JP4970008B2 - Sticker reader, data code reader, privilege sticker - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a sticker that can be attached to a product and that reads and processes the benefit sticker on which special information such as a discount amount, a discount rate, and a special sale price is written, and the special sale information written on the special sticker. The present invention relates to an apparatus, and a data code reading apparatus for reading and processing a data code such as a barcode of a product to which the seal is attached together with the privilege sticker.

  In retail stores such as supermarkets, products are often sold at discounted prices when closing time approaches in order to reduce waste disposal of fresh produce. In this case, the store side attaches a sticker (hereinafter referred to as a special sticker) indicating special information such as a discount price, a discount amount, a discount rate, etc. Was specified. When the operator of the POS (Point of Sales) terminal confirms that the benefit sticker is affixed to the product purchased by the customer, the operator inputs the barcode of the product at the POS terminal and follows the benefit seal information. A discount operation was performed. For this reason, there is a possibility that the discount product is sold at a normal price without the operator noticing the privilege sticker.

In order to avoid such inconvenience, there has conventionally been a barcode reader in which a sticker reader equipped with a CCD camera is attached in the vicinity of the barcode scanner. The sticker reading device processes an image picked up by a CCD camera and notifies when a privilege sticker is detected. Accordingly, the operator causes the barcode displayed on the product purchased by the customer to be read by the barcode scanner and causes the CCD camera to capture an image of the product. At this time, since it is informed that the privilege sticker is affixed to the product, the operator always notices that the privilege seal is affixed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Registered Utility Model No. 304598

  By the way, in general, the information written on the privilege sticker is versatile information so that it can be used for any product such as “50 yen discount” and “10% discount”. For this reason, it is possible for a customer who purchased a product with a special sticker to be peeled off from the product and pasted on another product to receive a special benefit. It is also possible for the customer to remove the privilege sticker from the product sold at the store and paste it on the product he / she wishes to purchase to obtain the privilege.

  As a method for preventing this type of fraud, for example, it is possible to write information on a privilege target product on a privilege seal, but in that case, it is necessary to prepare a privilege seal for each privilege target product, so the cost is high. In addition, a sticking error is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to prevent an act of illegally obtaining a privilege by replacing the privilege seal without impairing the versatility of the seal. Is to provide.

A sticker reading apparatus according to the present invention reads and processes privilege information related to a product from a sticker affixed to a product, and displays the image on the sticker from an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the sticker Identification information acquisition means for acquiring the seal identification information unique to the seal, and when the seal identification information can be acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition means, the legitimacy of the seal is determined based on the seal identification information A first warning unit that issues a warning when the determination unit cannot approve the validity of the seal; and a second that issues a warning when the identification information acquisition unit cannot acquire the seal identification information from the image. The warning means is provided.

A data code reading device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a data code displayed on a product and a sticker attached on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product on the same image, and the imaging unit captures the image. Data code reading means for reading the data code in the image, sticker recognition means for recognizing information written on the sticker in the image picked up by the image pickup unit, and privilege information regarding the product from the information recognized by the sticker recognition means Privilege information acquisition means for acquiring, identification information acquisition means for acquiring seal identification information unique to the seal from information recognized by the seal recognition means, and when the seal identification information can be acquired from the image by this identification information acquisition means , determining means for determining validity of the seal based on the seal identification information, if not approve the validity of the seal by the determining means A first warning means for issuing a warning, when unable to obtain a seal identification information from the image by the identification information acquiring unit, a second warning means for issuing a warning, when the obtained approved the validity of the seal by determining means Output means for outputting the data code read by the data code reading means and the privilege information acquired by the privilege information acquiring means to the outside.

The privilege sticker according to the present invention can be affixed to a product and is printed on the surface with privilege information related to the product, and the type of the seal is different from the area where the privilege information on the surface is printed. Is printed with seal identification information including an identification number issued so as not to be duplicated in the same type as the symbol indicating .

  According to the seal reading device and the data code reading device that have taken such means, the act of trying to obtain the privilege illegally by pasting the privilege seal peeled off from the purchased product or the product being sold to another product, It can prevent without impairing the versatility of the seal.

  Moreover, according to the privilege seal | sticker which took this means, the act which tries to obtain a privilege illegally by pasting without impairing the versatility can be suppressed.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, with respect to the first embodiment in which a privilege seal peeled off from a purchased product is pasted on another product sold at a store to prevent an illegal act to obtain a further privilege, FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present specification, a sticker on which special information such as a discount price, a discount amount, a discount rate, etc. after discounting is printed in advance and used by being attached to a special product is referred to as a special sticker.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout lane system. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a soccer stand that partitions the checkout lane. A data code reader 2 is erected in the approximate center of the soccer table 1, and a POS terminal 3 is installed inside the soccer table 1. The data code reading device 2 and the POS terminal 3 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a transmission path (not shown).

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

  In the data code reading device 2, an image pickup unit 21 for reading a bar code or the like, a keyboard 22 provided with various keys or the like for registering a commodity that cannot be registered by the bar code, and a shopper are registered. A display 23 for displaying the product name, price, etc. of the product is provided. The imaging unit 21 incorporates a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 21A (see FIG. 2).

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

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

  In the nonvolatile memory device 50, at least a symbol image setting unit 61 and a seal individual code storage unit 62 are formed. Here, before describing the symbol image setting unit 61 and the individual seal code storage unit 62 in detail, the privilege sticker 70 used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the privilege sticker 70, a column 72 in which specific privilege contents are written is formed in the middle step on the surface of a circular sticker sheet 71 having a desired area, and the privilege description is provided on the upper row. Etc. are formed, and a column 74 in which a seal individual code, which is seal identification information unique to the benefit sticker, is formed in the lower part.

  For example, in the case of the privilege sticker 70 instructing the discount of the product, a discount amount is written in the column 72 such as “50 yen discount” and the like in the column 73 such as “From the display price”. Words are written. Further, in the case of the privilege sticker 70 instructing the discount of the product, the discount rate is described in the column 72, for example, “10% discount”, and the word “from display price”, for example, is written in the column 73. It is written. Further, in the case of the privilege sticker 70 for instructing the sale price of the product, the price is written in the column 72 such as “80 yen”, and the word “price” is written in the column 73, for example. The

  In the column 74, a seal individual code 740 unique to each seal is written for each of the privilege seals 70. This seal individual code 740 is composed of an English symbol 741 indicating the type and a plurality of digits (seven digits in the figure) of an identification number 742 that are issued so as not to overlap in the same type.

  An adhesive is applied to the back surface of the sticker sheet 71. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the privilege sticker 70 is used by being pasted in the vicinity of the barcode label 81 of the product 80 that is the privilege target. Note that the bar code label 81 is an existing one, and the bar code 82 in which the product information necessary for registering the sales data of the product 80 with the POS terminal 3 such as the product number and the normal price is incorporated. In addition, a product name 83, a normal price 84, and the like are printed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the symbol image setting unit 61 corresponds to various image data (symbol images) that are the contents described in the column 72 of the privilege sticker 70, and corresponds to the contents. Numerical information is stored in advance. For example, for the image data “50 yen discount” meaning 50 yen discount, alphanumeric value information “−50YEN” is stored. For the image data “10% discount” meaning a 10% discount, alphanumeric value information “−10%” is stored. Alphanumeric information “@ 80YEN” is stored for image data “80 yen”, which means that the sale price is 80 yen. Incidentally, the alphanumeric information is information digitized so that it can be processed by the POS terminal 3.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the individual seal code storage unit 62 stores and stores individual seal codes 740 written in the column 74 of various privilege stickers 70. When a seal individual code 740 written on the privilege sticker 70 is acquired by a symbol recognizing unit 92 to be described later, this seal individual code 740 is additionally stored in the seal individual code storage unit 62. Here, the individual seal code storage unit 62 forms a storage unit for accumulating and storing the seal identification information (the individual seal code 740).

  Returning to FIG. Based on a program stored in the ROM 42, the CPU 41 functions as a barcode reading unit 91 that reads a barcode from an image of a product captured by the imaging unit 21 and information displayed on the privilege sticker 70 from the image. The function as the symbol recognition means 92 to recognize is realized. Hereinafter, these functions will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The CPU 41 of the data code reading device 2 starts the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 when a job activation is instructed by a command from the POS terminal 3. First, a shooting on signal is output to the camera controller 49 as ST (step) 1. Thereby, in the imaging unit 21, a photographing operation by the CCD camera 21A is started.

  Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an end of business has been instructed by a command from the POS terminal 3 as ST2. If the end of business is not instructed, image data captured by the CCD camera 21A is fetched as ST3. Then, as ST4, the barcode reading process specifically shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started.

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

  In this case, since it is determined that the barcode data is not read in ST5 of FIG. 7, the CPU 41 returns to the work end determination process of ST2. When it is confirmed that the end of business is not instructed, the CPU 41 captures image data captured by the CCD camera 21A again.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 4, the barcode label 81 of the product 80 on which the barcode label 81 and the privilege sticker 70 are attached on the same surface and the application surface of the privilege seal 70 (the area 85 with a one-dotted line) are shown. It is assumed that the image is taken by the CCD camera 21A. In this case, the image data in the area 85 is captured via the camera controller 49 (ST3) and stored in the image work area of the RAM 43. Then, a barcode reading process is performed (ST4).

  Accordingly, the CPU 41 binarizes the image data (ST21), analyzes the binarized image, and determines whether or not a barcode data area exists in the image data (ST22). This time, since the data area of the barcode 82 exists (YES in ST22), the CPU 41 cuts out the data area of the barcode 82 from the image data as ST23. In ST24, the barcode 82 in the cut data area is decoded to obtain barcode data (numerical value) (data code reading means). As a result, if the barcode data can be acquired (YES in ST25), the CPU 41 temporarily stores the barcode data in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST26, and ends the barcode reading process.

  This time, since it is determined that the barcode data is read in ST5, the CPU 41 starts a symbol recognition process specifically shown in FIG. 9 as ST6.

  That is, the CPU 41 obtains the coordinates of the vertex P1 of the leftmost bar as the reference position coordinates (x, y), as shown in FIG. 10, for example, among the barcodes 82 in the data area as ST31. Next, as ST32, the attention area Q located at a predetermined location with respect to the reference position coordinates (x, y) is cut out.

  Specifically, the first coordinate P1 shifted by x0 in the −X axis direction and y0 in the Y direction from the reference position coordinate (x, y), and the first coordinate P1 shifted by y1 in the Y axis direction. The second coordinate P2, the third coordinate P3 shifted by x1 from the second coordinate P2 in the X-axis direction, and the fourth coordinate P4 shifted by y1 from the third coordinate P3 in the −Y-axis direction. And a rectangular area connecting these first to fourth coordinates P1 to P4 is cut out as the attention area Q.

  Here, y1 is a value sufficiently larger than the diameter of the privilege seal 70. Further, x1 is set to a value sufficiently larger than the horizontal width of the barcode label 81. Note that the width of the bar code label 81 is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the privilege seal 70. In this way, as shown in FIG. 4, by sticking the privilege sticker 70 in the vicinity of the upper portion of the barcode label 81, the image data of the benefit sticker 70 enters the attention area Q as shown in FIG. .

  Next, CPU41 performs an outline emphasis process about the image in the attention area Q as ST33. Then, in ST34, it is determined whether or not a circular seal contour R substantially equal to the preset size of the privilege seal 70 exists in the image data in the attention area Q on which the contour enhancement processing has been performed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, if the circular seal contour R can be detected from the image data in the region of interest Q subjected to the contour emphasis processing (YES in ST34), the CPU 41 determines this seal contour as ST35. The image data between the two partition lines r1 and r2 in R and the data of each symbol image stored in advance in the symbol image setting unit 61 are sequentially collated. Then, in ST36, it is determined whether or not there is any symbol image data whose collation degree (matching degree) exceeds a preset reference value (seal recognition means).

  As a result, if symbol image data having a matching level exceeding a preset reference value is detected (YES in ST36), the CPU 41 symbolizes the alphanumeric information set corresponding to the symbol image data as ST37. Obtained from the image setting unit 61. In ST38, this alphanumeric value information is used as symbol data and temporarily stored in the symbol work area of the RAM 43 (privilege information acquisition means).

  Next, in step ST39, the CPU 41 performs character recognition from the image data below the lower partition line r2 in the seal outline R, and acquires the seal individual code 740 (identification information acquisition unit).

Here, if ST40 recognizes the alphabet 741 indicating the type and the multi-digit identification number 742 from the image data and obtains the individual sticker code 740, the CPU 41 obtains the individual sticker code storage unit 62 as ST41. To check whether data matching the seal individual code 740 acquired this time is stored in the seal individual code storage unit 62 (determination means, information verification means). As a result, if it is determined in ST42 that there is no matching data, the benefit sticker 70 has approved the legitimacy, and therefore the CPU 41 additionally stores the sticker individual code in the sticker individual code storage unit 62 as ST43. (Seal identification information storage means). Thereafter, the symbol recognition process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in ST40, when the individual seal code 740 cannot be recognized from the image data of the special sticker 70, and in ST42, data matching the individual seal code 740 acquired this time is stored in the individual seal code storage unit 62. If so, the privilege sticker 70 cannot approve the legitimacy, so the CPU 41 sets a warning flag in the RAM 43 as ST44. Thereafter, the symbol recognition process is terminated.

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

  When the symbol recognition process ends, the CPU 41 determines whether or not symbol data is stored in the symbol work area in ST7. If the symbol data is not stored (NO in ST7), the CPU 41 stores the barcode data stored in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST8 in the POS terminal 3 via the communication interface 44. Transmission output. At this time, a reading confirmation sound is generated from the buzzer 45. Thereafter, the process returns to the work end determination process of ST2.

  On the other hand, when the symbol data is stored (YES in ST7), the CPU 41 determines whether or not a warning flag is set in the RAM 43 as ST9. Here, when the warning flag is not set, since the validity of the privilege sticker 70 on which the symbol data recognized in the symbol recognition process is printed has been approved, the CPU 41 determines in ST10 that the barcode is in the barcode work area. The barcode data is transmitted and output to the POS terminal 3 through the communication interface 44 together with the symbol data (alphanumeric information) in the symbol work area (output means). At this time, a reading confirmation sound is generated from the buzzer 45. Thereafter, the process returns to the work end determination process of ST2.

  On the other hand, if the warning flag is set, the validity of the privilege sticker 70 on which the symbol data recognized in the symbol recognition process is printed has not been approved, so the CPU 41 warns the display 23 as ST11. Display (warning means). At this time, the buzzer 45 is controlled to sound an error sound different from the read confirmation sound.

  Thereafter, the CPU 41 waits for the warning release key of the keyboard 22 to be operated. If a predetermined warning cancel key is input, the CPU 41 clears the warning display in ST13. In ST14, the warning flag in the RAM 43 is reset. Thereafter, the process returns to the work end determination process of ST2.

  If it is determined in ST2 that the business end is not instructed, the CPU 41 captures image data captured by the CCD camera 21A again (ST3). And each process of said ST4-ST14 is performed.

  If it is determined in ST2 that the end of business has been commanded, the CPU 41 outputs a photographing off signal to the camera controller 49 in ST15. Thereby, the photographing operation by the CCD camera 21A is completed.

  In the checkout lane system provided with the data code reading device 2 having such a configuration, the cashier stands inside the soccer base 1. Then, the products purchased by the customer are taken out one by one from the shopping basket P1 placed on the upstream side of the lane across the data code reader 2. At this time, when the barcode 82 is displayed on the taken-out product, the imaging unit 21 captures the surface of the product on which the barcode 82 is displayed.

  In the data code reading device 2, the barcode 82 is read from the product image picked up by the image pickup unit 21. If the bar code 82 is correctly read, a buzzer sound is generated from the data code reading device 2 to notify the end of reading. Therefore, if the cashier confirms the buzzer sound, the cashier moves the product to the shopping basket Q1 placed on the downstream side of the lane.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, for example, on the product 80 to be discounted, a privilege seal 70 in which the discount amount is written as the privilege content is attached in the vicinity of the barcode label 81. In this privilege sticker 70, a seal individual code 740 unique to the seal is printed in a column 74 different from the column 72 where the privilege content is written.

  In the data code reader 2, the barcode data is read from the image data of the product imaged by the imaging unit 21, and the symbol image data indicating the privilege content of the privilege sticker 70 is detected. Then, the symbol image setting unit 61 is referred to, and the symbol image data is converted into alphanumeric value information indicating the privilege content.

  In addition, the individual sticker code of the privilege sticker 70 is recognized from the same image data. Then, it is determined whether or not this individual seal code exists in the data already stored in the individual seal code storage unit 62. As a result, if it does not exist, the individual seal code recognized this time is additionally stored in the individual seal code storage unit 62. Further, the alphanumeric value information indicating the privilege content is transmitted to the POS terminal 3 together with the barcode data. Thereby, in the POS terminal 3, the sales price of the product is reduced and sales registration processing is performed. For example, if the alphanumeric value information is “−50 YEN”, it is discounted by 50 yen and sales registration processing is performed.

  On the other hand, if the seal individual code recognized from the image data of the privilege sticker 70 has already been stored in the seal individual code storage unit 62, a warning is issued. As described above, the seal individual code stored in the seal individual code storage unit 62 is the seal individual code of the privilege seal 70 that has been pasted on the product that has already been registered for sales in the past commercial transaction.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when an act of illegally obtaining a privilege by pasting the privilege seal 70 peeled off from the purchased product to another product is performed, a warning is issued before sales are registered. So that this kind of fraud can be prevented. And since the information which shows the relationship with the privilege object goods is not printed on the privilege seal | sticker 70, there is no possibility of impairing the versatility of the present privilege seal | sticker.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment in which a privilege sticker peeled off from a product on sale is pasted on another product sold at a store to prevent even a fraud attempt to obtain a privilege will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is also a case where the present invention is applied to the data code reader 2 of the checkout lane system shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the first embodiment. The detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the data code reading device 2. In the second embodiment, a seal type / commodity group setting unit 63 is added to the storage device 50 of the data code reader 2.

  The barcode attached to each product includes a source marking barcode that is printed directly on the product at the manufacturer's manufacturing stage, and an in-store marking that is printed on the barcode label 81 and attached to the product at the sales stage in the store. There is a barcode. The source marking bar code is usually used for daily necessities and confectionery. On the other hand, the in-store marking bar code is attached to fresh foods, daily products, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the code system of the in-store marking bar code is, for example, “JAN13”, and as shown in FIG. 13, a flag that identifies the in-store marking bar code and the product to which the bar code is attached 4 items are included: a product group code specifying the classification (beef, pork, chicken, fresh fish, sashimi, etc.), the price of the product to which the barcode is attached, and a check digit.

  In the seal type / product group setting unit 63, as shown in FIG. 14, one to a plurality of types of product group codes are provided for each English symbol 741 indicating the type of the seal individual code 740 written on the privilege seal 70. Allocation is set.

  The CPU 41 starts the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 as in the case of the first embodiment when the business activation is instructed by the command from the POS terminal 3. In this process, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in part of the symbol recognition process in ST6.

  The main part processing procedure of the symbol recognition processing in the second embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the same processing steps as those in the symbol recognition processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the case where NO is determined in the determination step of ST42. That is, when data matching the seal individual code 740 that can be recognized from the image data of the privilege sticker 70 is not stored in the seal individual code storage unit 62, the CPU 41 is stored in the barcode work area of the RAM 43 as ST51. It is determined whether or not the barcode data is in-store marking barcode data. Here, when it is determined that the data is other than the in-store marking barcode by the flag of the barcode data, the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of ST43 and uses the seal individual code 740 acquired from the image data as the seal individual code. It is additionally stored in the storage unit 62 (seal identification information storage means), and this symbol recognition process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the barcode data is in-store marking barcode data, the CPU 41 obtains a product group code from the barcode data as ST52 (attribute recognition means). In ST53, the alphabet 741 indicating the type of the seal is determined from the seal individual code 740 acquired from the image data (attribute determination means). Then, in ST54, the seal type / product group setting unit 63 is searched with this English symbol 741, and the product group code acquired from the barcode data among the product group codes set corresponding to the English symbol 741. Is determined (determination means, attribute collation means).

  As a result, if it is included, the legitimacy of the privilege sticker 70 has been approved, so the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of ST43 and additionally stores the seal individual code 740 in the seal individual code storage unit 62 (seal (Identification information storage means) and the symbol recognition process is terminated. In this case, in the subsequent processing, the barcode data in the barcode work area is transmitted and output to the POS terminal 3 together with the symbol data (alphanumeric information) in the symbol work area (output means).

  On the other hand, when the product group code acquired from the barcode data does not exist in the product group code set corresponding to the English symbol 741 determined from the seal individual code 740, Since the validity has not been approved, the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of ST44, sets a warning flag in the RAM 43, and ends the symbol recognition process. In this case, in the subsequent processing, a warning is displayed (warning means), and the symbol data (alphanumeric value information) in the symbol work area is not transmitted and output to the POS terminal 3.

  Also in the second embodiment having such a configuration, a privilege sticker 70 indicating the content of the privilege is attached to the product targeted for the privilege such as discount, discount, price change or the like. However, at that time, the privilege sticker 70 on which the seal individual code 740 of the English symbol 741 corresponding to the product group code to which the target product belongs is attached. For example, when the product is a product belonging to beef classified by the product group codes 001 to 099, a special sticker 70 on which a seal individual code 740 with an English symbol 741 of “A” is printed is attached.

  By doing so, when the privilege sticker 70 is attached to a product belonging to another product group and read by the data code reading device 2, a warning is issued and sales registration is not performed. It is possible to prevent an unauthorized act of trying to obtain a privilege by pasting the privilege sticker 70 peeled off from the product to a product belonging to another product group sold at the store. Of course, as in the first embodiment, it is needless to say that an act of illegally obtaining a privilege by pasting the privilege seal 70 peeled off from a purchased product on another product can be prevented. is there.

  In the second embodiment, although there is a restriction on the classification of the product to which the privilege sticker 70 is pasted, it is not necessary to associate the privilege seal 70 with a single product, so the versatility of the seal is not significantly impaired.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the privilege sticker 70 is circular, but the shape of the seal is not particularly limited, and at least in an area different from the area where the privilege information on the surface is printed, It is only necessary that the seal identification information (the individual seal code 740) is printed.

  Further, the system of the seal individual code 740 may be different from that of the above embodiment. In short, if the information is unique to the seal, it is possible to prevent an act of illegally obtaining the privilege by pasting the privilege seal peeled off from the purchased product to another product. In addition, by including information that identifies the attribute of the product to which the sticker is attached, it is possible to prevent an act of illegally obtaining the benefit by pasting the privilege sticker that has been peeled off from the product on sale to another product be able to.

  Moreover, the privilege content of the privilege seal | sticker 70 is not limited to price-down information, such as discount, discount, price change. For example, it may be a sticker on which information that service points are increased by purchasing this product is printed as privilege information.

  Further, the present invention does not necessarily require the barcode reading means 91 as an essential requirement. That is, a means for acquiring the individual seal code written on the privilege seal 70, a determination means for determining the validity of the seal based on the acquired individual seal code, and a warning when the validity of the seal cannot be approved. Even if it is a sticker reading device equipped with a warning means to issue, a warning will be issued if a privilege sticker that has been peeled off from a product that has already been purchased or sold is pasted on another product and the privilege is obtained illegally Therefore, this fraud can be prevented in advance.

  Incidentally, the determination means determines whether or not there is matching information by collating with the information in the seal individual code storage unit 62 that accumulates and stores the seal individual code and the information in the seal individual code storage unit 62 every time the seal individual code is acquired. By comprising with a collation means, the fraudulent act which obtains a privilege by sticking the privilege seal peeled off from the purchased product to another product can be prevented. Further, a means for recognizing the attribute of the product to which the sticker is attached, a means for determining the attribute of the product to which the sticker is attached from the sticker individual code 740, and a means for checking whether or not both attributes match. By configuring, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of obtaining a privilege by pasting a privilege seal peeled off from a product on sale to another product.

  In the above embodiment, the barcode data and the benefit sticker data 70 are read from the image data photographed by the CCD camera 21A. However, the barcode data and the benefit sticker data are obtained using a conventionally known scanner. Then, the same processing as in this embodiment may be performed.

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

The schematic block diagram of a checkout lane system. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the data code reader in 1st Embodiment. The top view which shows an example of a privilege seal | sticker. The schematic diagram which shows the example of affixing with the privilege seal | sticker and barcode label with respect to goods. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in a symbol image setting part. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in a sticker individual code preservation | save part. The flowchart which shows the principal process procedure of the main process which CPU of a data code reader performs. FIG. 8 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure of barcode reading processing in FIG. 7. 8 is a flowchart specifically showing a procedure of symbol recognition processing in FIG. The schematic diagram used for description of the process which extracts an attention area | region from the image data when image | photographing the goods shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image data when a contour enhancement process is performed on a region of interest in FIG. 10. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the data code reader in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure example of an in-store marking barcode. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in a sticker classification / merchandise group setting part. The flowchart which shows the principal part procedure of the symbol recognition process in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Data code reading device, 3 ... POS terminal, 21 ... Imaging part, 41 ... CPU, 61 ... Symbol image setting part, 62 ... Sticker individual code preservation | save part, 63 ... Sticker classification / product group setting part, 70 ... Bonus sticker 91 ... Bar code reading means, 92 ... Symbol recognition means.

Claims (8)

In a seal reading device that reads and processes privilege information related to the product from a sticker attached to the product,
An imaging unit for imaging the seal;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring seal identification information unique to the seal described on the seal from an image captured by the imaging unit ;
When the seal identification information can be acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition unit, a determination unit that determines the validity of the seal based on the seal identification information;
A first warning means for issuing a warning when the determination means cannot approve the validity of the seal;
A second warning means for issuing a warning when the seal identification information cannot be acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition means;
A seal reading apparatus comprising: A seal identification information storage unit for additionally storing the seal identification information acquired from the image of the seal by the identification information acquisition unit in a storage unit when the determination unit can approve the legitimacy of the seal; And
The determination unit checks whether information matching the seal identification information acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit, and determines that the information is valid if the information is not stored. The seal reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if it is stored, it is determined that there is no validity . In a seal reading device that reads and processes privilege information related to the product from a sticker attached to the product,
An imaging unit for imaging the seal;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring seal identification information unique to the seal described on the seal from an image captured by the imaging unit ;
Product determination means for determining whether or not the product on which the seal is affixed is a product on which an in-store marking data code is displayed;
Attribute recognition means for recognizing the attribute of the product on the condition that the product determination means determines that the data code of the in-store marking is displayed .
Attribute discrimination means for discriminating the attribute of the product to which the sticker is attached from the seal identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means;
Attribute collating means for collating whether the attribute recognized by the attribute recognizing means matches the attribute determined by the attribute determining means;
A warning means for issuing a warning when the attribute matching means determines that the attribute mismatch,
A seal reading apparatus comprising: An imaging unit that images the data code displayed on the product and the sticker attached on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product on the same image;
Data code reading means for reading the data code in the image captured by the imaging unit;
Seal recognition means for recognizing information written on the sticker in the image captured by the imaging unit;
Privilege information acquisition means for acquiring privilege information related to the product from information recognized by the seal recognition means;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring seal identification information unique to the seal from the information recognized by the seal recognition means;
When the seal identification information can be acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition unit, a determination unit that determines the validity of the seal based on the seal identification information;
A first warning means for issuing a warning when the determination means cannot approve the validity of the seal;
A second warning means for issuing a warning when the seal identification information cannot be acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition means;
An output means for outputting the data code read by the data code reading means and the privilege information acquired by the privilege information acquisition means to the outside when the validity of the seal can be approved by the determination means;
A data code reading apparatus comprising: A seal identification information storage unit for additionally storing the seal identification information acquired from the image of the seal by the identification information acquisition unit in a storage unit when the determination unit can approve the legitimacy of the seal; And
The determination unit checks whether information matching the seal identification information acquired from the image by the identification information acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit, and determines that the information is valid if the information is not stored. 5. A data code reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein if it is stored, it is determined that there is no validity . An imaging unit that images the data code displayed on the product and the sticker attached on the same surface as the data code display surface of the product on the same image;
Data code reading means for reading the data code in the image captured by the imaging unit;
Seal recognition means for recognizing information written on the sticker in the image captured by the imaging unit;
Privilege information acquisition means for acquiring privilege information related to the product from information recognized by the seal recognition means;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring seal identification information unique to the seal from the information recognized by the seal recognition means;
A product determination unit that determines whether or not the product on which the data code is displayed is a product on which an in-store marking data code is displayed based on the data code read by the data code reading unit ;
Attribute recognition means for recognizing the attribute of the product on the condition that the product determination means determines that the data code of the in-store marking is displayed .
Attribute discrimination means for discriminating the attribute of the product to which the sticker is attached from the seal identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means;
Attribute collating means for collating whether the attribute recognized by the attribute recognizing means matches the attribute determined by the attribute determining means;
A warning means for issuing a warning when the attribute matching means determines that the attribute does not match;
An output means for outputting the data code read by the data code reading means and the privilege information acquired by the privilege information acquisition means to the outside when the attribute matching means determines that the attribute matches;
A data code reading apparatus comprising: It is a privilege sticker that can be affixed to a product and printed on the surface with privilege information about the product,
In a different area from the area on which the privilege information on the surface is printed, the seal identification information including the identification number that is issued so as not to overlap in the same type as the symbol indicating the type of the seal is printed A bonus sticker characterized by The seal symbols in the identification information, benefits seal according to claim 7, wherein the information for specifying the attributes of the product which is the pasting target of the seal.

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