Image storage device, image storage method, and program

Abstract

To image a shelf without a gap when imaging the shelf on which articles are placed a plurality of times separately.SOLUTION: An image storage device includes an image acquisition part, a display processing part, and a storage processing part. The image processing part obtains a first image that images a part of an article shelf on which an articles are arranged. The display processing part displays at a display part (a display) in a manner at least an edge part of the first image overlaps an edge part of a real time image currently generated at the imaging part. The storage processing part executes prescribed processing in which the real time image or an image generated thereafter is stored as a second image in storage means when a difference between the edge part of the first image and the edge part of the real time image at the display part, for instance, a difference of articles included in the edge parts in the respective images, becomes equal to or smaller than a standard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image storage device, an image storage method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a store selling products, the position of products on the product shelves is important because it affects the store's sales. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a server acquires information indicating the arrangement of products on the shelves from a retailer and analyzes whether this arrangement is at a predetermined position.

[0003] Note that Patent Document 2 describes generating a plurality of divided images by appropriately dividing and imaging a product shelf, and synthesizing these divided images to generate an image of the panoramic view of the product shelf. This panoramic image is displayed on a customer's terminal when selling products to the customer via the Internet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, by processing an image of a shelf on which articles such as products are placed, the position of the articles on the shelf has been specified. Here, when the shelf is large, it is necessary to photograph the shelf in multiple parts. In this case, the person taking the photograph of the shelf needs to photograph the shelf without gaps.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to make it easy to photograph a shelf on which articles are placed without gaps when photographing the shelf in multiple parts.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The image storage device in the present disclosure includes image acquisition means for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, display processing means for causing a display means to display by overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by an imaging means, storage processing means for performing a predetermined process for storing, in a storage means, the real-time image or an image generated later as a second image when a difference between the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference, and is provided with. Further, the storage processing means uses, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between an article included in an end portion of the first image and an article included in an end portion of the second image.

[0008] The image storage method in the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, performing a display process for causing a display means to display by overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by an imaging means, performing a storage process for performing a predetermined process for storing, in a storage means, the real-time image or an image generated later as a second image when a difference between the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference, and includes performing. Further, the storage process includes using, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between an article included in an end portion of the first image and an article included in an end portion of the second image.

[0009] The program in the present disclosure causes a computer to have an image acquisition function for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, A display processing function for causing a display means to display by overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by an imaging means; A storage processing function for performing a predetermined process for storing the real-time image or an image generated thereafter as a second image in a storage means when a difference between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference; is provided. In addition, the storage processing function includes using, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between an article included in an end portion of the first image and an article included in an end portion of the second image.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, when photographing a shelf on which articles are placed in a plurality of divided times, it becomes easy to photograph the shelf without gaps.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The above-described object, and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings described below.

[0012]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the usage environment of the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment. The imaging device 10 is an example of an image storage device, and photographs an article shelf (for example, a product shelf). The image generated by the imaging device 10 is transmitted to an external device 20. The external device 20 specifies the position of an article (for example, a product) on the article shelf by processing the image acquired from the imaging device 10. A person using the external device 20 uses the processing result of the external device 20 to check whether the position of the article on the article shelf is at a desired position. For example, the external device 20 specifies the position of the article by performing image processing, and determines whether the specified position is at a predetermined position.

[0015] The imaging device 10 is a portable device. The imaging device 10 may be a communication device with an imaging function, such as a so-called smartphone. The user of the imaging device 10 divides the article shelf into a plurality of regions (for example, the first shelf region A 1 and the second shelf region A 2 ) and generates an image for each region. At this time, when the user of the imaging device 10 photographs the first shelf region A 1 to generate a first image and then photographs the second shelf region A 2 to generate a second image, the end of the first image and the end of the second image are made to overlap (that is, they become images of the same region). By doing so, the user of the imaging device 10 can photograph the article shelf without gaps.

[0016] Here, when generating the second image, the imaging device 10 guides the imaging such that the end of the first image and the end of the second image overlap. For this reason, the user of the imaging device 10 can easily overlap the end of the first image and the end of the second image.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device 10. In the example shown in this figure, the imaging device 10 includes an imaging unit 110, an image acquisition unit 120, a display processing unit 130, a display 140 (an example of a display unit), a storage processing unit 150, and an image storage unit 160.

[0018] The imaging unit 110 has an imaging sensor and repeatedly generates images. The image acquisition unit 120 acquires the images generated by the imaging unit 110. The storage processing unit 150 stores, in the image storage unit 160, the images generated by the imaging unit 110 that satisfy the conditions.

[0019] The display processing unit 130 causes the display 140 to display the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 120. After the storage processing unit 150 stores the first image described above in the image storage unit 160, the display processing unit 130 causes at least the end of the first image to be displayed in a first display area that is a part of the display 140, and repeatedly displays the latest image (hereinafter referred to as a real-time image) generated by the imaging unit 110 in a second display area adjacent to the first display area of the display 140. Then, when the continuity of the end of the first image and the real-time image on the display 140 satisfies the criteria, the storage processing unit 150 performs processing (hereinafter referred to as predetermined processing) for storing the real-time image or an image generated thereafter in the image storage unit 160 as the second image.

[0020] The first example of the predetermined process is to enable the imaging button of the imaging device 10. For example, when the imaging device 10 has a physical imaging button, the predetermined process is to enable the signal generated by pressing the imaging button. Also, when the display 140 is a touch panel, the predetermined process is to display an imaging button on this touch panel. In this case, the second image stored by pressing the imaging button may be the real-time image displayed on the display 140 when the continuity meets the standard, or it may be the real-time image at the timing when the imaging button is pressed.

[0021] The second example of the predetermined process is to store the real-time image displayed on the display 140 when the continuity meets the standard in the image storage unit 160 as the second image.

[0022] The imaging device 10 further includes a transmission unit 170. The transmission unit 170 transmits the image stored in the image storage unit 160 to the external device 20. The timing at which the transmission unit 170 transmits the image to the external device 20 may be, for example, every time an image is stored in the image storage unit 160, or may be performed in batch format.

[0023] Also, the imaging device 10 may not have the image storage unit 160. In this case, instead of storing the image in the image storage unit 160, the storage processing unit 150 outputs this image to the transmission unit 170. The transmission unit 170 transmits and stores the image acquired from the storage processing unit 150 in the external device 20. And the display processing unit 130 stores the image that the storage processing unit 150 has just output to the transmission unit 170 as the first image.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 on the display 140. In this figure, the first shelf area A included in the first image 1 and the second shelf area A included in the second image 2are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In this case, the first display area 142 is located at the horizontal end of the display 140. And the second display area 144 forms the remaining area of the display 140.

[0025] And at the first display area 142, the horizontal end of the first image is displayed, and at the second display area 144, the entire real-time image is displayed. And when the storage processing unit 150 determines that the end on the second display area 144 side among the images displayed in the first display area 142 and the end on the first display area 142 side among the images displayed in the second display area 144 are continuous, the above-described predetermined process is performed.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 in the display 140. Also in this figure, the first shelf area A included in the first image 1 and the second shelf area A included in the second image 2 are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. And at the first display area 142, the horizontal end of the first image and the end of the real-time image are displayed in an overlapping state, and at the second display area 144, the remaining part of the real-time image is displayed. Here, the user of the imaging device 10 adjusts the imaging direction of the imaging device 10 so that the horizontal end of the first image and the end of the real-time image match in the first display area 142. And when the difference between the end of the first image and the end of the real-time image in the first display area 142 becomes equal to or less than the reference, the above-described predetermined process is performed.

[0027] For example, the memory processing unit 150 compares the pixel values at the end of the first image with the pixel values at the end of the real-time image, and performs the above-described predetermined process when the difference between them becomes equal to or less than a reference. Further, the memory processing unit 150 detects the type and position of the article included in the end of the first image, and also detects the type and position of the article included in the end of the second image, and performs the above-described predetermined process when the difference between them becomes equal to or less than a reference. In the latter case, the memory processing unit 150 may perform the above-described predetermined process when the difference in the positions of each article (for example, the average value or the total value) obtained by statistically processing the difference in the positions of each article is equal to or less than a reference, on the condition that the types of all articles match.

[0028] As shown in this figure, when the end of the first image and the end of the second image are in the same area of the article shelf, it is possible to suppress the situation where only a part of the article is captured at the end of the image, as compared with the example shown in FIG. 3. For this reason, for any article placed on the article shelf, the possibility that the whole image is included in at least one image is increased.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third example of the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 on the display 140. In the example shown in this figure, the first shelf area A included in the first image 1 and the second shelf area A included in the second image 2 are the same as the example shown in FIG. 4, except that they are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the example shown in this figure, the first display area 142 is located at the upper (or lower) end of the display 140. In the example shown in this figure, the relationship between the first image and the second image may be the same as that in FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0031] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the input / output interface 1050, and the network interface 1060 to transmit and receive data from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0032] The processor 1020 is a processor implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0033] The memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0034] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 1040 stores program modules that implement each function of the imaging device 10 (for example, the image acquisition unit 120, the display processing unit 130, the storage processing unit 150, and the transmission unit 170). By the processor 1020 loading and executing these program modules onto the memory 1030, each function corresponding to the program module is realized. Also, the storage device 1040 functions as the image storage unit 160.

[0035] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the main part of the imaging device 10 and various input / output devices (for example, the display 140).

[0036] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the imaging device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The imaging device 10 may communicate with an external device 20 via the network interface 1060.

[0037] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the imaging device 10. First, the imaging unit 110 of the imaging device 10 generates an image to be the first image. The storage processing unit 150 stores this image in the image storage unit 160 as the first image (step S10). Next, the display processing unit 130 reads the first image from the image storage unit 160 and displays the edge of the first image in the first display area 142 of the display 140 (step S20).

[0038] Then, the display processing unit 130 displays the real-time image currently generated by the imaging unit 110 in the second display area 144 of the display 140 (step S30). And when the continuity of the image displayed in the first display area 142 and the image displayed in the second display area 144 satisfies the criterion (step S40: Yes), the storage processing unit 150 executes a predetermined process for storing the second image in the image storage unit 160 (step S50). Here, examples of the determination criterion in step S40 are the example described with reference to FIG. 3 and the example described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0039] After that, using the second image as a new first image, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed again.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, the display processing unit 130 of the imaging device 10 causes the display 140 to display at least the end portions of the first image obtained by imaging a part of the article shelf in the first display area 142, and causes the display 140 to display the real-time image currently repeatedly generated by the imaging unit 110 in the second display area 144. Then, when the continuity between the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 on the display 140 satisfies the standard, the storage processing unit 150 causes the image storage unit 160 to store the real-time image as the second image. Therefore, when the article shelf is photographed in multiple parts, the article shelf can be photographed without gaps.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device 10 according to this embodiment. The imaging device 10 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a direction acquisition unit 180. The direction acquisition unit 180 acquires a designation of the direction in which the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 are arranged. This designation may be input by the user via the input device of the imaging device 10, for example, or may be transmitted from the external device 20 to the imaging device 10. Examples of the designated direction are as follows.

[0042] (1) The second display area 144 is located on the right side of the first display area 142. (2) The second display area 144 is located on the left side of the first display area 142. (3) The second display area 144 is located above the first display area 142. (4) The second display area 144 is located below the first display area 142.

[0043] Then, the display processing unit 130 performs processing according to the designation acquired by the direction acquisition unit 180.

[0044] Also according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the direction acquisition unit 180 acquires a designation of the direction in which the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 are arranged. The direction specified here indicates the direction in which the first shelf area A1 and the second shelf area A2 of the article shelf are arranged, that is, the direction in which the article shelf is divided when photographing the article shelf separately. Therefore, the user of the imaging device 10 can easily photograph the article shelf along this dividing direction.

[0045] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device 10 according to this embodiment. The imaging device 10 shown in this figure has the same configuration as the imaging device 10 according to the second embodiment, except for the following points.

[0046] First, the imaging device 10 does not include a direction acquisition unit 180. Instead, the imaging device 10 includes a sensor 190. The sensor 190 has, for example, at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, and detects at least one of the moving direction and the inclination of the imaging device 10.

[0047] Then, the display processing unit 130 determines the direction in which the first display area 142 and the second display area 144 are arranged, using the detection value of the sensor 190 after generating the first image. Specific examples of the arrangement direction are the same as those described in the second embodiment.

[0048] For example, assume that the sensor 190 has an acceleration sensor. In this case, when the display processing unit 130 detects acceleration in the direction in which the acceleration sensor is located, it means that the imaging device 10 has moved in that direction. Therefore, the second display area 144 is arranged in that direction with respect to the first display area 142. For example, when the display processing unit 130 detects acceleration in the right direction by the acceleration sensor, the second display area 144 is arranged on the right side of the first display area 142. Also, when the display processing unit 130 detects acceleration in the downward direction by the acceleration sensor, the second display area 144 is arranged below the first display area 142.

[0049] Also, assume that the sensor 190 has a gyro sensor. In this case, when the gyro sensor detects a rotation in a certain direction, since it means that the orientation of the imaging device 10 has changed in that direction, the display processing unit 130 arranges the second display area 144 in that direction with respect to the first display area 142. For example, when the gyro sensor detects a rotation to the right direction, the display processing unit 130 arranges the second display area 144 on the right side of the first display area 142. Also, when the gyro sensor detects a rotation to the downward direction, the display processing unit 130 arranges the second display area 144 below the first display area 142.

[0050] And this process is performed between step S10 and step S20 in FIG. 7.

[0051] Also according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0052] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

[0053] Also, in the plurality of flowcharts used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the described order. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not substantially affect the content. Also, the above-described embodiments can be combined within a range where the contents do not conflict with each other.

[0054] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto. 1. Image acquisition means for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, Display processing means for displaying at least an end portion of the first image in a first display area which is a part of display means, and for displaying a real-time image currently repeatedly generated by imaging means in a second display area adjacent to the first display area among the display means, Storage processing means for performing a predetermined process for storing the real-time image or an image generated thereafter as a second image in a storage means when the continuity of the end portion of the first image and the real-time image in the display means satisfies a criterion; An image storage device comprising: 2. The image storage device according to 1 above, The display processing means causes the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image to be displayed overlappingly in the first display area, The storage processing means performs the predetermined process when the difference between the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image in the first display area becomes equal to or less than a criterion. An image storage device. 3. The image storage device according to 2 above, The storage processing means uses, as at least a part of the difference, the difference between the type and position of an article included in the end portion of the first image and the type and position of an article included in the end portion of the second image. Image storage device. 4. The image storage device according to any one of 1 to 3 above, The predetermined process is a process for enabling an imaging button of the imaging means. An image storage device. 5. The image storage device according to any one of 1 to 3 above, The predetermined process is a process for storing the real-time image in a storage means. An image storage device. 6. The image storage device according to any one of 1 to 5 above, The image storage device further includes direction acquisition means for acquiring a designation of a direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged side by side. 7. The image storage device according to any one of 1 to 5 above, The imaging means has a sensor for detecting at least one of a moving direction and an inclination of the imaging means, and has generated the first image, The display processing means determines the direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged side by side using a detection value of the sensor after the first image is generated. An image storage device. 8. A computer, An image acquisition process for acquiring a first image that captures a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, A display process for displaying at least an end portion of the first image in a first display area that is part of a display means, and displaying a real-time image currently repeatedly generated by an imaging means in a second display area adjacent to the first display area in the display means, A storage process for performing a predetermined process for storing the real-time image or an image generated thereafter as a second image in a storage means when the continuity between the end portion of the first image and the real-time image in the display means satisfies a criterion, An image storage method for performing the above. 9. In the image storage method according to item 8 above, In the display process, the computer overlays and displays an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the first display area, In the storage process, the computer performs the predetermined process when a difference between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the first display area becomes equal to or less than a criterion. An image storage method. 10. In the image storage method according to item 9 above, In the storage process, the computer uses, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the first image and the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the second image. An image storage method. 11. In the image storage method according to any one of items 8 to 10 above, The predetermined process is a process for enabling an imaging button of the imaging means. An image storage method. 12. In the image storage method according to any one of items 8 to 10 above, The predetermined process is a process for storing the real-time image in a storage means. An image storage method. 13. In the image storage method according to any one of items 8 to 12 above, The computer further performs a direction acquisition process for acquiring a designation of a direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged. An image storage method. 14. In the image storage method according to any one of 8 to 12 above, the imaging means has a sensor for detecting at least one of the moving direction and inclination of the imaging means, and has generated the first image, In the display process, the computer determines the direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged using the detection value of the sensor after generating the first image. Image storage method. 15. On the computer, An image acquisition function for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, While displaying at least an end portion of the first image in a first display area that is a part of the display means, a real-time image currently repeatedly generated by the imaging means is displayed in a second display area adjacent to the first display area in the display means. A display processing function for displaying; When the continuity between the end portion of the first image and the real-time image in the display means satisfies a criterion, a storage processing function for performing a predetermined process for storing the real-time image or an image generated thereafter in a storage means as a second image; A program having the above. 16. In the program according to 15 above, The display processing function overlays and displays the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image in the first display area, The storage processing function is a program that performs the predetermined process when the difference between the end portion of the first image and the end portion of the real-time image in the first display area becomes equal to or less than a criterion. 17. In the program according to 16 above, The storage processing function uses, as at least a part of the difference, the difference between the type and position of the article included in the end portion of the first image and the type and position of the article included in the end portion of the second image. Program. 18. In the program according to any one of 15 to 17 above, The predetermined process is a process for enabling the imaging button of the imaging means. 19. In the program according to any one of the above items 15 to 17, The predetermined process is a program for storing the real-time image in a storage means. 20. In the program according to any one of the above items 15 to 19, A program for further providing the computer with a direction acquisition function for acquiring a designation of a direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged side by side. 21. In the program according to any one of the above items 15 to 19, The imaging means has a sensor for detecting at least one of a moving direction and an inclination of the imaging means, and has generated the first image, The display processing function is a program for determining a direction in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged side by side by using a detection value of the sensor after the first image has been generated.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 10 Imaging device (image storage device) 20 External device 110 Imaging unit 120 Image acquisition unit 130 Display processing unit 140 Display 150 Storage processing unit 160 Image storage unit 170 Transmission unit

Claims

1. Image acquisition means for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed; Display processing means for causing a display means to display by overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by the imaging means; Storage processing means for performing a predetermined process for storing, as a second image, the real-time image or an image generated thereafter in a storage means when a difference between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference; comprising; The storage processing means uses, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the first image and the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the second image. An image storage device.

2. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is a process of enabling an imaging button of the imaging means.

3. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is a process of storing the real-time image in a storage means.

4. The image storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising direction acquisition means for acquiring a designation of a direction in which a first display area in which the first image is displayed and a second display area in which the second image is displayed are arranged side by side.

5. The image storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging means has a sensor for detecting at least one of a moving direction and an inclination of the imaging means, and has generated the first image, and the display processing means determines a direction in which a first display area in which the first image is displayed and a second display area in which the second image is displayed are arranged side by side, using a detection value of the sensor after the first image is generated.

6. The image storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising guide output means for outputting a guide regarding an overlap between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the second image when photographing the article shelf to generate the second image.

7. A computer acquires a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed, and performs display processing for causing a display means to display by overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by the imaging means; A storage process for performing a predetermined process to store the real-time image or an image generated thereafter as a second image in a storage means when a difference between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference value. Perform The storage process includes using, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the first image and the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the second image. Image storage method.

8. On a computer An image acquisition function for acquiring a first image obtained by imaging a part of an article shelf on which an article is placed. A display processing function for overlapping at least an end portion of the first image and at least an end portion of a real-time image currently generated by an imaging means and displaying the overlapped image on a display means. A storage processing function for performing a predetermined process to store the real-time image or an image generated thereafter as a second image in a storage means when a difference between an end portion of the first image and an end portion of the real-time image in the display means becomes equal to or less than a reference value. Provide with The storage processing function includes using, as at least a part of the difference, a difference between the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the first image and the type and position of an article included in an end portion of the second image. Program.

Images