Sales data processing system and program

Abstract

To enable the reflection of services by recognizing service images when identifying items with code symbols, which are invisible images such as electronic watermarks.SOLUTION: A sales data processing system includes: a first reading unit that reads code symbols of visible images included in image information output by an image capturing unit; a second reading unit that reads the code symbols of the invisible images included in the image information; a third reading unit that recognizes service images included in the image information; a registration processing unit that registers as sales data information on items identified by the code symbols read by the first or second reading unit; a standby processing unit that suspends reading by the second reading unit and waits for the third reading unit to recognize the service images when the items are identified by the code symbols read by the second reading unit; and a service processing unit that reflects the service indicated by the service images in the sales data registered by the registration processing unit when the third reading unit recognizes the service images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales data processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, digital watermark technology has become widespread. In addition, in order to speed up the processing of product registration by eliminating the need to choose the side to face the reading device, digital watermark code symbols are being printed all over product packages. Code symbols printed with digital watermarks are difficult to recognize by the human eye, but can be read by a dedicated code reader.

[0003] In today's retail stores, products with code symbols using digital watermarks are mixed with products with code symbols using conventional visible images. For this reason, in addition to the code symbol reading itself, other associated processing is required that corresponds to each of the above.

[0004] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sticker indicating that a product is eligible for a discount or other service will be recognized together with the code symbol if it is affixed near a conventional visible image code symbol. However, since digital watermark code symbols are found all over the package and are difficult to recognize with the human eye, even if a sticker is affixed, it may not be recognized together with the code symbol depending on the position read by a reading device.

[0005] Although the above description has been given taking an example of a code symbol using a digital watermark, the same problem occurs when a code symbol that is an invisible image other than a digital watermark is used. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to enable the reflection of services by recognizing images that indicate that a product is eligible for a service in a sales data processing system that identifies products by code symbols printed with invisible images such as electronic watermarks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sales data processing system according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit which captures images to generate and output image information, a first reading unit which reads a code symbol which is a visible image included in the image information, a second reading unit which reads a code symbol which is an invisible image included in the image information, a third reading unit which recognizes a service image included in the image information and thereby recognizes a service indicated by the service image, and a registration processing unit which registers information on a product identified by the code symbol read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit as sales data. a service processing unit that, when the third reading unit recognizes a service image, reflects a service indicated by the service image in the sales data registered by the registration processing unit; The above It is an invisible image When the product is identified by the code symbol, the second reading unit reads the code symbol. of pause and Recognition of the service image by the third reading unit of stand-by and if a product is identified by a non-invisible image, the waiting is not performed. A waiting processing unit 、 Equipped with. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a reading device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product on which a code symbol, which is a visible image, is printed and to which a service label is attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product on which a code symbol using a digital watermark is printed and a service label is attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a reading device and a POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reading device and the POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by the reading device and the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by the reading device and the POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an example of application to a POS (Point Of Sales) system installed in a retail store will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a sales data processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the sales data processing system 1 includes a reading device 10 and a POS terminal 20 that executes data processing based on data read by the reading device 10.

[0011] The reading device 10 is installed in a position (approximately at the center) where an operator and a customer generally face each other on a shopping counter 2 for placing shopping baskets containing merchandise. The POS terminal 20 is provided near one end of the shopping counter 2. The reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 are communicatively connected by a transmission line (not shown). The reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 constitute a sales data processing system 1.

[0012] The POS terminal 20 executes sales data processing including registration processing and settlement processing of the products purchased by the customer based on the data of the products, etc. read by the reading device 10. The POS terminal 20 is installed, for example, on a drawer 30 that stores coins and bills in a removable manner.

[0013] The POS terminal 20 includes two display units 21 (a first display unit 211 and a second display unit 212), a keyboard 22, and a receipt printer 23. The display unit 21 and the keyboard 22 are examples of an interface unit that displays information to an operator and accepts operations.

[0014] The display unit 21 is a display device with a touch panel configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. The first display unit 211 is provided mainly for the operator, and the second display unit 212 is provided mainly for the customer.

[0015] The keyboard 22 is an input device including various keyboards and keys such as numeric keys and a subtotal key. The subtotal key is a key for requesting the POS terminal 20 to end reading of the code symbol by the reader 10 and proceed to settlement or payment. When this subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20 ends reading of the code symbol and proceeds to settlement or payment.

[0016] The receipt printer 23 is, for example, a thermal printer, and prints receipts and the like in accordance with the sales data processing executed by the POS terminal 20.

[0017] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the reading device 10. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the reading device 10. Here, Fig. 2 shows the reading device 10 as viewed from the side where the imaging window 111 is provided (the side where the operator stands).

[0018] The reading device 10 includes a main body section 11, an imaging section 12, a first display section 13, a keyboard 14, a second display section 15, and the like.

[0019] The main body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is erected on the soccer table 2. The height of the main body 11 is preferably set to be, for example, about the eye height of the operator on the soccer table 2 or below the eye height.

[0020] An imaging window 111 serving as an opening is provided on the side of the main body 11 where the operator stands. An imaging unit 12 is installed inside the imaging window 111. The operator holds a commodity brought by a shopper over the imaging window 111 to read (image) the commodity.

[0021] The imaging unit 12 has an optical system including an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) and an imaging lens. The imaging lens forms an image of an imaging area captured by the imaging element on the imaging element. The imaging area refers to an area imaged on the area of ​​the imaging element through the imaging lens from the imaging window 111. The imaging unit 12 captures an image of the outside of the main body unit 11 through the imaging window 111. Specifically, the imaging unit 12 captures an image of a product to be purchased brought in by a shopper, and outputs image information generated by the image capture.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product 41 on which a code symbol 411, which is a visible image, is printed and a service label 51 is attached. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product 42 on which a code symbol 421, which is a digital watermark, is printed and a service label 51 is attached. The code symbol 421, which is a digital watermark, is an example of a code symbol, which is an invisible image.

[0023] The products 41, 42 are items such as food and clothing sold in a store, and are packaged in a box or bag. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, code symbols 411, 421 such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes are printed or otherwise attached to the packages of the products 41, 42. The code symbols 411, 421 hold information such as a product code capable of identifying the type of the product 41, 42, encoded in a format conforming to a standard such as Code128.

[0024] The code symbol 421 is printed in advance on the product package as digital watermark information using digital watermark technology such as Digimarc Barcode (registered trademark). The code symbol 421 is embedded as a pattern throughout the entire package of the product 42, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the code symbol 421 to be read no matter which part of the product 42 is imaged.

[0025] When the code symbols 411, 421 are read by the reader 10, the POS terminal 20 executes sales data processing including registration processing and settlement processing of the products 41, 42 based on the product codes stored in the code symbols 411, 421.

[0026] In this embodiment, the code symbol 421 is attached to the entire package of the product 42, but this is not limited to the above, and the code symbol 421 may be attached to only a part of the package, similar to the visible image code symbol 411 shown in FIG.

[0027] Furthermore, a service label 51 may be added to the package of the product 41, 42. The service label 51 displays a service image in a visible state. The service image indicates the content of the service provided to the shopper. The service may be, for example, a price reduction or discount (sometimes collectively referred to as a price discount), or point addition.

[0028] The service image is represented by a predetermined figure or pattern. Note that the service image may be designed with ease of image recognition in mind. The service label 51 is individually affixed to the product for which the service is provided. For example, the service label 51 is affixed to a product that is close to its best-before date or expiry date. When the service label 51 is read by the reading device 10, the POS terminal 20 executes a process to provide the service (such as a price discount or additional points) corresponding to the service label 51.

[0029] In the case of a product having a code symbol 411, which is a visible image as shown in Fig. 3, a process has been performed in which it is determined that the product is eligible for a special offer when the service label 51 is recognized shortly after the recognition of the code symbol 411. In order to more reliably and successfully recognize the service label 51, a seal (flag seal) 52, which displays a simple figure (flag image) that can be recognized substantially simultaneously with the code symbol 411, has been affixed near the code symbol 411. The flag seal 52 indicates that the service label 51 is affixed to the package of the product 41. On condition that the flag seal 52 has been read by the reading device 10, the POS terminal 20 performs a notification process to urge the operator to read the service label 51, assuming that the service label 51 is affixed to the package of the product 41 indicated by the code symbol 411 read together with the flag seal 52.

[0030] However, in the case of a product 42 having a code symbol 421 using a digital watermark as shown in Fig. 4, the code symbol 421 cannot be visually recognized and is present throughout the package, so it is impossible to process it in the same way as the conventional code symbol 411 which is a visible image. Therefore, in this embodiment, it does not matter where the service label 51 is affixed to the product 42 having the code symbol 421 using a digital watermark, and processing is performed to recognize the service label 51 on this premise. This processing will be described in detail later.

[0031] Returning to Fig. 2, the first display unit 13 is a display device for the operator. The first display unit 13 is provided above the imaging window 111. The first display unit 13 is a display device with a touch panel constituted by a display device such as an LCD. The first display unit 13 displays the name, price, etc. of the registered product to the operator in response to the registration process by the POS terminal 20.

[0032] The keyboard 14 is provided near (to the side of) the first display unit 13. The keyboard 14 has various keys and the like. Note that, although an example in which the first display unit 13 and the keyboard 14 are provided integrally is shown in FIG. 2, they may be separate.

[0033] The second display unit 15 is a display device with a touch panel configured with a display device such as an LCD. The second display unit 15 displays the name, price, etc. of the registered product to the shopper in response to the sales registration process by the POS terminal 20.

[0034] It should be noted that the configuration of the reading device 10 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, the reading device 10 may include an illumination device within the imaging window 111 that illuminates the imaging area of ​​the imaging unit 12.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG.

[0036] The reading device 10 includes the imaging unit 12, the first display unit 13, the keyboard 14, and the second display unit 15, as well as a microcomputer 101, as shown in FIG.

[0037] The microcomputer 101 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104. The CPU 102 is an example of a processor. The CPU 102 comprehensively controls each part of the reading device 10. The ROM 103 stores fixed information such as a control program in advance. The RAM 104 stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area or the like. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 constitutes an information processing unit that executes information processing. Note that the RAM 104 may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium in whole or in part.

[0038] The reading device 10 also includes a storage unit 105, a communication interface 106, etc. Each component is connected to a microcomputer 101 (CPU 102) via a bus line or the like.

[0039] The imaging unit 12 outputs the captured image (image information) to the microcomputer 101. The imaging unit 12 also operates in accordance with a control signal output from the microcomputer 101.

[0040] The first display unit 13 and the second display unit 15 operate according to control signals output from the microcomputer 101 to display various images. In addition, the first display unit 13 and the second display unit 15 output operation signals corresponding to touch operations received by the touch panel to the microcomputer 101. Operation signals received by the keyboard 14 are also output to the microcomputer 101.

[0041] The storage unit 105 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 105 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the reading device 10. For example, the reading device 10 stores a control program for realizing each functional configuration (see FIG. 6) described later.

[0042] The storage unit 105 also stores programs for reading various information from the product image captured by the imaging unit 12. Specifically, the storage unit 105 stores a first program PRa for reading a code symbol, which is a visible image, attached to the product package. The storage unit 105 also stores a second program PRb for reading a code symbol in the form of a digital watermark attached to the product package. The storage unit 105 also stores a third program PRc for reading a service label attached to the product package (recognizing a service image).

[0043] Each of the first program PRa, the second program PRb, and the third program PRc includes processing contents (functions and algorithms) according to the information to be read. For example, the first program PRa includes processing for detecting and decoding a code symbol, which is a visible image, and processing related to the recognition of a flag image attached to a product package. The second program PRb includes processing for making visible a code symbol embedded as digital watermark information, processing related to the detection of a code symbol, and processing for decoding a code symbol. The third program PRc includes processing related to the recognition of a service image. Note that there is no particular restriction on the reading method related to reading a code symbol or various figures (flag image, service image), and known technology can be used.

[0044] The communication interface 106 performs data communication with other devices (the POS terminal 20) via a connection line such as a LAN cable.

[0045] Meanwhile, the POS terminal 20 includes the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, the keyboard 22, the receipt printer 23, and the cash drawer 30, as well as a microcomputer 201, as shown in FIG.

[0046] The microcomputer 201 includes, for example, a CPU 202, a ROM 203, and a RAM 204. The CPU 202 is an example of a processor. The CPU 202 comprehensively controls each part of the POS terminal 20. The ROM 203 stores fixed information such as a control program in advance. The RAM 204 stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area or the like. Therefore, the microcomputer 201 constitutes an information processing unit that executes information processing. Note that the RAM 204 may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium in whole or in part.

[0047] The POS terminal 20 also includes a storage unit 205 and a communication interface 206. Each component is connected to a microcomputer 201 (CPU 202) via a bus line or the like.

[0048] The first display unit 211 and the second display unit 212 operate according to control signals output from the microcomputer 201 to display various images. In addition, the first display unit 211 and the second display unit 212 output operation signals corresponding to touch operations received by the touch panel to the microcomputer 201. Operation signals received by the keyboard 22 are also output to the microcomputer 201.

[0049] The storage unit 205 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 205 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the POS terminal 20. For example, the storage unit 205 stores a program for processing sales data. The storage unit 205 also stores a PLU file.

[0050] A PLU file is a data file in which, for each product sold in a store, a product code is associated with information such as the product name, type, and price of the product corresponding to the product code (hereinafter also referred to as product information). The POS terminal 20 reads out the product information of the product corresponding to the product code read by the reading device 10 from the PLU file and temporarily stores it in the RAM 204 or the like, thereby executing a product registration process. Note that the PLU file may be stored in an external device that can be referenced by the POS terminal 20, instead of in the storage unit 205.

[0051] The communication interface 206 performs data communication with other devices (the reader 10) via a connection line such as a LAN cable.

[0052] Next, the functional configuration of the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the reading device 10 includes an image acquisition unit 121, a first reading unit 122, a second reading unit 123, a third reading unit 124, and an output control unit 125 as functional components.

[0054] A part or all of the functional configuration of the reading device 10 may be realized as a software configuration through cooperation between the CPU 102 and various programs stored in the storage unit 105. Also, a part or all of the functional configuration of the reading device 10 may be realized as a hardware configuration such as the CPU 102 or a dedicated circuit.

[0055] The image acquiring unit 121 acquires image information output from the imaging unit 12. Specifically, when an instruction to start a transaction is given by an operation via the keyboard 14 or the first display unit 13 or a signal sent from the POS terminal 20, the image acquiring unit 121 instructs the imaging unit 12 to perform imaging and starts importing the image information output from the imaging unit 12.

[0056] In addition, when the completion of the transaction is instructed by operation of the keyboard 14 or the first display unit 13 or a signal sent from the POS terminal 20, the image acquisition unit 121 instructs the imaging unit 12 to stop imaging and stops capturing the image information output from the imaging unit 12.

[0057] The first reading unit 122, the second reading unit 123, and the third reading unit 124 read information attached to the package of the product from the image of the product acquired by the image acquisition unit 121.

[0058] Specifically, the first reading unit 122 uses the first program PRa stored in the storage unit 105 to read the code symbol and flag image, which are visible images included in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 121. The second reading unit 123 uses the second program PRb stored in the storage unit 105 to read the code symbol represented by a digital watermark included in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 121. The third reading unit 124 uses the third program PRc stored in the storage unit 105 to recognize the service image included in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 121, and thereby recognizes that the product to which the service image is attached is the target of the service.

[0059] When the first reading unit 122, the second reading unit 123 and the third reading unit 124 read information such as a product code from the image of the product acquired by the image acquisition unit 121, they store the read information in the RAM 104 etc. as registration information related to one product. Such registration information includes at least the product code, and when a service label is read, includes the service content corresponding to the service label.

[0060] The output control unit 125 outputs information such as a product code read from the product image by the first reading unit 122, the second reading unit 123, and the third reading unit 124 to the POS terminal 20. Specifically, when the first reading unit 122, the second reading unit 123, and the third reading unit 124 read the registration information from the product image, the output control unit 125 outputs the read registration information to the POS terminal 20.

[0061] Furthermore, the output control unit 125 causes the first display unit 13 and the second display unit 15 to display a display screen based on the registration information. Specifically, the output control unit 125 causes the first display unit 13 and the second display unit 15 to display the product name, price, etc. of the product corresponding to the product code included in the registration information, based on the PLU file stored in the storage unit 205 of the POS terminal 20. Furthermore, if the registration information includes service content, the output control unit 125 causes the first display unit 13 and the second display unit 15 to display the service content, the price after the service is applied, etc.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the POS terminal 20 includes an information acquisition unit 221, a sales data processing unit 222, and an output control unit 223 as functional components.

[0063] A part or all of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 20 may be realized as a software configuration through cooperation between the CPU 202 and various programs stored in the storage unit 205. Also, a part or all of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 20 may be realized as a hardware configuration such as the CPU 202 or a dedicated circuit.

[0064] The information acquiring unit 221 acquires information from the reading device 10. Specifically, the information acquiring unit 221 acquires the registration information read by the reading device 10.

[0065] The sales data processing unit 222 executes sales data processing for one transaction based on the registration information acquired by the information acquisition unit 221. In other words, the sales data processing unit 222 is an example of a registration processing unit, and registers, as sales data, information on a product identified by a code symbol read by the first reading unit 122 or the second reading unit 123. In addition, the sales data processing unit 222 is an example of a service processing unit, and when the third reading unit 124 recognizes a service image, the sales data reflects the service indicated by the service image.

[0066] Specifically, the sales data processing unit 222 executes a registration process for the product corresponding to the product code included in the registration information, based on the PLU file stored in the storage unit 205. Furthermore, when the sales data processing unit 222 receives an operation to instruct the completion of registration for one transaction via the keyboard 22 or the like, it executes a settlement process to settle the total amount of the products, based on the prices of each product registered up to that point.

[0067] Furthermore, if the registration information includes service content, the sales data processing unit 222 applies the service content to the corresponding product and performs registration processing. For example, if the service content indicates a discount or reduction, the sales data processing unit 222 performs registration processing with the price after subtracting the amount indicated in the service content from the price of the corresponding product.

[0068] Here, the sales data processing unit 222 functions as an example of a standby processing unit. That is, when the product 42 is identified by the code symbol 421 (digital watermark) read by the second reading unit 123, the sales data processing unit 222 outputs a control signal to the reading device 10 to suspend reading by the second reading unit 123 and waits for the third reading unit 124 to read the service label 51, i.e., to recognize the service image. Note that in this case, reading by the first reading unit 122 may also be suspended along with the second reading unit 123. This allows the reading device 10 to enter a state in which only the service label 51 is read.

[0069] In addition, the sales data processing unit 222, as a standby processing unit, ends waiting for recognition of the service image by the third reading unit 124 when the elapsed time since reading by the second reading unit 123 was stopped exceeds a predetermined threshold, and resumes reading by the second reading unit 123.

[0070] The output control unit 223 controls the output of the results and status of the sales data processing performed by the sales data processing unit 222. Specifically, the output control unit 223 causes the display unit 21 (211, 212) to display information about products registered by the sales data processing unit 222. The output control unit 223 also causes the display unit 21 (211, 212) to display information about the details and total amount of products registered in one transaction, the amount paid by the shopper, and the like. When the sales data processing for one transaction is completed, the output control unit 223 also causes the receipt printer 23 to output information about the details and total amount of products registered in that transaction, the amount paid, and the like, as a receipt.

[0071] The following describes the operation of the above-mentioned reading device 10. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20.

[0072] First, the microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10, functioning as the image acquisition unit 121, controls the imaging unit 12 to sequentially acquire image information of the captured images of the products 41 and 42 (step S1). Next, the microcomputer 101, functioning as the first reading unit 122 and the second reading unit 123, decodes the code symbols 411 and 421 included in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 121 (step S2).

[0073] Next, the microcomputer 101 determines whether the decoding of the code symbols 411, 421 has been successful (step S3). If successful (Yes in step S3), the microcomputer 101, functioning as the first reading unit 122, determines whether or not the flag sticker 52 is present (step S4).

[0074] In step S4, if the flag sticker 52 is not attached (No in step S4), the microcomputer 101, functioning as the output control unit 125, transmits the decoded result in step S2 to the POS terminal 20 (step S5).

[0075] Furthermore, if the flag sticker 52 is attached in step S4 (Yes in step S4), the microcomputer 101 stops reading the code symbols 411, 412 by the first reading unit 122 and the second reading unit 123 (step S6). In step S6, the microcomputer 101 guides the operator to hold the service label 51 attached to the product 41, 42 over the imaging window 111, for example, by displaying an image or text on the first display unit 13. Next, the microcomputer 101, functioning as the third reading unit 124, reads the service label 51, that is, recognizes the service image (step S7).

[0076] Next, the microcomputer 101 judges whether the recognition of the service image is successful (step S8). If the recognition is successful (Yes in step S8), the microcomputer 101, as the output control unit 125, transmits the decoded result in step S2 and the recognition result in step S7 to the POS terminal 20 (step S9).

[0077] If step S3 is unsuccessful (No in step S3) or if step S8 is unsuccessful (No in step S8), the microcomputer 101 returns the process to step S1.

[0078] The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 receives the reading result from the reading device 10 as the information acquisition unit 221. Here, the reading result is information that makes it possible to identify whether the code symbol before decoding was the code symbol 411 or the code symbol 421. For example, the information as the reading result includes different code types, the code symbol 411 and the code symbol 421. In this case, the microcomputer 201 identifies whether the code symbol before decoding was the code symbol 411 or the code symbol 421 depending on the code type.

[0079] The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 judges whether the received read result is the decoded code symbol 421 based on the digital watermark (step S11). If the read result includes the code type of the code symbol 421 in step S11 (Yes in step S11), the microcomputer 201, as the sales data processing unit 222, transmits a predetermined control signal A to the reading device 10, sets a timer (step S12), and waits until a timeout occurs (No in step S13). It is preferable that the length of time measured in steps S12 to S13 (threshold value for timeout) is sufficient for the reading device 10 to execute steps S6 to S9, and that the wait time when the service label 51 is not attached is not too long. Then, in response to the timeout (Yes in step S13), the microcomputer 201 performs product registration (step S14) and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10 to instruct the reading device 10 to resume code reading (step S10).

[0080] In step S11, if the read result includes the code type of the code symbol 411 (No in step S11), the microcomputer 201, functioning as the sales data processing unit 222, advances the process to step S14.

[0081] The microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10 that has received the control signal A performs the processes of steps S6 to S9, and transmits the recognition result of step S7 to the POS terminal 20. The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 that has received the information transmitted by the reading device 10 in step S9 performs product registration based on the received information in step S14.

[0082] The registration process performed in step S14 will be described in more detail below with a specific example.

[0083] First, the case of a product 41 on which a visible image code symbol 411 is printed and a service label 51 and a flag sticker 52 are attached will be described. The microcomputer 101 performs processing by capturing an image (step S1) and decoding the code symbol 411 (step S2). If the microcomputer 101 succeeds in decoding (Yes in step S3) and recognizes the flag sticker 52 (Yes in step S4), it stops reading the code symbols 411 and 421 (step S6) and reads the service label 51 (step S7). If the microcomputer 101 succeeds in recognizing the service image (Yes in step S8), it transmits the information of the code symbol 411 decoded in step S2 and the contents indicated by the service image to the POS terminal 20 as the reading result (step S9). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 performs product registration based on the reading result transmitted in step 9 (step S14) and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10. Then, upon receiving the control signal B, the microcomputer 101 of the reader 10 resumes the reading of the code symbols 411 and 421 that was paused in step S6 (step S10).

[0084] Next, the case of the product 42 on which the code symbol 421 using digital watermark is printed and the bonus label 51 is attached will be described. The microcomputer 101 performs the process of capturing an image (step S1) and decoding the code symbol 421 (step S2). If the microcomputer 101 succeeds in decoding (Yes in step S3), the microcomputer 101 transmits the information of the code symbol 421 decoded in step S2 to the POS terminal 20 as the reading result (step S5) after the flag sticker is not detected (No in step S4). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 proceeds from Yes in step S11 to steps S12 and S13 and waits for the recognition of the bonus image. During this time, the microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10 performs the process of steps S6 to S9 upon receiving the control signal A, and transmits the contents indicated by the bonus image to the POS terminal 20 as the reading result (step S9). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 performs product registration based on the reading result transmitted in step 9 and the information of the code symbol 421 transmitted in step S5 and received in step S11 (step S14), and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10. Then, the microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10, which has received the control signal B, resumes the reading of the code symbols 411, 421 that was paused in step S6 (step S10).

[0085] Next, a case of a product (not shown) on which neither the service label 51 nor the flag sticker 52 is attached, but on which a visible image of the code symbol 411 is printed, will be described. The microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process of imaging (step S1) and decoding the code symbol 411 (step S2), and if the decoding is successful (Yes in step S3), the microcomputer 201 proceeds with the process of not detecting the flag sticker (No in step S4), and transmits the information of the code symbol 411 decoded in step S2 to the POS terminal 20 as the reading result (step S5). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 proceeds with the process to step S14 via No in step S11, and registers the product based on the information of the code symbol 411 transmitted in step S5 and received in step S11 (step S14), and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10. Then, the microcomputer 101 of the reader 10 which has received the control signal B continues reading the code symbols 411, 421 in step S10 since the reading of the code symbols 411, 421 has not been paused in this case.

[0086] Next, a case of a product (not shown) on which the bonus label 51 is not attached and the code symbol 421 is printed by digital watermark will be described. The microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process of imaging (step S1) and decoding the code symbol 421 (step S2). If the decoding is successful (Yes in step S3), the information of the code symbol 421 decoded in step S2 is transmitted to the POS terminal 20 as the reading result after the flag sticker is not detected (No in step S4) (step S5). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 proceeds with the process from Yes in step S11 to steps S12 and S13 and waits for the recognition of the bonus image. During this time, the microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10 performs the processes of steps S6 to S9 upon receiving the control signal A, but the bonus image is not recognized. For this reason, the microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 proceeds with the process to step S14 due to a timeout (No in step S13). The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 performs product registration based on the information of the code symbol 421 transmitted in step S5 and received in step S11 (step S14), and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10. The microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10 that has received the control signal B resumes the reading of the code symbols 411, 421 that was paused in step S6 (step S10).

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the sales data processing system 1 which identifies not only the product 41 by the code symbol 411 of a visible image but also the product 42 by the code symbol 421 printed with an electronic watermark, the reflection of the service when the service label 51 is affixed to the product 42 can be automatically performed, just as in the case of the product 41.

[0088] The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate by changing a part of the configuration or function of the reading device 10. Therefore, the following describes a modified example of the above-described embodiment as another embodiment. In addition, in the modified example, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and detailed description of commonalities with the contents already described will be omitted. In addition, the modified examples may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0089] (Variation 1) In this modified example, the sales data processing unit 222 serves as a standby processing unit, and when a product 42 is identified by the code symbol 421 read by the second reading unit 123, upon receiving an instruction to apply a service via the interface unit (the sticker reading button or the keyboard 14, 22 displayed on the first display unit 13 or the first display unit 211), pauses reading by the second reading unit 123 and waits for the third reading unit 124 to recognize the service image.

[0090] In addition, in this modified example, the sales data processing unit 222 serves as a standby processing unit, and if the first reading unit 122 or the second reading unit 123 reads the code symbol 411, 421 before the interface unit accepts an instruction, the sales data processing unit 222 terminates the acceptance of the instruction by the interface unit.

[0091] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20. In this example, instead of steps S12 to S13 in the above-described embodiment, the reading device 10 performs processing of steps S21 and S22, and the POS terminal 20 performs processing of step S31.

[0092] The microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 outputs a control signal C to the reader 10 if the code symbol 421 is a digital watermark code symbol (Yes in step S11).

[0093] The microcomputer 101 of the reading device 10 that has received the control signal C causes the first display unit 13 to display a sticker reading button (step S21). The sticker reading button is displayed, for example, in a corner of a product registration screen that displays a list of information on registered products. Note that the reading device 10 can execute the processes of steps S1 to S5 even while the sticker reading button is not operated (No in step S22).

[0094] When the sticker reading button is pressed on the reading device 10 (Yes in step S22), the first display unit 13 outputs a signal indicating that the sticker reading button has been operated to the microcomputer 101. Upon receiving this signal, the microcomputer 101 performs the processes of steps S6 to S9 and outputs the recognition result of the bonus image to the POS terminal 20 (step S9).

[0095] On the other hand, if the code symbol 421 is a digital watermark code symbol in step S11 (Yes in step S11), the microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 waits for a predetermined signal to be input (No in step S31). If a predetermined signal is input during this waiting period (Yes in step S31), the microcomputer 201 advances the process to step S14.

[0096] The above-mentioned specified signal is, for example, a signal output by the keyboard 22 when the reward image is recognized (step S9), when the code symbols 411, 421 of the next product are read (step S5), or when the subtotal button is operated.

[0097] If the input detected in step S31 is a result of a service image being recognized and transmitted (step S9), the microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 performs product registration based on the reading result transmitted in step 9 and the information of the code symbol 421 transmitted in step S5 and received in step S11 (step S14), and transmits a control signal B to the reading device 10.

[0098] In this way, according to this modification, when a service label 51 is attached to the product 42 of the digital watermark code symbol 421, the operator can indicate his / her intention to read the service label 51. With this method, the process for recognizing the service image can be inserted without using a timeout.

[0099] In the above modification, the sticker reading button is displayed on the first display unit 13 of the reading device 10, but in practice, it may be displayed on the first display unit 211 of the POS terminal 20. Also, the function of the sticker reading button may be assigned to a hard key of the keyboard 14, 22.

[0100] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment and modified example, the reading device 10 is configured to read information such as a product code from an image captured by the imaging unit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the reading may be performed on the POS terminal 20 side. In this case, the reading device 10 outputs the image captured by the imaging unit 12 to the POS terminal 20, and the POS terminal 20 reads information such as a product code from the image input from the reading device 10. Specifically, the microcomputer 201 of the POS terminal 20 may have the functions of the first reading unit 122 to the third reading unit 124 described in FIG. 6.

[0101] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment and modified example, the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 are configured separately, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a device (hereinafter, a product sales data processing device) in which the reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 are integrated. For example, the product sales data processing device may be a fully self-service product sales data processing device that is operated by the shopper himself.

[0102] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment and variants, the code type is used to determine whether the read code symbol is a digital watermark or a visible image, but this is not limited to the implementation, and for example, it may be possible to determine whether the code symbol is a digital watermark or a visible image based on the type of program used to read the code symbol.

[0103] As described above, the programs executed by each device described in each of the above embodiments and variations are provided by being pre-installed on a storage medium, but this is not limited to the above, and the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0104] In addition, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0105] The program executed by the reading device 10 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the reading device 10 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0106] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, they are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...Sales data processing system, 2…Soccer table, 10...Reading device, 11... main body portion, 111... imaging window, 12...imaging unit, 13...first display section, 14…Keyboard, 15...Second display section, 20…POS terminals, 21...display section, 211...first display section, 212...second display section, 22…keyboard, 23…Receipt printer, 30…Drawer, 41...Product, 411...Code symbol, 42...Product, 421...Code symbol, 51...Service label, 52...Flag sticker, 101...microcomputer, 102...CPU, 103...ROM, 104...RAM, 105...Storage section, 106...communication interface, 121...image acquisition unit, 122: first reading unit, 123: second reading unit, 124: third reading unit, 125...output control unit, 201...microcomputer, 202...CPU, 203...ROM, 204...RAM, 205...Storage section, 206...communication interface, 221: information acquisition unit, 222: sales data processing unit, 223: output control unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-185471 A

Claims

1. an imaging unit that captures images to generate and output image information; a first reading unit for reading a code symbol, which is a visible image included in the image information; a second reading unit that reads a code symbol that is an invisible image included in the image information; a third reading unit that recognizes a special service image included in the image information and thereby recognizes a service indicated by the special service image; a registration processing unit that registers, as sales data, information on a product identified by the code symbol read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit; a service processing unit that, when the third reading unit recognizes a service image, reflects a service indicated by the service image in the sales data registered by the registration processing unit; a standby processing unit that, when a commodity is identified by the code symbol that is the invisible image, pauses reading by the second reading unit and waits for recognition of a complimentary image by the third reading unit, and does not wait when a commodity is identified by an image other than the invisible image; A sales data processing system comprising:

2. The standby processing unit ends the standby for recognition of the service image by the third reading unit and resumes reading by the second reading unit when an elapsed time from a pause in reading by the second reading unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

3. An interface unit that displays information to an operator and accepts operations, The standby processing unit includes: When a product is identified by the code symbol, which is the invisible image, and an instruction to apply a special service is received by the interface unit, the second reading unit stops reading and waits for the third reading unit to recognize a special service image.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

4. The standby processing unit pauses reading by the second reading unit and also pauses reading by the first reading unit.

4. A sales data processing system according to claim 1.

5. The standby processing unit terminates the reception of instructions by the interface unit when the first reading unit or the second reading unit reads a code symbol before the interface unit receives an instruction.

4. The sales data processing system according to claim 3.

6. A computer equipped with a sales data processing system, a first reading unit for reading a code symbol, which is a visible image included in the image information; a second reading unit that reads a code symbol that is an invisible image included in the image information; a third reading unit that recognizes a special service image included in the image information and thereby recognizes a service indicated by the special service image; a registration processing unit that registers, as sales data, information on a product identified by the code symbol read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit; a service processing unit that, when the third reading unit recognizes a service image, reflects a service indicated by the service image in the sales data registered by the registration processing unit; a standby processing unit that, when a commodity is identified by the code symbol that is the invisible image, pauses reading by the second reading unit and waits for recognition of a complimentary image by the third reading unit, and does not wait when a commodity is identified by an image other than the invisible image; A program to function as a

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