JP2012177992A - Information code reader and information code read method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate a read operation of an information code while suppressing a cost.SOLUTION: An information code reader 10 includes: an image pickup part 11 for picking up the image of a prescribed image pickup range 11a repeatedly; a moving part 12 for moving the image pickup range 11a of the image pickup part 11; an acquisition part 13 for acquiring the image picked up by the image pickup part 11; a read part 15 for detecting and reading an information code from the image acquired by the acquisition part 13; a detection part 14 for comparing the images acquired by the acquisition part 13 at different timing with each other and detecting a change position in the compared images; and a movement control part 16 for determining a moving direction on the basis of the change position detected by the detection part 14 and moving the image pickup range 11a of the image pickup part 11 in the determined moving direction for a prescribed distance by using the moving part 12.

Description

  The present case relates to an information code reading device for reading an information code and an information code reading method.

  For example, in a store such as a supermarket, a self-checkout system has been introduced that allows customers to pay for products themselves. The self-checkout system has a reading device equipped with a scanner. In the self-checkout system, a customer registers a product by placing a product with an information code such as a barcode in front of the scanner of the reading device.

  Some of such readers have an image scanner. A reading device having an image scanner detects an information code attached to a product from an image obtained by imaging the predetermined imaging range by the image scanner, and demodulates the detected information code.

  As an information code reader using an image scanner, for example, a camera that captures a range including a barcode reading range and outputs video information, and an information code symbol extracted from the video information and information in the imaging range A product code recognition device that acquires and outputs code symbol position information, and outputs a product code extracted from an information code symbol of video information, and a bar code that combines position information with video information and outputs it as a composite video There is a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal that includes a position information recording device and a video storage device that stores synthesized video information and position information as video information with position information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, for example, the barcode scanner is driven by detecting the center position, size, and angle with respect to the conveyance direction of the barcode from the position and inclination of the barcode area obtained by processing the image captured by the imaging camera, and the single line There is a bar code reader that always scans a pattern scanning laser beam in a direction perpendicular to the bar of the bar code (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-334493 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-21323

  However, in a reading apparatus having an image scanner, if the position where the product is deceived by the customer is out of the imaging range of the image scanner and only a part of the product is included in the imaging range, an information code is included in the captured image. The information code may not be read.

  On the other hand, for example, it is conceivable to set the imaging range wider, but in this case, an expensive wide-angle lens is required, and the amount of information of the captured image becomes large, so that the processing capability is expensive. CPU (Central Processing Unit) is required. This may significantly increase the cost of the reading device.

  In view of such a point, it is an object of the disclosed technology to provide an information code reading apparatus and an information code reading method that facilitate an information code reading operation while suppressing costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the following information code reading apparatus and information code reading method are provided.
The information code reader includes an imaging unit that repeatedly captures a predetermined imaging range, a moving unit that moves the imaging range of the imaging unit, an acquisition unit that acquires an image captured by the imaging unit, and an image acquired by the acquisition unit From the reading unit that detects and reads the information code, the acquisition unit compares the images acquired at different timings, detects the change position in the compared image, and based on the change position detected by the detection unit A movement control unit that determines a moving direction and moves the imaging range of the imaging unit by a predetermined distance in the moving direction.

  Further, the information code reading method includes an imaging step of repeatedly capturing an imaging range using an imaging unit, an acquisition step of acquiring an image captured by the imaging unit, and reading by detecting and reading an information code from the acquired image A step that compares images acquired at different timings, detects a change position in the compared images, determines a moving direction based on the detected change position, and moves that determines the imaging range of the imaging unit And a moving step of moving in the direction by a predetermined distance using the moving unit.

  According to the disclosed information code reading apparatus and information code reading method, it is possible to facilitate the reading operation of the information code while suppressing the cost.

It is a figure which shows an example of the reader which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the merchandise management apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware of the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image scanner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging range of the image scanner shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the control apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the movement procedure of the imaging range which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the captured image which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the rotation range of the motor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The information code reading device 10 includes an imaging unit 11, a moving unit 12, an acquiring unit 13, a detecting unit 14, a reading unit 15, and a movement control unit 16.
The imaging unit 11 repeatedly images the imaging range 11a. Here, the operator deceives the product 20 to which the information code 21 such as a barcode is attached so as to be included in the imaging range 11a.

  The moving unit 12 moves the imaging range 11 a of the imaging unit 11. The acquisition unit 13 acquires an image captured by the imaging unit 11. The reading unit 15 detects and reads the information code 21 from the image acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

  The detection unit 14 compares the images acquired by the acquisition unit 13 at different timings, and detects a change position in the compared images. For example, when the product 20 is not included in the image acquired at the previous timing and a part of the product 20 is included in the image acquired at the later timing, the position where the part of the product 20 appears. Is detected as the change position.

  The movement control unit 16 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected by the detection unit 14, and moves the imaging range 11a of the imaging unit 11 using the movement unit 12 by a predetermined distance in the determined movement direction.

Next, a processing procedure by the information code reading device 10 will be described.
First, the detection unit 14 compares images acquired by the acquisition unit 13 at different timings, and detects a change position in the compared images.

  Next, the movement control unit 16 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected by the detection unit 14, and moves the imaging range 11a of the imaging unit 11 using the movement unit 12 by a predetermined distance in the determined movement direction. . For example, the movement control unit 16 determines the direction in which the change position is located as viewed from the center point of the image as the movement direction.

  For example, when the change position is detected in the upper part of the image, the movement control unit 16 determines the movement direction to be upward. When the change position is detected on the right side of the image, the movement control unit 16 determines the movement direction to the right. By moving the imaging range 11a in this way, a wider part of the product 20 is included in the imaging range 11a.

  Thus, in the information code reader 10, the detection unit 14 compares the images acquired at different timings by the acquisition unit 13, and detects a change position in the compared images. Further, the movement control unit 16 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected by the detection unit 14, and moves the imaging range 11a of the imaging unit 11 using the movement unit 12 by a predetermined distance in the determined movement direction.

  According to this, even when only a part of the product 20 is included in the imaging range 11a and the information code 21 attached to the product 20 cannot be read, the imaging range 11a moves and the product 20 A wide portion is included in the imaging range 11a. This makes it possible to detect and read the information code from the captured image.

  That is, the information code reading device 10 can read the information code 21 attached to the product 20 even when the position where the product 20 is deceived by the operator is out of the imaging range 11 a of the imaging unit 11. Therefore, the reading operation of the information code 21 can be facilitated.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an embodiment in which the information code reading device 10 of the first embodiment is applied to a product management device used in a self-checkout system will be described as a second embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a merchandise management apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The merchandise management apparatus 30 includes a main body 31 and mounting tables 32 and 33 attached to both sides of the main body 31. The product before settlement is placed on the mounting table 32. Note that information codes such as barcodes are attached to the products.

  The main body 31 is provided with a scanner window 34 and a display screen 35. Further, the main body 31 incorporates an information code reading device having an image scanner. The image scanner is located behind the scanner window 34.

  When the user places the product in front of the scanner window 34, the information code attached to the product is imaged by the image scanner through the scanner window 34 and is read by the information code reader. Thereby, registration of goods is performed. On the mounting table 33, a product after being placed in front of the scanner window 34, that is, a product for which payment has been completed is placed.

Next, the hardware of the information code reading device will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information code reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The information code reading device 100 includes a control device 110, an image scanner 120 that captures a predetermined imaging range, motors 130 and 140 that rotate the image scanner 120, a speaker 150, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 160. is doing. For the image scanner 120, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor is used.

  The entire control device 110 is controlled by the CPU 111. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to the CPU 111 via a bus 117.

  The RAM 112 is used as a main storage device of the control device 110. The RAM 112 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 111. The RAM 112 stores various information necessary for processing by the CPU 111.

  Peripheral devices connected to the bus 117 include a hard disk drive (HDD) 113, a graphic processing device 114, a motor controller 115, and an output interface 116.

  The HDD 113 magnetically writes information to and reads information from a built-in disk. The HDD 113 is used as a secondary storage device of the control device 110. The HDD 113 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory can also be used as the secondary storage device.

  An image scanner 120 is connected to the graphic processing device 114. The graphic processing device 114 transmits a signal sent from the image scanner 120 to the CPU 111.

  Motors 130 and 140 are connected to the motor controller 115. The motor controller 115 rotates the motors 130 and 140 in accordance with a command from the CPU 111.

  A speaker 150 and an LED 160 are connected to the output interface 116. The output interface 116 sounds the speaker 150 and causes the LED 160 to emit light according to a command from the CPU 111.

With the hardware configuration described above, the processing functions of the second embodiment can be realized.
Next, details of the image scanner 120 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image scanner according to the second embodiment.
The image scanner 120 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and includes an upper surface 121, a lower surface 122, and side surfaces 123 to 126. Here, the side surface 123 is a surface facing the scanner window 34 of the commodity management apparatus 30 shown in FIG. The side surface 123 includes an imaging port 120a through which imaging light is incident.

  A shaft 130 a extending in a direction intersecting the lower surface 122 is connected to the lower surface 122. A motor 130 for rotating the shaft 130a is connected to the other end of the shaft 130a. A shaft 140 a extending in a direction intersecting with the side surface 124 is connected to the side surface 124. A motor 140 that rotates the shaft 140a is connected to the other end of the shaft 140a.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging range of the image scanner illustrated in FIG.
The imaging range 120b of the image scanner 120 is positioned so as to expand toward the front from the imaging port 120a. The product 200 is registered in the imaging range 120b when the product 200 to which the information code 201 such as a barcode is attached is deceived by the customer. The information code 201 includes a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The information code 201 represents, for example, the type, price, date of manufacture, etc. of the product 20.

  When the motor 130 rotates to the right, the image scanner 120 also rotates to the right about the shaft 130a, and the imaging range 120b moves in the right direction (direction viewed from the image scanner 120 side). When the motor 130 rotates counterclockwise, the image scanner 120 also rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 130a, and the imaging range 120b moves in the left direction (direction viewed from the image scanner 120 side). Here, the rotation angle of the motor 130 and the rotation angle of the image scanner 120 coincide with each other.

  When the motor 140 rotates to the right, the image scanner 120 also rotates to the right around the axis 140a, and the imaging range 120b moves upward. When the motor 140 rotates counterclockwise, the image scanner 120 also rotates counterclockwise around the axis 140a, and the imaging range 120b moves downward. Here, the rotation angle of the motor 140 and the rotation angle of the image scanner 120 coincide with each other.

  When both the motors 130 and 140 rotate, the imaging range 120b moves in an oblique direction. For example, when the motor 130 rotates left and the motor 140 rotates right, the imaging range 120b moves in the upper left direction. When the motor 130 rotates to the right and the motor 140 rotates to the left, the imaging range 120b moves in the lower right direction.

Next, functions of the control device 110 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the control device according to the second embodiment.
The control device 110 includes an image acquisition unit 210, an information code demodulation unit 220, a change position detection unit 230, a timer (0) 231, a timer (1) 232, and a timer (2) connected to the image scanner 120. 233, a movement control unit 240 connected to the motors 130 and 140, and a reading completion processing unit 250 connected to the speaker 150 and the LED 160.

  The image acquisition unit 210 acquires an image captured by the image scanner 120. Note that the image scanner 120 periodically captures an imaging range. The information code demodulator 220 detects an information code from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 210 and demodulates the detected information code.

  The change position detection unit 230 compares the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 210 at different timings, and detects a change position in the compared images. Furthermore, the change position detection unit 230 determines whether or not the information code demodulation unit 220 has completed the demodulation of the information code.

  The movement control unit 240 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected by the change position detection unit 230. Furthermore, the movement control unit 240 moves the imaging range of the image scanner 120 using the motors 130 and 140 by a predetermined distance in the determined movement direction.

  The reading completion processing unit 250 sounds the speaker 150 and causes the LED 160 to emit light based on the determination result of the information code demodulation completion by the change position detection unit 230. Further, the reading completion processing unit 250 determines whether or not the settlement process has been completed.

Next, a procedure for moving the imaging range by the control device 110 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for moving the imaging range according to the second embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 7 is started when the customer requests the merchandise management apparatus 30 to start the merchandise settlement process. This request is made, for example, when the user presses a button provided on the product management device 30.

  When the adjustment process is requested to start, the image scanner 120 periodically captures an imaging range, the image acquisition unit 210 acquires an image captured by the image scanner 120, and the information code demodulation unit 220 acquires an image. It is assumed that the information code is detected from the image acquired by the unit 210 and the detected information code is demodulated.

For example, it is assumed that timer (0) 231 is set to 5 minutes, timer (1) 232 is set to 2 seconds, and timer (2) 233 is set to 5 seconds.
[Step S11] The change position detection unit 230 captures an image acquired from the image scanner 120 by the image acquisition unit 210 as an initial image.

[Step S12] The change position detector 230 starts the timer (0) 231.
[Step S13] The change position detector 230 determines whether or not the information code demodulator 220 has completed demodulating the information code. When the demodulation of the information code is completed, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S14. If the demodulation of the information code is not completed, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S16.

[Step S14] The reading completion processing unit 250 rings the speaker 150 and causes the LED 160 to emit light to notify that the reading of the information code is completed.
[Step S15] The reading completion processing unit 250 determines whether or not the settlement process has been completed. When the payment is completed, the reading completion processing unit 250 ends the process. If the payment has not been completed, the reading completion processing unit 250 advances the process to step S11. Determination of the completion of the payment process is performed, for example, by the reading completion processing unit 250 determining whether or not the payment completion button provided in the product management apparatus 30 has been pressed.

  [Step S16] The change position detection unit 230 determines whether there is a change in the image acquired from the image scanner 120 by the image acquisition unit 210 as compared to the previously acquired image. If there is a change in the image, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S19. If there is no change in the image, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S17.

  [Step S17] The change position detection unit 230 determines whether the timer (0) 231 is over. If the time is over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S18. If it is not time-over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S13.

[Step S18] The movement control unit 240 rotates the motors 130 and 140 to move the imaging range of the image scanner 120 to the initial position, and the process proceeds to step S11.
[Step S19] The change position detector 230 starts the timer (1) 232 and the timer (2) 233.

  [Step S20] The change position detector 230 determines whether or not the information code demodulator 220 has completed demodulating the information code. When the demodulation of the information code is completed, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S14. When the demodulation of the information code is not completed, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S21.

  [Step S <b> 21] The change position detection unit 230 determines whether the image acquired from the image scanner 120 by the image acquisition unit 210 has a change compared to the previously acquired image. If there is a change in the image, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S23. If there is no change in the image, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S22.

  [Step S22] The change position detector 230 determines whether or not the timer (1) 232 is over. When the time is over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S11. If the time is not over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S20.

  [Step S23] The change position detection unit 230 determines whether the timer (2) 233 is over. If the time is over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S24. If the time is not over, the change position detection unit 230 advances the process to step S20.

[Step S24] The change position detection unit 230 captures the image acquired from the image scanner 120 by the image acquisition unit 210 as the latest image.
[Step S25] The change position detection unit 230 compares the initial image acquired in step S11 with the latest image acquired in step S24, and detects a change position in the compared images.

  [Step S26] The movement control unit 240 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected in step S25. Then, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motors 130 and 140 to move the imaging range of the image scanner 120 by a predetermined distance in the determined moving direction, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  Specifically, the movement control unit 240 determines the direction in which the change position is located as viewed from the center point of the image as the movement direction. For example, when the change position is detected in the upper part of the image, the movement control unit 240 determines the movement upward. When the change position is detected on the right side of the image, the movement control unit 240 determines the movement direction to the right.

  The movement control unit 240 generates correction information for correcting the position where the product is picked based on the determined moving direction, and displays the generated correction information on the display screen 35 of the product management device 30, or The user can be notified by outputting the sound from the speaker 150 as a sound.

  The correction information is information indicating the direction opposite to the movement direction determined by the movement control unit 240, for example. For example, when the movement direction determined by the movement control unit 240 is an upward direction, the correction information is information indicating a downward direction. Based on this correction information, the customer can place the product in the correct position.

Next, steps S25 and S26 will be described using the example shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a captured image according to the second embodiment.
Note that the initial image does not include any product as in the image 210a shown in FIG.

  When the latest image includes a part of the product 200 at the top of the image as in the image 210b shown in FIG. 8B, the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position at the top of the image. Then, as will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 140 clockwise to move the imaging range 120 b of the image scanner 120 upward. Thereby, a wider part of the product 200 can be included in the imaging range 120b.

  When the latest image includes a part of the product 200 in the lower part of the image as in the image 210c shown in FIG. 8C, the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position in the lower part of the image. Then, as will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 140 counterclockwise to move the imaging range 120 b of the image scanner 120 downward. Thereby, a wider part of the product 200 can be included in the imaging range 120b.

  When the latest image includes a part of the product 200 in the left part of the image as in the image 210d shown in FIG. 8D, the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position in the left part of the image. To do. Then, as will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 130 counterclockwise to move the imaging range 120 b of the image scanner 120 in the left direction. Thereby, a wider part of the product 200 can be included in the imaging range 120b.

  When the latest image includes a part of the product 200 in the right part of the image as in the image 210e shown in FIG. 8E, the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position in the right part of the image. To do. The movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 130 to the right to move the imaging range 120b of the image scanner 120 in the right direction as described with reference to FIG. Thereby, a wider part of the product 200 can be included in the imaging range 120b.

  When the product 200 is included in the entire image as in the image 210f shown in FIG. 8F, the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position in the entire image. In this case, the movement control unit 240 does not move the imaging range of the image scanner 120.

  For example, when the change position detection unit 230 detects the change position at the corner of the image, the movement control unit 240 rotates both the motors 130 and 140 to obliquely change the imaging range of the image scanner 120. It can also be moved to.

Next, the rotation range of the motors 130 and 140 by the movement control unit 240 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the rotation range of the motor according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the rotation range of the motor 130. The movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 130 within a range of 25 ° clockwise and 25 ° counterclockwise with 0 ° as an initial position. In addition, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 130 counterclockwise or clockwise by 5 °, for example. For example, in step S18 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 130 so that the rotation position becomes 0 °. Here, the rotation angle of the motor 130 matches the rotation angle of the image scanner 120.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the rotation range of the motor 140. The movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 140 within a range of 25 ° clockwise and 25 ° counterclockwise with 0 ° as an initial position. Further, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 140 to the left or the right by 5 degrees, for example. For example, in step S18 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the movement control unit 240 rotates the motor 140 so that the rotation position becomes 0 °. Here, the rotation angle of the motor 140 coincides with the rotation angle of the image scanner 120.

  Although the rotation unit (step amount) of the motors 130 and 140 is 5 ° here, it can be 1 °, 10 °, or the like. The unit of rotation can be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the size of the product being handled.

  As described above, in the information code reading apparatus 100, the change position detection unit 230 compares the images acquired at different timings by the image acquisition unit 210 and detects the change position in the compared images. Further, the movement control unit 240 determines the movement direction based on the change position detected by the change position detection unit 230, and moves using the motors 130 and 140 by a predetermined distance in the movement direction in which the imaging range of the image scanner 120 is determined. Let

  According to this, even when only a part of the product is included in the imaging range of the image scanner 120 and the information code attached to the product cannot be read, the imaging range moves and a wider part of the product Is included in the imaging range. This makes it possible to detect and read the information code from the captured image.

  That is, the information code reader 100 can read the information code attached to the product even when the position where the product is picked up by the user is out of the imaging range of the image scanner 120. The code reading operation can be facilitated.

  Furthermore, in the information code reading apparatus 100, as shown in step S17 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, the movement control unit 240 sets the imaging range of the image scanner 120 in advance after a predetermined time has elapsed since the settlement process was started. The initial position is moved using the motors 130 and 140.

  Thereby, for example, even when the movement control unit 240 repeats step S26 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, it is possible to suppress the image pickup range of the image scanner 120 from being greatly deviated from the initial position. When the imaging range is greatly deviated from the initial position, even a part of the product may not be included in the imaging range. However, according to the information code reader 100, this can be suppressed. .

  Furthermore, in the information code reading device 100, the movement control unit 240 generates correction information for correcting the position where the product is picked based on the determined moving direction, and the generated correction information is displayed on the display screen of the product management device 30. The user is notified by being displayed on 35 or being output as sound from the speaker 150. By referring to this correction information, the customer can place the product in the correct position.

  The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the information code reader 100 should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic storage device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic storage device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Optical discs include DVD, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM / RW, and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disk).

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. In addition, each time a program is transferred from a server computer connected via a network, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  In addition, at least a part of the above processing functions can be realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,100 Information code reader 11 Imaging part 11a, 120b Imaging range 12 Moving part 13 Acquisition part 14 Detection part 15 Reading part 16,240 Movement control part 20,200 Product 21,201 Information code 30 Product management apparatus 31 Main body part 32 , 33 Mounting table 34 Scanner window 35 Display screen 110 Control device 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 HDD
114 Graphic processing device 115 Motor controller 116 Output interface 117 Bus 120 Image scanner 120a Imaging port 121 Upper surface 122 Lower surface 123-126 Side surface 130,140 Motor 130a, 140a Axis 150 Speaker 160 LED
210 Image acquisition unit 210a to 210f Image 220 Information code demodulation unit 230 Change position detection unit 231 Timer (0)
232 timer (1)
233 timer (2)
250 Reading completion processing unit

Claims (8)

An imaging unit for repeatedly imaging a predetermined imaging range;
A moving unit that moves an imaging range of the imaging unit;
An acquisition unit for acquiring an image captured by the imaging unit;
A reading unit that detects and reads an information code from the image acquired by the acquisition unit;
A detection unit that compares images acquired at different timings by the acquisition unit and detects a change position in the compared images;
A movement control unit that determines a movement direction based on the change position detected by the detection unit, and moves the imaging range of the imaging unit using the movement unit by a predetermined distance in the movement direction;
An information code reading device comprising: The movement control unit determines a direction in which the change position detected by the detection unit is located as a movement direction when viewed from the center of the image;
The information code reader according to claim 1. The movement control unit moves the imaging range of the imaging unit to a preset initial position using the moving unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the settlement process started.
The information code reader according to claim 1 or 2. The movement control unit generates correction information for correcting the position of the product based on the determined moving direction, and notifies the operator of the generated correction information.
The information code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The movement control unit is configured to move the imaging range of the imaging unit in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction using the moving unit;
The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined distance can be changed by the movement control unit;
The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein The information code is a barcode;
The information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An imaging step of repeatedly imaging an imaging range using an imaging unit;
An acquisition step of acquiring an image captured by the imaging unit;
A reading step of detecting and reading an information code from the acquired image;
A detection step of comparing images acquired at different timings and detecting a change position in the compared images;
A moving step of determining a moving direction based on the detected change position, and moving the moving range by a predetermined distance in the moving direction in which the imaging range of the imaging unit is determined;
An information code reading method comprising:

Images