Imaging device and automatic transaction device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing decrease in recognition accuracy of a recognition object reflected in image data.SOLUTION: An imaging device is provided that includes: a placement unit having a placement surface on which an object is placed; an imaging unit that images the object placed on the placement surface; and an illumination unit that irradiates the object placed on the placement surface with illumination light by irradiating the object with the illumination light. The placement surface includes a first placement surface perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging unit and a second placement surface inclined with respect to the first placement surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device and an automatic transaction device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various types of automated transaction machines have become known. For example, an automated transaction machine is known that recognizes a recognition target attached to an object from image data obtained by capturing an image of the object placed on a placement surface, and executes a transaction based on the recognition result of the recognition target.

[0003] Here, if the brightness of the environment in which the automated teller machine is installed is low, the brightness of the recognition target reflected in the image data will also be low, which may result in a failure to improve the recognition accuracy of the recognition target. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that improves the recognition accuracy of the recognition target by irradiating an object placed on a placement surface with light from an illumination unit and increasing the brightness of the recognition target reflected in the image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-164367 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, depending on the type of object, the illumination unit may be reflected in the image data. For example, if the object is a paper medium, the illumination unit is unlikely to be reflected in the paper medium. On the other hand, if the object is an information terminal, the illumination unit is likely to be reflected in the screen of the information terminal. If the illumination unit is reflected in the object, the recognition accuracy of the object reflected in the image data may decrease.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that can suppress a decrease in the recognition accuracy of a recognition target shown in image data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging device comprising: a mounting section having a mounting surface on which an object is placed; an imaging section that images the object placed on the mounting surface; and an illumination section that irradiates the object placed on the mounting surface with illumination light, wherein the mounting surface comprises a first mounting surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging section and a second mounting surface inclined relative to the first mounting surface.

[0008] The first placement surface may be formed in at least a part of an area surrounding the outside of the second placement surface.

[0009] The object may include an information terminal having a screen capable of displaying predetermined information, and the information terminal may be placed on the second placement surface.

[0010] The surface direction of the screen may be a direction different from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the information terminal is placed on the second placement surface.

[0011] The imaging device may include a light shielding plate that blocks light that is different from the light emitted by the illumination unit and that is directed toward the screen.

[0012] The object may include a paper medium, and the paper medium may be able to be placed on the first placement surface.

[0013] The surface direction of the paper medium may be perpendicular to the optical axis when the paper medium is placed on the first placement surface.

[0014] The second placement surface may be inclined downward from the rear side to the front side or from the front side to the rear side of the imaging device.

[0015] The second placement surface may be inclined downward from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side of the imaging device.

[0016] The illumination unit may irradiate the illumination light in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0017] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, there is provided an imaging device comprising: a mounting section having an inclined mounting surface on which an object having a screen capable of displaying predetermined information is placed; an imaging section that images the object placed on the mounting surface; and an illumination section that irradiates the object placed on the mounting surface with illumination light, wherein the surface direction of the screen is in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging section when the object is placed on the mounting surface.

[0018] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention to solve the above problem, an automatic transaction device is provided, comprising: a mounting section having a mounting surface on which an object is placed; an imaging section that images the object placed on the mounting surface; an illumination section that irradiates the object placed on the mounting surface with illumination light; and a control section that executes a transaction based on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging section, wherein the mounting surface comprises a first mounting surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging section and a second mounting surface inclined relative to the first mounting surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, the present invention provides a technique that makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the recognition accuracy of a recognition target appearing in image data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an automatic transaction apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mounting section 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a paper medium P1 is placed on a peripheral placement surface 131. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an information terminal M1 is placed on a central placement surface 132. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mounting section 23 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an automatic transaction apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mounting section 23 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a paper medium P1 is placed on a peripheral placement surface 131. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which an information terminal M1 is placed on a central placement surface 232. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0022] (0. Overview) First, an outline of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, a technology that can suppress a decrease in the recognition accuracy of a recognition target reflected in image data will be described. Here, in the following description, it is mainly assumed that the recognition target is a two-dimensional code. However, the recognition target may be an object other than a two-dimensional code. For example, the recognition target may be a one-dimensional code. Alternatively, when character recognition is performed from image data, the recognition target may be a character string including one or more characters.

[0024] The object to which the recognition target is attached can also be referred to as a “medium.” In the following description, a paper medium and an information terminal will be taken as examples of the object to which the recognition target is attached.

[0025] Here, paper media is an example of an object that is unlikely to reflect the illumination unit. Therefore, the object that is unlikely to reflect the illumination unit may be an object other than paper media. For example, if the surface of the object is made of a material that diffusely reflects light, the illumination unit is unlikely to be reflected on the surface of the object in image data captured from the object. Therefore, the object that is unlikely to reflect the illumination unit may be an object whose surface is made of a material other than paper that diffusely reflects light. Note that diffuse reflection can also be referred to as diffuse reflection.

[0026] On the other hand, an information terminal is an example of an object that is likely to reflect the illumination unit. In particular, if the screen of the information terminal includes glass, there is a high possibility that the illumination unit will be reflected on the screen. Note that an object that is likely to reflect the illumination unit may be an object other than an information terminal. For example, if the surface of an object is made of a material that specularly reflects light, there is a high possibility that the illumination unit will be reflected on the surface of the object in image data captured from the object. Therefore, an object that is likely to reflect the illumination unit may be an object whose surface is made of a material that specularly reflects light, such as glossy plastic, in addition to glass. Note that specular reflection can also be referred to as specular reflection.

[0027] The outline of the embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0028] (1. First embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] (1-1. Configuration of automated transaction device) An example of the configuration of an automated teller machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an automated teller machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The automated teller machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention executes a predetermined transaction. The transaction executed by the automated teller machine 1 may be a payment process for taxes or public funds. For example, the automated teller machine 1 may be installed in an area of ​​a local government facility where users can enter, a branch of a financial institution, or a convenience store. The automated teller machine 1 may also be a cash processing device, a payment machine, or a collection machine for processing the payment of taxes or public funds.

[0030] 1, the automated teller machine 1 includes a banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 3, a coin deposit / withdrawal slot 4, an imaging unit 11, an illumination unit 12, a placement unit 13, and an operation display unit 14. The placement unit 13 includes a first placement surface (hereinafter also referred to as a "peripheral placement surface 131") and a second placement surface (hereinafter also referred to as a "central placement surface 132").

[0031] The banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 3 functions as a banknote deposit port that accepts banknotes inserted by a user. Furthermore, the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 3 functions as a banknote withdrawal port that ejects banknotes to be handed over to a user.

[0032] The coin depositing and dispensing port 4 functions as a coin depositing port that accepts coins inserted by a user. Furthermore, the coin depositing and dispensing port 4 functions as a coin dispensing port that ejects coins to be handed over to a user.

[0033] The placing unit 13 has a placing surface on which an object is placed. As described above, the object may be a paper medium or an information terminal. A user may place either a paper medium or an information terminal on the placing surface. Specifically, the placing unit 13 has a peripheral placing surface 131 and a central placing surface 132.

[0034] An information terminal having a screen capable of displaying predetermined information can be placed on the central placement surface 132. The information terminal displays a two-dimensional code required for executing a transaction on the screen. The information terminal is placed on the central placement surface 132 so that the screen displaying the two-dimensional code faces upward. In other words, the information terminal is placed on the central placement surface 132 so that the surface of the information terminal opposite the screen is in contact with the central placement surface 132. The information terminal may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or another terminal.

[0035] A paper medium can be placed on the peripheral placing surface 131. For example, the paper medium may be a tax or public payment slip. In this case, the paper medium has a two-dimensional code necessary for executing the transaction attached to it. The paper medium is placed on the peripheral placing surface 131 so that the side with the two-dimensional code faces upward. In other words, the paper medium is placed on the peripheral placing surface 131 so that the side without the two-dimensional code is in contact with the peripheral placing surface 131.

[0036] The imaging unit 11 includes an imaging element and a lens (not shown), and captures an image of an object placed on the placement surface of the placement unit 13. Therefore, the automated transaction apparatus 1 can be considered an imaging device (imaging system) that captures an image of an object. Specifically, the imaging unit 11 is provided at a position and in a direction such that the placement unit 13 falls within the imaging range. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 11 is provided above the placement unit 13, and captures an image of the object placed on the placement unit 13 from above. The lens of the imaging unit 11 has an optical axis that passes through the center of the lens and is perpendicular to the lens surface; in the following description, this will be referred to as the optical axis of the imaging unit 11.

[0037] The illumination unit 12 emits illumination light to illuminate an object placed on the placement surface of the placement unit 13. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the illumination unit 12 is provided above the placement unit 13 and irradiates the object placed on the placement unit 13 with illumination light from above.

[0038] In this case, if the irradiated light reaches the paper medium, at least a portion of the irradiated light diffusely reflected on the surface of the paper medium can reach the imaging unit 11, regardless of the position and orientation of the illumination unit 12. However, the illumination unit 12 may irradiate the irradiated light in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. This makes it easier for the irradiated light diffusely reflected on the surface of the paper medium placed on the peripheral mounting surface 131 to reach the imaging unit 11.

[0039] The operation display unit 14 includes a display unit that displays information related to the transaction. The operation display unit 14 may display guidance information that guides the user in placing an information terminal on the central placement surface 132 and in placing paper media on the peripheral placement surface 131. The operation display unit 14 also includes an operation unit that accepts operations related to the transaction from the user. As an example, the display unit may be configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit may also be realized with a touch panel.

[0040] In the following, the side of the automated transaction device 1 that the user faces is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side. The front side may correspond to the front side as seen from the user's perspective. The rear side may correspond to the back side as seen from the user's perspective. Furthermore, the left side of the automated transaction device 1 as seen from the user facing the front side is defined as the left side, and the right side as seen from the user facing the front side is defined as the right side. Furthermore, the upper and lower sides of the automated transaction device 1 will be defined for explanation.

[0041] 1 is an example of an automatic transaction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the arrangement of the components of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 may differ from that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the operation and display unit 14 may be located at the position of the mounting unit 13, and the mounting unit 13, which is narrower in width in the left-right direction than the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, may be located adjacent to the left or right of the operation and display unit 14, and the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12 may be located according to the position of the mounting unit 13 (not shown). Even if the arrangement of the components of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 differs from that shown in FIG. 1, the central mounting surface 132 may be capable of mounting an information terminal having a screen, and the peripheral mounting surface 131 may be capable of mounting paper media.

[0042] (1-2. Functional configuration of automated transaction device) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the automated transaction apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the automated transaction apparatus 1 includes an imaging unit 11, an illumination unit 12, an operation and display unit 14, a memory unit 15, a control unit 16, and a deposit and withdrawal unit 18. The imaging unit 11, the illumination unit 12, and the operation and display unit 14 have been described with reference to Fig. 1, so here, only the memory unit 15, the control unit 16, and the deposit and withdrawal unit 18 will be described.

[0043] The storage unit 15 is a memory capable of storing programs and data for operating the control unit 16. The storage unit 15 can also temporarily store various data required in the course of operation of the control unit 16. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile memory.

[0044] The control unit 16 includes a processor, and executes a transaction by reading and executing a program from the storage unit 15. Specifically, the control unit 16 controls the operation display unit 14 to display guidance information. The control unit 16 acquires image data obtained by capturing an image of an object placed on the placement unit 13 by a user using the imaging unit 11. The control unit 16 then executes the transaction based on the image data. For example, the transaction may be executed as follows.

[0045] That is, the control unit 16 attempts to recognize a two-dimensional code from the image data. If the control unit 16 recognizes a two-dimensional code from the image data, it executes a transaction based on the recognized two-dimensional code. For example, the control unit 16 decodes the two-dimensional code to obtain information necessary for paying taxes or public funds as payment information. The payment information may include the payment category and payment amount, etc.

[0046] The control unit 16 acquires the amount of money deposited by the user, which is counted by the deposit / withdrawal unit 18. If the amount deposited is equal to or greater than the payment amount, the control unit 16 stores the cash deposited by the user in the deposit / withdrawal unit 18 and transmits payment information to the host computer via the communication line 17. When the payment information is received, the host computer stores the payment information. This completes the payment of the tax or public money.

[0047] At this time, if the amount deposited is greater than the amount to be paid, the deposit / withdrawal unit 18 is controlled so that cash equivalent to the difference obtained by subtracting the amount to be paid from the amount deposited is dispensed from the deposit / withdrawal unit 18, and the cash dispensed from the deposit / withdrawal unit 18 is discharged from at least one of the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 3 and the coin deposit / withdrawal port 4.

[0048] Furthermore, the deposit / withdrawal unit 18 counts the amount of cash inserted by the user as the deposited amount, based on at least one of the banknotes inserted by the user into the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 3 and the coins inserted into the coin deposit / withdrawal slot 4. The deposit / withdrawal unit 18 outputs the deposited amount to the control unit 16. The deposit / withdrawal unit 18 also stores banknotes and coins, and has the function of dispensing the stored banknotes and coins under the control of the control unit 16.

[0049] (1-3. Configuration of the mounting section) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the placement unit 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a front view, a top view, and a right side view of the placement unit 13 are shown. The right side view is a cross-sectional view of the placement unit 13 from the right side near the center in the left-right direction. In the right side view and the top view, the front side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 is shown to coincide with the rear side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. For example, the central placement surface 132 may be a rectangular area, but in the front view and the top view, the area visible in the back of the central placement surface 132 is shown narrower than the area visible in the front, so that the direction of inclination of the central placement surface 132 can be easily understood. Furthermore, the right side view is shown schematically, mainly to make the central placement surface 132 easier to see.

[0050] 3, in addition to the mounting section 13, the imaging section 11 and the illumination section 12 are shown. As described above, the illumination section 12 irradiates the object placed on the mounting section 13 with illumination light in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the imaging section 11. The imaging section 11 captures an image of the object placed on the mounting section 13.

[0051] The peripheral placing surface 131 is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. On the other hand, the central placing surface 132 is a surface inclined with respect to the peripheral placing surface 131. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the central placing surface 132 is inclined downward from the rear side to the front side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. In other words, the central placing surface 132 is inclined downward from the back to the front side as seen from the user placing the object on the placing unit 13. The effect achieved by the central placing surface 132 being inclined in this way will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0052] 4 is a diagram showing a state in which paper medium P1 is placed on peripheral placing surface 131. Referring to FIG. 4, a front view, a top view, and a right side view of placing unit 13 in a state in which paper medium P1 is placed on peripheral placing surface 131 are shown.

[0053] The peripheral placing surface 131 is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. Therefore, the surface direction of the paper medium P1 placed on the peripheral placing surface 131 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11 when the paper medium P1 is placed on the peripheral placing surface 131. As a result, the surface of the paper medium P1 faces the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12 directly.

[0054] Here, the light irradiated onto the paper medium P1 is diffusely reflected on the surface of the paper medium P1, so the illumination unit 12 does not appear in the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11. Furthermore, the illumination unit 12 irradiates the paper medium P1 with illumination light, thereby maintaining the brightness of the paper medium P1 reflected in the image data at a certain level or higher. This improves the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11.

[0055] 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 132. Referring to FIG. 5, a front view, a top view, and a right side view of the placement unit 13 in a state in which the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 132 are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 132 so that the short side direction of the information terminal M1 coincides with the left-right direction of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. However, the information terminal M1 may also be placed on the central placement surface 132 so that the long side direction of the information terminal M1 coincides with the left-right direction of the automatic transaction apparatus 1.

[0056] The central placement surface 132 is inclined with respect to the peripheral placement surface 131. Therefore, the plane direction of the screen of the information terminal M1 placed on the central placement surface 132 is different from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. As a result, the screen of the information terminal M1 does not directly face the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12.

[0057] Here, the illumination light irradiated onto the screen of the information terminal M1 is specularly reflected by the screen of the information terminal M1. Therefore, if the screen of the information terminal M1 were directly facing the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12, the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 12 would reflect off the screen of the information terminal M1 and reach the imaging unit 11. For example, when illumination light is irradiated in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11, at least a portion of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 12 may reflect off the screen of the information terminal M1 and reach the imaging unit 11. However, because the screen of the information terminal M1 does not directly face the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12, the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 12 does not reach the imaging unit 11 even if it is reflected off the screen of the information terminal M1, and the illumination unit 12 does not appear in the image data. Furthermore, if the screen of the information terminal M1 itself is emitting light, the brightness of the screen reflected in the image data is maintained at a certain level or higher. In other words, a decrease in the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11 is suppressed.

[0058] 3, the peripheral placing surface 131 is formed in at least a part of the area surrounding the outside of the central placing surface 132. This makes it possible to place the information terminal M1 on the central placing surface 132 as shown in Fig. 5, and also makes it possible to place the paper medium P1 on the peripheral placing surface 131 so as to straddle the central placing surface 132 as shown in Fig. 4. This makes it possible to achieve space-saving for the placing unit 13 that includes the peripheral placing surface 131 and the central placing surface 132.

[0059] (1-4. Effects of the First Embodiment) As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an automatic transaction apparatus 1 including: a placing unit 13 having a placing surface on which an object is placed; an imaging unit 11 that captures an image of the object placed on the placing surface; and an illumination unit 12 that irradiates the object placed on the placing surface with illumination light in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. The placing surface includes a peripheral placing surface 131 that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and a central placing surface 132 that is inclined relative to the peripheral placing surface 131.

[0060] According to this configuration, when a paper medium P1 is placed on the peripheral placement surface 131, the illumination unit 12 irradiates the paper medium P1 with illumination light, thereby improving the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11. Furthermore, when an information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 132, the illumination unit 12 is not reflected in the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11, and therefore, a decrease in the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11 is suppressed.

[0061] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0062] (1-5. Configuration of Mounting Section According to Modification) The configuration of the mounting unit 13 according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mounting unit 13 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a front view, a top view, and a right side view of the mounting unit 13.

[0063] 6, the central placing surface 132 is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side of the automated transaction apparatus 1. In other words, the central placing surface 132 is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side as seen from the user placing the object on the placing section 13. With this configuration, the modified example of the first embodiment also achieves the same effects as those achieved by the first embodiment.

[0064] The above describes the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] (2. Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. In the following, a description of common parts between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted, and parts of the second embodiment of the present invention that are different from the first embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described.

[0066] (2-1. Configuration of automated transaction device) An example of the configuration of an automatic transaction apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an automatic transaction apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 7, the automatic transaction apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the automatic transaction apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in that the placing unit 13 is replaced with a placing unit 23 and is provided with a light blocking plate 19. The placing unit 23 has a peripheral placing surface 131 and a central placing surface 232. As with the central placing surface 132 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, an information terminal having a screen can be placed on the central placing surface 232.

[0068] The light blocking plate 19 is a plate that blocks light that is different from the illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 12 and that is directed toward the screen of the information terminal placed on the central placement surface 232. By providing such a light blocking plate 19, it is possible to prevent an object that reflects or emits light different from the emitted light from being reflected in the image data. Note that the object may be a light source that emits light, or a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light source.

[0069] The position and orientation of the light blocking plate 19 do not need to be limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided so that the surface of the light blocking plate 19 is perpendicular to the peripheral placing surface 131. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided on the peripheral placing surface 131. Alternatively, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided near the peripheral placing surface 131. Moreover, since the lower end of the central placing surface 232 is on the left side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided on the left side of the central placing surface 232. This more effectively prevents an object that reflects or emits light different from the emitted light from appearing in the image data.

[0070] (2-2. Configuration of the mounting section) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mounting section 23 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which shows a front view and a top view of the mounting section 23.

[0071] The central placing surface 232 is a surface that is inclined relative to the peripheral placing surface 131. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the central placing surface 232 is inclined downward from the right side to the left side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. In other words, the central placing surface 232 is inclined downward from the right side to the left side as seen by a user placing an object on the placing section 23. The effect achieved by such an inclination of the central placing surface 232 will be described later with reference to Fig. 10.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing a state in which paper medium P1 is placed on peripheral placing surface 131. Referring to FIG. 9, a front view and a top view of placing section 23 in a state in which paper medium P1 is placed on peripheral placing surface 131 are shown.

[0073] The peripheral placement surface 131 is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11. Therefore, the surface direction of the paper medium P1 placed on the peripheral placement surface 131 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11 when the paper medium P1 is placed on the peripheral placement surface 131. This causes the surface of the paper medium P1 to directly face the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment of the present invention, the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11 is improved.

[0074] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 232. Referring to FIG. 10, a front view and a top view of the placement unit 23 in a state in which the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 232 are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 232 so that the short side direction of the information terminal M1 coincides with the left-right direction of the automated transaction apparatus 2. However, the information terminal M1 may also be placed on the central placement surface 232 so that the long side direction of the information terminal M1 coincides with the left-right direction of the automated transaction apparatus 2.

[0075] The central placement surface 232 is inclined with respect to the peripheral placement surface 131. Therefore, the plane direction of the screen of the information terminal M1 placed on the central placement surface 232 is a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 11 when the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 232. As a result, the screen of the information terminal M1 does not directly face the imaging unit 11 and the illumination unit 12. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment of the present invention, a decrease in the recognition accuracy of the two-dimensional code based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 11 is suppressed.

[0076] (2-3. Effects of the Second Embodiment) As described above, the second embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a light blocking plate 19 that blocks light that is different from the illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 12 and that is directed toward the screen of the information terminal M1. This prevents objects that reflect or emit light different from the emitted light from appearing in the image data, further preventing a decrease in the accuracy of recognizing two-dimensional codes based on image data.

[0077] In the automated teller machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the information terminal M1 is placed on the central placement surface 132, which slopes downward from the rear to the front of the automated teller machine 1, a user stands in front of the automated teller machine 1. Therefore, even if there is a light source or reflector behind the user that emits light different from the illumination light, the light different from the illumination light is blocked by the user's body, making it unlikely that the light will be reflected on the screen of the information terminal M1 and appear in the image data. On the other hand, in the automated teller machine 2 according to the second embodiment, the user does not stand on the right side where the lower end of the central placement surface 232 is located, and depending on the environment in which the automated teller machine 2 is installed, there may be nothing blocking the light from the light source or reflector that emits light different from the illumination light. Therefore, in the automated teller machine 2 according to the second embodiment, the provision of the light blocking plate 19 prevents objects that reflect or emit light different from the illumination light from appearing in the image data, further reducing the deterioration in the recognition accuracy of two-dimensional codes based on the image data.

[0078] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0079] (2-4. Configuration of Mounting Section According to Modification) The configuration of the placement unit 23 according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the central placement surface 232 is inclined downward from the right side to the left side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. However, the central placement surface 232 may also be inclined downward from the left side to the right side of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. In other words, the central placement surface 232 may be inclined downward from the left side to the right side as seen by a user placing an object on the placement unit 23. With this configuration, the modification of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as those achieved by the second embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, when the central placing surface 232 is inclined downward from the left side to the right side of the automatic transaction device 1, the lower end of the central placing surface 232 is located on the right side of the automatic transaction device 1, so the shading plate 19 may be provided on the right side of the central placing surface 232.

[0081] The above describes a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] (3. Other Embodiments) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0083] In the above description, the paper medium P1 is placed on the peripheral placing surface 131, but the paper medium P1 may also be placed on the central placing surface 132 (central placing surface 232). Also, if the paper medium P1 is to be placed on the central placing surface 132 (central placing surface 232), only the central placing surface 132 (central placing surface 232) may be provided without providing the peripheral placing surface 131.

[0084] In the above, it has been mainly assumed that the object is placed on the placing unit 13 with the two-dimensional code facing upward. However, it is also assumed that the placing unit 13 is transparent and the object is placed on the placing unit 13 with the two-dimensional code facing downward. In such a case, the illumination unit 12 may be provided below the placing unit 13, and illumination light may be irradiated from below onto the object placed on the placing unit 13. Furthermore, the imaging unit 11 may be provided below the placing unit 13, and an image of the object placed on the placing unit 13 may be captured from below.

[0085] In the above description, the automatic transaction apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with the light blocking plate 19. However, the automatic transaction apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be provided with the light blocking plate 19.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , when the lower end of the central placement surface 132 is on the front side, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided on the front side of the placement unit 13. In this case, the light blocking plate 19 may also function as a stopper that prevents the information terminal M1 from sliding down the central placement surface 132. Alternatively, a user facing the automatic transaction apparatus 1 may block light directed toward the screen of the information terminal instead of the light blocking plate 19. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the lower end of the central placement surface 132 is on the rear side, the light blocking plate 19 may be provided on the rear side of the placement unit 13. Alternatively, a housing part of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 (for example, a housing part on which the operation display unit 14 is provided) may block light directed toward the screen of the information terminal instead of the light blocking plate 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1, 2 Automatic transaction device 3 Bill deposit / withdrawal slot 4 Coin deposit / withdrawal slot 11 Imaging unit 12 Lighting Department 13, 23 Placement section 131 Peripheral mounting surface 132, 232 central placement surface 14 Operation display section 15 Storage section 16 Control Unit 17. Communication Lines 18 Withdrawal Department 19 Shade M1 Information Terminal P1 Paper media

Claims

1. a placement section having a placement surface on which an object is placed; an imaging unit that images the object placed on the placement surface; an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light onto the object placed on the placement surface; Equipped with The placement surface is a first mounting surface perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging unit, and a second mounting surface inclined relative to the first mounting surface; Imaging device.

2. the first mounting surface is formed in at least a part of an area surrounding the outside of the second mounting surface; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. the target object includes an information terminal having a screen capable of displaying predetermined information, the information terminal can be placed on the second placement surface; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

4. a surface direction of the screen is a direction different from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the information terminal is placed on the second placement surface; The imaging device according to claim 3 .

5. a light shielding plate for blocking light that is different from the light emitted by the illumination unit and that is directed toward the screen; The imaging device according to claim 4 .

6. the object includes a paper medium, The paper medium can be placed on the first placement surface. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

7. a surface direction of the paper medium is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the paper medium is placed on the first placement surface; The imaging device according to claim 6 .

8. the second placement surface is inclined downward from the rear side to the front side or from the front side to the rear side of the imaging device; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

9. the second placement surface is inclined downward from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side of the imaging device; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

10. the illumination unit irradiates the illumination light in a direction parallel to the optical axis; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

11. a placing section having an inclined placing surface on which an object having a screen capable of displaying predetermined information is placed; an imaging unit that images the object placed on the placement surface; an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light onto the object placed on the placement surface; Equipped with a surface direction of the screen is a direction different from a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging unit when the object is placed on the placement surface; Imaging device.

12. a placement section having a placement surface on which an object is placed; an imaging unit that images the object placed on the placement surface; an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light onto the object placed on the placement surface; a control unit that executes a transaction based on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit; Equipped with The placement surface is a first mounting surface perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging unit, and a second mounting surface inclined relative to the first mounting surface; Automated trading device.

Images