System

Abstract

To provide a scanner, a system, and a program that do not consume much communication bandwidth even when multiple scanners are connected to single dedicated hardware.SOLUTION: A scanner according to the embodiment includes: a camera that captures images; reducing means for reducing an amount of data of images pertaining to commodities to be output to an image recognition device from the images captured by the camera; and outputting means for outputting the images whose amount of data is reduced to the image recognition device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a scanning device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a scanning device that uses a camera to image a commodity obscured by an object, and decodes the captured image to read symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to the commodity.

[0003] By the way, in a store that sells commodities, the price of a commodity may be discounted. For example, a discount sticker is attached to a perishable product whose expiration date is approaching to discount the commodity. Near the symbol of the commodity, a flag sticker indicating that a discount sticker is attached to the commodity is attached.

[0004] For such a commodity with a discount sticker attached, the discount amount printed on the discount sticker is recognized using a machine-learned model. However, since the hardware performance of the scanning device is insufficient (insufficient CPU capacity), the processing is difficult. Therefore, dedicated image processing hardware (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated hardware") is provided externally. The dedicated hardware is equipped with a machine-learned model, and uses the model to recognize the discount amount (or discount rate) of the discount sticker. Since the dedicated hardware requires high-performance capabilities with a high-performance CPU, it is expensive and one unit is installed externally.

[0005] As described above, since a plurality of scanning devices are connected to this dedicated hardware, if all the images captured by the scanning devices are output to the dedicated hardware, a large amount of communication bandwidth will be consumed (the communication line connecting the scanning device and the dedicated hardware will be congested), and smooth input / output transmission of the images may become impossible.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a scanning device, system, and program that does not consume a large amount of communication bandwidth even when multiple scanning devices are connected to a single dedicated hardware. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The scanning device of the embodiment comprises a camera for capturing images, a reduction means for reducing the amount of data of an image relating to a product to be output to an image recognition device from the image captured by the camera, and an output means for outputting the image with the reduced data amount to the image recognition device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the barcode, discount sticker, and flag sticker attached to the product. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a scanning device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of dedicated hardware. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a scanning device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of a scanning device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process for dedicated hardware. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The scanning apparatus and program according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiment is just one example of the scanning apparatus and program, and its configuration and functions are not limiting to the invention.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of a system according to an embodiment. The system 10 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a store that sells goods. Specifically, the system 10 is installed in the payment section where customers pay for the goods they purchase. As shown in Figure 1, the system 10 comprises multiple sets of scanning devices 1 and POS (Point of Sales) terminals 5, which are product sales data processing devices. The scanning devices 1 and POS terminals 5 are interconnected by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. In the embodiment of Figure 1, four sets of scanning devices 1 and POS terminals 5 are provided, and all scanning devices 1 and POS terminals 5 are connected by a communication line 7, which is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The system 10 also includes dedicated hardware 3 (image recognition device). The dedicated hardware 3 is connected to the communication line 7.

[0011] The scanning device 1 includes a camera 19 (see Figure 2). The camera 19 has a light-receiving sensor composed of a CCD or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The scanning device 1 is, for example, a stationary scanner or a handheld touch scanner.

[0012] Camera 19 reads symbols, such as barcodes or QR codes attached to products. Camera 19 captures an image of the product held in front of it. If the image captured by camera 19 contains a symbol, scanning device 1 extracts an image of that symbol. Scanning device 1 stores images of symbols in advance and uses pattern matching technology to determine whether the captured image contains an image of a stored symbol. If a symbol is present, scanning device 1 extracts that symbol. Scanning device 1 decodes the extracted symbol and obtains code information. This code information includes information related to the product code (product identification information) that identifies the product. Scanning device 1 does not have a very high-performance CPU, but it can process this level of work without placing an excessive load on the CPU.

[0013] Incidentally, in addition to the symbol, products may have a discount sticker L (see Figure 2) attached to them that reduces the price of the product. If a discount sticker L is attached, a flag sticker T (see Figure 2) indicating that a discount sticker L is attached is placed near the symbol. This flag sticker T is, for example, a double-circle shape (a characteristic of flag sticker T).

[0014] The scanning device 1 uses pattern matching technology to determine whether a flag seal T is attached. The determination of whether a flag seal T is attached can be made by determining whether a double-circle image has been captured by the camera 19 (i.e., whether the features of the flag seal T have been captured). Therefore, the scanning device 1 can determine whether a flag seal T is included in the captured image without placing an excessive burden on the CPU it is equipped with.

[0015] If the scanning device 1 determines that the captured image contains a flag seal T, it will continue to output the images captured by the camera 19 to the dedicated hardware 3 for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second). Alternatively, if the scanning device 1 determines that the captured image contains a flag seal T, it will continue to output a predetermined number of images (e.g., 30 images) captured by the camera 19 to the dedicated hardware 3. Even if the discount seal T has not yet been captured, the discount seal will be captured within this predetermined time or number of images. In this embodiment, the images captured by the camera 19 are output to the dedicated hardware 3 for a predetermined time.

[0016] The dedicated hardware 3 recognizes the image input from the scanning device 1. The dedicated hardware 3 recognizes the discount sticker L based on the input image of the discount sticker L. Recognizing the discount sticker L means recognizing how much of a discount the input image of the discount sticker L represents.

[0017] The dedicated hardware 3 stores a model that has collected information on a large number of discount stickers L. The discount stickers L have information about the discount amount (for example, the discount amount or text, such as "50 yen off," "20% off," or "half price") printed on them. Based on the model that has accumulated information on a large number of discount amounts printed on the discount stickers L, the dedicated hardware 3 stores a model that has learned that, for example, if the words "50 yen off" are printed on the discount sticker L, then that the discount sticker L is a discount sticker that indicates a 50 yen discount on the price of the product. The model has learned that if the words "20% off" are printed on the discount sticker L, then that the discount sticker L is a discount sticker that indicates a 20% discount on the price of the product. Also, if the words "half price" are printed on the discount sticker L, then that the discount sticker L is a discount sticker that indicates a 50 yen discount on the price of the product. The dedicated hardware 3 then inputs an image of the discount sticker L received from the scanning device 1 into the model, and the model recognizes the discount amount of the discount sticker L based on its learned results. If an image of a discount sticker L with the words "50 yen off" is input, the model (i.e., the dedicated hardware 3) recognizes that the discount sticker L is a 50 yen discount sticker. If an image of a discount sticker L with the words "20% off" is input, the model recognizes that the discount sticker L is a discount sticker that reduces the price of the product by 20%. If an image of a discount sticker L with the words "Half price" is input, the model recognizes that the discount sticker L is a discount sticker that reduces the price of the product by half.

[0018] The dedicated hardware 3 decodes the image of the recognized discount sticker L. The dedicated hardware 3 outputs the decoded code information of the discount sticker L (for example, information about a 50 yen discount) to the scanning device 1 that transmitted the image of the discount sticker L via the communication line 7.

[0019] The scanning device 1 inputs the code information of the discount seal L decoded from the dedicated hardware 3. The scanning device 1 combines the code information of the previously decoded symbol and the code information of the input discount seal L to generate, for example, the code information of Code 128 (hereinafter referred to as "generated code information"). The generated code information includes the code information of the read symbol (including the product code of the product) and the code information of the discount seal. The scanning device 1 transmits the generated code information to the POS terminal 5. When the image captured by the camera 19 does not include the image of the flag seal T, the scanning device 1 does not output the image to the dedicated hardware 3, but transmits the code information obtained by decoding the symbol to the POS terminal 5.

[0020] Based on the code information or the generated code information input from the scanning device 1, the POS terminal 5 executes product registration processing and settlement processing (transactions with customers related to the sale of products) related to the product. The product registration processing includes calling and displaying product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the product code included in the code information or the generated code information, and storing the product information (product code, product name, product price, discount information, etc.) in the memory. The settlement processing refers to the processing of calculating and displaying settlement information such as the total amount and change amount related to the transaction with the customer based on the product information of the product for which the product registration processing has been performed. The settlement processing includes the processing of issuing a receipt on which the product information and settlement information of the settled product 60 are printed.

[0021] Hereinafter, the discount seal L and the flag seal T attached to the product will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a barcode, a discount seal L, and a flag seal T. In FIG. 2, an example of the relationship between the product 60 and the imaging area of the camera 19 is shown. In FIG. 2, the areas surrounded by the two-dot chain line are the imaging areas 70a and 70b that the camera 19 can image in one frame. On the product 60 shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the barcode label 61, a discount seal L is pasted.

[0022] On the barcode label 61, the product name "Pork Belly Thin Slices", the product price "200 yen", the barcode 62 (symbol), etc. are displayed. In the barcode 62, information such as the product code is incorporated as the product information necessary for registering the sales data of the product 60 in the POS terminal 5. Also, at the bottom of the barcode 62, the product code "2101234567890" incorporated in the barcode 62 is displayed numerically. On the discount sticker L, character information "50 yen off the displayed price" indicating the discount amount for the product 60 is displayed.

[0023] Furthermore, on the product 60, a flag sticker T indicating that the discount sticker L is attached to the product 60 is pasted. The flag sticker T includes a figure different from the shape of the elements constituting the symbol. That is, since the barcode 62 is composed of a plurality of bars, the flag sticker T includes a circle, a circumference, a triangle, which have shapes different from the bars, and a quadrilateral having an aspect ratio different from that of the bars of the barcode 62.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the flag sticker T, it is preferable to include two or more concentric shapes. As a more preferred embodiment, it is preferably a double circle including two concentric circumferences, and each circumference is preferably constituted by a thick line having a predetermined thickness.

[0025] Incidentally, the flag sticker T may be pasted so as not to overlap the barcode 62, or may be pasted overlapping a part of the barcode 62. However, in any case, the flag sticker T shall be pasted so that the barcode 62 can be decoded.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, when the barcode 62 and the discount sticker L are pasted separately on the product 60, the barcode 62 and the discount sticker L may not fit within the same imaging area by the camera 19. Therefore, in the embodiment, although details will be described later, when the flag sticker T is decoded, the camera 19 continuously captures images for a predetermined time thereafter so that an image of the discount sticker L is surely captured, and outputs the image to the dedicated hardware 3.

[0027] The hardware of the scanning device 1 will now be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the scanning device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the scanning device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, etc. The CPU 11 is the control unit. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of the scanning device 1, which will be described later, by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and memory unit 14 and loaded into the RAM 13.

[0028] RAM13 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 decoded from symbols (for example, the barcode 62 in Figure 2) contained in the images stored in the image storage unit 131.

[0029] The memory unit 14 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or 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 scanning device 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the operation unit 17, the display unit 18, and the camera 19 via the bus 15 and the controller 16.

[0031] The operation unit 17 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel, and is operated by the operator of the scanning device 1. The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of the scanning device 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication unit 20 via the bus 15. The communication unit 20 is connected to the dedicated hardware 3 via the communication line 7 and transmits and receives information with the dedicated hardware 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication unit 21 via the bus 15. The communication unit 20 is connected to the POS terminal 5 via a USB cable and outputs information to the POS terminal 5.

[0034] Next, the hardware of the dedicated hardware 3 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the dedicated hardware 3. As shown in Figure 4, the dedicated hardware 3 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, memory unit 34, etc. The CPU 31 is the control unit. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the dedicated hardware 3, which will be described later, by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 32 and memory unit 34 and loaded into the RAM 33.

[0035] The RAM 33 includes an image storage unit 331 and a decode data unit 332. The image storage unit 331 stores image data input from the scanning device 1. The decode data unit 332 stores code information decoded based on the image storage unit 331 (in this embodiment, code information decoded from the image of the discount sticker L).

[0036] The memory unit 34 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or 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 dedicated hardware 3, and a model 342. The model 342 is a model that stores image information related to many types of discount stickers L and learns how much (how many yen) the input discount sticker L is discounted based on this image information. The model outputs one estimation result (an estimation result of how much the discount sticker is discounted) based on the input discount sticker image. The control unit 300 recognizes how much the discount sticker L is discounted by inputting the image of the discount sticker L stored in the image storage unit 331 to the model 342.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 41 and the display unit 42 via the bus 35 and the controller 36.

[0038] The operation unit 41 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel, and is operated by the operator of the dedicated hardware 3. The display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of the dedicated hardware 3.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 47 via the bus 35. The communication unit 47 is connected to the scanning device 1 via the communication line 7 to send and receive information.

[0040] From here, the functional configuration of the scanning device 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scanning device 1. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 100 of the scanning device 1 functions as a reduction means 101, a selection means 102, a recognition means 103, and an output means 104, according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 and the control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

[0041] The reduction means 01 reduces the amount of image data output to the dedicated hardware 3 from the image captured by the camera 19.

[0042] The selection means 102 is an example of the reduction means 01. The selection means 102 selects an image to be output to the dedicated hardware 3 from the image captured by the camera 19. By selecting an image to be output to the dedicated hardware 3 from the image captured by the camera 19, the amount of data of the image output to the dedicated hardware 3 is reduced.

[0043] The recognition means 103 recognizes the flag sticker T that indicates that a discount sticker L has been affixed.

[0044] When the image of the flag seal T is recognized, the selection means 102 selects an image to be output to the dedicated hardware 3, which has been continuously captured by the camera 19 for a predetermined time.

[0045] The output means 104 outputs an image with reduced data volume to the dedicated hardware 3. Specifically, the output means 104 outputs an image selected by the selection means 102 from the images captured by the camera 19 to be output to the dedicated hardware 3. More specifically, when the recognition means 103 recognizes the flag seal T, the output means 104 continuously outputs images captured by the camera 19 to the dedicated hardware 3 for a predetermined time.

[0046] Next, we will explain the control of the scanning device 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the scanning device 1. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 100 of the scanning device 1 determines whether the camera 19 has captured an image (S11). If an image has been captured (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 stores the captured image in the image storage unit 131 (S12). Next, the control unit 100 decodes the image stored in the image storage unit 131 and generates code information (S13). Then, the control unit 100 stores the generated code information in the decode storage unit 132 (S14).

[0047] Next, the selection means 102 determines whether the code information stored in the decode storage unit 132 includes code information for the barcode 62 (symbol) (S15). If it determines that the code information for the barcode 62 is included (Yes in S15), the recognition means 103 determines whether the code information stored in the decode storage unit 132 includes code information for the flag seal T (whether the flag seal T has been recognized) (S16). Note that the processing in S15 is included in the selection means 102. Also, the processing in S15 and S16 is included in the reduction means 101. If it determines that the code information for the flag seal T is included (Yes in S16), the output means 104 continues to output the image captured by the camera 19 to the dedicated hardware 3 for a predetermined time thereafter (S17). The output image is sent to the dedicated hardware 3 via the communication line 7.

[0048] In other words, if the code information decoded by the recognition means 103 includes the code information of the flag seal T, the selection means 102 then selects an image for the camera 19 to continuously capture for a predetermined time. The output means 104 then outputs the selected image to the dedicated hardware 3. The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

[0049] If, in S15, it is determined that the code information for barcode 62 (symbol) is not included (S15 No.), the control unit 100 returns to S11. Also, if, in S16, it is determined that the flag seal T is not recognized (S16 No.), the control unit 100 outputs the code information for barcode 62 stored in S14 to the POS terminal 5 (S23).

[0050] Furthermore, in S11, if the control unit 100 determines that the camera 19 has not captured an image (No. in S11), it determines whether an image decoded from the dedicated hardware 3 has been input (S21). As will be explained in detail in Figure 7, the dedicated hardware 3 inputs code information decoded from the image of the discount sticker L. If the control unit 100 determines that an image decoded from the dedicated hardware 3 has been input (Yes in S21), it generates a single generated code information by combining the discount information contained in the code information with the code information of the barcode 62 stored in S14 (S22). The control unit 100 then outputs the generated code information to the POS terminal 5 (S23). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. If the control unit 100 determines that the input is not an image decoded from the dedicated hardware 3 (No. in S21), it returns to S11.

[0051] Next, we will explain the control of the dedicated hardware 3. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the dedicated hardware 3. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 300 of the dedicated hardware 3 determines whether an image has been input from the scanning device 1 by the process in S17 (S31). It waits until an image is input (No in S31), and if it determines that an image has been input from the scanning device 1 (Yes in S31), the control unit 300 inputs the image to the model 342 and recognizes the discount sticker L based on the output from the model (S32). In other words, the control unit 300 recognizes how much the discount sticker is based on the machine learning model 342.

[0052] Next, the control unit 300 decodes the recognized discount sticker L and generates code information (S33). The control unit 300 then outputs the generated code information related to the discount sticker L to the scanning device 1 (S34). The output code information is sent to the scanning device 1 via the communication line 7. The control unit 300 then returns to S31.

[0053] Thus, the scanning device 1 of this embodiment includes a camera 19 for capturing images, a recognition means 103 for recognizing a flag seal T, a selection means 102 for selecting an image relating to a product to be output to dedicated hardware 3 from the image taken by the camera 19 when the recognition means 103 recognizes a flag seal T, and an output means 104 for outputting only the image selected by the selection means 102 to the dedicated hardware 3.

[0054] In this embodiment of the scanning device 1, since the scanning device 1 outputs only the images selected by the selection means 102 to the dedicated hardware 3 via the communication line 7, even if multiple scanning devices 1 are connected to a single dedicated hardware 3, it does not consume a large amount of communication bandwidth.

[0055] Furthermore, since only the selected images are input to the dedicated hardware 3 from the scanning device 1, the processing required by the dedicated hardware 3 can be reduced, thus alleviating the burden on the dedicated hardware 3.

[0056] As a modification of the embodiment, the reduction means 101 may perform a process to extract an image from the image captured by the camera 19 that includes the discount sticker L. In this case, the output means 104 outputs the image extracted by the reduction means 101 to the dedicated hardware 3. Even in this modification, the scanning device 1 outputs only the extracted image to the dedicated hardware 3 via the communication line 7, so even if multiple scanning devices 1 are connected to one dedicated hardware 3, it does not consume a lot of communication bandwidth.

[0057] Furthermore, as a second modification of the embodiment, the reduction means 101 may function as a compression means that compresses the image captured by the camera 19 to reduce the amount of data. In this case, since the image with reduced data volume, compressed by the compression means, is output to the dedicated hardware 3 via the communication line 7, even if multiple scanning devices 1 are connected to one dedicated hardware 3, a large amount of communication bandwidth is not consumed.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments 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 their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0059] For example, in this embodiment, multiple sets of one scanning device 1 and one POS terminal 5 are connected to a communication line 7. However, the configuration is not limited to this; for example, multiple scanning devices 1 may be connected to a single POS terminal 5 via the communication line 7. In this case, the scanning devices 1 may be built into the POS terminal 5.

[0060] The program executed by the scanning device 1 of this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0061] Furthermore, the program executed by the scanning device 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the scanning device 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0062] Furthermore, the programs executed by the scanning device 1 of the embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Scanning device 3. Dedicated hardware 5 POS terminal 7. Communication lines 10 Systems 11 CPU 19 Cameras 31 CPU 61 Barcode Labels 62 barcodes 70a Imaging area 100 Control Unit 101 Reduction measures 102 Selection method 103 Recognition means 104 Output means 131 Image storage unit 132 Decode Memory Unit 300 Control Unit 331 Image storage unit 332 Decode Data Section 342 Models L Discount Sticker T Flag Seal [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0064] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-113689

Claims

1. a camera for capturing an image; a reduction means for reducing the amount of data of the image of the product that is output to the image recognition device from the image captured by the camera; an output means for outputting the image with the reduced data amount to the image recognition device; A scanning device comprising:

2. the reduction means is a selection means for selecting an image of the product to be output to the image recognition device from the images captured by the camera, The output means outputs only the image selected by the selection means.

2. The scanning device of claim 1.

3. Further provided is a recognition means for recognizing a flag sticker attached to the product, which indicates that a discount sticker has been attached to the product; When the image of the flag sticker is recognized, the selection means selects images captured by the camera continuously for a predetermined period of time thereafter as images to be output to the image recognition device.

3. A scanning device according to claim 2.

4. The recognition means recognizes the shape characteristics of the flag sticker.

4. A scanning device according to claim 3.

5. the reduction means cuts out an image to be output to the image recognition device from the image captured by the camera and outputs the image; 2. The scanning device of claim 1.

6. A computer as a scanning device equipped with a camera that captures images, a reduction means for reducing the amount of image data output from the image captured by the camera to an image recognition device; an output means for outputting the image with the reduced data amount to the image recognition device; A program to make it function as such.

Images