JP2013008290A - Code reader, seal and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent incorrect processing due to incorrect reading of a bar code.SOLUTION: A code reader includes: partial bar code generation means for generating a partial bar code constituting part of a bar code from each of multiple areas into which the bar code is divided by a predetermined graphic; combination means for combining multiple partial bar codes to generate the bar code; condition determination means for determining whether an image satisfies a predetermined output condition; and output control means for outputting an information code corresponding to the bar code combined by the combination means when the image satisfies the predetermined output condition.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a code reader, a seal, and a control program.

  In a store such as a supermarket, in order to reduce the loss of disposal of fresh products, a discount label indicating a discount amount, a discount rate, etc. is attached to the product when the store closes, and the product is sold at a discount.

  Conventionally, a discount label affixed in the vicinity of a barcode is imaged together with a barcode using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and a product code and a discount label (service display) are captured from the captured image. A code reading device that reads discount information (service information) indicated by a label is disclosed. The code reading device outputs the read product code and discount information to a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal device. The POS terminal device can carry out discount sales of products based on the received product code and discount information.

  However, in the prior art, if the discount label is not attached to the imaging area that can be imaged with the barcode in one shot, only the barcode is read and the read product code is notified to the POS terminal. There is a problem that it is difficult to sell the product at the price before the discount and to surely perform the discount.

The code reading apparatus according to the embodiment includes a partial bar code generation unit, a synthesis unit, a condition determination unit, and an output control unit.
The partial barcode generating means generates a partial barcode constituting a part of the barcode from an area where the barcode is divided into a plurality of areas by a predetermined graphic.
Thus, the synthesizing unit generates a barcode by synthesizing a plurality of partial barcodes.
On the other hand, the condition determining means determines whether the image satisfies a predetermined output condition, and the output control means is based on the determination result and is synthesized by the combining means when the image satisfies the predetermined output condition. The information code corresponding to the barcode is output.

  In addition, the seal is divided into a plurality of areas in which a plurality of bars constituting the barcode are arranged, and a graphic that can inhibit reading of the series of the bars, and a transparent seal member on which the figures are formed And comprising.

  The control program of the embodiment is a control program for controlling a code reading device that outputs an information code corresponding to a barcode by a computer, and the computer divides the barcode into a plurality of areas by a predetermined figure. A partial barcode generation unit that generates a partial barcode that constitutes a part of the barcode from the generated area; a synthesis unit that generates a barcode by combining a plurality of partial barcodes; and A condition determination unit that determines whether the output condition is satisfied, and an output that outputs an information code corresponding to the barcode synthesized by the synthesis unit when the image satisfies a predetermined output condition based on the determination result It functions as a control means.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a checkout system including a code reading device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the scanner. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the product and the imaging area of the camera. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of the flag seal. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the flag seal is affixed on the barcode in an ideal state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the flag sticker is tilted and pasted on the barcode in a state where the original code symbol can be synthesized. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the flag sticker is stuck on the barcode in a state where it does not function. FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the processing state. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the detection state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the detection state. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the detection state. FIG. 13 is a process flowchart of a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a checkout system including the code reading device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of another flag seal.

Next, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a checkout system including a code reading device according to a first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout system 10 is arranged adjacent to the checkout counter 11 for placing a shopping basket containing products, and sales registration of products purchased by customers. The POS terminal device 12 that performs the above-described operation, and the POS terminal device 12 that are communicably connected to each other via a communication network (not shown), and that function as a code reading device that is erected substantially at the center of the checkout counter 11 And.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal device 12 includes a keyboard 31, an operator display 32, a customer display 33, a printer 34 for receipt printing, a drawer 35 for storing cash, and the like. Is provided. The keyboard 31 is provided with a fastening key or the like necessary for settlement of the commodity price. The POS terminal device 12 has the same configuration and function as a POS terminal that is used as a standard in this type of checkout system.

  The scanner 13 is a device for reading a barcode attached to a product and outputting product information (product code) included in the barcode to the POS terminal device 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 13 mainly includes a reading window 21, a keyboard 22, a customer display 23, a store clerk display 24, a buzzer 25, and an LED 26.

  The keyboard 22 accepts input from various keys when registering a product that cannot be registered with a barcode. The customer display 23 displays the registered product name, price, etc. to the shopper or store clerk. The store clerk display 24 displays the registered product name, price, and other error messages to the operator store clerk.

  A camera 20 (see FIG. 2) is built in the scanner 13 provided with the reading window 21. The camera 20 may be, for example, an imaging device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), or may be an imaging device using another imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The camera 20 captures an image of a product held over an imaging area facing the reading window 21.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the scanner.
The scanner 13 mainly includes a CPU 50, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a communication I / F 44, an output port 45, a keyboard controller 46, display controllers 47 and 48, a camera controller 49, and a memory 27. These are connected via 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 scanner 13.
The ROM 42 stores a program according to the present embodiment, other programs for controlling 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 device 12 (see FIG. 1) connected via the bus.
The output port 45 outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 25 and the LED 26.
The keyboard controller 46 takes in key signals from the keyboard 22.
The display controller 47 controls data display on the customer display 23. The display controller 48 controls data display on the store clerk display 24.
The camera controller 49 controls the imaging operation of the camera 20.

  The camera 20 obstructs the reading of code symbols such as bar codes or two-dimensional codes attached to products, labels (service display members) displaying services such as discounts and point addition, and normal reading processing. The flag sticker etc. to be imaged.

  In the above configuration, the CPU 50 executes the control program, and as shown in FIG. 2, the image capturing unit 51, the barcode reading unit 52, the service determining unit 53, the service display detecting unit 54, It functions as a notification unit 55 and an information output unit 56.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the product and the imaging area of the camera.
The image capturing unit 51 controls the camera controller 49 to cause the camera 20 to perform an image capturing operation and capture a captured image. Further, when receiving an instruction from the service display detection unit 54, the image capture unit 51 stores the image in the imaging area 70 captured by the camera 20 in the image work area of the RAM 43 as shown in FIG. 3.

The barcode reading unit 52 detects an image that seems to be a barcode from the image captured by the image capturing unit 51 by a recognition process such as pattern recognition or object recognition, and extracts a code symbol corresponding to the barcode. Alternatively, a plurality of partial code symbols constituting code symbols included in the barcode are extracted and synthesized by a predetermined procedure to generate code symbols. The barcode reading unit 52 converts the code symbol detected in accordance with a predetermined decoding method into an information code (a product code in the present embodiment) and outputs the information code.
In the service determination unit 53, a part of the code symbol detected by the barcode reading unit 52 is missing (due to a flag line or the like to be described later), and the code symbol cannot be extracted if the normal reading process is performed as it is. If the information code cannot be converted, it is determined that a service display member will be attached to the product.

The service display detection unit 54 detects the image of the service display member by recognition processing such as pattern recognition and object recognition on the image stored in the image work area of the RAM 43 by the image capture unit 51, and corresponding service information (this In the embodiment, it is converted into a service code and output.
When the service determination unit 53 determines that the service display is attached to the product 60, the notification unit 55 gives an instruction to the effect that the service display is attached to the product 60 or to read the service display. To inform.

  The information output unit 56 outputs the information code read by the barcode reading unit 52 to the POS terminal device 12 via the communication I / F 44. Further, when the service display detection unit 54 reads the service information (service code), the information output unit 56 outputs the read service information (service code) to the POS terminal device 12 together with the information code (product code). .

Here, imaging of the barcode, service display member, and flag sticker by the camera 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, an area surrounded by a two-dot chain line is an imaging area 70 that is an area that the camera 20 can capture in one frame. In addition to the bar code label 61, the product 60 shown in FIG. 3 is attached with a discount label L, which is an example of a service display member, and a flag seal 80 that prevents reading of the bar code label 61 in a normal reading process. Yes.

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 with the POS terminal device 12. In addition, the product code “2101234567890” incorporated in the barcode 62 is displayed in the lower part of the barcode 62 as a number.
On the discount label L as the service display member, character information “half price” indicating the discount rate related to the product 60 is displayed.

  The service displayed by the service display member may be a service related to a service given when the product 60 is purchased. Other examples of service display members include discount labels that display discounts at the time of purchase of the product 60 (for example, a discount of 50 yen, etc.) and a premium for the number of customers who purchase the product 60 from the normal number of points awarded There are point premium labels and the like indicating the number of points awarded.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of the flag seal.
The flag seal 80 is formed of a transparent sheet-like resin member, and is printed on a substantially rectangular transparent sheet member (seal member) 81 having a back surface coated with an adhesive, and the transparent sheet member 81. A first flag line 83 is provided so as to traverse the imaginary center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction of 81 from the side edge portion 82A in the short direction of the transparent sheet member 81 to the edge portion 82B.

Further, the flag seal 80 is a second flag formed as a straight line from the position P11 of the first flag line 83 toward the position P12 that is separated from the center line CL2 by a predetermined distance W2 at the longitudinal edge portion 84A of the transparent sheet member 81. The third flag line 85B formed as a straight line from the position 85A of the first flag line 83 to the position P22 that is separated from the center line CL2 by a predetermined distance W2 from the position P21 of the first flag line 83 in the longitudinal edge portion 84B. And. Note that the shape of the flag seal 80 is not necessarily rectangular, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape can be changed to an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, or the like.
The first flag line 83, the second flag line 85A, and the third flag line 85B constituting the flag seal 80 are divided into a plurality of areas by dividing a region where a plurality of bars constituting the barcode 62 are arranged. The bar reading can be inhibited.

Here, the first flag line 83 and the second flag line 85A are in contact with each other at a position P11 so as to form a predetermined angle θ, and the first flag line 83 and the third flag line 85B form a predetermined angle θ. As shown in FIG.
As a result, the second flag line 85A and the third flag line 85B are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the center point OC of the flag seal 80. The second flag line 85A and the third flag line 85B are not necessarily formed so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center point OC. However, in the present embodiment, the flag seal 80 is attached to the barcode 62. On the other hand, it is formed so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center point OC so that the same state can be obtained even when pasted upside down so that the pasting direction is not significantly affected.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the flag seal is affixed on the barcode in an ideal state.
Here, the ideal state is that the first flag line 83 of the flag seal 80 is arranged on a virtual line passing through the center of the barcode 62 in the height direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5), and the center of the flag seal 80 This is a state in which the line CL2 is arranged on the center of the barcode 62 in the width direction (position corresponding to the center bar).

In this state, as shown in FIG. 5, the barcode 62 is divided into four areas AR1 to AR4.
As a result, no matter which direction the bar code 62 is read, all the bars (black bar and black bar) constituting the bar code 62 without crossing the first flag line 83, the second flag line 85A, or the third flag line 85B. In the normal barcode reading process in which the barcode 62 is read by a general procedure, the barcode symbol is extracted from the barcode 62, and the information code (in this embodiment, the product code) is not read. Reading will be inhibited.

  On the other hand, since only the first flag line 83 exists in the area of the distance W2 from the center line CL2 of the flag seal 80, the lower left area AR1 among the four areas AR1 to AR4 of the divided barcode 62. If a readable data character (corresponding to a partial code symbol described later) and a data character readable in the upper right area AR2 (corresponding to a partial code symbol described later) are combined, a code symbol included in the barcode 62 Can be generated.

  For example, if the data character readable in the lower left area AR1 is “21012345” and the data character readable in the upper right area AR2 is “345567890”, the common data character “345” It is possible to generate “21012345567890”, which is the original code symbol, by omitting the data character and combining it.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the flag sticker is tilted and pasted on the barcode in a state where the original code symbol can be synthesized.
In the case shown in FIG. 6, the flag seal 80 is attached while being tilted with respect to the barcode 62, but the barcode 62 is divided into four regions AR <b> 1 to AR <b> 4 even in this state.
Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 5, the data character that can be read in the lower left area AR1 is “21012”, and the data character that can be read in the upper right area AR2 is “12345567890”. By excluding the data character “12” from one data character and synthesizing it, the original code symbol “21012345567890” can be generated.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the flag sticker is stuck on the barcode in a state where it does not function.
In the case shown in FIG. 7, a position P12 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the end of the second flag line 85A is located inside the barcode 62.
As a result, in the region RDA indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, the code symbol can be read by a normal reading process even though the flag seal 80 is attached, and the function of the flag seal 80 is substantially invalidated. ing.
Therefore, in this case, there is a possibility that the processing is performed in the same manner as when the flag seal 80 is not attached by the scanner 13, and therefore, when the flag seal 80 is used, the barcode is set so as not to be in such a state. It is necessary to put on 62.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of the embodiment.
First, the CPU 50 functions as the image capturing unit 51, controls the camera 20 via the camera controller 49, and acquires an image (step S11).
Subsequently, the CPU 50 functions as a barcode reading unit 52 and a service display detection unit 54, detects an image that is considered to be a barcode from the image captured by the image capture unit 51 by pattern matching or object recognition, and performs barcode processing. Or a plurality of partial code symbols constituting a code symbol included in a barcode, and pattern matching or object extraction for an image stored in the image work area of the RAM 43 by the image capturing unit 51 By recognition, an image of the service display member is detected, converted into corresponding service information (a service code in the present embodiment), and output (step S12).

Next, the CPU 50 functioning as the barcode reading unit 52 determines whether or not a barcode image is included in the captured image based on whether or not at least a partial code symbol has been extracted (step S13).
If it is determined in step S13 that not only a code symbol but also a partial code symbol cannot be extracted, and it is determined that a barcode image is not included in the captured image (step S13; No), the processing is performed again. Is transferred to step S11, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

If it is determined in step S13 that a code symbol or a plurality of partial code symbols can be extracted and a bar code image is included in the captured image (step S13; Yes), bar code normal reading based on the code symbol is performed. Processing is performed (step S14).
Subsequently, in the barcode normal reading process, the CPU 50 determines whether or not reading has been completed, that is, whether or not a code symbol has been extracted from the read image and an information code (product code in the present embodiment) has been generated. It is determined whether or not (step S15).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the processing state.
If it is determined in step S15 that a code symbol has been extracted from the read image and an information code (product code in the present embodiment) can be generated and it has been determined that reading has been completed (step S15; Yes). Since the flag seal 80 is not attached and the flag line is not present, the reading state of the bar code 62 is either the pattern PT1 or the pattern PT3 as shown in FIG. .

  Therefore, the CPU 50 functions as the service display detection unit 54, performs object recognition of the image stored in the image work area of the RAM 43, and determines whether the image of the service display member (discount label L shown in FIG. 3) has been detected. Is determined (step S21).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the detection state.
If the image of the service display member can be detected in the determination of step S21 (step S21; Yes), the detection state is the pattern PT3 shown in FIG. 9, and thus the actually acquired image is, for example, FIG. The information output unit 56 is configured so that service registration (discount registration) can be performed in the POS terminal device 12 as service sales without flag lines (discount sales without flag lines). The CPU 50 functioning as an information terminal outputs an information code (product code) and a service code corresponding to a service display member (a code corresponding to a half-price discount in this embodiment) to the POS terminal device 12 via the communication I / F 44. (Step S19).

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the detection state.
Further, when the image of the service display member cannot be detected in the determination of step S21 (step S21; No), the detection state is the pattern PT1 shown in FIG. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. 11 and functions as the information output unit 56 so that normal registration can be performed in the POS terminal device 12 as normal sales without flag lines and without service sales. The CPU 50 outputs an information code (product code) to the POS terminal device 12 via the communication I / F 44 (step S22).

  If it is determined in step S15 that the code symbol cannot be extracted from the read image by the normal reading process and the reading cannot be completed (step S15; No), the flag seal 80 is attached. Since there is a possibility that a flag line exists, the reading state of the barcode 62 is highly likely to be either the pattern PT2 or the pattern PT4 as shown in FIG.

Therefore, since the CPU 50 actually acquires the image as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the CPU 50 functioning as the barcode reading unit 52, as described with reference to FIG. Of the four areas AR1 to AR4 of the divided barcode 62, a data character (corresponding to a partial code symbol) that can be read in the lower left area AR1 and a data character that can be read in the upper right area AR2 (into the partial code symbol) Barcode synthesis reading processing is performed (step S16).
Subsequently, in the barcode synthesis reading process, the CPU 50 can extract whether or not reading is completed, that is, a partial code symbol can be extracted from the read image, and generates a code symbol by synthesizing a plurality of partial code symbols. Then, it is determined whether or not an information code (a product code in this embodiment) has been generated (step S17).

  In the determination of step S17, when it is determined that the reading is completed in the barcode synthesis reading process (step S17; Yes), the CPU 50 functions as the service display detection unit 54 and stores it in the image work area of the RAM 43. Object recognition of the image is performed, and it is determined whether or not the image of the service display member (discount label L shown in FIG. 3) has been detected (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S18 that an image of the service display member can be detected (step S18; Yes), the detection state is the pattern PT4 shown in FIG. 9, and thus the actually acquired image is, for example, FIG. The CPU 50 functions as the information output unit 56 so that service registration (discount registration) can be performed at the POS terminal device 12 as service sales (discount sales) with a flag line. Outputs the information code (product code) and the service code corresponding to the service display member (a code corresponding to a half price discount in this embodiment) to the POS terminal device 12 via the communication I / F 44 (step S19). .

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the detection state.
On the other hand, in the determination of step S18, when the image of the service display member cannot be detected (step S18; No), the detection state is the pattern PT2 shown in FIG. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. 12, an error notification is given as service display not detected (step S20), and the registration process in the POS terminal device 12 is not performed.

If it is determined in step S17 that the reading has not been completed in the barcode synthesis reading process, an error is notified that the barcode cannot be read (step S20), and the process ends.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the flag seal 80 is affixed on the barcode 62 in a normal state, the captured image has a predetermined condition, for example, the captured image. If the image of the service display member is included and the contents cannot be detected, the code symbol of the bar code 62, and thus the information code corresponding to the code symbol, is output to the POS terminal device 12 and erroneous processing is performed. There is nothing.
[1.1] Modified Example of First Embodiment FIG. 13 is a process flowchart of a modified example of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 13, the same parts as those in the process flowchart of FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is incorporated.
The process flowchart of FIG. 13 differs from the process flowchart of FIG. 8 in that service display detection is performed prior to the barcode synthesis process, and the barcode synthesis process is performed only when the service display is detected.
Next, only the main part of the operation of the modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
In the process of step S14, a normal barcode reading process is performed. In the determination of step S15, if it is determined that the code symbol cannot be extracted from the read image by the normal reading process and the reading cannot be completed ( Step S15; No), it is assumed that the flag seal 80 is attached, and there is a possibility that a flag line exists.

  Therefore, the CPU 50 functions as the service display detection unit 54, performs object recognition of the image stored in the image work area of the RAM 43, and determines whether the image of the service display member (discount label L shown in FIG. 3) has been detected. Is discriminated (step S31).

If it is determined in step S31 that an image of the service display member can be detected (step S31; Yes), the actually acquired image is in a state as shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the CPU 50 functioning as the code reading unit 52 is a data character (partial code) that can be read in the lower left area AR1 among the four areas AR1 to AR4 of the divided barcode 62. A barcode synthesis reading process is performed for synthesizing the data character (corresponding to a symbol) and a data character (corresponding to a partial code symbol) readable in the upper right area AR2 (step S32).
Subsequently, in the barcode synthesis reading process, the CPU 50 can extract whether or not reading is completed, that is, a partial code symbol can be extracted from the read image, and generates a code symbol by synthesizing a plurality of partial code symbols. Then, it is determined whether or not an information code (a product code in this embodiment) has been generated (step S33).

In the determination of step S33, if it is determined that the reading is completed in the barcode synthesis reading process (step S33; Yes), the service registration (discount sales) with the flag line is registered in the POS terminal device 12 ( The CPU 50 functioning as the information output unit 56 can perform discount registration) via the communication I / F 44 to the POS terminal device 12 with the information code (product code) and the service code corresponding to the service display member (in this embodiment). In this case, a code corresponding to a half price discount) is output (step S19).
If it is determined in step S33 that the reading has not been completed in the barcode synthesis reading process, an error is notified that the barcode cannot be read (step S20), and the process ends.
As described above, according to the modification of the first embodiment, the service display detection is performed prior to the barcode synthesis process, and the barcode synthesis process is performed only when the service display is detected. When the service display is not detected, the barcode synthesis process is not performed, the processing efficiency is improved, and the processing speed can be improved.

[2] Second Embodiment The first embodiment described above is an embodiment in which the scanner 13 functions as a code reading device. In the second embodiment, the scanner and the POS terminal device are used as a code reading device. It is an embodiment in the case of making it function.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a code reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The code reading device 100 according to the second embodiment includes a scanner 101 and a POS terminal device 120.
The scanner 101 mainly includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a communication I / F 105, an output port 106, a camera controller 108 to which a camera 107 is connected, and a memory 109, which are an address bus, They are connected via a bus line 110 such as a data bus.

The CPU 102 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the scanner 101 and functions in the same manner as the image capturing unit 51 in the first embodiment.
The ROM 103 stores a program for image capture, other programs for controlling the operation of the CPU 102, and the like.
The RAM 104 functions as a work area when the CPU 102 develops various programs stored in the ROM 103. The RAM 104 stores various data such as image data captured by the camera 107.

The communication I / F 105 controls data communication with the POS terminal device 12 (see FIG. 1) connected via the bus.
The output port 106 outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 111 and the LED 112.
The camera 107 reads a code symbol such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code attached to a product, a label (service display member) that displays a service such as discount or point addition, and the code symbol in a normal barcode reading process. Take an image of the hindered flag sticker.

  The POS terminal device 120 mainly includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a communication I / F 124, an output port 125, a keyboard controller 126, display controllers 127 and 128, and a memory 129. They are connected via a bus line 130 such as an address bus or a data bus.

The CPU 121 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the POS terminal device 120.
The ROM 122 stores programs according to the present embodiment, other programs that control the operation of the CPU 121, and the like.
The RAM 123 functions as a work area when the CPU 121 develops various programs stored in the ROM 122.

The communication I / F 124 controls data communication with the scanner 101 connected via the bus.
The output port 125 outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 131 and the LED 132.
The keyboard controller 126 takes in key signals from the keyboard 133.
The display controller 127 controls data display on the customer display 134. The display controller 128 controls data display on the store clerk display 135.

  In the above configuration, the CPU 121 executes the control program, and as shown in FIG. 14, the barcode reading unit 141 having the same function as the barcode reading unit 52 in FIG. 2 and the service determination unit 53 in FIG. The service determination unit 142 having the same function, the service display detection unit 143 having the same function as the service display detection unit 54 in FIG. 2, the notification unit 144 having the same function as the notification unit 55 in FIG. 2, and the information output unit 56 in FIG. It functions as an information output unit 145 having the same function.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 again.
First, the CPU 102 of the scanner 101 functions as the image capturing unit 51, controls the camera 107 via the camera controller 108, and acquires an image (step S11).
Subsequently, the CPU 102 of the scanner 101 transmits image data corresponding to the image captured by the POS terminal device 120 via the communication I / F unit 105.
On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the POS terminal 120 that has received the image data via the communication I / F unit 124 stores the received image data in the image work area of the RAM 123. The CPU 121 functions as a barcode reading unit 141 and a service display detection unit 142, detects an image that seems to be a barcode from an image corresponding to the received image data by pattern matching or object recognition, and converts it into a barcode. The corresponding code symbol is extracted, or a plurality of partial code symbols constituting the code symbol included in the bar code are extracted, and the image stored in the image work area of the RAM 43 is subjected to pattern matching or object recognition. The image is detected, converted into corresponding service information (service code in the present embodiment), and output (step S12).

Next, the CPU 121 functioning as the barcode reading unit 141 determines whether or not a barcode image is included in the captured image, based on whether or not at least a partial code symbol has been extracted (step S13).
If it is determined in step S13 that not only a code symbol but also a partial code symbol cannot be extracted, and it is determined that a barcode image is not included in the captured image (step S13; No), the processing is performed again. Is transferred to step S11, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

If it is determined in step S13 that a code symbol or a plurality of partial code symbols can be extracted and a bar code image is included in the captured image (step S13; Yes), bar code normal reading based on the code symbol is performed. Processing is performed (step S14).
Subsequently, in the normal barcode reading process, the CPU 121 determines whether or not reading has been completed, that is, whether or not a code symbol has been extracted from the read image, and an information code (product code in this embodiment) has been generated. It is determined whether or not (step S15).

  If it is determined in step S15 that a code symbol has been extracted from the read image and an information code (product code in the present embodiment) can be generated and it has been determined that reading has been completed (step S15; Yes). Since the flag seal 80 is not attached and there is no flag line, the reading state of the barcode 62 is either the pattern PT1 or the pattern PT3 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the CPU 121 functions as the service display detection unit 143, performs pattern matching, object recognition, etc. on the image stored in the image work area of the RAM 123, and displays an image of the service display member (discount label L shown in FIG. 3). Is detected (step S21).

  If it is determined in step S21 that the image of the service display member can be detected (step S21; Yes), the detected state is the pattern PT3 shown in FIG. As a discount sale without flag line), the CPU 121 functioning as the information output unit 145 allows the POS terminal device 120 to perform service registration (discount registration). The information code (product code) to be checked out and the service display member (In this embodiment, a code corresponding to half price discount) is output (step S19), and the information code and the service code are used for the registration process in the checkout process.

  If the service display member image is not detected in the determination in step S21 (step S21; No), the detection state is the pattern PT1 shown in FIG. The CPU 121 functioning as the information output unit 145 outputs an information code (product code) so that normal registration can be performed in the checkout process as normal sales without service sales (step S22), and registration in the checkout process. An information code is used for processing.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the code symbol cannot be extracted from the read image by the normal reading process and the reading cannot be completed (step S15; No), the flag seal 80 is attached. Since there is a possibility that a flag line exists, the reading state of the barcode 62 is highly likely to be either the pattern PT2 or the pattern PT4 as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the CPU 121 functions as the barcode reading unit 141, and as described with reference to FIG. 5, the data that can be read in the lower left area AR1 among the four areas AR1 to AR4 of the divided barcode 62. A barcode synthesis reading process is performed for synthesizing the character (corresponding to the partial code symbol) and the data character (corresponding to the partial code symbol) readable in the upper right area AR2 (step S16).
Subsequently, in the barcode synthesis reading process, the CPU 121 can extract whether or not reading is completed, that is, a partial code symbol can be extracted from the read image, and generates a code symbol by synthesizing a plurality of partial code symbols. Then, it is determined whether or not an information code (a product code in this embodiment) has been generated (step S17).

  In the determination of step S17, when it is determined that the reading is completed in the barcode synthesis reading process (step S17; Yes), the CPU 121 functions as the service display detection unit 143 and stores it in the image work area of the RAM 123. Pattern matching or object recognition is performed on the image to determine whether or not the image of the service display member (discount label L shown in FIG. 3) has been detected (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S18 that an image of the service display member can be detected (step S18; Yes), the detected state is the pattern PT4 shown in FIG. The CPU 121 functioning as the information output unit 145 allows the service code (product code) and the service code corresponding to the service display member (in the case of the present embodiment, half price discount) so that service registration (discount registration) can be performed as sales. (Corresponding code) is output (step S19), and the information code and the service code are used for the registration process in the checkout process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the image of the service display member cannot be detected (step S18; No), the detection state is the pattern PT2 shown in FIG. (Step S20), and the registration process is not performed in the checkout process.
If it is determined in step S17 that the reading has not been completed in the barcode synthesis reading process, an error is notified that the barcode cannot be read (step S20), and the process ends.
As described above, also in the second embodiment, when the flag sticker 80 is affixed on the barcode 62 in a normal state, the captured image is changed to a predetermined condition, for example, the captured image. If an image of the service display member is included and the content cannot be detected, the code symbol of the barcode 62 and thus the information code corresponding to the code symbol is not erroneously processed in the POS terminal device 120.

In the above description, the bar arrangement area in the image including the bar code is divided by the first flag line 83, the second flag line 85A, and the third flag line 85B each configured as a line segment. Not only (straight line) but also a configuration in which the figure is divided by other figures is also possible.
[2.1] Modified Example of Second Embodiment In the above description, the operation of the second embodiment has been described with reference to the processing flowchart of FIG. 8, but the processing flowchart of FIG. 13 is used. It is also possible to configure to perform processing.
Even in this case, since the service display detection is performed prior to the barcode synthesis process, and the barcode synthesis process is performed only when the service display is detected, the barcode synthesis process is performed when the service display is not detected. Is not performed, the processing efficiency is improved, and the processing speed can be improved.

[3] Modified Example of Embodiment FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of another flag seal.
The flag seal 80A in FIG. 15 is different from the flag seal 80 in FIG. 4 in that the part corresponding to the area AR3 defined by the first flag line 83 and the second flag line 85A in FIG. A first flag mask portion 151 and a substantially trapezoidal second flag mask portion 152 in which a portion corresponding to the area AR4 defined by the first flag line 83 and the third flag line 85B in FIG. 4 is filled. Is a point.

  In the above description, the JAN code has been described as an example of the format of the bar code 62, but other formats such as an EAN code and a UPC code may be used.

  In the above description, an example in which one service display member (discount label L) is attached to the product 60 has been described. However, a plurality of service display members attached to the product 60 may be used. . In this case, the CPU 50 functioning as the information output unit 56 is configured to output a plurality of service information (service codes) read from each service display member to the POS terminal device 12 together with the information code (product code). .

  In the above description, the barcode 62 and the service display member (discount label L) including service information such as discounts and discounts have been described as an example of being printed on the label. It is also possible to configure so as to be described or printed directly on the product 60.

  A control program executed by the scanner 13 or the POS terminal device 120 (code reading device) of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. A program executed by the scanner 13 or the POS terminal device 120 (code reading device) according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD. (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the control program executed by the scanner 13 or the POS terminal device 120 (code reading device) of the present embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. You may comprise. Further, the program executed by the scanner 13 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The control program executed by the scanner 13 or the scanner and the POS terminal device 120 (code reading device) according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (image capturing unit 51, bar code reading unit 52, service determination unit 53, service display detection). Unit 54, notification unit 55, and information output unit 56). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads a program from the ROM and executes the program so that the above-described units are on the main storage device. The image capturing unit 51, the barcode reading unit 52, the service determination unit 53, the service display detection unit 54, the notification unit 55, and the information output unit 56 are generated on the main storage device.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

10 Checkout System 12 POS Terminal Device 13 Scanner (Code Reading Device)
20 camera 50 CPU
51 Image Capture Unit 52 Barcode Reading Unit 53 Service Determination Unit 54 Service Display Detection Unit 55 Notification Unit 56 Information Output Unit 60 Product 61 Barcode Label 62 Barcode 70 Imaging Area 80 Flag Sticker (Seal)
81 transparent sheet member 83 first flag line 85A second flag line 85B third flag line 101 scanner (code reading device)
120 POS terminal device (code reader)
AR1 to AR4 Area L Discount Label (Service Display Member)

JP 2008-33640 A

Claims (6)

Partial barcode generation means for generating a partial barcode constituting a part of the barcode from an area where the barcode is divided into a plurality of areas by a predetermined figure;
A synthesis means for synthesizing a plurality of partial barcodes to generate the barcode;
Condition determining means for determining whether the image satisfies a predetermined output condition;
Based on the determination result, when the image satisfies a predetermined output condition, output control means for outputting an information code corresponding to the barcode synthesized by the synthesis means;
A code reader comprising: The output condition includes an image of a service display member in the image,
The code reading device according to claim 1.   3. The code reading device according to claim 2, further comprising service code generation means for generating a service code by specifying service contents corresponding to the service display member based on an image of the service display member. The partial barcode includes a first partial barcode including at least a head portion of the barcode;
A second partial barcode including at least a tail portion of the barcode, and a portion of the first partial barcode overlapping with the first partial barcode;
The code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Dividing a region where a plurality of bars constituting a barcode are arranged into a plurality of regions, a figure that can inhibit reading of a series of the bars,
A transparent seal member on which the figure is formed;
A seal. A control program for controlling a code reader that outputs an information code corresponding to a barcode by a computer,
The computer,
Partial barcode generation means for generating a partial barcode constituting a part of the barcode from an area where the barcode is divided into a plurality of areas by a predetermined figure;
A synthesis means for synthesizing a plurality of partial barcodes to generate the barcode;
Condition determining means for determining whether the image satisfies a predetermined output condition;
Based on the determination result, when the image satisfies a predetermined output condition, output control means for outputting an information code corresponding to the barcode synthesized by the synthesis means;
Control program to function.

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