Code reader and program

Abstract

To provide a code reader and a program that can increase the scanning efficiency in a clipping state.SOLUTION: The code reader according to an embodiment includes: a camera having an imaging sensor with a plurality of imaging elements, the camera taking an image of a symbol attached to a product; determination means for determining the position of clipping on the image sensor on the basis of modification information when the modification information for modifying the set position to clip of the image sensor is input; and image processing means for performing image processing on the symbol on the basis of the image of the image sensor related to the determined position of the clipping.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a code reading device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in a store selling goods, symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes are printed on the goods, or printed labels are affixed to the goods. A code reading device captures the symbol attached to the goods with a camera, and reads the goods information by image processing (decoding) the captured image. The camera has an image sensor. The image sensor is a semiconductor sensor equipped with many imaging elements, and receives light incident from the camera lens. The code reading device processes the light received by the image sensor and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0003] Recently, the appearance of high-quality image sensors with a large number of imaging elements (i.e., "pixel count") per given area can result in longer image processing times. For this reason, rather than using all of the imaging elements of the image sensor, a portion of the imaging elements is clipped (cut out) and image processing is performed on the clipped imaging elements. Clipping a portion of the imaging elements shortens the time required for image processing.

[0004] Incidentally, a product registration device incorporating a code reader is used in either a right-flow, where customers move from left to right, or a left-flow, where customers move from right to left, depending on the layout of the store, etc. In the right-flow and left-flow cases, the direction in which products are moved to read the symbols with the code reader is opposite. In order to increase the scanning efficiency (reading efficiency) of a clipped code reader, it is desirable to position the reading range in which the symbol can be read upstream in the product flow direction to speed up the start of reading, but the clipping position in the image sensor is fixed to the center, so the reading range cannot be moved. As a result, the scanning efficiency of a clipped code reader was not high. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a code reading device and a program capable of improving scanning efficiency in a clipping state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A code reading device according to an embodiment includes an image sensor having a plurality of image pickup elements, a camera for capturing an image of a symbol attached to a commodity, a determination means for determining a clipping position for the image sensor based on modification information when the modification information is input for changing a clipping position of the image sensor, and an image processing means for performing image processing on the symbol based on an image of the image sensor related to the determined clipping position. The determining means determines the position of the clipping so that the central position of the clipping is located upstream of the central position of the image sensor in the moving direction of the product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a code reading device, a merchandise registration device, and a POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a merchandise registration device including a code reading device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an image sensor in a code reader and a clipping range and position in the right stream. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the clipped reading range of the image sensor in the rightward flow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an image sensor in a code reader and a clipping range and position in the left stream. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the clipped reading range of the image sensor in the leftward shift. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a reference explanatory diagram showing an image sensor and a clipping range and position in a conventional code reading device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a reference explanatory diagram showing the position of the clipped reading range of an image sensor in a conventional example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a code reading device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the product registration device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a code reading device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of the code reading device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process of the product registration device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a POS terminal will be described as an example of a product sales data processing device. Note that the embodiment is an embodiment of a code reading device and a program, and the configuration, functions, etc. thereof do not limit the invention.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a code reading device, a product registration device, and a POS terminal according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the code reading device 1 is connected to the product registration device 3 via a connection line 5. The code reading device 1 is incorporated and attached to the housing of the product registration device 3. The product registration device 3 is connected to the POS terminal 9 via a communication line 7.

[0010] The code reading device 1 is a device that reads symbols (e.g., barcodes and two-dimensional codes) attached to products. The code reading device 1 is equipped with a camera 19 (see FIG. 9). The camera 19 has an image sensor 191 inside. The image sensor 191 is a semiconductor sensor with a number of imaging elements arranged in a surface. The image sensor 191 receives light incident from the lens of the camera 19 (this is called "imaging"). When a product passes in front of the code reading device 1, the image sensor 191 receives light including an image of the symbol attached to the product. The code reading device 1 converts the light received by the image sensor 191 into an electrical signal. The process of converting the light received by the image sensor 191 into an electrical signal is called image processing (decoding). The code reading device 1 transmits the image-processed product code information to the product registration device 3 via the connection line 5.

[0011] The product registration device 3 acquires a product code that identifies the product based on the product information received from the code reading device 1, and executes product registration processing for the product. The product registration processing includes processing for calling up and displaying product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the acquired product code, and storing the product information in the product information section 331 (see FIG. 10). The product registration device 3 transmits the product information that has been subjected to the product registration processing to the POS terminal 9.

[0012] The POS terminal 9 also executes a payment process for the transaction based on the product information received from the product registration device 3. The payment process refers to a process of displaying the total amount and change amount (hereinafter referred to as "payment information") for a transaction with a customer based on the product information of the product for which product registration processing has been performed. The payment process includes a process of issuing a receipt on which the product information of the paid product and the payment information are printed.

[0013] From here, the structure of the product registration device 3 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the product registration device 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the product registration device 3 has an erected portion 46 erected upward from the top surface of the suction table 8, and an operation unit 41 and a store clerk display unit 42 provided on the erected portion 46. Other components of the product registration device 3 will be described later with reference to Fig. 10.

[0014] The operation unit 41 includes, for example, a number entry key for entering the number of products, a transmission key for completing the product registration process and transmitting product information to the POS terminal 9, etc. The store clerk display unit 42 displays, for example, product information of products for which product registration processing has been performed, to the store clerk operating the product registration device 3.

[0015] Also, the code reader 1 is embedded in the standing portion 46 at a height between the sucker table 8 and the clerk display unit 42. The code reader 1 has a vertical reading window 2 facing the clerk side, and the camera 19 captures the symbols attached to the products passing in front of the reading window 2. In FIG. 2, when the code reader 1 is set to right-flow, the customer moves from left to right along the arrow R. In this case, the products purchased by the customer move in front of the reading window 2 in the direction of the arrow R (from left to right in FIG. 2). In this case, the left side of the code reader 1 is upstream in the flow direction of the products from the right side. Also, when the code reader 1 is set to left-flow, the customer moves from right to left along the arrow L. In this case, the products purchased by the customer move in front of the reading window 2 in the direction of the arrow L (from right to left in FIG. 2). In this case, the right side of the code reader 1 is upstream in the flow direction of the products from the left side.

[0016] In the case of rightward flow, since the product moves from the left side to the right side of the code reader 1, it is desirable to set the clipping range and position, in which the range in which the symbol can be read, toward the upstream side of the code reader 1 in the flow direction of the product (the left side in FIG. 2) in order to improve the efficiency of scanning by the code reader 1. This relationship will be explained with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the image sensor in the code reader 1 and the clipping range and position in the rightward flow. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the clipped reading range of the image sensor in the rightward flow. Also, as a comparative example, the reading range of a conventional code reader 99 is shown. FIG. 7 is a reference explanatory diagram showing the image sensor, clipping range and position in the code reader 99 in the conventional example. FIG. 8 is a reference explanatory diagram showing the position of the clipped reading range of the image sensor in the conventional example.

[0017] In the comparative example, G is the range that can be captured by the image sensor 191 provided in the camera 19. K indicates a clipped range and position that is smaller than the imageable range G. Clipping refers to cutting out an area smaller than the imageable range G from within the imageable range G. The code reading device 99 captures an image using an imaging element located in the clipped range K (hereinafter referred to as "clipping K") of the imageable range G. The code reading device 99 then performs image processing on the image captured within the range and position of clipping K.

[0018] In the comparative example, the range and position of clipping K are fixed. Therefore, the code reader 99 can read the symbol attached to the product at clipping K. In FIG. 8, when the reading range is not clipped (when the reading range is set to the imageable range G), the code reader 99 can read the symbol within the reading range YG. However, when the reading range is clipped (when the reading range is set to clipping K), the code reader 99 can read the symbol within the reading range YK. In this case, the reading range YK is narrower on both sides than the reading range YG. In this case, when the flow of the product is to the right and when the flow of the product is to the left, the product enters the reading range later (the reading of the product starts later) compared to when clipping is not performed, and therefore the scanning efficiency of the code reader 99 decreases.

[0019] In contrast, in the case of the embodiment (where the product flows to the right), as shown in Fig. 3, the clipping position is changed (moved) to the upstream side in the product flow direction (left side in Fig. 3). In Fig. 3, G is the range that can be captured by the image sensor 191 provided in the camera 19. KR indicates the clipped range and position that is smaller in area than the captureable range G. The range of clipping KR is determined by inputting the number of pixels (change information (range information)) in the horizontal direction (arrow W direction) and the number of pixels (change information (range information)) in the vertical direction (arrow D direction) of clipping KR. The range of clipping KR can be changed by varying the number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the number of pixels in the vertical direction. The number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the number of pixels in the vertical direction correspond to pixel number information.

[0020] The position of the clipping KR is determined by inputting the coordinates (change information (position information)) of the starting point of the clipping KR. The starting point of the clipping KR is, for example, the coordinates of the position of the upper left corner P of the clipping KR.

[0021] The number of pixels for determining the range of clipping KR and the coordinates for determining the position of clipping KR can be input by operating and setting the operation unit 17 of the code reading device 1, which will be described later. Alternatively, they can be input by operating and setting the operation unit 41 of the product registration device 3. In this embodiment, the input is performed by operating the operation unit 41 of the product registration device 3.

[0022] The range and position of the clipping KR can also be determined by inputting the coordinates of the rectangle of the clipping KR (change information (position information)). The range and position of the clipping KR may also be determined by other known methods.

[0023] In the case of Fig. 3, since the product flows to the right, the position of the clipping KR is changed (moved) to the leftmost side (upstream of the product flow direction) with respect to the imageable range G. This is so that when the product moves from the left side and enters the imageable range G, the product will also enter the range of the clipping KR at the same time or almost at the same time.

[0024] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figure 4, the position of the clipping KR is changed (moved) to the leftmost side (upstream in the direction of product flow) of the imageable range G, so that when a product enters the reading range YG of the imageable range G, it also enters the reading range YKR of the clipping KR at the same time, making it possible to start reading products moving to the right early.

[0025] In this way, the code reading device 1 of the embodiment can improve the scanning efficiency in the clipping state. In the embodiment, the position of the clipping KR is changed (moved) to the leftmost side (upstream side in the direction of flow of the products) with respect to the imageable range G, but the position of the clipping KR may be changed to the upstream side in the direction of flow of the products (left side in FIG. 7) from the position of the clipping K shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the clipping KR may be positioned so that the center position TKR of the clipping KR is shifted to the upstream side in the direction of flow of the products (left side in FIG. 3) from the center position TG of the imageable range G. Also, the range of the clipping KR may be changed according to the processing power of the CPU mounted on the code reading device 1.

[0026] In addition, in the embodiment, the position of the clipping KR is changed (moved) upstream in the flow direction of the product relative to the imageable range G, but if the product whose symbol has been read is placed near directly below the code reading device 1, the position of the clipping KR may be changed (moved) further upward to prevent the symbol of the product that has been read once from being read again.

[0027] Next, an embodiment in which the product flows to the left will be described. In the case where the product flows to the left, as shown in FIG. 5, the clipping position is changed (moved) to the upstream side in the flow direction of the product (to the right in FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, G is the range that can be captured by the image sensor 191 provided in the camera 19. KL indicates a clipped range and position that is smaller in area than the captureable range G. The range of the clipping KL is determined by inputting the number of pixels (change information (range information)) in the horizontal direction (arrow W direction) and the number of pixels (change information (range information)) in the vertical direction (arrow D direction) of the clipping KL. The range of the clipping KL can be changed by varying the number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the number of pixels in the vertical direction. The number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the number of pixels in the vertical direction correspond to pixel number information.

[0028] The position of the clipping KL is determined by inputting the coordinates of the starting point of the clipping KL (change information (position information)). The starting point of the clipping KL is, for example, the coordinates of the position of the upper left corner P of the clipping KL.

[0029] The number of pixels for determining the range of clipping KL and the coordinates for determining the position of clipping KL can be input by operating and setting the operation unit 17 of the code reading device 1 described later. Alternatively, they can be input by operating and setting the operation unit 41 of the product registration device 3. In this embodiment, the input is performed by operating the operation unit 41 of the product registration device 3.

[0030] The range and position of the clipping KL can also be determined by inputting the coordinates of the rectangle of the clipping KL (change information (position information)). The range and position of the clipping KL may be determined by other known methods.

[0031] In the case of Fig. 5, because the product is flowing to the left, the position of the clipping KL is changed (moved) to the rightmost side (upstream of the product flow direction) with respect to the imageable range G. This is so that when the product moves from the right side and enters the imageable range G, the product will also enter the range of the clipping KL at the same time or almost at the same time.

[0032] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figure 6, the position of the clipping KL is changed (moved) to the rightmost side (upstream in the direction of product flow) of the imageable range G, so that a product that enters the reading range YG of the imageable range G also enters the reading range YKL of the clipping KL at the same time, making it possible to start reading products moving to the left early.

[0033] In this way, the code reading device 1 of the embodiment can improve the scanning efficiency in the clipping state. In the embodiment, the position of the clipping KL is changed (moved) to the rightmost side (upstream side in the direction of flow of the products) with respect to the imageable range G, but the position of the clipping KL may be changed to the upstream side in the direction of flow of the products from the position of the clipping K shown in Fig. 7 (to the right side in Fig. 7). In other words, the clipping KR may be positioned so that the center position TKL of the clipping KL is shifted to the upstream side in the direction of flow of the products (to the right side in Fig. 5) from the center position TG of the imageable range G. Also, the range of the clipping KL may be changed according to the processing power of the CPU mounted on the code reading device 1.

[0034] In addition, in the embodiment, the position of the clipping KL is changed (moved) upstream in the flow direction of the product relative to the imageable range G, but if the product whose symbol has been read is placed near directly below the code reading device 1, the position of the clipping KL may be changed (moved) further upward to prevent the symbol of the product from being read twice.

[0035] Next, the hardware of the code reading device 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the code reading device 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the code reading device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory section 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is a control body. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory section 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory section 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control section 100. That is, the control section 100 executes a control process of the code reading device 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory section 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

[0036] The RAM 13 includes an image storage unit 131 and a decode storage unit 132. The image storage unit 131 stores images of products captured by the camera 19. The decode storage unit 132 stores code information that has been image-processed (decoded) based on the images stored in the image storage unit 131.

[0037] The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 141 that stores a control program for controlling the code reading device 1, and a change storage unit 142. The change storage unit 142 stores change information (range information and position information) input from the product registration device 3.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to an operation unit 17, a display unit 18, and a camera 19 via a bus 15 and a controller 16. The camera 19 has an image sensor 191 in which a large number of imaging elements are arranged in a planar form.

[0039] The operation unit 17 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the code reading device 1. The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of the code reading device 1.

[0040] The control unit 100 is also connected to a communication unit 20 via a bus 15. The communication unit 20 is connected to the product registration device 3 via a connection line 5, and transmits and receives information to and from the product registration device 3.

[0041] Next, the hardware of the product registration device 3 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product registration device 3. As shown in FIG. 10, the product registration device 3 includes a CPU 31, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is a control entity. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes a control process of the product registration device 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

[0042] The RAM 33 includes a product information section 331 and a change setting section 332. The product information section 331 stores product information (product code, product name, product price, etc.) of a product that has been registered. The change setting section 332 stores range information indicating the range of the input clipping and position information indicating the position of the clipping.

[0043] The memory unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 341 that stores a control program for controlling the product registration device 3, and a product master 342. The product master 342 stores product information of the product (product name, product price, etc.) in association with a product code that identifies the product sold in the store.

[0044] In addition, the control unit 300 is connected to an operation unit 41, a display unit for store clerks 42, a display unit for customer 43, a card reading unit 44, and the code reading device 1 via a bus 35 and a controller 36.

[0045] The operation unit 41 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the product registration device 3. The clerk display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the clerk who operates the product registration device 3. The customer display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the customer. The card reading unit 44 reads a membership code that identifies the member from a card used for payment (for example, a membership card showing that the customer is a member, etc.). The code reading device 1 is connected to the controller 36 via a connection line 5.

[0046] The control unit 300 is also connected to a communication unit 47 via a bus 35. The communication unit 47 is connected to a POS terminal 9 via a communication line 7 to transmit and receive information.

[0047] From here, we will explain the functional configuration of the code reading device 1. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the code reading device 1. The control unit 100 of the code reading device 1 functions as a determination means 101 and an image processing means 102 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and the control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

[0048] When range information and position information for changing the set range and position for clipping a part of image sensor 191 are input, determination means 101 determines the clipping range and position for image sensor 191 based on the range information and position information. Specifically, when pixel count information, which is range information set by operation unit 41 of product registration device 3, and coordinate information, which is position information, are input from product registration device 3, determination means 101 determines the clipping range and position for image sensor 191 based on the pixel count information and coordinate information.

[0049] The determining means 101 determines the clipping position so that the center point (TKR or TKL) of the clipping range is located upstream of the center position TG of the image sensor 191 in the moving direction of the product.

[0050] The image processing means 102 processes the image of the captured symbol based on the image of the image sensor 191 related to the determined clipping position.

[0051] From here, the control of the code reading device 1 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the control process of the code reading device 1. The control unit 100 of the code reading device 1 judges whether modification information for modifying the clipping range and position (range information (pixel number information) for modifying the clipping range and position information (coordinate information of corner P (starting point))) has been input from the product registration device 3 (S11). If it is judged that modification information has been input (Yes in S11), the determination means 101 determines the clipping range and position for the image sensor 191 by storing the input modification information in the modification storage unit 142 (S12). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0052] Moreover, if it is determined that the input is not change information (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether a symbol has been captured by the camera 19 (S21). Information on the pattern of images showing symbols is registered in advance, and if the image captured by the camera 19 includes an image showing the registered symbol pattern, the control unit 100 determines that a symbol has been captured.

[0053] When it is determined that the symbol has been imaged (Yes in S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the image sensor 191 has been clipped (S22). For example, when change information related to clipping is stored in the change storage unit 142, the control unit 100 determines that the image sensor 191 has been clipped. Also, for example, when there is an instruction to clip (for example, an instruction from a button operation or the merchandise registration device 3), the control unit 100 determines that the image sensor 191 has been clipped. When it is determined that the image sensor 191 has been clipped (Yes in S22), the control unit 100 receives an image captured by the image sensor 191 in the clipped range of the clipped position (clipping KR in FIG. 3, clipping KL in FIG. 5) (S23). On the other hand, when it is determined that the image sensor 191 has not been clipped (No in S22), the control unit 100 receives an image captured by the entire image sensor 191 (imageable range G) (S24).

[0054] Next, the image processing means 102 processes (decodes) the image received by the image sensor 191 (S25). Then, the control unit 100 stores the image-processed code information in the decode storage unit 132 (S26). Then, the control unit 100 outputs the code information stored in the decode storage unit 132 to the merchandise registration device 3 (S27). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. Note that if it is determined that the image is not of a symbol (No in S21), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0055] The code reading device 1 of this embodiment can change the clipping range and position based on the input modification information. Therefore, by inputting modification information, the clipping range and position can be changed (moved) in advance to the upstream side in the flow direction of the goods. This can improve the scanning efficiency of the code reading device 1 in reading the symbol.

[0056] From here, the control of the product registration device 3 will be described. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the control process of the product registration device 3. As shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 300 of the product registration device 3 judges whether code information has been input from the code reading device 1 (S31). If it is judged that code information has been input (Yes in S31), the control unit 300 acquires the product code of the product based on the input code information (S32). Then, the control unit 300 executes a product registration process in which the control unit 300 searches the product master 342 based on the acquired product code, acquires product information related to the product, and stores the product information in the product information unit 331 (S33). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S31.

[0057] Also, when it is determined that the input is not code information (No in S31), the control unit 300 determines whether a change in the clipping range and position has been instructed (S41). A change in the clipping range and position is instructed, for example, by putting the product registration device 3 into a setting mode and operating the operation unit 41. When it is determined that a change in the clipping range and position has been instructed (Yes in S41), the control unit 300 sets range information indicating the clipping range input by operating the operation unit 41 in the change setting unit 332 (S42). Next, the control unit 300 sets position information indicating the clipping position input by operating the operation unit 41 in the change setting unit 332 (S43). Then, the control unit 300 outputs the range information and position information set in the change setting unit 332 to the code reading device 1 (S44). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S31.

[0058] If it is determined that the instruction is not an instruction to change the clipping range and position (No in S41), the control unit 300 determines whether an operation indicating the end of the product registration process has been performed (S51). For example, if an end button (not shown) provided on the operation unit 41 is operated, the control unit 300 determines that an operation indicating the end of the product registration process has been performed. If it is determined that an operation indicating the end of the product registration process has been performed (Yes in S51), the control unit 300 transmits the product information stored in the product information unit 331 to the POS terminal 9 (S52). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S31. If it is determined that the operation is not an operation indicating the end of the product registration process (No in S51), the control unit 300 returns to S31.

[0059] As described above, the code reading device 1 according to the embodiment includes an image sensor 191 having a plurality of imaging elements, a camera 19 that captures an image of a symbol attached to a product, a determination means 101 that, when modification information set in the product registration device 3 is input for changing the range and position for clipping a portion of the image sensor 191, determines the clipping range and position for the image sensor 191 based on the modification information, and an image processing means 102 that performs image processing of the symbol based on the image of the image sensor 191 relating to the determined clipping position and range.

[0060] The code reading device 1 according to the embodiment having such a configuration can change the clipping range and position based on the change information set in the product registration device 3. Therefore, whether the product registration device 3 is in a right-flow or left-flow state, the clipping range and position can be changed to a position upstream in the product flow direction. This makes it possible for the code reading device 1 to improve scanning efficiency in the clipping state.

[0061] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment, the image sensor 191 in the clipped range and position receives the captured image, and image processing is performed on the image sensor that receives the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an image captured by the entire image sensor 191 may be received, and image processing may be performed on the image sensor of the image sensor 191 in the clipped range and position.

[0063] In the embodiment, the range information and the position information are set by operating the operation unit 41 of the product registration device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the change information (range information and position information) may be set by operating the operation unit 17 of the code reading device 1.

[0064] In the embodiment, the range information and the position information are set as the modification information for determining the range and the position to be clipped. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the range to be clipped may be fixed, and only the position information for determining (changing) the position to be clipped may be set as the modification information.

[0065] The program executed by the code reading device 1 of the embodiment is provided in the form of a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0066] The program executed by the code reading device 1 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 code reading device 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0067] Moreover, the programs executed by the code reading device 1 of the second embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Code reader 3. Product registration device 11 CPU 14 Memory section 17 Control section 18 Display 19 Camera 31 CPU 34 Memory section 41 Operation section 42 Display section for clerks 43 Customer display section 99 Code reader 100 Control section 101 Decision-making procedures 102 Image processing means 131 Image storage unit 132 Decode memory unit 141 Control Program Section 142 Change memory section 191 Image Sensor 300 Control section 331 Product Information Department 332 Change Settings Section 341 Control Program Section G Imageable range K Clipping KL Clipping KR Clipping P angle TG center position TKL center position TKR center position [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0069] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-89669 A

Claims

1. a camera having an image sensor with a plurality of image pickup elements, for picking up an image of a symbol attached to a product; a determining unit which, when modification information for modifying the set clipping position of the image sensor is input, determines a clipping position for the image sensor based on the modification information; an image processing means for performing image processing on the symbol based on an image of the image sensor related to the determined clipping position; Equipped with the determining means determines a position of the clipping such that a center position of the clipping is located upstream of a center position of the image sensor in a moving direction in which the product moves. Code reading device.

2. The camera captures an image of the symbol using the image sensor at the clipping position.

2. The code reader according to claim 1.

3. The image processing means processes an image of the image sensor at the clipping position among images captured by the camera.

2. The code reader according to claim 1.

4. The modification information has position information indicating a position to be clipped and range information indicating a range to be clipped, the position information being coordinate information indicating a position of a start point of the range to be clipped, and the range information being pixel number information indicating the number of pixels to be clipped in the vertical and horizontal directions of the image sensor.

4. A code reading device according to claim 1.

5. A computer as a code reading device having an image sensor with a plurality of image pickup elements and a camera for picking up an image of a symbol attached to a product, a determining unit which, when modification information for modifying the set clipping position of the image sensor is input, determines a clipping position for the image sensor based on the modification information; an image processing means for performing image processing on the symbol based on an image of the image sensor related to the determined clipping position; and make it work. the determining means determines a position of the clipping such that a center position of the clipping is located upstream of a center position of the image sensor in a moving direction in which the product moves. program.

Images