JP5059083B2 - Product registration system and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a product registration system that performs at least a data code attached to a product, obtains the image data thereof, and performs a settlement process for obtaining a settlement amount of the product by decoding the data code from the acquired image data. And its method.

  A store that sells products is provided with a product registration system for performing product checkout. The product registration system includes, for example, a POS terminal and a store POS server connected to the POS terminal via an in-store local area network (LAN). Of these, the POS terminal includes a CCD scanner and the like. This CCD scanner images a data code attached to a product, such as a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark), and outputs the image data. The POS terminal decodes the data code from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner, and transmits this decoded information to the store POS server. This store POS server stores product information such as product names and unit prices of a plurality of products in advance, and receives decode information from the POS terminal, searches for product information such as unit prices of products corresponding to the decode information, and For example, the settlement amount information obtained by summing up the unit prices of a plurality of products is obtained and returned to the POS terminal. The POS terminal displays the settlement amount information returned from the store POS server, for example, on a liquid crystal display or the like, and performs settlement processing.

  In such a merchandise registration system, the CCD scanner images the data code attached to the merchandise, and the data code imaging (scanning) by the CCD scanner grips the merchandise and the merchandise in the gripped state. This is performed by a so-called scanning operation in which the attached data code is arranged within the imaging range of the CCD scanner. Such scanning operations are required to be performed quickly in order to improve the efficiency of the product checkout process. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for speeding up a checkout process. This patent document 1 discloses an operation guidance display device that provides guidance for an operation method of a settlement apparatus that performs settlement on the amount of goods.

  However, there is a case where the data code attached to the product is imaged by one scanning operation by the cashier and the data code cannot be decoded from the image data obtained by this imaging. In such a case, the cashier performs the scanning operation many times by rotating the gripped product and changing the direction of the product with respect to the CCD scanner so that the data code attached to the product is decoded.

  For this reason, if the data code attached to the product cannot be decoded, the scanning operation will be repeated many times until the data code can be decoded. As well as worsening the convenience, the efficiency of the checkout process is also reduced. In addition, extra physical and mental labor is applied to the cashier operating the POS terminal.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of a product checkout process by supporting imaging processing that can reliably decode a data code attached to a product, and to improve the efficiency of the checkout process. An object of the present invention is to provide a commodity registration system and method thereof.

A product registration system according to a main aspect of the present invention captures at least a data code attached to a product, acquires the image data, and decodes the data code from the acquired image data. When a defect occurs in the decoding of the data code that the data code included in the data cannot be decoded , the image data and the decoding are performed in order to analyze the defect in the data code decoding according to the imaging state of the data code in the image data. A plurality of reference image data in an incapable state is compared to determine each similarity, environmental information that cannot decode the data code is recognized from the reference image data showing the highest similarity among these similarities, and the decoding is not possible and environment that enables decoding of data encoded according to the environment information Including a deal information notification unit for notifying the processing information.

A product registration method according to a main aspect of the present invention is to capture at least a data code attached to a product, acquire the image data, and decode the data code from the acquired image data. When there is a defect in the decoding of the data code that the data code contained in the image cannot be decoded, the image data cannot be decoded with the image data in order to analyze the defect in the data code decoding according to the imaging state of the data code in the image data. A plurality of reference image data are compared to obtain each similarity, environmental information that cannot decode the data code is recognized from the reference image data that shows the highest similarity among these similarities, and the environment information that cannot be decoded In response to this, the management information for making the environment capable of decoding the data code is notified.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the checkout process of the product and to improve the efficiency of the checkout process by supporting the handling of imaging so that the data code attached to the product can be reliably decoded. A product registration system and a method for the same can be provided.

The block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the goods registration system which concerns on this invention. The model which shows the reference image data of the goods formed in the box shape recognized by the system. The model which shows the reference image data of the goods formed in the bag shape recognized by the system. The model which shows the reference image data of the tray-shaped goods mounted on the tray recognized by the system. The model which shows the reference image data of goods, such as fresh goods recognized by the system. The product registration flowchart in the same apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a product registration system. This merchandise registration system includes, for example, a POS terminal 1 as a data code reading device and a store POS server 3 connected to the POS terminal 1 via an in-store local area network (LAN) 2. The POS terminal 1 includes a CCD scanner 4. The CCD scanner 4 images a data code attached to the product 5, for example, a barcode 6 and outputs the image data.

  The product 5 is placed in the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4 by the scanning operation by the cashier, and the surface of the product 5 to which the barcode 6 is attached is opposed to the CCD scanner 4. The bar code 6 is printed on a label such as a mount, and this label is attached to the product 5. The POS terminal 1 decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 and transmits this decoded information to the store POS server 3 via the in-store LAN 2.

Further, the POS terminal 1 is provided with an operation key 7, a purchased product display unit 8, a guidance display unit 9, and a speaker unit 10. The operation key 7 is used to directly input a numeric code of the barcode 6 attached to the product 5, for example, by manual operation of the cashier. The purchased product display unit 8 is for displaying, for example, the name, unit price, number of products 5, and the payment amount of the product.
The guidance display unit 9 is for displaying countermeasure information for enabling decoding of the barcode 6 when a failure occurs in decoding of the barcode 6, that is, a guidance message. The speaker unit 10 is used for announcing the handling information for enabling the decoding of the barcode 6, that is, the guidance message, by voice when a failure occurs in the decoding of the barcode 6.

  The store POS server 3 includes a product database 11. In the product database 11, product information such as product names and unit prices of a plurality of products 5 and decode information are stored in advance in association with each other. The store POS server 3 receives the decode information transmitted from the POS terminal 1, searches the product database 11, acquires product information such as the product name and unit price of the product 5 corresponding to the decode information, and stores the product 5 Information is returned to the POS terminal 1.

In addition, the store POS server 3 has a countermeasure information notification unit 12 that displays and outputs a guidance message for enabling decoding of the barcode 6 when a failure occurs in decoding of the barcode 6 or announces by voice. .
Upon receiving a notification from the POS terminal 1 that a failure has occurred in decoding the barcode 6, the handling information notification unit 12 receives image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 through the in-store LAN 2 together with the notification. A failure of decoding the barcode 6 is analyzed in accordance with the imaging state of the barcode 6 in the image data, and a guidance message for enabling the barcode 6 to be decoded in the POS terminal 1 is displayed in accordance with the analysis result. 9 is informed by either one or both of the display output and the voice announcement by the speaker unit 10.

Specifically, a reference image database 13, a barcode position database 14, and a guidance database 15 are connected to the handling information notification unit 12. Among these, the reference image database 13 includes a plurality of products 5 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 such as at least a box shape, a bag shape, a tray shape placed on a tray, or a shape of each fresh product. Reference image data R1 to R4 and the like are stored in advance.
FIG. 2 shows an example of the reference image data R1 of the product 5 formed in a box shape. This reference image data R1 is, for example, confectionery in a box as the product 5. For example, the product 5 has a barcode 6 attached to the side of the box.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the reference image data R2 of the product 5 formed in a bag shape. This reference image data R2 is confectionery in a bag, for example, as the product 5. For example, the product 5 has a barcode 6 on the back surface of the bag.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the reference image data R3 of the tray-like product 5 placed on the tray. The reference image data R3 is, for example, fish or vegetables placed on a tray as the product 5. The product 5 is wrapped, for example, with fish, vegetables and the like placed on a tray, and a barcode 6 is attached to the surface of the wrap.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the reference image data R4 of the product 5 such as fresh products. The reference image data R4 is a fresh product such as spinach or cabbage as the product 5. For example, the product 5 is provided with a belt-like label on a fresh product or the like, and a barcode 6 is attached to the surface of the label.

  Further, the reference image database 13 stores in advance environment information that cannot decode the barcode 6 included in the image data even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data. This environmental information includes, for example, reference image data in a state where the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to wrinkles generated on a label or the like to which the barcode 6 is attached, and the barcode 6 by shielding the barcode 6 with the hand of a cashier, for example. The reference image data in a state where the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, the reference image data in a state where the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the influence of the reflected light from the barcode 6, and the like.

  In the barcode position database 14, a barcode 6 is attached to the product 5 according to at least the box shape, bag shape, tray shape placed on the tray, or the shape of each fresh product as the shape of the product 5. Position information is stored in advance. For example, the bar information 6 is attached to the side of the box for the box-shaped product 5, and the barcode 6 is attached to the back of the bag for the product 5 formed in a bag shape. The barcode 6 is attached to the surface of the wrap or the like for the tray-like product 5, and the barcode 6 is attached to the surface of the belt-like label for the product 5 such as fresh products. It is.

  The guidance database 15 stores in advance a guidance message corresponding to at least a box shape, a bag shape, a tray shape placed on the tray, a fresh product shape, or the like as the shape of the product 5. For example, if the shape of the product 5 is a box shape, the guidance message is, for example, “hold the product side surface”. If the shape of the product 5 is a bag shape, the guidance message is, for example, “hold the back of the product”. If the shape of the product 5 is a tray shape, the guidance message is, for example, “hold the print part in front of the product”. If the shape of the product 5 is the shape of a fresh product, the guidance message is, for example, “hold the band portion or the print portion”.

  The guidance database 15 stores in advance a guidance message for setting an environment that enables decoding of the barcode 6. For example, if the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to a wrinkle generated on a label or the like to which the bar code 6 is attached, the guidance message is, for example, “stretch the wrinkle”. If the barcode 6 is blocked by the cashier's hand and the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, the guidance message is, for example, “change the hand position”. If the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the influence of the reflected light from the barcode 6, the guidance message is, for example, “change the tilt angle”.

  When the handling information notification unit 12 receives the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 and determines that the barcode 6 is not included in the image data, the handling information notification unit 12 detects the shape of the product 5 from the image data, The degree of similarity between the shape of the product 5 and the shape of each of the reference image data R1 to R4 is obtained, and the product of the reference image data R1, R2,. 5. For example, if the similarity to the reference image data R1 is the highest, the shape of the product 5 in the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 is the shape of the product 5 of the reference image data R1, that is, the confectionery in the box. Recognize.

  The coping information notifying unit 12 provides a guidance message according to the shape of the product 5 recognized in the image data, that is, a guidance message including position information where the barcode 6 is attached to the product 5 according to the shape of the product 5. The database 15 is searched, and the searched guidance message is displayed and output on the guidance display unit 9 or is announced by the speaker unit 10 by voice or by voice.

  Further, the countermeasure information notification unit 12 receives image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 and decodes the barcode 6 included in the image data even when the barcode 6 is included in the image data. If it is determined that the image data cannot be decoded, the image data is compared with each reference image data as the environment information stored in the reference image database 13, and the barcode 6 cannot be decoded from the reference image data having the highest similarity. The barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to wrinkles generated on information, for example, a label attached with the barcode 6, for example, the barcode 6 cannot be decoded by shielding the barcode 6 with a cashier's hand. Or the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the reflected light from the barcode 6 Recognize, such as that there.

  The handling information notification unit 12 decodes the guidance message according to the environmental information in which the barcode 6 cannot be decoded even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data, for example, the label generated by printing the barcode 6 If it is not possible, for example, a guidance message such as “stretch a heel” is searched from the guidance database 15, and the searched guidance message is displayed on the guidance display unit 9, or the speaker unit 10 makes an announcement by voice, or Inform both.

Next, the operation of the product registration system configured as described above will be described with reference to a product registration flowchart shown in FIG.
The cashier grips the product 5 and arranges it within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4, and performs a scanning operation in which the surface of the product 5 to which the barcode 6 is attached faces the CCD scanner 4. At this time, in step S1, the CCD scanner 4 images the data code attached to the product 5, for example, the barcode 6, and outputs the image data.

  Next, in step S2, the POS terminal 1 decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4, and transmits this decoded information to the store POS server 3 via the in-store LAN 2.

In step S3, the store POS server 3 receives the decode information transmitted from the POS terminal 1, and determines whether or not the received decode information is normal. If the received decoding information is normal as a result of this determination, the store POS server 3 moves to step S4, searches the product database 11, and stores the product name, unit price, etc. of the product 5 corresponding to the received decoding information. Get information.
Next, in step S5, the store POS server 3 returns product information such as the product name and unit price of the product 5 corresponding to the decode information obtained by searching the product database 11 to the POS terminal 1 via the in-store LAN 2. .

  Next, in step S6, the POS terminal 1 receives the product information such as the product name and the unit price of the product 5 returned from the store POS server 3, and displays the product information such as the product name and the unit price of the product 5 in the purchased product display. Displayed in part 8. Further, when the checkout process for a plurality of products 5 is performed, the POS terminal 1 receives the product information such as product names and unit prices of the plurality of products 5 returned from the store POS server 3 and the settlement amount of the plurality of products 5. Product information such as product names and unit prices of the plurality of products 5 and the settlement amount of each product 5 are displayed on the purchased product display unit 8.

  On the other hand, in step S3, the store POS server 3 receives the decode information transmitted from the POS terminal 1 and determines whether or not the received decode information is normal. Whether the decode information is normal or not is determined, for example, based on whether or not the content of the decode information transmitted from the POS terminal 1 matches a preset format of the decode information.

  If the result of this determination is that the decode information is not normal, the store POS server 3 moves to step S7 and analyzes the cause of the failure in the decode information. That is, the handling information notification unit 12 receives image data acquired by imaging of the CCD scanner 4, and the barcode 6 is not included in the image data and the decoding information is not normal, or the barcode is included in the image data. Even if 6 is included, it is determined whether or not the barcode 6 included in the image data cannot be decoded and the decoding information is not normal.

  As a result of this determination, if the barcode data 6 is not included in the image data and the decoding information is not normal, the handling information notification unit 12 detects the shape of the product 5 from the image data, and the shape of the product 5 Each degree of similarity with each product shape of a plurality of reference image data R1 to R4 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 stored in advance in the reference image database 13 is obtained.

Next, the countermeasure information notification unit 12 obtains the similarity between the shape of the product 5 and the product shapes of the reference image data R1 to R4. As a result, for example, the similarity to the reference image data R1 illustrated in FIG. If it is higher, the shape of the product 5 in the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 is recognized as the shape of the product 5 of the reference image data R1, that is, the confectionery in the box.
If the similarity between the shape of the product 5 and the reference image data R2 shown in FIG. 3 is the highest, the handling information notification unit 12 determines that the shape of the product 5 in the image data is the shape of the product 5 of the reference image data R2, that is, For example, it is recognized as a confectionery in a bag. Further, if the degree of similarity between the shape of the product 5 and the reference image data R3 shown in FIG. 4 is the highest, the handling information notification unit 12 determines that the shape of the product 5 in the image data is the shape of the product 5 of the reference image data R3, that is, For example, it is recognized that it is a fish, a vegetable or the like placed on a tray. Further, if the degree of similarity between the shape of the product 5 and the reference image data R4 shown in FIG. 5 is the highest, the handling information notification unit 12 determines that the shape of the product 5 in the image data is the shape of the product 5 of the reference image data R4, that is, For example, it is recognized as fresh products such as spinach and cabbage.

Next, when the countermeasure information notifying unit 12 recognizes that the shape of the product 5 in the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4 is, for example, confectionery in a box as shown in FIG. The database 14 is searched to obtain the position information with the barcode 6 attached to the confectionery product 5 in the box, that is, the position information with the barcode 6 attached to the side of the box.
If the product 5 is formed in a bag shape as shown in FIG. 3, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires position information in which the barcode 6 is attached to the back surface of the bag for the product 5. To do. Further, if the product 5 is formed in a tray shape as shown in FIG. 4, the handling information notification unit 12 has a barcode 6 on the surface of the tray 5 with respect to the product 5 on the surface such as a wrap. Get the location information marked with. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, if the product 5 is a fresh product or the like, the countermeasure information notification unit 12 acquires position information in which the barcode 6 is attached to the surface of the strip-shaped label with respect to the product 5.

  Next, when the handling information notification unit 12 acquires the position information of the barcode 6 attached to the product 5, the handling information notification unit 12 searches the guidance database 15 according to the shape of the product 5 and the position information of the barcode 6. Get the guidance message. For example, if the shape of the product 5 is a box shape as illustrated in FIG. 2, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires, for example, “hold the product side face” as the guidance message.

  Next, in step S8, the handling information notification unit 12 transmits, for example, “hold the product side” to the POS terminal 1 as a guidance message when the shape of the product 5 is box-shaped. As a result, the store POS server 3 transmits a guidance message “hold the product side” to the POS terminal 1 via the in-store LAN 2.

  When the POS terminal 1 receives the guidance message “Hold the product side face” transmitted from the store POS server 3 in step S9, the POS terminal 1 displays the guidance message “Holds the product side face” on the guidance display unit 9, or the speaker unit. 10 is notified by voice either or both of announcements.

  The cashier looks at the guidance message “hold the product side” displayed on the guidance display unit 9 and listens to the announcement of the guidance message “hold the product side” generated by voice from the speaker unit 10. As a result, the cashier performs the scanning operation so that the side surface of the product 5 is held within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4 in accordance with the guidance message. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  If the shape of the product 5 is a bag as shown in FIG. 3, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires, for example, “hold the back of the product” as a guidance message. Further, if the shape of the product 5 is a tray as shown in FIG. 4, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires, for example, “hold the print unit in front of the product” as a guidance message. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, if the shape of the product 5 is a fresh product shape, the countermeasure information notification unit 12 acquires, for example, “hold the band portion or the printing portion” as a guidance message.

  As a result, the store POS server 3 transmits the guidance messages “hold the back of the product”, “hold the print part in front of the product”, or “hold the band part or print part” to the POS terminal 1 via the in-store LAN 2.

  When the POS terminal 1 receives the guidance message “hold the back of the product”, “hold the print part in front of the product” or “hold the band part or print part” transmitted from the store POS server 3, this guidance message “product Hold the back side, hold the print part in front of the product, or hold the band part or print part on the guidance display unit 9 or notify the speaker unit 10 by voice or one of the announcements. .

  Accordingly, the cashier visually observes the guidance messages “hold the back of the product”, “hold the print part in front of the product” or “hold the band part or the print part” displayed on the guidance display unit 9 and the speaker unit 10. Listen to the announcements of guidance messages “Hold the back of the product”, “Hold the print part in front of the product” or “Hold the band or print part”. Accordingly, the cashier performs a scanning operation according to the guidance message so that the back side of the product 5, the printed portion or the belt portion on the front side of the product 6, and the printed portion are held within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  On the other hand, the handling information notification unit 12 cannot decode the barcode 6 included in the image data even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4, and decode information. In step S8, the image data from the POS terminal 1 is compared with each reference image data as environment information stored in the reference image database 13, and the reference image data having the highest similarity is determined. It is recognized that the barcode 6 cannot be decoded by environmental information that the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, for example, a wrinkle generated on a label or the like to which the barcode 6 is attached.

  Note that the handling information notification unit 12 is in a state where the barcode 6 cannot be decoded by shielding the barcode 6 with the hand of the cashier, for example, as the environment information that the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, or the reflection from the barcode 6. It recognizes that the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the influence of light.

Next, the handling information notification unit 12 searches the guidance database 15 and, for example, obtains, for example, “stretch heel” as a guidance message when decoding cannot be performed due to, for example, heel generated on the label on which the barcode 6 is printed.
Next, in step S <b> 8, the handling information notification unit 12 transmits, for example, “stretch heel” to the POS terminal 1 as a guidance message when decoding cannot be performed due to the heel generated on the label. As a result, the store POS server 3 transmits a guidance message “stretch a bag” to the POS terminal 1 via the in-store LAN 2.

  When the POS terminal 1 receives the guidance message “stretch heel” transmitted from the store POS server 3 in step S 9, this guidance message “stretch heel” is displayed on the guidance display section 9 or is output by the speaker section 10. Announcement is made by voice, either or both.

  The cashier visually observes the guidance message “stretch heel” displayed and output on the guidance display section 9, and listens to the announcement of the guidance message “stretch heel” generated by voice from the speaker section 10. As a result, the cashier stretches the wrinkles generated on the label of the product 5 according to the guidance message, and performs the scanning operation so that the barcode 6 attached to the product 5 is held over the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4 again. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  For example, when the barcode 6 cannot be decoded by blocking the barcode 6 with the cashier's hand, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires, for example, “change hand position” as the guidance message. Further, when the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the influence of the reflected light from the barcode 6, the handling information notification unit 12 acquires “change tilt angle” as a guidance message, for example.

  Thereby, the store POS server 3 transmits a guidance message “change the position of the hand” or “change the tilt angle” to the POS terminal 1 via the in-store LAN 2 in step S8.

  When the POS terminal 1 receives the guidance message “changes the position of the hand” or “changes the tilt angle” transmitted from the store POS server 3, in step S9, the POS terminal 1 changes the guidance message “changes the position of the hand” or “Change the tilt angle” is displayed on the guidance display unit 9 or is announced by the speaker unit 10 by voice or by voice.

  Accordingly, the cashier visually observes the guidance message “changing the position of the hand” or “changing the tilt angle” displayed and output on the guidance display unit 9, and the guidance message “hand” generated from the speaker unit 10 by voice. Listen to the announcement “Change the position of” or “Change the tilt angle”. As a result, the cashier changes the position where the product 5 is gripped according to the guidance message, changes the tilt angle of the product 5, and holds the barcode 6 attached to the product 5 within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4. Do the scanning work. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, when a defect occurs in the decoding of the barcode 6, the imaging state of the barcode 6 in the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4, for example, the barcode in the image data. 6 is not included and the decoding information is not normal, or even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data, the barcode 6 included in the image data cannot be decoded and the decoding information is not normal. As a result of the determination, if the barcode data 6 is not included in the image data and the decoding information is not normal, the countermeasure information notification unit 12 sets the shape of the product 5 such as a box shape, a bag shape, or a tray. Recognize the shape of the placed tray or each perishable product, etc. Guidance messages corresponding to the shape of these products 5 Held over "," holding the printing portion of the product front "or" holding the part and printing part of the band "such as a display output to the guidance display unit 9, or notified by either or both of the announcement by voice through the speaker unit 10.

  As a result, the cashier, for example, displays the guidance messages “Hold the side of the product”, “Hold the back of the product”, “Print the print part on the front of the product” according to the problem that the barcode data 6 is not included in the image data and the decoding information is not normal. Guidance messages "Hold the back of the product" or "Hold the print on the front of the product" or "Strip of the product" You can hear announcements such as "Hold the print section up." Then, the cashier can perform a scanning operation according to the guidance message so that the side, back, front print portion or band portion or print portion of the product 5 is held within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  On the other hand, even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data, if the barcode 6 included in the image data cannot be decoded and the decoding information is not normal, environment information that cannot be decoded, for example, the barcode The barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the wrinkles generated on the label or the like to which the code 6 is attached, the barcode 6 cannot be decoded by shielding the barcode 6 with the hand of the cashier, or the reflected light from the barcode 6 cannot be decoded. Recognize that the barcode 6 cannot be decoded due to the influence, and guidance messages corresponding to environmental information in which the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, for example, “stretch the heel”, “change the position of the hand” or “tilt angle” ”Change” or the like is displayed on the guidance display unit 9 or announced by the speaker unit 10 by voice. Notifying at one or both.

  Thus, for example, the cashier can display guidance messages “stretch a heel”, “position of the hand” corresponding to a problem that the barcode 6 included in the image data cannot be decoded even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data. "Change the angle of inclination" or "Change the angle of inclination" and the like, and guidance messages "stretch the heel", "change the position of the hand" or "change the angle of inclination" generated by voice from the speaker unit 10 Etc. can be heard. Then, the cashier extends the bar of the product 5 according to the guidance message, changes the position of the hand, or changes the tilt angle of the product 5 to change the barcode 6 attached to the product 5. The scanning operation can be performed so as to be held within the imaging range of the CCD scanner 4. As a result, the POS terminal 1 normally decodes the barcode 6 from the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD scanner 4.

  As a result, it is possible to easily capture the barcode 6 of the product 5 by the CCD scanner 4 by performing an imaging countermeasure guidance message so that the barcode 6 attached to the product 5 can be reliably decoded. In addition, the barcode 6 attached to the product 5 can be reliably decoded, the convenience of the settlement process of the product 5 can be improved, and the efficiency of the settlement process can be improved.

Note that 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. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
For example, in the above embodiment, the decoding of the barcode 6 attached to the product 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to the decoding of the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product 5. It is.

The reference image data of the shape of the product 5 stored in the reference image database 13 and the environmental information that cannot be decoded even if the barcode 6 is included in the image data are box-shaped, bag-shaped, Tray-shaped, the shape of each fresh product, and the wrinkles generated on the label or the like with the barcode 6, the state where the barcode 6 is shielded by the hand of the cashier, and the influence of the reflected light from the barcode 6 Not only the reference image data in a state where the barcode 6 cannot be decoded, but also reference image data having a shape of another product 5 and reference image data of other environment information may be stored. Accordingly, the content of the guidance message stored in the guidance database 15 may be added according to the shape of each product 5 and other environmental information.
The handling information notification unit 12 is provided in the store server 3, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in the POS terminal 1.

  1: POS terminal, 2: in-store local area network (LAN), 3: store POS server, 4: CCD scanner, 5: product, 6: bar code, 7: operation key, 8: purchased product display section, 9: guidance Display unit, 10: speaker unit, 11: product database, 12: handling information notification unit, 13: reference image database, 14: barcode position database, 15: guidance database.

JP 2007-72803 A

Claims (6)

In a product registration system that captures at least a data code attached to a product, acquires the image data, and decodes the data code from the acquired image data.
In order to analyze the data code decoding failure according to the imaging state of the data code in the image data when a failure occurs in the decoding of the data code that the data code included in the image data cannot be decoded In addition, the image data and a plurality of reference image data that cannot be decoded are compared to obtain respective similarities, and the data code is decoded from the reference image data indicating the highest similarity among these similarities. A handling information notification unit for recognizing handling information that recognizes environment information that cannot be performed and that is configured to enable decoding of the data code according to environment information that cannot be decoded;
A product registration system comprising: The handling information notification unit stretches at least wrinkles generated in the data code according to the state of the data code included in the image data as the handling information, eliminates a shield of the data code, or the data 2. The product registration system according to claim 1, wherein a notification of tilting the code is given. The merchandise registration system according to claim 2, wherein the handling information notification unit notifies the handling information as a guidance message by display output or voice . In a product registration method for imaging at least a data code attached to a product and acquiring the image data, and decoding the data code from the acquired image data,
In order to analyze the data code decoding failure according to the imaging state of the data code in the image data when a failure occurs in the decoding of the data code that the data code included in the image data cannot be decoded In addition, the image data and a plurality of reference image data that cannot be decoded are compared to obtain respective similarities, and the data code is decoded from the reference image data indicating the highest similarity among these similarities. Recognizing environmental information that cannot be performed, and informing the handling information that makes the environment capable of decoding the data code according to the environmental information that cannot be decoded,
A product registration method characterized by that. Informs that at least a wrinkle generated in the data code is stretched according to the state of the data code included in the image data as the countermeasure information, the obstruction of the data code is eliminated, or the data code is tilted The product registration method according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The product registration method according to claim 5, wherein the countermeasure information is notified as a guidance message by display output or voice .

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