Registration device, registration system, registration method, and program

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of the work involved in registering discarded home appliances. [Solution] The registration device comprises an imaging unit, an acquisition unit, and a registration unit. The imaging unit images the product label 320 and the recycling ticket 310 attached to the discarded home appliance 300. The acquisition unit acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance 300 and the recycling number 311 written on the recycling ticket 310 based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit. The registration unit associates the specification information and the recycling number 311 acquired by the acquisition unit and registers them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a registration device, a registration system, a registration method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, used waste home appliances are collected at recycling factories and disassembled. At the recycling factory, waste home appliances are discriminated, and each discriminated waste home appliance is disassembled. As an example, product information is discriminated by reading a barcode attached to the waste home appliance (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] In addition, for the disposal of waste home appliances, it is necessary to purchase a recycling ticket (home appliance recycling ticket). The waste home appliance is attached with a recycling ticket and transported to the recycling factory. In the disassembly work of the waste home appliance, the waste home appliance is registered. Specifically, the recycling number of the recycling ticket attached to the waste home appliance and the specifications of the waste home appliance are registered.

[0004] For example, the registration of the recycling number is performed by a work staff reading the code described on the recycling ticket with a scanner. In addition, the registration of the specifications of the waste home appliance is performed by a work staff visually confirming the specifications of the waste home appliance and reading a predetermined code with a scanner based on the judgment of the work staff. If the specifications cannot be determined by visual confirmation, the work staff compares the model number list and the product label to determine the specifications.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, with conventional technology, registering specifications required visual judgment by the staff, which could lead to incorrect registrations due to human error. Furthermore, the need to read various codes sometimes prevented rapid dismantling work. As a result, there was a problem with the inefficiency of the work involved in registering discarded home appliances.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can improve the efficiency of work related to the registration of discarded home appliances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A registration device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an imaging unit that images a product label and a recycling ticket attached to a discarded home appliance; an acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and a recycling number written on the recycling ticket based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit; and a registration unit that associates the specification information and the recycling number acquired by the acquisition unit and registers them.

[0009] A registration system according to one aspect of the present invention is a registration system including a registration device and an imaging device for imaging a product label and a recycling ticket attached to a discarded home appliance, wherein the registration device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and a recycling number written on the recycling ticket based on the imaging results captured by the imaging device, and a registration unit that associates the specification information and the recycling number acquired by the acquisition unit and registers them.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a registration method in which a registration device equipped with an imaging unit for imaging a product label and a recycling ticket attached to a discarded home appliance performs a process including: an acquisition step of acquiring specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and a recycling number written on the recycling ticket based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit; and a registration step of registering the specification information and the recycling number acquired in the acquisition step in association with each other.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a registration device equipped with an imaging unit that images a product label and a recycling ticket attached to a discarded home appliance, wherein the program causes the computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and a recycling number written on the recycling ticket based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit, and a registration unit that associates the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit with the recycling number and registers them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of work related to the registration of discarded home appliances. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a process diagram showing the flow of discarded home appliances from arrival to shipment at a recycling plant. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a registration system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of the back of a discarded home appliance. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a specification information database stored by a registration server. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the registration information database stored by the registration server. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of registration information displayed on the results output monitor. [Figure 7]It is a flowchart showing an example of the work process during disassembly. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process performed by the registration device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] (Embodiment) (Flow from the intake to the shipment of waste household appliances in the recycling factory) First, the flow from the intake to the shipment of waste household appliances in the recycling factory will be described. FIG. 1 is a process diagram showing the flow from the intake to the shipment of waste household appliances in the recycling factory. (Intake process P101) The waste household appliances are stored in a predetermined household appliance container and carried into the recycling factory by a truck. A recycling voucher (home appliance recycling voucher) with necessary items described is attached to the waste household appliances. In this embodiment, the waste household appliances are, for example, a TV.

[0015] (Receiving process P102) The household appliance container carried by the truck is transported to the receiving area within the recycling factory. Then, the household appliance container is unloaded from the truck. Note that, at the time of receiving, information indicating the type, item, quantity, etc. of the waste household appliances, as well as the container number, etc. are registered. Also, at the time of receiving, the weight of the household appliance container (waste household appliances) is measured and the weight is also registered.

[0016] (Storage process P103) The waste household appliances after receiving are stored in a warehouse.

[0017] (Transportation process P104) The waste household appliances are stored in a container and transported from the warehouse to the disassembly area. Then, the waste household appliances are taken out one by one from the container and sent to the disassembly lane.

[0018] (Registration process P105) Discarded home appliances sent to the dismantling lane are placed on a designated workbench, and the recycling number on the recycling ticket attached to the appliance and the specifications of the appliance are associated with the specification information and registered in the registration server 230 (Figure 2). The recycling number is identification information that identifies the recycling ticket. The specifications of the appliance are information used to sort the appliance into the appropriate dismantling lane. Specifically, the specifications of a discarded home appliance (television) indicate various components such as plasma, LCD, and OLED (electroluminescence). As a result, the appliances are then sent to their respective dedicated dismantling lanes according to their specifications, such as plasma, LCD, and OLED.

[0019] <Dispensing Process P106> Once the recycling number and specifications are registered, the discarded home appliances are released. Release involves placing the registered discarded home appliances on a dismantling lane and transporting them to the dismantling equipment, where they are dismantled.

[0020] <Recovery Process P107> The materials recovered from the demolition are moved to designated areas according to their type. Furthermore, the recovered materials are separated into those that are placed in containers and those that are not, and are temporarily stored in separate areas.

[0021] <Shipping Process P108> The collected items stored in the collection area will be shipped out by delivery trucks. The weight of the collected items will be measured before shipment.

[0022] In this way, when discarded home appliances are brought to a recycling plant, their recycling number and specifications are registered during dismantling. They are then dismantled according to their specifications and shipped out according to the collected items.

[0023] (An example of a registration system) Figure 2 shows an example of the registration system 200 according to this embodiment. The registration system 200 comprises a registration device 210, an operating device 220, and a registration server 230. The registration device 210, the operating device 220, and the registration server 230 are used in the registration process P105 in Figure 1.

[0024] The registration device 210, the operation device 220, and the registration server 230 are computer devices equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a communication unit. The registration device 210 and the operation device 220 are, for example, personal computers. The registration device 210, the operation device 220, and the registration server 230 are connected via a network. The network is a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network may be wired or wireless.

[0025] (Registration device 210) The registration device 210 comprises functional units: an acquisition unit 210a, a registration unit 210b, a notification unit 210c, and an output unit 210d. Each functional unit is implemented by the CPU of the registration device 210. That is, each functional unit is implemented by the CPU executing a predetermined registration program stored in RAM or the like.

[0026] Furthermore, the registration device 210 is connected to the imaging unit 211, the imaging button 212, the scanner unit 213, the result output monitor 214, the rotating light 215, and the audio output unit 216.

[0027] The imaging unit 211 (an example of an imaging device) is a camera that captures still images or videos of the entire discarded home appliance (television) placed on a designated workbench. The imaging unit 211 is fixedly installed above the workbench. The position and lens of the imaging unit 211 are determined so that, for example, the field of view is such that it can capture the entire 65-inch television.

[0028] The imaging button 212 is an operation unit for receiving the command to start imaging. The imaging button 212 is located near the workbench. When the imaging button 212 is pressed, the imaging unit 211 performs imaging.

[0029] The scanner unit 213 is a handheld scanner capable of reading various codes (e.g., barcodes). The reading method of the scanner unit 213 is, for example, a laser method or a CCD method.

[0030] The results output monitor 214 is a display located near the workbench. The results output monitor 214 displays registration information based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 211. The rotating beacon 215 is a lighting component positioned near the workbench. The rotating beacon 215 can be illuminated in various lighting modes (color modes, flashing modes). The audio output unit 216 outputs sound. The audio output unit 216 is a speaker.

[0031] (Operating equipment 220) The operating device 220 is connected to the payout button 221 and the operation monitor 222. The dispensing button 221 is located near the workbench. When a worker presses the dispensing button 221, the dispensing process begins. The operation monitor 222 is a display located near the workbench. The operation monitor 222 displays various information related to the operation.

[0032] (Regarding the back of discarded home appliances) Here, we will explain the back of a discarded home appliance (television) using Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example of the back of a discarded home appliance. As shown in Figure 3, a recycling ticket 310 and a product label 320 are attached to the back 301 of the discarded home appliance 300. The recycling ticket 310 contains prescribed information. This prescribed information includes a recycling number 311 and a recycling code 312. The recycling number 311 contains a predetermined number of digits. The recycling code 312 is an encoded version of the information including the recycling number 311. The recycling number 311 also includes a check digit. This makes it possible to automatically check for reading errors when reading the recycling number 311.

[0033] Product label 320 contains the required information, including the manufacturer's name 321, product model number 322, size 323, year of manufacture 324, and serial number 325. Manufacturer name 321 indicates the name of the manufacturer (manufacturing company). Product model number 322 is identification information that identifies the type of product, and it is a number that follows a specific pattern for each manufacturer. Note that product model numbers are sometimes referred to as "model number," "part number," or "model code." Size 323 indicates the screen size of the television (diagonal length: inches). The year 324 indicates the year and month in which the discarded home appliance 300 was manufactured. The serial number 325 is a sequential number assigned to each product at the time of manufacture, representing a unique number assigned to each product. The serial number 325 also includes a coded manufacturing code.

[0034] (Regarding registration information) The imaging unit 211 captures an image of the entire back surface 301 of the discarded home appliance 300 placed on the workbench. Specifically, the imaging unit 211 captures an image including the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 attached to the back surface 301 of the discarded home appliance 300 (television). The imaging unit 211 performs imaging when the imaging button 212 is pressed.

[0035] The acquisition unit 210a (registration device 210) acquires the recycling number 311 written on the recycling ticket 310 based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit 211. The recycling number 311 is obtained by cutting out the area in which the recycling number 311 is written from the imaging results and processing the cut-out portion with OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader).

[0036] Furthermore, the recycling code 312 is prone to image analysis difficulties due to dirt or smudging. Specifically, since the analysis of the recycling code 312 involves detecting the thickness of the lines that make up the barcode and the gaps between the lines, it becomes difficult to read the barcode from the image data if there is dirt or the image quality is poor. For this reason, the acquisition unit 210a does not acquire the recycling number 311 based on the imaging result of the recycling code 312. In addition, the acquisition unit 210a can acquire the recycling number 311 even without using a high-resolution camera as the imaging unit 211.

[0037] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 210a acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance (e.g., plasma, liquid crystal, organic EL) based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit 211. The specification information is obtained based on the product model number 322. The product model number 322 is obtained by performing OCR processing on the portion of the imaging results in which the area containing the product model number 322 is extracted. Based on the product model number 322 obtained by OCR processing of the imaging results, the acquisition unit 210a queries the registration server 230 for specification information and obtains the specification information from the registration server 230.

[0038] (Regarding the specification information database) Here, we will explain the specification information database stored by the registration server 230 using Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of a specification information database stored by the registration server 230. As shown in Figure 4, the specification information database includes items for product model number and specification information. Product model number and specification information are stored in a pre-associated manner. The specification information includes information related to the specifications of displays such as liquid crystal, plasma, and organic EL. The specification information related to liquid crystal includes liquid crystal 1 and liquid crystal 2, depending on the type of backlight (fluorescent tube, LED (Light Emitting Diode)).

[0039] Furthermore, the specification information may also include information on various parts according to their allocation to the dismantling lane. In addition, the items corresponding to the specification information may include other items (at least one of the following: manufacturer name, size, year of manufacture, and serial number) in place of or in addition to the product model number.

[0040] When the registration server 230 receives a product model number 322 included in the inquiry from the registration device 210 (acquisition unit 210a), it extracts the specification information corresponding to the product model number 322 and transmits the extracted specification information to the registration device 210.

[0041] Furthermore, if the item corresponding to the specification information in the specification information database includes other items (at least one of the following: manufacturer name, size, year of manufacture, and serial number) in place of or in addition to the product model number, the query from the registration device 210 should include the other items in place of or in addition to the product model number. In this case, the registration server 230 should extract the specification information from the specification information database that corresponds to the product model number and other items included in the query from the registration device 210.

[0042] The acquisition unit 210a acquires specification information by receiving it from the registration server 230. The registration unit 210b registers registration information based on the information (specification information and recycling number) acquired by the acquisition unit 210a. The registration information is information that associates the specification information with the recycling number 311. The registration unit 210b causes the registration server 230 to register the registration information.

[0043] (Regarding the registration information database) Figure 5 shows a diagram of the registration information database stored by the registration server 230. As shown in Figure 5, the registration information database includes fields for recycling number and specification information. When information is entered into each field, the registration information is stored as a record.

[0044] In addition to or instead of being stored in the registration server 230, the registration information may also be stored in the registration device 210. In other words, the registration unit 210b may store the registration information in the storage area of ​​its own device.

[0045] (Regarding display on the result output monitor 214) Furthermore, the output unit 210d outputs the registration information registered by the registration unit 210b to the result output monitor 214. This allows the result output monitor 214 to display the specification information and the recycling number in association.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of registration information displayed on the result output monitor 214. As shown in Figure 6, the result output monitor 214 displays the recycling number 601 and the specification information 602. The specification information 602 includes the home appliance item (LCD) and the home appliance type (fluorescent tube).

[0047] This allows the staff to register the information and understand the specifications 602 simply by placing the discarded home appliance 300 on the workbench and pressing the imaging button 212. Furthermore, if there are no problems with the results on the results output monitor 214, the staff presses the discharge button 221. This makes it easy to allocate the discarded home appliance 300 to the appropriate dismantling lane according to its specifications.

[0048] (Regarding the display on the operation monitor 222) The operation monitor 222 displays various information obtained by OCR processing the image results of the product label 320. Specifically, the operation monitor 222 displays information such as the manufacturer name 321, product model number 322, size 323, year of manufacture 324, and serial number 325. The operation device 220 also accepts input of various information related to operations from the work staff. The various information accepted includes information that was not entered through OCR processing and information necessary for dismantling.

[0049] (Regarding error notification) In this case, the acquisition unit 210a may fail to acquire at least one of the specification information and the recycling number 311. Specifically, if the characters on the product label 320 are faded, or if the numbers of the recycling number 311 on the recycling ticket 310 are faded, the acquisition unit 210a may fail to acquire at least one of the specification information and the recycling number 311.

[0050] In this case, the notification unit 210c notifies of an error. The error indicates, for example, that the registration information could not be registered. Specifically, the notification unit 210c displays an error screen on the result output monitor 214 indicating that the registration information could not be registered. The notification unit 210c also illuminates the rotating light 215 in an error lighting pattern indicating that the registration information could not be registered. Furthermore, the notification unit 210c outputs an error notification sound from the audio output unit 216 indicating that the registration information could not be registered.

[0051] The error notification allows the staff to understand that the registration information has not been registered. In this case, the staff can press the imaging button 212 again to have the registration device 210 retry the process of registering the registration information.

[0052] (Manual acquisition of recycling number and specification information) Furthermore, after an error is reported, if the staff determines, for example, by visual inspection that the letters or numbers on the product label 320 or the recycling ticket 310 are illegible, in other words, if they determine that registration by retrying is difficult, they operate the scanner unit 213 to read the recycling code 312 attached to the recycling ticket 310. The acquisition unit 210a acquires the recycling number 311 decoded from the recycling code 312.

[0053] Furthermore, the work staff visually checks the product label 320 and has the scanner unit 213 read the specification code. The specification code is a coded representation of the specification information and is printed on paper, for example. This paper is placed near the workbench. The acquisition unit 210a acquires the specification information decoded from the specification code. The scanner unit 213 may also include a first scanner for reading the recycling code and a second scanner for reading the specification code, with each scanner reading the respective code.

[0054] Regarding the manual acquisition of specification information, the specification information is not limited to being acquired based on the specification code. The specification information may also be acquired based on the product model number 322. In this case, the registration device 210 may accept the input of the product model number 322 instead of, or in addition to, reading the specification code. The acquisition unit 210a then queries the registration server 230 for specification information based on the inputted product model number 322 and acquires the specification information from the registration server 230.

[0055] (Work process during demolition) Next, we will explain the work process during demolition using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the work process during dismantling. As shown in Figure 7, first, the work staff places the discarded home appliance 300 on the workbench (step S701). Next, the work staff considers the size of the discarded home appliance 300 and whether or not the product label 320 is dirty, etc., to determine whether or not it can be photographed (step S702).

[0056] If imaging is possible (Step S702: Yes), the worker presses the imaging button 212 (Step S703). The registration device 210 then uses the imaging unit 211 to image the discarded home appliance 300 and displays the recycling number 311 obtained from the imaging result and the specification information obtained from the registration server 230 based on the product model number 322 obtained from the imaging result on the result output monitor 214.

[0057] Next, the worker determines whether there are any errors in the results displayed on the result output monitor 214 (step S705). If there are no errors in the results displayed on the result output monitor 214 (step S705: Yes), the worker presses the dispensing button 221 (step S706). Then, the discarded home appliance 300 is placed from the workbench onto the dismantling lane and transported to the dismantling machine (step S707), completing the series of processes.

[0058] On the other hand, if imaging is not possible in step S702 (step S702: NO), or if there is an error in the result displayed on the result output monitor 214 in step S705 (step S705: NO), the scanner unit 213 reads the recycling code 312 by operation by the staff (step S708). Furthermore, the scanner unit 213 reads the specification code by operation by the staff (step S709), proceeds to the process in step S706, and accepts the press of the dispensing button 221.

[0059] (Registration process performed by registration device 210) Next, the registration process performed by the registration device 210 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process performed by the registration device 210. In the following explanation, steps S803, S805, S806, and S808 will be described as being performed by the registration device 210.

[0060] In Figure 8, the registration device 210 determines whether or not the imaging button 212 has been pressed (step S801). The registration device 210 waits until the imaging button 212 is pressed (step S801: NO), and when the imaging button 212 is pressed (step S801: Yes), it instructs the imaging unit 211 to take an image (step S802). As a result, the imaging unit 211 takes an image of the back surface 301 of the discarded home appliance 300.

[0061] The registration device 210 performs a process to detect the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 from the imaging results captured by the imaging unit 211 (step S803). This detection process utilizes AI-based object detection. Specifically, by inputting the image data captured by the imaging unit 211 into a predetermined trained model, the respective areas for writing on the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 are output. The predetermined trained model is a model trained using image data of the back surface 301 of the discarded home appliance 300 as the input sample and the respective areas for writing on the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 as the output sample.

[0062] Therefore, for example, with respect to the recycling ticket 310, it is possible to detect the area where the recycling ticket 310 is written, regardless of its placement or orientation. Similarly, with respect to the product label 320, it is possible to detect the area where the product label 320 is written, regardless of its placement.

[0063] Next, the registration device 210 determines whether both the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 have been detected (step S804). If at least one of the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 is not detected (step S804: NO), the registration device 210 proceeds to step S813 and reports an error.

[0064] On the other hand, if both the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 are detected (step S804: Yes), the registration device 210 performs OCR processing on the areas of the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320 (step S805). The registration device 210 then performs a process to extract a predetermined string from the character information obtained by the OCR processing (step S806). The predetermined string is the recycling number 311 for the recycling ticket 310, and for the product label 320, it is a string that includes the manufacturer name 321, product model number 322, size 323, year of manufacture 324, and serial number 325.

[0065] Furthermore, the registration device 210 determines whether the extracted string contains any characters that may be misrecognized (step S807). Examples of character combinations that may be misrecognized are shown below. The letter "x" and the symbol "×". The letter "O" and the number "0". The letter "I" and the number "1". The above combinations are pre-registered.

[0066] If the extracted string does not contain any characters that may be misrecognized (step S807: NO), the registration device 210 proceeds to step S809. On the other hand, if the extracted string contains characters that may be misrecognized (step S807: Yes), the registration device 210 performs misreading correction processing (step S808).

[0067] In the misreading correction process, for example, for strings containing characters that may be misrecognized (e.g., "x" and "×"), the characters are swapped, and it is determined whether or not they match a pre-registered string. The string determined to match in this determination is then determined to be the correct string.

[0068] Next, the registration device 210 determines whether or not it was able to obtain the recycling number 311 (step S809). If the recycling number is not obtained (step S809: NO), the registration device 210 proceeds to step S813 and reports an error. On the other hand, if the recycling number 311 is obtained (step S809: Yes), it requests the registration server 230 to send specification information based on the product model number 322 (step S810).

[0069] Then, when the registration device 210 receives specification information from the registration server 230 (step S811: Yes), it displays the recycling number 311 and the specification information on the result output monitor 214 (step S812), and terminates the series of processes. Along with this display, the registration device 210 instructs the registration server 230 to register the registration information.

[0070] On the other hand, if the registration device 210 does not receive specification information from the registration server 230 (step S811: NO), the registration device 210 reports an error (step S813). Then, the registration device 210 determines whether or not to retry based on whether the imaging button 212 is pressed again (step S814). If a retry is performed (step S814: Yes), the registration device 210 returns to the process in step S802.

[0071] On the other hand, if no retry is performed (step S814: NO), the registration device 210 reads the recycling code 312 using the scanner unit 213 (step S815). As a result, the registration device 210 decodes the recycling code 312 and obtains the recycling number 311. Next, the registration device 210 reads the specification code (step S816) and proceeds to the process in step S812.

[0072] Of the various processes described above, the following processes are not limited to being performed by the registration device 210, but can also be performed by other devices (such as an external server). Step S803: Process to detect the recycling ticket 310 and the product label 320. Step S805: OCR processing. Step S806: Process to extract a specified string. Step S808: Misreading completion process.

[0073] If the above processing is to be performed by another device, the registration device 210 should transmit the information necessary for each processing to the other device and obtain the processing results from the other device. For example, if the processing in step S803 is to be performed by another device, the registration device 210 should transmit the imaging result (image data of the discarded home appliance 300) captured by the imaging unit 211 to the other device and obtain the detection results of the recycling ticket 310 and product label 320 from the other device.

[0074] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the registration device 210 according to this embodiment simultaneously images the product label 320 and the recycling ticket 310 attached to the discarded home appliance 300, and registers the specification information obtained from the imaging results in association with the recycling number 311. This eliminates the need for visual judgment by the work staff when registering the specification information, thus reducing the likelihood of incorrect registration due to human error. Furthermore, since it eliminates the need to read the recycling code 312 and the specification code when registering the recycling number 311 and the specification information, dismantling work can be carried out quickly. Therefore, the work efficiency related to the registration of discarded home appliances 300 can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, if the recycling number 311 is not obtained from the imaging results, the registration device 210 according to this embodiment reads the recycling code 312 written on the recycling ticket 310 and obtains the recycling number 311 from the recycling code 312. This allows registration information to be registered even if the recycling number 311 cannot be obtained from the imaging results by obtaining the recycling number 311 from the recycling code 312.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if specification information cannot be obtained from the imaging results, the registration device 210 reads a specification code and obtains specification information based on the specification code. This allows registration information to be registered even when specification information cannot be obtained based on the imaging results, by obtaining specification information based on the reading result of the specification code.

[0077] Furthermore, the registration device 210 according to this embodiment outputs the registered specification information and the recycling number 311 to the result output monitor 214 (display unit). This allows the work staff to easily grasp the registered information from the display content of the result output monitor 214.

[0078] Furthermore, the registration device 210 according to this embodiment will notify an error if at least one of the specification information and the recycling number 311 is not acquired. This allows the staff to easily understand that the registration information was not registered. In addition, the specification information and the recycling number 311 can be acquired and the registration information registered based on retries or code reading by the scanner unit 213.

[0079] (Modified examples of the embodiment) Next, modifications of the embodiments will be described. In the following modifications, explanations of the contents described in the embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine each of the following modifications and each of the components of the embodiments.

[0080] (Example of variation 1: Manually obtaining whichever of the specification information and recycling number 311 cannot be obtained) First, let's describe Modification 1. In the embodiment described above, we explained an example in which, when at least one of the specification information and the recycling number 311 is not obtained from the imaging results, both the recycling number 311 and the specification information are manually obtained. In Modification 1, we will explain an example in which, when one of the specification information and the recycling number 311 is not obtained from the imaging results, but the other is obtained, only the other is manually obtained.

[0081] In Modification Example 1, there are cases where the recycling number 311 is not obtained from the imaging results, and cases where the specification information is not obtained. First, we will explain the case where the recycling number 311 is not obtained from the imaging results, but the specification information is obtained. In this case, the notification unit 210c notifies an error indicating that the recycling number 311 was not obtained. This error is, for example, a notification prompting the manual acquisition of the recycling number 311.

[0082] In this case, the operator, for example, operates the scanner unit 213 to read the recycling code 312 attached to the recycling ticket 310. The acquisition unit 210a obtains the recycling number 311 decoded from the recycling code 312. The registration unit 210b registers the registration information based on the recycling number 311. In this case, the notification unit 210c may also notify that the specification information has been acquired.

[0083] Next, we will explain the case where specification information is not obtained from the imaging results, but recycling number 311 is obtained. In this case, the notification unit 210c notifies an error indicating that specification information was not obtained. This error is, for example, a notification prompting manual acquisition of specification information. In this case, the staff member operates the scanner unit 213, for example, to read the specification code printed on a designated paper medium. The acquisition unit 210a acquires the specification information decoded from the specification code. The registration unit 210b registers the registration information based on the specification information. In this case, the notification unit 210c may also notify that recycling number 311 has been acquired.

[0084] According to Modification 1, if either the specification information or the recycling number 311 is not obtained, the registration information can be registered by manually obtaining only the other. Therefore, if specification information is obtained from the imaging results, visual judgment by the work staff is not required for the registration of the specification information, thus reducing the likelihood of incorrect registration due to human error. Furthermore, if the recycling number 311 is obtained from the imaging results, the operation of reading the recycling code 312 is not required for the registration of the recycling number 311, thus enabling faster dismantling work. As a result, the work efficiency related to the registration of discarded home appliances can be improved.

[0085] (Modification 2: An example of obtaining specification information from the results of OCR processing) Next, Modification 2 will be described. In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which specification information is obtained from the registration server 230. In Modification 2, instead of or in addition to the example of obtaining specification information from the registration server 230, an example will be given in which specification information is obtained from the result of OCR processing (text information).

[0086] In Modification 2, the registration device 210 can extract specific strings (strings indicating specification information) such as "plasma," "liquid crystal," and "organic EL" from the results of OCR processing and misreading correction processing on the contents of the product label 320. When the registration device 210 extracts specific strings, it acquires those strings as specification information. In this case, the registration device 210 also registers registration information based on that specification information.

[0087] According to Modification 2, specification information can be obtained from the OCR processing results regardless of the communication status with the registration server 230. In this way, visual judgment by the work staff is not required for the registration of specification information, thus reducing the likelihood of incorrect registration due to human error.

[0088] (Variation 3: An example of automatically reading recycling code 312) Next, Modification 3 will be described. In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the recycling code 312 was read manually by the staff. Modification 3 will describe an example in which the recycling code 312 is read automatically, either as an alternative to or in addition to such an example.

[0089] In the third modified example, the registration device 210 includes a moving mechanism for moving the scanner unit 213. The scanner unit 213 is positioned, for example, above a workbench. The moving mechanism allows the scanner unit 213 to move over the entire area of ​​the back of the discarded home appliance 300. If the registration device 210 cannot obtain the recycling number 311 from the imaging results, it detects the location of the recycling code 312 on the recycling ticket 310. The moving mechanism moves the scanner unit 213 to the location where the detected recycling code 312 is written. The scanner unit 213 reads the recycling code 312 at the location moved by the moving mechanism.

[0090] The acquisition unit 210a obtains the recycling number 311, which is decoded from the recycling code 312. The registration unit 210b registers the registration information based on the recycling number 311 obtained by the acquisition unit 210a.

[0091] According to Modification 3, if the recycling number 311 cannot be obtained from the imaging results, the recycling number 311 can be obtained by automatically reading the recycling code 312. Therefore, the workload of the staff involved in reading the recycling code 312 can be reduced.

[0092] (Example of modification 4: Example of verifying the recycling number) Next, we will describe Modification 4. Modification 4 describes an example of verifying the recycling number 311. In Modification 4, the device that performs the verification is, for example, a higher-level server. The registration device 210 queries the higher-level server for the acquired recycling number 311. The higher-level server stores predetermined information (such as information associating the recycling number 311 with the product model number, and information about the recycling plant indicating the dismantling location) when, for example, a recycling ticket 310 is purchased.

[0093] When dismantling a discarded home appliance 300, the registration device 210 makes an inquiry to the higher-level server based on the recycling number 311 and product model number obtained from the imaging results. When the higher-level server receives such an inquiry, it verifies whether the recycling number 311 and product model number corresponding to the inquiry are already registered (stored) as discarded home appliances to be dismantled at the recycling plant. The higher-level server then transmits the result of this verification to the registration device 210.

[0094] If the registration device 210 indicates that the item is already registered, it outputs the verification result to the result output monitor 214 or the like. The staff then confirms the verification result and presses the dispensing button 221. On the other hand, if the verification result indicates that the product is not registered, the registration device 210 outputs the verification result to the result output monitor 214, etc. This allows the work staff to confirm the verification result and decide whether to stop the dismantling of the discarded home appliance.

[0095] Note that the device performing the verification in Modification 4 is not limited to a higher-level server. For example, the registration device 210 may perform the verification. Specifically, the registration device 210 may store the recycling number 311 and the product model number in advance, and perform a verification of the recycling number 311 and the product model number obtained from the imaging results based on the stored information.

[0096] According to Modification 4, the work staff can dismantle the discarded home appliance after confirming that the recycling number 311 and product model number obtained from the imaging results are registered. On the other hand, if the recycling number 311 and product model number obtained from the imaging results are not registered, they can stop dismantling the discarded home appliance. Therefore, it is possible to support appropriate dismantling based on the recycling ticket 310.

[0097] (Variation 5: An example of including other information in the specification information stored in the registration information database) Next, we will describe Modification 5. In the embodiment described above, we described an example in which the specification information stored in the registration information DB (Figure 5) includes information related to the display specifications. In Modification 5, we will describe an example in which the specification information stored in the registration information DB includes information other than information related to the display specifications.

[0098] The other information mentioned above includes at least one of the following: manufacturer name, size, year of manufacture, and serial number. The other information is obtained from the reading of the specification code. In step S816 of Figure 8, when the registration device 210 reads the specification code (step S816), it associates the recycling number with the other information and sends it to the registration server 230 along with the processing in step S812. The registration server 230 stores the recycling number and the specification information including the other information in the registration information DB.

[0099] According to Modification 5, other information can also be registered when registering registration information in the registration server 230. Therefore, this other information can be effectively utilized in subsequent processes.

[0100] Furthermore, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing) of the registration device 210 described above may be implemented in a device other than the one described as the entity executing those functions. Specifically, the above description described a configuration in which the acquisition unit 210a, the registration unit 210b, and the notification unit 210c are provided in the registration device 210. However, all or part of these functions may be provided in other computer devices. Specifically, for example, all or part of these functions may be provided in the registration server 230 or in the operation device 220. Also, there may be multiple computer devices or just one computer device that provides these functions.

[0101] Although embodiments have been described, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0102] The program for realizing the functions of the registration device 210 according to the embodiment described above may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the processing may be performed by loading the program stored in this storage medium into a computer system and executing it. The term "computer system" here may include an operating system (OS) or hardware such as peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable storage medium" refers to a writable non-volatile memory such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, portable media such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system.

[0103] Furthermore, "computer-readable storage medium" includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within an information processing device or client computer system when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. The above program may also be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the aforementioned functions. Moreover, the above program may be one that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 200...Registration system, 210...Registration device, 220...Operation device, 230...Registration server, 210a...Acquisition unit, 210b...Registration unit, 210c...Notification unit, 211...Imaging unit, 212...Imaging button, 213...Scanner unit, 214...Result output monitor, 215...Rotating light, 216...Audio output unit, 221...Dispensing button, 222...Operation monitor, 300...Discarded home appliance, 310...Recycling ticket, 320...Product label

Claims

1. An imaging unit that captures images of the product label and recycling ticket attached to discarded home appliances, An acquisition unit acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and the recycling number written on the recycling ticket, based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit. A registration unit registers the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the recycling number in association, A registration device equipped with the following features.

2. Equipped with a reading unit that reads the code, The aforementioned recycling ticket contains the recycling number and a recycling code which is a coded representation of the recycling number. If the recycling number is not obtained based on the imaging result, the reading unit reads the recycling code. The acquisition unit acquires the recycling number obtained from the recycling code. The registration device according to claim 1.

3. The system includes an output unit that outputs the specification information and the recycling number, which have been registered in association by the registration unit, to a display unit. The registration device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. If the acquisition unit fails to acquire at least one of the specification information and the recycling number, the system includes a notification unit that notifies of an error. The registration device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A registration system including a registration device and an imaging device for imaging product labels and recycling tickets attached to discarded home appliances, The registration device is An acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and the recycling number written on the recycling ticket, based on the imaging results captured by the imaging device, A registration unit registers the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the recycling number in association, A registration system equipped with the following features.

6. A registration device equipped with an imaging unit that images the product label and recycling ticket attached to discarded home appliances, An acquisition step of obtaining specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and the recycling number written on the recycling ticket based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit, A registration step involves registering the specification information obtained in the acquisition step in association with the recycling number, A registration method that includes the execution of a process.

7. A program that causes a computer to function as a registration device equipped with an imaging unit that images product labels and recycling tickets attached to discarded home appliances, The aforementioned computer, Based on the imaging results captured by the imaging unit, an acquisition unit acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the discarded home appliance and the recycling number written on the recycling ticket. A registration unit that associates the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit with the recycling number and registers them. A program that makes it function as such.

Images