrasonic displacement sensor, or the like.

The imaging unit 16 is an example of an imaging unit. A plurality of imaging units 16 are provided around the belt conveyor 14 and take images of the products H being transported on the transport path (belt conveyor 14) from different positions and angles. FIG. 1 shows an example in which six imaging units 16 (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f) are provided around the belt conveyor 14.

Here, the imaging unit 16a is installed above the belt conveyor 14, and its imaging direction is directed downward. The imaging unit 16a images the top surface of the product H being conveyed by the belt conveyor 14. Further, the imaging section 16b and the imaging section 16c are arranged on both sides of the belt conveyor 14, and the imaging direction thereof is directed toward the opposite shore, which is horizontal to the mounting surface of the belt conveyor 14. The imaging units 16b and 16c each take images of the side surfaces of the product H conveyed by the belt conveyor 14. Further, the imaging section 16d is installed above the belt conveyor 14, and its imaging direction is directed toward the downstream side of the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. The image capturing unit 16d captures an image of the front side (the surface facing the conveyance direction) of the product H being conveyed by the belt conveyor 14. Further, the imaging unit 16e is installed above the belt conveyor 14, and its imaging direction is directed upstream in the conveyance direction of the belt conveyor 14. The image capturing unit 16e captures an image of the back side (the surface facing opposite to the conveying direction) of the product H being conveyed by the belt conveyor 14. Further, the imaging section 16f is provided below the gap G1 between the belt conveyor 14a and the belt conveyor 14b, and its imaging direction is directed upward. The imaging unit 16f images the bottom surface of the product H conveyed by the belt conveyor 14.

That is, the imaging unit 16 of this embodiment images the product H conveyed by the belt conveyor 14 from six directions. The captured image of the product H read by the image capture is output as information regarding the product H to the product sales data processing device 20 via a connection line (not shown) or the like. In FIG. 1, the imaging unit 16 is provided downstream of the height sensor 15 in the transport direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided upstream of the height sensor 15 in the transport direction.

The loading platform 13 is a platform for bagging the products H transported by the belt conveyor 14. The product H conveyed by the belt conveyor 14 is pushed out and placed on the loading table 13 by the conveying force of the belt conveyor 14. For example, the customer can bag the products H placed on the loading table 13.

The product sales data processing device 20 is an example of a product registration device. The product sales data processing device 20 performs sales registration and accounting processing for products purchased by customers based on the information read by the reading device 10. The configuration of the product sales data processing device 20 will be described later.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the product H to be transported by the reading device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the product H.

As shown in FIG. 2, the product H has a box-like shape, for example. A code symbol C such as a barcode or two-dimensional code is attached to one of the six sides of the product H by printing or pasting. The code symbol C holds a product code (identification information) for identifying the product to which the code symbol C is attached.

Here, it is assumed that the surface to which the code symbol C is attached (hereinafter referred to as the specific surface Ha) is determined in advance for each type of product H. It is also assumed that the direction in which the code symbol C is attached within the specific plane Ha is also determined in advance. For example, when the code symbol C is a barcode, the barcode is arranged so that the long side of the barcode is parallel to the long side of the specific surface Ha. Further, for example, when the code symbol C is a QR code (registered trademark), three finder patterns (cutout symbols) are arranged so as to correspond to (oppose) a specific corner of the specific surface Ha.

A customer purchasing the product H places the product H on the belt conveyor 14 to have the product H transported in the direction of the loading table 13. During the process of being transported by the belt conveyor 14, the height of the product H is detected by the height sensor 15 and the image is captured by the imaging unit 16.

With the configuration of the imaging unit 16 of the reading device 10 described above, each side of the product H can be imaged, so no matter what state the product H is placed in, there is no code in any of the images captured by the imaging unit 16. Symbol C will be included. The product sales data processing device 20 reads a product code from the code symbol C included in the captured image, and registers sales based on the read product code.

However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the products H are stacked on the belt conveyor 14, the code symbol C attached to the product H1 on the lower stage is covered by the product H2 on the upper stage. Therefore, the code symbol of product H1 on the lower side cannot be read. In this case, since sales registration is performed within the range of product codes that can be read, only sales registration for product H2 can be performed, resulting in over-reading of product H1. Note that FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of a superimposed state of the products H.

Therefore, the product sales data processing device 20 of this embodiment has a configuration for detecting that the products H are placed on the belt conveyor 14 in a stacked state. The configuration of the product sales data processing device 20 will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product sales data processing device 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the product sales data processing device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23.

The CPU 21 is an example of a processor, and controls the operation of the product sales data processing device 20 in an integrated manner. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 is a workspace in which programs and various data are developed. The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are connected to each other via a bus 24. The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 constitute a control section 200 of a computer configuration. In the control unit 200, the CPU 21 executes various processes by operating according to control programs stored in the ROM 22 and the storage unit 25 and developed in the RAM 23.

Further, the control section 200 is connected to a storage section 25 via a bus 24. The storage unit 25 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a flash memory, etc., and maintains the stored contents even if the power is cut off. The storage unit 25 stores, for example, a control program 251 and a product master 252.

The control program 251 is a control program for controlling the product sales data processing device 20. The product master 252 is an example of setting information, and stores information regarding each product H sold within the store.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product master 252. As shown in FIG. 5, the product master 252 stores product information such as product name and price in association with the product code of each product H. Here, the product code is an example of a product identifier that can identify the type of each product H. The product name is information indicating the name of the product specified by the product code. The price is information indicating the unit price of the product H specified by the product code.

In addition, the product master 252 stores, in association with the product code of each product H, size information indicating the size of the product specified by the product code. The size information can be represented by three elements, W (Width), H (Height), and D (Depth), which indicate the length of each side of the product H, for example. Here, W, H, and D are preferably set based on the specific surface Ha of the product H. For example, the length of the short side of the specific surface Ha may be W, the length of the long side of the specific surface Ha may be H, and the length of the side in the depth direction orthogonal to the specific surface Ha may be D.

Returning to FIG. 4, a communication unit 26 is connected to the control unit 200 via a bus 24. The communication unit 26 is a communication interface connectable to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 26 communicates with a store server (not shown), which is a host device of the product sales data processing device 20, an information processing device installed at a service counter in the store, and the like.

Further, a display section 28, an operation section 29, a printer 30, a deposit/withdrawal section 31, a card reader 32, etc. are connected to the control section 200 via a bus 24 and an input/output controller 27.

The display unit 28 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays information under the control of the control unit 200. The operation unit 29 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 28, and outputs key information according to an operator's operation to the control unit 200. For example, the operation unit 29 cooperates with the display unit 28 to display various operators related to the operation of the product sales data processing device 20 on the display unit 28 .

The printer 30 prints receipts related to product sales registration and accounting processing performed by the control unit 200. The deposit/withdrawal unit 31 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores money (coins, banknotes) by denomination, and performs processing for depositing payment amounts, dispensing change, and the like. The card reader 32 reads a credit card or the like used to pay for a product.

Further, the reading device 10 is connected to the control unit 200 via a bus 24 and an input/output controller 27. For example, the above-mentioned first height information and captured image are input from the reading device 10 . Note that the reading device 10 may be connected to the product sales data processing device 20 via an interface such as the communication section 26.

Next, the functional configuration of the product sales data processing device 20 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product sales data processing device 20. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the product sales data processing device 20 includes a first acquisition unit 201, a product identification unit 202, a second acquisition unit 203, a comparison unit 204, a sales registration unit 205, and an accounting process. section 206 as a functional section. Some or all of these functional units may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (CPU 21) and various programs (for example, control program 251) stored in memory (ROM 22, storage unit 25). good. Further, some or all of these functional units may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like.

The first acquisition unit 201 is an example of a first acquisition means. The first acquisition unit 201 acquires first height information detected by the reading device 10 (height sensor 15). The product identification unit 202 acquires captured images captured by the reading device 10 (each of the imaging units 16). Further, the product identification unit 202 detects a code symbol C from the captured image and reads the product code included in the detected code symbol C, thereby identifying the type of the product H conveyed on the belt conveyor 14.

The second acquisition unit 203 is an example of second acquisition means. The second acquisition unit 203 acquires second height information indicating the height on the conveyance path of the product H conveyed on the belt conveyor 14 based on the captured image acquired by the product identification unit 202. .

Specifically, based on the product code read by the product specifying unit 202, the second acquisition unit 203 reads size information stored in association with the product code from the product master 252. Next, the second acquisition unit 203 determines the orientation of the product H being conveyed on the belt conveyor 14 based on the arrangement position of the imaging unit 16 that is the source of the captured image containing the product code. Then, the second acquisition unit 203 specifies the length in the height direction of the determined posture of the product H from among the lengths of H, W, and D included in the read size information, and determines the length in the height direction of the determined posture of the product H. Obtained as information.

For example, when the code symbol C is detected from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 16a, the second acquisition unit 203 determines that the product H is placed with the specific surface Ha facing upward. do. In this case, the second acquisition unit 203 extracts the length of D corresponding to the depth direction of the specific surface Ha from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information, using the second height information. Get as. Further, for example, when the code symbol C is detected from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 16f, the second acquisition unit 203 detects that the product H is placed with the specific surface Ha facing downward. It is determined that In this case, the second acquisition unit 203 extracts the length of D corresponding to the depth direction of the specific surface Ha from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information, using the second height information. Get as.

Further, for example, when the code symbol C is detected from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 16b or 16c, the second acquisition unit 203 detects that the product H is oriented with the specific surface Ha in the lateral direction of the transport path. It is determined that it is placed in a state where the In this case, the second acquisition unit 203 determines whether the product H is placed with the long side of the specific surface Ha upright or horizontally, based on the orientation of the code symbol C expressed in the captured image. Determine whether it is placed in the state. If it is determined that the specific surface Ha is placed with the long side upright, the second acquisition unit 203 selects the specific surface Ha from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information. The length of H corresponding to the long side of is acquired as second height information. Further, when it is determined that the specific surface Ha is placed with the long side horizontally, the second acquisition unit 203 selects one of the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information. The length of W corresponding to the short side of the specific surface Ha is acquired as second height information.

Further, for example, when the code symbol C is detected from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 16d or the imaging unit 16e, the second acquisition unit 203 detects that the product H is transported in the transport direction or opposite to the transport direction. It is determined that the state is placed facing the direction. In this case, the second acquisition unit 203 determines whether the product H is placed with the long side of the specific surface Ha upright or horizontally, based on the orientation of the code symbol expressed in the captured image. to determine whether it is placed. If it is determined that the specific surface Ha is placed with the long side upright, the second acquisition unit 203 selects the specific surface Ha from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information. The length of H corresponding to the long side of is acquired as second height information. Further, when it is determined that the specific surface Ha is placed with the long side horizontally, the second acquisition unit 203 selects one of the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information. The length of W corresponding to the short side of the specific surface Ha is acquired as second height information.

Note that in the above method, the second acquisition unit 203 determines the product H based on the placement position of the imaging unit 16 that captured the captured image in which the code symbol C was detected and the orientation of the code symbol C in the captured image. Although this is a form of determining the posture of the user, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second acquisition unit 203 may determine the posture of the product H by analyzing the shape of the product H shown in the captured image.

The comparison unit 204 compares the first height information detected by the height sensor 15 and the second height information acquired by the second acquisition unit 203. Furthermore, the comparison unit 204 determines whether the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold value. Here, it is assumed that the threshold value can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable to set the threshold value to such an extent that the first height information and the second height information are approximately equal.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when products H (H1, H2) are transported in a superimposed state, the height sensor 15 adjusts the height of the superimposed products H1 and H2 to a first height. Detected as information. Furthermore, since the product identification unit 202 reads only the code symbol of the product H2 in the upper row, the second acquisition unit 203 obtains the height (D) of the product H2 as second height information. In this case, since the first height information and the second height information are different, the comparison unit 204 determines that the difference between the first height information and the second height information deviates from the threshold value.

In this manner, the product sales data processing device 20 can detect the overlapping state of the product H based on the comparison result between the first height information and the second height information.

Note that in order to maintain the sameness between the product H for which the first height information has been acquired and the product H for which the second height information has been acquired, the comparison unit 204 compares the first height information with the corresponding product H. The second height information is compared with second height information derived from a captured image taken a predetermined time after the timing at which the first height information was acquired. Here, the predetermined time can be set depending on the distance between the position where the height sensor 15 is placed on the conveyance path of the belt conveyor 14 and the imaging range of the imaging unit 16, and the conveyance speed of the belt conveyor 14. can.

The sales registration unit 205 is an example of sales registration means. Based on the product code read by the product specifying unit 202, the sales registration unit 205 registers the sales of the product H corresponding to the product code.

Specifically, the sales registration unit 205 obtains the product information of the corresponding product H by comparing the product code read by the product specifying unit 202 with each product code stored in the product master 252. Then, the sales registration unit 205 registers the sales of the product H purchased by the customer by temporarily storing the product code read by the product identification unit 202 or the product information acquired based on the product code in the RAM 23 or the like.

Furthermore, the sales registration unit 205 determines whether sales registration is possible based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 204. Specifically, if the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold, the sales registration unit 205 registers the above-mentioned sales based on the product code read by the product identification unit 202. Perform registration.

On the other hand, if the difference between the first height information and the second height information exceeds the threshold, the sales registration unit 205 suppresses the sales registration of the product code read by the product identification unit 202. Further, in this case, the sales registration unit 205 performs notification by displaying a screen notifying the error on the display unit 28 or transmitting information notifying the error to the host device.

In this way, in the product sales data processing device 20, when products H are transported in a superimposed state, sales registration of the products H is suppressed and the occurrence of an error is notified. Thereby, the product sales data processing device 20 can prevent over-reading of products H due to overlapping transportation of products H.

The accounting processing unit 206 executes accounting processing based on product information whose sales have been registered. Specifically, the accounting processing unit 206 calculates the total price of the products H purchased by the customer based on the prices included in the product information of each product H whose sales have been registered. Then, the accounting processing unit 206 calculates the amount of change by subtracting the total price of the product H from the payment amount deposited via the deposit/withdrawal unit 31 etc., and discharges the calculated amount as change to the deposit/withdrawal unit 31. let

The operation of the above-mentioned product sales data processing device 20 will be explained below. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of product sales data processing executed by the product sales data processing device 20. Note that this process is based on the assumption that the reading device 10 is transporting the product H in the background.

First, the first acquisition unit 201 determines whether first height information has been input from the reading device 10 (step S11). When the first height information is input from the reading device 10, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first height information (step S12), and causes the process to proceed to step S13. Furthermore, if the first height information is not input (step S11; No), the first acquisition unit 201 causes the process to proceed to step S22.

In the following step S13, the product specifying unit 202 waits until a captured image is input from the reading device 10 (step S13; No). When the captured image is input from the reading device 10 (step S13; Yes), the product identification unit 202 detects the code symbol C from the captured image (step S14). Next, the product identification unit 202 reads the product code from the detected code symbol C, and identifies the product corresponding to the product code (step S15).

Next, the second acquisition unit 203 determines whether the belt conveyor 14 is determined (step S16). Next, the second acquisition unit 203 acquires second height information from the size information of the product specified in step S15, based on the posture of the product H determined in step S16 (step S17).

Next, the comparison unit 204 compares the first height information acquired in step S12 and the second height information acquired in step S17 (step S18), and calculates the height indicated by both height information. It is determined whether the difference in height is within a threshold value (step S19).

Here, if the difference between the first height information and the second height information deviates from the threshold (step S19; Yes), the sales registration unit 205 suppresses the sales registration of the product identified in step S15. Then, the error occurrence is notified (step S20). The sales registration unit 205 then ends this process. Note that in this case, the sales registration unit 205 may stop driving the belt conveyor 14 by controlling the reading device 10.

On the other hand, if the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within the threshold (step S19; Yes), the sales registration unit 205 registers the sales of the product identified in step S15 (step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

In the following step S22, the accounting processing unit 206 determines whether or not the operation of the subtotal key has been accepted (step S22). If the subtotal key is not operated (step S22; No), the accounting processing unit 206 returns the process to step S11.

If the subtotal key is operated (step S22; Yes), the accounting processing unit 206 executes accounting processing based on the product information of each product whose sales have been registered (step S23), and ends this process.

As described above, the reading device 10 acquires the first height information indicating the height of the product H and the captured image of the product H in the process of conveying the product H by the belt conveyor 14, It is output to the product sales data processing device 20. The product sales data processing device 20 acquires second height information indicating the height of the product H that can be read from the captured image based on the captured image, and compares it with the first height information. Then, the product sales data processing device 20 determines whether the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold value, and if it is within the threshold value, executes sales registration of the product H, If the threshold value is exceeded, sales registration will be suppressed.

Thereby, the product sales data processing device 20 can detect whether or not the product H is transported in a superimposed state based on the comparison result between the first height information and the second height information. , only the product H transported as a single item can be subject to sales registration.

Furthermore, when the difference between the first height information and the second height information deviates from the threshold value, the product sales data processing device 20 suppresses the sales registration of the product H and issues an error notification. As a result, the product sales data processing device 20 can exclude the product H in the superimposed state, which may be overwritten, from the sales registration target, so that the transaction (accounting process) is not proceeded with in an inappropriate state. You can prevent this from happening.

Note that the above-described embodiment can be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing part of the configuration or function of the product sales data processing system 1. Therefore, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that, below, points that are different from the embodiments described above will be mainly explained, and detailed explanations of points that are common to those already explained will be omitted. Further, the modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combinations.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the product sales data processing device 20 performs the sales registration of the product H. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reading device 10 may perform the sales registration. For example, the reading device 10 includes the computer configuration of the product sales data processing device 20 described above, functional units such as the first acquisition unit 201, the product identification unit 202, the second acquisition unit 203, the comparison unit 204, and the sales registration unit 205. , product master 252, etc., sales can be registered on the reading device 10 side.

Alternatively, the product code may be output from the reading device 10 to the product sales data processing device 20. For example, the reading device 10 includes the functions of a first acquisition section 201, a product identification section 202, a second acquisition section 203, and a comparison section 204, so that the reading device 10 can distinguish between first height information and second height information. The configuration may be such that only products (product codes) for which the difference between the two is within a threshold are output to the product sales data processing device 20. Further, in this case, the reading device 10 may notify the product sales data processing device 20 of an error on condition that the difference between the first height information and the second height information deviates from a threshold value. , the conveyance by the belt conveyor 14 may be stopped.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, when the products are conveyed in a superimposed state, sales registration of the products is suppressed. However, as shown in FIG. 8, when products H (H1, H2) are superimposed with code symbols C exposed, each code symbol C cannot be included in the captured image by the imaging unit 16. Therefore, the product code of each product H can be read. Note that FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of a superimposed state of the products H.

Therefore, when multiple product codes can be read from images captured by the imaging unit 16, the second acquisition unit 203 and the comparison unit 204 operate as follows, so that the products are transported in the superimposed state shown in FIG. The product H can be subject to sales registration.

First, based on each product code read by the product specifying unit 202, the second acquisition unit 203 reads size information stored in association with the product code from the product master 252. Next, the second acquisition unit 203 determines the attitude of the product H conveyed on the belt conveyor 14 based on the placement position of the imaging unit 16 that is the source of the captured image containing the product code. (product code). Then, the second acquisition unit 203 identifies the length in the height direction in the determined posture of the product H from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the read size information, and determines the length in the height direction in the determined posture of the product H. This information is obtained for each product H (product code).

For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, the second acquisition unit 203 determines the posture of the lower product H1 by placing the product H1 in a state in which the specific surface Ha is oriented in the lateral direction of the conveyance path and the long side of the specific surface Ha is horizontal. It is determined that the Then, the second acquisition unit 203 converts the length of W corresponding to the short side of the specific surface Ha from among the lengths of H, W, and D included in the size information of the product H1 into a second height. Obtain as information. The second acquisition unit 203 also determines that the product H2 in the upper row is placed with the specific surface Ha facing upward. Then, the second acquisition unit 203 extracts the length of D corresponding to the depth of the specific surface Ha from among the lengths H, W, and D included in the size information of the product H1 as second height information. Get as.

On the other hand, when the second acquisition unit 203 acquires a plurality of pieces of second height information, the comparison unit 204 adds the result of adding the values of the second height information and the first acquisition unit 201. The acquired first height information is compared. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, the sum of the second height information (W) of product H1 and the second height information (D) of product H2 (W+D) and the first height information Compare with.

Then, if the comparison result of the comparison unit 204 is within the threshold, the sales registration unit 205 registers the sales for each product code read by the product identification unit 202, and if the comparison result of the comparison unit 204 deviates from the threshold If this happens, sales registration will be suppressed and an error will be notified.

As a result, even if the products H are transported in a superimposed state, if the code symbol can be read from each product H, the sales of the product H can be registered.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the product registration device and program are applied to a product sales data processing system 1 in which customers themselves perform operations related to sales registration and accounting processing. However, the applicable device is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a product sales data processing device or system in which store clerks perform operations related to sales registration and accounting processing. Further, the present invention may be applied to a semi-self-type product sales data processing device (system) in which a sales clerk performs operations related to sales registration and a customer performs operations related to checkout processing.

Note that the programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM or the like. The programs executed on each device of the above-described embodiments are files in an installable or executable format and can be stored on a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded on a readable recording medium and provided.

Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above devices may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 Product sales data processing system 10 Reading device 11, 11a, 11b Belt conveyor 12 Base 13 Loading platform 14 Belt conveyor 15 Height sensor 16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f Imaging unit 20 Product sales data processing device 201 First acquisition section 202 Product identification section 203 Second acquisition section 204 Comparison section 205 Sales registration section 206 Accounting processing section 252 Product master H, H1, H2 Products

Special Publication No. 2004-535030

Claims (4)

a first acquisition unit that acquires first height information indicating the height of the product from a detection unit that detects the height of the product on the conveyance path;
Indicates captured images captured by a plurality of imaging units that capture images of the product being conveyed along the conveyance path from different positions and angles , identification information for identifying each of the products, and the length of each side of the product. Based on the setting information stored in association with the size information, the height direction of the product placed on the conveyance path is selected from among the size information stored in association with the identification information included in the captured image. a second acquisition means for acquiring the length of the side as second height information;
If the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold, sales of the product are registered based on identification information that identifies the product included in the captured image. Sales registration means,
Equipped with
The second acquisition means determines the posture of the product placed on the conveyance path based on the arrangement position of the imaging unit that captured the captured image including the identification information, and determines the height of the determined posture. A product registration device that acquires the length of a side in the horizontal direction as the second height information . 2. The sales registration means suppresses sales registration of the product and notifies an error when a difference between the first height information and the second height information exceeds a threshold value. Product registration device. A code symbol holding the identification information is attached in a predetermined direction on a specific surface of the product,
2. The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition means determines the attitude of the product placed on the conveyance path based on the orientation of the code symbol represented in the captured image. The computer of the product registration device,
a first acquisition unit that acquires first height information indicating the height of the product from a detection unit that detects the height of the product on the conveyance path;
Indicates captured images captured by a plurality of imaging units that capture images of the product being conveyed along the conveyance path from different positions and angles , identification information for identifying each of the products, and the length of each side of the product. Based on the setting information stored in association with the size information, the height direction of the product placed on the conveyance path is selected from among the size information stored in association with the identification information included in the captured image. a second acquisition means for acquiring the length of the side as second height information;
If the difference between the first height information and the second height information is within a threshold, sales of the product are registered based on identification information that identifies the product included in the captured image. Sales registration means,
Equipped with
The second acquisition means determines the posture of the product placed on the conveyance path based on the arrangement position of the imaging unit that captured the captured image including the identification information, and determines the height of the determined posture. acquiring the length of the side in the horizontal direction as the second height information;
A program to function as

Images