JP5310040B2 - Imaging processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a technology for improving the precision of the reading of a symbol, and for improving the operability of symbol reading. <P>SOLUTION: This symbol reading device is provided with: a camera 14 for changing a focal position, and for outputting a pickup image including a symbol S to be read at each changed focal position; and a CPU 11 for searching the symbol S included in the pickup image about each pickup image outputted from the camera 14, acquiring symbol data by analyzing the searched symbol S, and making a display 16 display the acquired symbol data with the pickup image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging process instrumentation 置及 beauty program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a symbol reading apparatus that images a symbol (a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.) and reads information such as a character string included in the symbol. The symbol reader captures a subject including a symbol with an imaging device such as a camera, and the decode engine analyzes the captured image to read the content of the symbol.

  The symbol reader is used in a situation where it is necessary to read a plurality of symbols contained in a subject (product shelf, loaded cardboard box, barcode book, or the like). Under this circumstance, the operator of the symbol reading apparatus has a symbol reading apparatus main body, and takes an image (imaging) while aiming at each symbol using an emming light or the like. When the symbol reading device has a preview display function (a function for displaying a captured image in real time), the operator adjusts the position and orientation of the symbol reading device so that the symbol is within the imaging screen. The symbol was imaged.

  A symbol reading apparatus having a high-pixel imaging device is also known due to the recent improvement in the number of imaging pixels. In the symbol reading apparatus, when a plurality of symbols fall within the imaging range when the subject is imaged, the plurality of symbols can be simultaneously read by one scan of the captured image. Therefore, when imaging is performed using a symbol device having a high-pixel imaging device, the operator does not have to image individual symbols.

  Also known is a barcode reading device that captures a plurality of barcodes existing on the same surface from the front, decodes the barcode after superimposing the captured image and a preset barcode position pattern. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-240874 A

However, in any of the above cases (when imaging individual symbols, imaging a symbol with a high-pixel imaging device, or imaging a barcode with the barcode reading device of Patent Document 1), The symbol had to be imaged from the front. Usually, the space for imaging is limited at the site where the subject is imaged (for example, a supermarket with a product shelf, a warehouse loaded with cardboard, etc.). For this reason, the operator needs to secure an imaging space for imaging the symbol from the front, and there is a problem that the operability is poor in any of the above cases.

In addition, when a subject including a plurality of symbols is imaged from an oblique direction, it is difficult to read individual symbols from the captured image because the captured image has a focal length. In this case, if symbol scanning efficiency (reading accuracy) can be improved, individual symbols can be read even when the subject is imaged obliquely.
For this reason, there has been a demand for realizing a technique for improving the symbol reading accuracy and improving the symbol reading operability.

An object of the present invention improves the accuracy of the reading of a plurality of information, and is a benzalkonium improved operability of reading the respective information.

請 Motomeko 1 is an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject including a plurality of information, an object including a plurality of information, an imaging control unit that controls so as to sequentially captured by changing the focal length sequence, wherein For each image picked up at each focal length by the image pickup control means, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of information to be recognized in the image, and when information to be recognized is detected by the detection means, Recognition processing means for performing recognition processing on the information, and output of recognition result data of each information recognized by the recognition processing means for each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control means And an output means.

5. An imaging processing apparatus for imaging a subject including a plurality of information, wherein the imaging control unit controls the subject including the plurality of information to sequentially capture the subject by sequentially changing a focal distance, and the imaging By transmitting each image captured at each focal length by the control means to the external processing device, the presence or absence of information to be recognized is detected in the image, and the information to be recognized is detected. In this case, a recognition processing unit that performs recognition processing on the information and receives a recognition result for the information included in each image, and for each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control unit, And output means for outputting recognition result data of each piece of information received by the recognition processing means.

According to the present invention, to improve the accuracy of the reading of a plurality of information, and can and Turkey improved operability of reading the respective information.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a symbol reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a symbol reader. It is a figure which shows a reading result table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st symbol scan process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a decoding process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a decoding process. It is a figure which shows the display screen displayed on a touch panel. It is a figure which shows the order which searches a symbol. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the symbol reading system of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a symbol reader. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a center server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd symbol scan process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a center server process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a center server process.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a schematic diagram of the symbol reading apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol reader 1 is an apparatus that captures an image of a subject (for example, a product shelf, a loaded cardboard box, a barcode book, or the like), decodes (analyzes) a symbol included in the captured image, and acquires symbol data. is there. As shown in FIG. 1, the symbol reading device 1 includes a camera unit 14, an input unit 15, and a display unit 16. Each part of the symbol reader 1 will be described later. The symbol S is a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code. In the present embodiment, the symbol S is described as a two-dimensional code. The symbol data indicates data obtained by analyzing (decoding) the symbol S. Specifically, the symbol data is read data indicating the content of the symbol S (for example, character string data, numeric string data, number of digits, data indicating the type of the symbol S, etc .; corresponding to read data 124 described later), display Coordinate data indicating the position of the symbol S in the captured image (corresponding to a symbol upper left coordinate 122 and a symbol lower right coordinate 123 described later), an identification number for identifying the symbol S (corresponding to a symbol number 121 described later) ) Etc.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of cardboards are imaged as subjects, and symbols S are printed or pasted on the cardboards.

  Next, the internal configuration of the symbol reading apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol reading device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 as a storage unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a camera unit 14 as an imaging unit, An input unit 15, a display unit 16 as a display unit, and a power supply unit 17 are provided.

  The CPU 11 centrally controls each unit of the symbol reading device 1. Specifically, the CPU 11 expands a program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the ROM 13 to the RAM 12 and executes various processes in cooperation with the program expanded in the RAM 12. .

  Specifically, the CPU 11 outputs a command for changing the focal position (moving the focal position in stages) to the camera control unit 14C in cooperation with a first symbol scan program described later. Then, after the focal position is changed by the instruction of the camera control unit 14C (after the position of the lens 14B is moved), the CPU 11 outputs a command for imaging the subject at each changed focal position to the camera control unit 14C. . Then, the subject is imaged by the sensor 14A according to an instruction from the camera control unit 14C, and a captured image including the symbol S to be read is generated. Then, the CPU 11 searches for the symbol S included in the captured image, analyzes the searched symbol S, and acquires symbol data. Then, the CPU 11 causes the display unit 16 to display the acquired symbol data together with the captured image.

  The RAM 12 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores information, and has a plurality of work areas that store various programs to be executed and data related to these various programs. Specifically, the RAM 12 stores a captured image (image data) captured by the camera unit 14 and a reading result table 12A described later.

  The ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory that stores information, and stores various programs and various data. Specifically, the ROM 13 stores a symbol scan program to be described later.

  The camera unit 14 includes a sensor 14A, a lens 14B, and a camera control unit 14C. The sensor 14A is an image sensor, and includes, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and converts an image of a subject input through the lens 14B into an electrical signal. Thus, a captured image is generated. The lens 14B forms an image of the subject on the image sensor of the sensor 14A. The camera control unit 14 </ b> C controls each unit of the camera unit 14 based on instructions from the CPU 11. Specifically, the camera control unit 14 </ b> C has a function of switching the start or end of imaging and a function of focusing on the focus position designated by the operator.

  The input unit 15 includes various keys such as a trigger key, numeric / character input keys, and various function keys, receives various information input from the operator from the various keys, and outputs the information to the CPU 11.

  The display unit 16 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (ElectroLuminescent Display), and the like, and performs screen display according to a display signal from the CPU 11. The display unit 16 is configured integrally with the touch panel 16A. The touch panel 16 </ b> A detects the contact position of the operator's finger that contacts the display screen of the display unit 16. That is, the touch panel 16A is provided, for example, on the display screen of the display unit 16 or on the inner side of the display screen, and is touched on the display screen by a method such as a resistance film method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, or a capacitance method. The XY coordinates of the position are detected. The power supply unit 17 supplies driving power to each unit of the symbol reading device 1.

  Next, the reading result table 12A will be described with reference to FIG. The reading result table 12A is a table that stores symbol data. Specifically, the reading result table 12 </ b> A includes a symbol number 121, a symbol upper left coordinate 122, a symbol lower right coordinate 123, and read data 124.

  The symbol number 121 indicates the identification number of the symbol S. The upper left coordinate 122 of the symbol indicates the upper left coordinate value (pixel value) of the symbol S included in the captured image displayed on the display unit 16. The lower right coordinate 123 of the symbol indicates the lower right coordinate value (pixel value) of the symbol S included in the captured image displayed on the display unit 16. The read data 124 indicates data indicating the content of the symbol S (for example, character string data, numeric string data, the number of digits, data indicating the type of the symbol S, etc.).

Next, the operation of the symbol reading apparatus 1 will be described.
With reference to FIGS. 4-8, the 1st symbol scan process performed with the symbol reader 1 is demonstrated. The first symbol scanning process changes (moves) the focal position, images a captured image including the symbol S at each changed focal position, searches for the symbol S included in each captured image, The symbol S is obtained by analyzing the searched symbol S, and the obtained symbol data is displayed on the display unit 16 together with the captured image.

  Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the symbol reading device 1 captures a plurality of cardboards as subjects. In addition, it is assumed that a reading result table 12A is stored in the RAM 12 in advance.

  In the symbol reader 1, for example, a symbol scan program read from the ROM 13 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 12 triggered by the input of an instruction to execute symbol scan processing via the input unit 15 by the operator, and the CPU 11. Symbol scan processing is executed in cooperation with

  First, the data of the reading result table 12A stored in the RAM 12 is cleared. Then, the symbol number 121 is set to 0 (step S1).

  Then, the focal position is set closest (step S2). Specifically, in the range in which the position of the lens 14B can move, the position of the lens 14B is set to the closest position (the position where the distance from the lens 14B to the subject is the closest). The range in which the position of the lens 14B can be moved is a value determined by the specifications of the symbol reading device 1, and is stored in the RAM 12 in advance. Then, the focal position is adjusted to the set position (step S3). Specifically, based on an instruction from the CPU 11, a command for changing (moving) the focal position of the camera unit 14 to a set position is output from the CPU 11 to the camera control unit 14C. Then, the focal position is moved to the position set by the camera control unit 14C (the position of the lens 14B is moved), and the focal position is adjusted to the set position. Then, a command (imaging command) for imaging the subject at the moved focal position is output from the CPU 11 to the camera control unit 14C. Then, the subject is imaged by the sensor 14A in accordance with an instruction from the camera control unit 14C (step S4).

After execution of step S4, the captured image data (image data) is stored (stored) in the RAM 12 (step S5). Specifically, based on an instruction from the CPU 11, image data is output (transferred) to the RAM 12 by the camera control unit 14 </ b> C, and the transferred image data is stored in the RAM 12. The image data is a collection of pixel data (for example, grayscale bitmap data having 1600 pixels in width and 1200 pixels in height) having luminance values from 0 to 255.

  Then, the image data is resized to an appropriate size, and the resized image data is transferred to the display unit 16. Then, the image data is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S6). The process of step S6 is continuously repeated, and the image data is displayed (preview display) in real time on the display unit 16 like a moving image.

  Then, a decoding process is executed (step S7). The decoding process is a process of acquiring symbol data by analyzing symbols included in image data.

  After execution of step S7, it is determined whether or not the focal position is farthest (step S8). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the position of the lens 14B is the farthest position (the position where the distance from the lens 14B to the subject is the farthest) within the range in which the position of the lens 14B can move.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the focal position is not the farthest (step S8; NO), the focal position is set one step further (step S9). Here, the number of steps of the focal position indicates an arbitrary value obtained by dividing a range in which the position of the lens 14B is movable at a predetermined interval. A predetermined interval (an interval for moving the position of the lens 14B) is determined according to the number of steps. Further, the number of steps may be a predetermined default value or a value set by the operator. For example, “10 steps” (the closest position is the first step and the farthest position is the 10th step) is set as the number of steps in advance, and the focal position is set to the closest position (first step). If so, the focal position is set one step further away (ie, the second focal position). After execution of step S9, the process proceeds to step S3.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the focal position is farthest (step S8; YES), the read data 124 is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S10). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the read data 124 is displayed on the display unit 16. Then, the symbol number and the frame are displayed on the display unit 16 (step S11). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the symbol number 121 and a frame (a frame surrounding the symbol number and a frame surrounding the symbol S) are displayed on the display unit 16. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 16 displays symbol data of the analyzed symbol S (symbol number 121 and read data 124 obtained by analyzing the symbol S) and the symbol S ( The analyzed symbol S) is displayed in association with it. After execution of step S11, the first symbol scan process is terminated.

Next, the decoding process executed in step S7 of the first symbol scan process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the search position is initialized (step S21). Specifically, since the search is performed from the upper left of the image data, X coordinates = 0 and Y coordinates = 0 are set as initial values of the search positions. Then, a symbol search loop is started (step S22). The symbol search loop indicates a loop from step S22 to step S34.

When the symbol search loop is started, symbols are searched from the set search position (X, Y) (step S23). Then, it is determined whether or not the symbol S has been found (step S24).

  If it is determined in step S24 that the symbol S has not been found (step S24; NO), the process proceeds to step S31 described later. If it is determined in step S24 that the symbol S has been found (step S24; YES), the symbol S is decoded (step S25). Here, the discovery (extraction) of the symbol S in step S24 and the decoding (analysis) of the symbol S in step S25 are performed by scanning the decoding range, extracting the symbol S, and analyzing the extracted symbol S. Is called. The extraction / analysis of the symbol S is performed by correcting the symbol S, which is captured obliquely and distorted, using a known technique (for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-148786).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the decoding is successful (step S26). Specifically, whether or not the decoding is successful is determined based on whether or not the symbol data of the symbol S has been acquired. If it is determined in step S26 that the decoding has not succeeded (step S26; NO), the process proceeds to step S31 described later.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the decoding is successful (step S26; YES), it is determined whether or not the symbol data has been registered (step S27). Specifically, the symbol data acquired by decoding (analysis) is collated with the reading result table 12A stored in the RAM 12, and the same data as the acquired symbol coordinates (upper left coordinates and lower right coordinates) is obtained. It is determined whether or not the upper left coordinate 122 and the lower right coordinate 123 of the symbol are registered (stored) in the reading result table 12A.

If it is determined in step S27 that the decoded data has been registered (step S27; YES), the process proceeds to step S31 described later. If it is determined in step S27 that the decoded data has not been registered (step S27; NO), the coordinates of the decoded symbol (symbol upper left coordinate 122, symbol lower right coordinate 123) are acquired (step S28). .

After execution of step S28, the symbol number 121 is incremented (symbol number + 1) (step S29). Then, the decoded symbol number 121, the upper left coordinate 122, the lower right coordinate 123, and the read data 124 are added to the read result table 12A (step S30). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, “1” is the symbol number 121, “(20, 100)” is the upper left coordinate 122 of the symbol, “(190, 150)” is the lower right coordinate 123 of the symbol, and the read data 124 is “18418447218” is added to the reading result table 12A.

After execution of step S30, it is determined whether or not the X-coordinate search position exceeds MAX (step S31). The X coordinate search position MAX is the maximum number of pixels of the displayed X coordinate. If it is determined in step S31 that the X coordinate search position does not exceed MAX (step S31; NO), the X coordinate of the search position is + a (step S33). “A” is an arbitrary number of pixels in the X coordinate. “A” may be a predetermined default value or a value set by the operator. After execution of step S32, the process proceeds to step S34 described later.

If it is determined in step S31 that the search position of the X coordinate exceeds MAX (step S31; YES), the X coordinate of the search position is set to 0, and the Y coordinate of the search position is set to “Y coordinate + b”. (Step S32). “B” is an arbitrary number of pixels in the Y coordinate. “B” may be a predetermined default value or may be a value set by the operator. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when + a is searched in the X direction (corresponding to “1” in FIG. 8), when the X coordinate search position exceeds MAX, the Y coordinate of the search position is “Y coordinate + b” is set, and the search is performed by + a in the X direction (corresponding to “2” in FIG. 8).

After execution of step S33, a loop is performed until the Y coordinate of the search position exceeds MAX (step S34). The MAX of the search position of the Y coordinate is the maximum number of pixels of the Y coordinate to be displayed. That is, when it is determined that the Y coordinate of the search position does not exceed MAX, the process proceeds to step S22, and the loop (loop from step S22 to step S34) process is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Y coordinate of the search position exceeds MAX, the decoding process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S8 of the symbol scan process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the focal position is changed (moved), the symbol S to be read included in each captured image captured at each changed focal position is searched, and the searched symbol S To obtain symbol data. For this reason, since the subject is imaged while moving (changing) the focal position, it is possible to analyze the symbol S that matches the focal position, and the accuracy of reading the symbol S (accuracy to analyze the symbol S and acquire symbol data). ) Can be improved. In addition, since the accuracy of reading the symbol S can be improved, it is possible to read the symbol S (analyze the symbol S to obtain symbol data) even when the symbol S is imaged obliquely. Become. For this reason, it is not necessary for the operator to take an image directly from the front of the symbol S, so that the operability of reading the symbol S can be improved.

  In addition, when the subject includes a plurality of symbols S, the plurality of symbols S can be read simultaneously (analyzing the symbols to obtain symbol data), so that the operator does not need to image each symbol S. . For this reason, since it is possible to acquire symbol data for a plurality of symbols S without changing the imaging position of the symbols S, the operability of reading the symbols S can be improved.

If the subject includes a plurality of symbols S, the focus is automatically moved to image the subject, and the captured symbol S is analyzed to obtain symbol data. For this reason, since the operator only needs to perform the start operation of the first symbol scan process, the operability of reading the symbol S can be improved.

  Further, since the one-dimensional barcode or the two-dimensional code is targeted as the symbol S, various kinds of symbols S can be analyzed.

  If the same data as the coordinates of the acquired symbol S (upper left coordinates and lower right coordinates) is not registered in the upper left coordinates 122 and lower right coordinates 123 of the symbols in the reading result table 12A, the acquired symbol data Is registered (stored) in the reading result table 12A, the symbol data can be stored in the reading result table 12A without duplication.

  In addition, the symbol data of the symbol S (read data 124 and symbol number 121 acquired by analyzing the symbol S) and the symbol S (analyzed symbol S) corresponding to the symbol data are associated with each other on the display unit 16. Since it is displayed, the operator can grasp the symbol data and the symbol S corresponding to the symbol data in association with each other.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to 1st Embodiment, The detailed description is used and a different part is demonstrated below.

  First, the configuration of the symbol reading system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the symbol reading system 100 includes symbol reading apparatuses 1A and 1B and a center server 2 as a server apparatus. The symbol readers 1A and 1B are communicatively connected to the center server 2 via the communication network N. Note that a plurality of symbol reading devices may be configured.

The communication network N is configured by a communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet, for example, but may include a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and may include a telephone line, a dedicated line, a mobile communication network, A communication satellite network, CATV (Cable Television) line, Internet provider, etc. may be included.

  Next, the internal configuration of the symbol readers 1A and 1B will be described with reference to FIG. The internal configuration of the symbol readers 1A and 1B is the same. Hereinafter, the symbol reader 1A will be described as a representative.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol reading apparatus 1A includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a camera unit 14 as an imaging unit, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, a power source as a symbol reading device side control unit. A unit 17 and a communication unit 18 as a first communication means are provided.

  The CPU 11 outputs a command for changing the focal position (moving the focal position stepwise) to the camera control unit 14C in cooperation with a second symbol scan program described later. Then, after the focus position is changed by the instruction of the camera control unit 14C (after the position of the lens 14B is moved), the CPU 11 issues a command for imaging the subject at each changed focus position. Output to 14C. Then, the subject is imaged by the sensor 14A according to an instruction from the camera control unit 14C, and a captured image including the symbol S to be read is generated. Then, the CPU 11 transmits the captured image (image data) to the center server 2 via the communication unit 18. The CPU 11 receives symbol data from the center server 2 via the communication unit 18 and causes the display unit 16 to display the received symbol data together with the captured image.

  The ROM 12 stores a second symbol scan program to be described later. The communication unit 18 includes a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, a network card, and the like, and transmits and receives information to and from the center server 2 on the connected communication network N.

Next, the internal configuration of the center server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the center server 2 includes a CPU 21 as a server device side control unit, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, and a communication unit 24 as a second communication unit. The CPU 21, RAM 22, ROM 23, and communication unit 24 have the same configurations as the CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, and communication unit 18 of the symbol reading device 1A. Hereinafter, different parts will be mainly described.

  The CPU 21 centrally controls each unit of the center server 2. Specifically, the CPU 21 receives a captured image (image data) from the symbol reading device 1A via the communication unit 24 in cooperation with a center server program to be described later, and receives a symbol S included in the received captured image. The symbol data is acquired by performing a search and analyzing the searched symbol S. Then, the CPU 21 transmits the acquired symbol data to the symbol reading devices 1A and 1B via the communication unit 24.

  The ROM 13 stores a center server program to be described later. The communication unit 24 transmits / receives information to / from the symbol reading devices 1A and 1B on the communication network N.

    Next, the operation of the symbol reading system will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the symbol reading device 1A and the center server 2 transmit and receive information. First, the second symbol scan program executed by the symbol reading apparatus 1A will be described with reference to FIG. The second symbol scan program changes (moves) the focal position, captures a captured image including the symbol S at each changed focal position, and transmits the captured image (image data) to the center server 2. The symbol data is received from the center server, and the received symbol data is displayed on the display unit 16 together with the captured image.

  In the symbol reading apparatus 1A, for example, a symbol scan program that is read from the ROM 13 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 12 is triggered by the input of the execution instruction of the second symbol scan process via the input unit 15 by the operator. The second symbol scan process is executed in cooperation with the CPU 11.

  Steps S51 to S56 are the same as steps S1 to S6 of the first symbol scan processing in the first embodiment. After execution of step S56, the image data is transmitted to the center server 2 via the communication unit 18 (step S57).

  And it will be in the standby state which receives the symbol data decoded by the center server process performed by the center server 2. FIG. Then, the symbol data transmitted in step S85 (described later) of the center server process is received via the communication unit 18 (step S58).

  Step S59 and step S60 are the same as step S8 and step S9 of the first symbol scan processing in the first embodiment, respectively.

  If it is determined in step S59 that the focal position is farthest (step S59; YES), the symbol number 121 of the symbol and the upper left coordinate 122 are stored in the reading result table 12A based on the symbol data received from the center server 2. The lower right coordinates 123 and the read data 124 are added (step S61).

  Step S62 and step S63 are the same as step S10 and step S11 of the first symbol scan processing in the first embodiment, respectively. After execution of step S63, the second symbol scan process is terminated.

  Next, center server processing executed by the center server 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The center server process searches for a symbol S included in a captured image received from the symbol reader 1A via the communication unit 24, analyzes the searched symbol S, acquires symbol data, and acquires the acquired symbol data. This is a process of transmitting to the symbol reader 1A.

  In the center server 2, for example, in response to the start of reception of symbol data transmitted from the symbol reader 1A as a trigger, a center server program read from the ROM 23 and appropriately developed in the RAM 22 and the center in cooperation with the CPU 21 are provided. Server processing is executed.

  First, the image data transmitted in step S57 of the second symbol scanning process is received via the communication unit 24 (step S71). Steps S72 to S80 are the same as steps S21 to S29 of the decoding process in the first embodiment. Steps S81 to S84 are the same as steps S31 to S34 of the decoding process in the first embodiment.

  After execution of step S84, symbol data is transmitted to the symbol reading apparatus 1A via the communication unit 24 (step S85). After execution of step S85, the center server process is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the center server 2 performs the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and the symbol server (A) performs symbol decoding (analysis). Even in such a case, the symbol reading system 100 can be constructed.

  In addition, since the center server 2 decodes the symbol S, it is possible to decode complicated processing that is difficult to achieve with the symbol reader. As a result, the symbol reading ability (reading accuracy) can be improved.

  In addition, since the image data of the subject is transmitted to the center server 2, the center server 2 can manage the image data.

  The description in the above embodiment is an example of the symbol reading apparatus and the program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the display screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as an example of the display screen displayed on the touch panel 16A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the read data 124 may be displayed near the symbol S (for example, next to the symbol S).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the symbols are searched from the upper left to the lower right of the captured image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the symbols may be searched concentrically from the center of the captured image.

In the second embodiment, the decoded symbol data is transmitted from the center server 2 to the symbol reader 1A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of transmitting the symbol data to the symbol reading device 1A, only the information indicating whether or not the reading is successful may be transmitted to the symbol reading device 1A. In this case, the reading result table 12A is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the center server 2. With this configuration, since it is not necessary for the symbol reading device 1A to have (store) the symbol data in the RAM 12, the security of the symbol data can be maintained even if the symbol reading device 1A is stolen.

  Further, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the symbol reading apparatus 1 and the symbol reading system 100 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1, 1A, 1B Symbol reader 2 Center server 11, 21 CPU
12,22 RAM
13,23 ROM
14 camera unit 14A sensor 14B lens 14C camera control unit 15 input unit 16 display unit 16A touch panel 17 power supply unit 18, 24 communication unit 100 symbol reading system N communication network S symbol

Claims (7)

An imaging processing apparatus for imaging a subject including a plurality of information,
An imaging control means for controlling the subject including the plurality of pieces of information to sequentially change the focal length and to take an image sequentially;
Detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of information to be recognized in each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control means;
When the information to be recognized is detected by the detection means, a recognition processing means for performing recognition processing on the information;
Output means for outputting recognition result data of each piece of information recognized by the recognition means for each image picked up at the focal length by the image pickup control means;
An imaging processing apparatus comprising: Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the recognition has succeeded from the recognition result of the information subjected to the recognition processing by the recognition processing means;
Further comprising
The output means outputs recognition result data determined to be successful by the determination means;
The imaging processing apparatus according to claim 1. Storage control means for controlling the storage means to store data of recognition results of the information recognized by the recognition processing means;
Further comprising
The output means outputs the recognition result data that has been recognized and stored for each image captured at each focal distance after the recognition at the focal distance and is recognized.
The imaging processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When detecting information to be recognized at each focal length, a determination unit that determines whether data of a recognition result for the information is already stored in the storage unit;
  Further comprising
  When it is determined that the determination unit recognizes the storage control unit, the storage control unit skips storing the recognition result data for the information in the storage unit, while the determination unit does not recognize the data. If it is determined that the recognition result data for the information is stored in the storage means,
  The imaging processing apparatus according to claim 3. An imaging processing apparatus for imaging a subject including a plurality of information,
  An imaging control means for controlling the subject including the plurality of pieces of information to sequentially change the focal length and to take an image sequentially;
  By transmitting each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control means to an external processing device, the presence / absence of information to be recognized is detected in the image, and information to be recognized is detected. A recognition processing unit for performing recognition processing on the information and receiving a recognition result on the information included in each image;
  Output means for outputting recognition result data of each information received by the recognition processing means for each image taken by the imaging control means at each focal length;
  An imaging processing apparatus comprising: A program for controlling a computer of an imaging processing apparatus that images a subject including a plurality of information,
The computer,
An imaging control means for controlling the subject including the plurality of information to sequentially change the focal length and sequentially capture the image;
Detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of information to be recognized in each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control means;
A recognition processing unit that performs a recognition process on the information when the information to be recognized is detected by the detection unit;
Output means for outputting recognition result data of each piece of information recognized by the recognition means for each image picked up at each focal length by the image pickup control means;
A computer-readable program designed to function as a computer . A program for controlling a computer of an imaging processing apparatus that images a subject including a plurality of information,
The computer,
An imaging control means for controlling the subject including the plurality of information to sequentially change the focal length and sequentially capture the image;
By transmitting each image captured at each focal length by the imaging control means to an external processing device, the presence / absence of information to be recognized is detected in the image, and information to be recognized is detected. A recognition processing unit for performing recognition processing on the information and receiving a recognition result on the information included in each image;
Output means for outputting recognition result data of each piece of information recognized by the recognition means for each image picked up at each focal length by the image pickup control means;
A computer-readable program designed to function as a computer .

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