Reader and program

Abstract

To provide a reading device and a program capable of improving operability of an operator without impairing an appearance of a product and preventing forgetting to read privilege information such as discount information.SOLUTION: A reading device comprises: an imaging section that captures a reading target; reading means that reads, from an image captured by the imaging section, first information indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark by first processing, and reads second information indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark and different from the first information by second processing different from the first processing; and output means that outputs information read by the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a reading device that is used in a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or the like and reads product information of products purchased by customers is known. This reading device captures symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products sold in a store, reads product information related to the product from the captured image, and outputs it to the POS terminal. The POS terminal executes accounting processing for the customer to make a payment based on the input product information.

[0003] By the way, in recent years, symbols (hereinafter also referred to as "code symbols") indicating information related to products such as product codes have been printed using electronic watermark technology. Electronic watermark technology is a technology for embedding specific information in a medium in a form that cannot be perceived by humans. For example, a code symbol printed by electronic watermark is printed on a product package in a state that cannot be perceived by humans, and the product information indicated by the code symbol is read by a reading device using dedicated software.

[0004] Since a code symbol printed by electronic watermark cannot be recognized by a customer who purchases a product, there is an advantage that even if a large number of code symbols are printed on the entire surface of the product package, the appearance of the product is not impaired. And by printing a large number of code symbols on the entire surface of the product package, product information can be read no matter how the product is held in front of the reading window of the reading device. Therefore, the code symbol by electronic watermark can improve the operability of the operator without impairing the appearance of the product.

[0005] However, with the conventional technology using the above-mentioned digital watermark, there were cases where the discount information on the discount sticker attached to the product was overlooked. Specifically, when a product is discounted, the discounted product has a discount sticker or a flag sticker indicating that a discount sticker is attached (hereinafter also referred to as "discount sticker, etc.") attached near the code symbol. This allows the reader to recognize the discount sticker, etc. by capturing an image of the discount sticker, etc. at the same time as capturing an image of the code symbol, thereby preventing the oversight of reading the discount information. However, since the code symbol printed by the above-mentioned digital watermark is printed in large numbers across the entire surface of the product package, it will also be present in locations far from the discount sticker, etc.

[0006] Therefore, when the reader captures a code symbol located away from the discount sticker, etc., and reads product information, the captured image does not include the discount sticker, etc. As a result, the reader may not recognize the discount sticker, etc., and the discount information may be missed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a reader and program that can improve operator operability without impairing the appearance of the product, and prevent operators from forgetting to read discount information and other special offer information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The reading device of the embodiment comprises: an imaging unit that images the object to be read; a reading means that reads first information indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark from the image captured by the imaging unit by a first process, and reads second information, which is different from the first information and is indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark, by a second process different from the first process; and an output means that outputs the information read by the reading means. The first piece of information is product identification information that identifies the product, and the second piece of information is flag information that indicates that a label showing the contents of the bonus is attached to the product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a POS system equipped with a reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the pattern information table stored in the storage unit of the reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a product package with numerous symbols indicating the product code printed on it using digital watermarking. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a flag sticker with numerous symbols indicating flag information printed on it using digital watermarking. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a product package with a flag sticker attached. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading process by the control unit of the reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading process by the control unit of the reading device according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The reading device and program according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in this embodiment, an example of applying the reading device to a POS system installed in a retail store will be described, but it is not limited to this. The reading device can be any device that reads information indicated by a symbol from that symbol, and is widely applicable to other fields as well.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of POS system 1. POS system 1 comprises a reader 10 and a POS terminal 20 that performs accounting processing and other operations based on the information read by the reader 10. While POS system 1 in this embodiment is operated by a store employee, it may also be a self-service POS system operated by the customer. In the following description, the employee operating POS system 1 may be referred to as an "operator."

[0012] The reader 10 is erected on the packing table 2, where shopping baskets containing goods are placed, in a location (approximately in the center) where the operator and the customer are facing each other. The POS terminal 20 is located near one end of the packing table 2. The reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 are connected via a transmission line (not shown) to enable communication. The reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 constitute the POS system 1.

[0013] The POS terminal 20 performs the registration process for the products purchased by the customer based on data such as product codes and discount information read by the reader 10. Here, the product code is information that identifies a product and is an example of product identification information. Discount information is information that indicates the discount amount, for example, and is an example of discount information related to product benefits.

[0014] The POS terminal 20 receives product codes read from the code symbols attached to products by the reader 10, and discount information read from discount stickers attached to products, from the reader 10. Based on the received product codes and discount information, the POS terminal 20 performs a registration process by registering product information (product name, price, product code, etc.) of the products purchased by the customer. The registration process performed by the POS terminal 20 is also called product registration.

[0015] In addition, the POS terminal 20 executes accounting processing based on the registered product information. The accounting processing is a process for making payments for the prices of products purchased by customers based on the registered product information. The POS terminal 20 can execute accounting processing for cash settlement, and accounting processing for cashless settlement such as credit card settlement, code settlement, and electronic money settlement.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal 20 is installed above a drawer 25 that can freely store coins and banknotes. The POS terminal 20 includes a display 21, an input device 22 such as a keyboard, and a receipt printer 23. Note that the POS terminal 20 also includes a card reader, a two-dimensional code reader, etc. not shown in the figure. These card readers and two-dimensional code readers are used when executing accounting processing by cashless settlement.

[0017] The display 21 is composed of an operator display 211 and a customer display 212. The operator display 211 displays various information such as product information of products for which products have been registered and the total amount of transactions for the operator. The customer display 212 displays various information such as the total amount of transactions for the customer.

[0018] The input device 22 includes a keyboard having various keys. The various keys provided on the keyboard are, for example, numeric keys for inputting product codes and amounts of products without code symbols such as barcodes, a subtotal key for declaring the calculation of the total sales amount, a closing key for declaring the execution of the closing process for one transaction and settling the payment, a confirmation key for confirming the numeric input by the numeric keys, a clear key for clearing the input, etc.

[0019] The receipt printer 23 is composed of, for example, a thermal printer, and issues a receipt printed with information related to one transaction. The information related to one transaction is product information of products purchased by the customer, the total amount of one transaction, etc.

[0020] Next, the reading device 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the reading device 10 includes a main body 11, an imaging unit 12, a first display unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a second display unit 15.

[0021] The main body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is erected on the soccer table 2. The height of the main body 11 is set according to the height of an ordinary operator. An imaging window 16 is provided on the side of the main body 11 where the operator stands. Inside the imaging window 16, the imaging unit 12 is installed. The imaging unit 12 has an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) and an imaging lens.

[0022] The imaging unit 12 continuously images the appearance of a product such as a product package blocked by the imaging window 16 at a predetermined interval. The imaging unit 12 stores the captured image. The imaging unit 12 images a product package printed with a code symbol printed by electronic watermark, characters or illustrations printed by ordinary printing that can be perceived by people, etc. Further, the imaging unit 12 images a discount sticker attached to the product package. The above code symbol and discount sticker indicate specific information and are an example of a reading target imaged by the imaging unit 12.

[0023] The reading device 10 extracts a code symbol printed by electronic watermark from the image captured by the imaging unit 12 and reads the product code from the extracted code symbol. In other words, the reading device 10 extracts the product code from the code symbol in which the product code is encoded. The product code encoded in the code symbol is an example of the first information indicated by the code symbol printed by electronic watermark.

[0024] Furthermore, the reader 10 extracts other code symbols printed with a digital watermark from the image captured by the imaging unit 12, and reads flag information from the extracted code symbols. The flag information indicates that a discount sticker is attached to the product. The flag information encoded in the code symbol is information about customer benefits (discounts), and is an example of the second information indicated by the code symbol printed with a digital watermark.

[0025] The first display unit 13 is a display device that displays information to the operator and is provided above the imaging window 16. The first display unit 13 is a display device with a touch panel, which is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first display unit 13 displays product information acquired based on the product code read by the reader 10. The reader 10 acquires product information from a POS terminal 20 that stores a product master which associates product codes with product information.

[0026] The operation unit 14 is located adjacent to the first display unit 13. The operation unit 14 consists of a keyboard and has various keys for entering product codes. The operation unit 14 is used when entering product codes for products with unreadable code symbols or products without code symbols.

[0027] The second display unit 15 is a display device that displays information to the customer and is supported on the side of the main unit 11. The second display unit 15 is a display device with a touch panel, which is composed of a display device such as an LCD. The second display unit 15 displays product information based on a product code read by the reader 10 from a code symbol attached to the product.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the reading device 10. The reading device 10 comprises a control unit 100, a storage unit 110, an imaging unit 12, a first display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a second display unit 15, and a communication unit 120. The control unit 100, storage unit 110, imaging unit 12, first display unit 13, operation unit 14, second display unit 15, and communication unit 120 are connected to each other via a bus 130 or the like.

[0029] The control unit 100 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected to each other via a bus 130.

[0030] The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the reader 10. The ROM 102 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is used as the work area for the CPU 101 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 110. The control unit 100 executes various control processes for the reader 10 by having the CPU 101 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 110 and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0031] The storage unit 110 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 110 stores the control program 111 and the pattern information table 112.

[0032] The control program 111 is a control program for reading product codes and discount information from images captured by the imaging unit 12. Specifically, the control program 111 is a program that implements functions such as controlling the imaging unit 12, extracting code symbols printed with digital watermarks from images captured by the imaging unit 12, decoding the extracted code symbols and reading the information indicated by the code symbols, extracting discount stickers from images captured by the imaging unit 12, and reading the discount information indicated by the extracted discount stickers.

[0033] The pattern information table 112 is used by the control unit 100 when reading information from the printed pattern of a code symbol printed as a digital watermark on product packaging, etc. Figure 3 shows the data structure of the pattern information table 112. The pattern information table 112 stores symbol patterns and symbol information in association.

[0034] The symbol pattern is information that identifies the printed pattern of a code symbol printed as a digital watermark on the product packaging or the seal material described later. For example, the symbol pattern may be image data of the printed pattern of the code symbol.

[0035] Symbol information is the information indicated by the corresponding symbol pattern. For example, symbol information could be the product code for each product sold by the store, or flag information indicating that a discount sticker is attached to a product. As shown in the modified example below, if a code symbol indicating discount information—that is, a code symbol with discount information encoded in it—is printed as a digital watermark, the discount information is registered as symbol information.

[0036] The control unit 100 extracts code symbols printed as digital watermarks on the product packaging or seal material and recognizes the printing pattern of the extracted code symbols. Then, the control unit 100 reads the symbol information corresponding to the recognized printing pattern from the pattern information table 112.

[0037] Here, we will describe a product package on which a code symbol is printed using digital watermarking. Figure 4 shows a product package 30 on which a number of code symbols indicating the product code are printed using digital watermarking. The product package 30 in this embodiment is a bag containing the product, but is not limited to this. The product package 30 may also be composed of a box or the like containing the product.

[0038] A product design area 31 is formed on the front of the product package 30. The product design area 31 is printed with illustrations of the product (not shown). The product design area 31 also has a product name printing area 32 where the product name is printed. The text and illustrations in the product design area 31 are printed using standard printing methods and are perceptible to humans. Customers can select the product they wish to purchase by looking at the text and illustrations printed in the product design area 31.

[0039] Furthermore, the product design area 31 is printed with numerous code symbols 33 using cyan ink as a digital watermark. Each code symbol 33 is formed from a collection of multiple dots and represents a product code that identifies the product. The code symbols 33 may also be formed from barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The code symbols 33 are also printed in large numbers on the back of the product package 30, just as they are on the front.

[0040] The numerous code symbols 33 can be recognized by the reader 10 but are not perceptible to humans, thus not impairing the appearance of the product package 30 as perceived by the customer. Note that "not perceptible to humans" means that they cannot be perceived at a glance, and this concept includes cases where the code symbols 33 can be recognized upon careful examination.

[0041] Furthermore, since numerous code symbols 33 are printed across the entire product package 30, the reader 10 can read the product code regardless of how the operator holds the product package 30 in front of the imaging window 16. This improves the ease of operation when the operator has the reader 10 read the product code.

[0042] Next, we will describe a sticker component on which a code symbol is printed using digital watermarking. Figure 5 shows a sticker component 40 on which numerous symbols indicating flag information are printed using digital watermarking. The sticker component 40 is attached to the product package 30 along with a discount sticker printed with the discount amount when a store offers a discount sale.

[0043] The sealing member 40 is made of a transparent material and has numerous code symbols 41 printed all over it by digital watermarking using magenta ink. The code symbols 41 are formed from a collection of multiple dots and indicate flag information that a discount sticker has been affixed to the product package 30. The code symbols 41 may also be formed from barcodes or two-dimensional codes instead of a collection of dots.

[0044] The sealing member 40 preferably covers all of the numerous code symbols 33 printed on the product package 30, either individually or in multiples, but it is not necessary to cover all of the code symbols 33. In this embodiment, the size of the sealing member 40 is the same as or larger than the size of the product design area 31 of the product package 30. Therefore, by overlapping and attaching the sealing member 40 to the product design area 31, the sealing member 40 can cover all of the numerous code symbols 33 printed on the product design area 31. This ensures that whenever the imaging unit 12 images any of the code symbols 33, at the same time, one of the code symbols 41 will also be imaged. The sealing member 40 can also cover the entire rear surface of the product package 30.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a product package 30 with a sealing member 40 attached. The sealing member 40 covers all of the numerous code symbols 33 printed in the product design area 31. Furthermore, the sealing member 40 is attached so as to cover all of the code symbols 33 printed on the back surface of the product package 30. As a result, the code symbols 33 printed using cyan ink as a digital watermark and the code symbols 41 printed using magenta ink as a digital watermark overlap. As described above, the sealing member 40 is made of a transparent material, and the code symbols 41 are printed using a digital watermark, so the appearance of the product package 30 is not impaired.

[0046] A discount sticker 50 is attached to the product package 30. The discount sticker 50 is printed using standard printing so that the customer can perceive the discounted amount. Here, "discount" refers not only to a fixed amount deducted from the product price, but also to a discount that deducts a certain percentage of the product price. A discount is an example of a product benefit. However, the benefit is not limited to a discount; it could also be the awarding of points, etc.

[0047] A customer who sees the discount sticker 50 attached to the product package 30 can recognize the discount amount of the product in that product package 30. Furthermore, the reader 10, upon recognizing the discount sticker 50 attached to the product package 30, can analyze the discount amount printed on the sticker 50 through image processing.

[0048] Returning to Figure 2, the hardware configuration of the reading device 10 will be described. The configuration and functions of the imaging unit 12, the first display unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the second display unit 15 are as described in the explanation of Figure 1.

[0049] The communication unit 120 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the POS terminal 20. The control unit 100 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 120, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0050] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 100 of the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 100 of the reading device 10. The control unit 100 functions as an image acquisition means 1001, an input means 1002, a reading means 1003, an extraction means 1004, a decoding processing means 1005, a determination means 1006, and an output means 1007, with the CPU 101 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 110. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0051] The image acquisition means 1001 acquires image data captured by the imaging unit 12. The image acquisition means 1001 appropriately acquires frame images (captured images) captured by the imaging unit 12. The frame image of the product package 30 with the discount sticker 50 attached also includes images of the code symbols 33 and 41 printed as digital watermarks.

[0052] Various information is input to the input means 1002 from the operation unit 14. For example, the input means 1002 receives a start instruction from the operation unit 14 to instruct the start of reading the product code. When the start instruction is input to the input means 1002, the imaging unit 12 starts imaging. The input means 1002 also receives a stop instruction from the operation unit 14 to instruct the end of reading. When the stop instruction is input to the input means 1002, the imaging unit 12 stops imaging, and the output means 1007 transmits information to the POS terminal 20 indicating that the reading of the product code has been completed.

[0053] The input means 1002 receives the product code from the operation unit 14. The product codes entered from the operation unit 14 to the input means 1002 are product codes for products with unreadable code symbols or products without code symbols.

[0054] The reading means 1003 reads the information indicated by the code symbols 33 and 41 contained in the frame image captured by the imaging unit 12. The reading means 1003 also reads the discount information indicated by the discount sticker 50 contained in the frame image captured by the imaging unit 12. The reading means 1003 consists of an extraction means 1004 and a decoding processing means 1005.

[0055] The extraction means 1004 extracts code symbols 33 and 41 and discount stickers 50 from the frame image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001. The decoding processing means 1005 decodes the code symbols 33 and 41 extracted by the extraction means 1004, and also analyzes and reads the discount amount printed on the discount stickers 50 extracted by the extraction means 1004.

[0056] For example, the extraction means 1004 extracts a code symbol 33 printed using a cyan ink watermark from a frame image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001. The extraction of the code symbol 33 printed using a cyan ink watermark is performed by well-known image processing techniques. The decoding processing means 1005 decodes the code symbol 33 extracted by the extraction means 1004 to read the product code. The reading of the product code (first information) by the extraction means 1004 and the decoding processing means 1005 is also called the first process.

[0057] In other words, the reading means 1003 reads the product code (first information) indicated by the code symbol printed with a digital watermark from the image captured by the imaging unit 12 through a first process. At that time, the reading means 1003 extracts the code symbol printed in a specific color (cyan) from the image captured through the first process.

[0058] Furthermore, the extraction means 1004 extracts the code symbol 41 printed by a digital watermark using magenta ink from the frame image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001. The extraction of the code symbol 41 printed by a digital watermark using magenta ink is performed by well-known image processing techniques. The decoding processing means 1005 decodes the code symbol 41 extracted by the extraction means 1004 and reads the flag information. The reading of the flag information (second information) by the extraction means 1004 and the decoding processing means 1005 is also called the second process.

[0059] In other words, the reading means 1003 reads from the image captured by the imaging unit 12 the flag information (second information) indicated by the code symbol printed by the digital watermark, which is different from the product code (first information), by a second process different from the first process. At that time, the reading means 1003 extracts the code symbol printed in a color (magenta) different from a specific color (cyan) from the image captured by the second process.

[0060] The extraction means 1004 extracts the discount stickers 50 from the frame images acquired by the image acquisition means 1001 using well-known image processing techniques. The decoding means 1005 performs image analysis on the discount stickers 50 extracted by the extraction means 1004 and reads the discount amount printed on the discount stickers 50. The discount amount printed on the discount stickers 50 is an example of discount information. The decoding means 1005 may also read the discount amount printed on the discount stickers 50 using machine learning or the like.

[0061] The determination means 1006 determines whether the reading means 1003 has read information from the frame image. For example, the determination means 1006 determines whether the reading means 1003 has extracted a code symbol 33 from the frame image and read a product code. The determination means 1006 also determines whether the reading means 1003 has extracted a code symbol 41 from the frame image and read flag information. Furthermore, the determination means 1006 determines whether the reading means 1003 has extracted a discount sticker 50 from the frame image and read discount information.

[0062] The output means 1007 outputs the information read by the reading means 1003. For example, if the product purchased by the customer is a discounted product, the output means 1007 transmits the product code and discount information read by the reading means 1003 to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 calculates the discounted price based on the received product code and discount information. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may calculate the discounted price and the output means 1007 may transmit the product code and the discounted price to the POS terminal 5. In other words, the output means 1007 may output only a portion of the information read by the reading means 1003. Furthermore, if the product purchased by the customer is not a discounted product, the output means 1007 transmits the product code read by the reading means 1003 to the POS terminal 20.

[0063] Next, the reading process performed by the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading process performed by the control unit 100 of the reading device 10.

[0064] When the operator operates the control unit 14 and a start command is input to the input means 1002, the image acquisition means 1001 acquires the captured image taken by the imaging unit 12 (step S1). The extraction means 1004 extracts only the cyan image printed with a digital watermark from the captured image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001 (step S2).

[0065] The decoding processing means 1005 attempts to decode the code symbol 33 contained in the cyan image (step S3). The determination means 1006 determines whether or not the product code has been read by the decoding processing means 1005 (step S4). If the product code cannot be read, for example, if the code symbol 33 cannot be extracted from the cyan image, or if information cannot be read from the extracted code symbol 33 (N in step S4), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S1.

[0066] When the product code is read by the decoding processing means 1005 (Y in step S4), the extraction means 1004 extracts only the magenta image printed with a digital watermark from the captured image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001 (step S5).

[0067] The decoding processing means 1005 attempts to decode the code symbol 41 contained in the magenta image (step S6). The determination means 1006 determines whether or not flag information has been read by the decoding by the decoding processing means 1005 (step S7).

[0068] When the decode processing means 1005 reads the flag information (Y in step S7), the extraction means 1004 attempts to extract the discount sticker 50 from the captured image acquired by the image acquisition means 1001 (step S8). The determination means 1006 determines whether or not the discount information was read by the decode processing means 1005 (step S9).

[0069] If the discount sticker 50 cannot be extracted from the image captured by the image acquisition means 1001, or if the information cannot be analyzed from the extracted discount sticker 50, and therefore the discount information cannot be read (N in step S9), the image acquisition means 1001 acquires an image captured separately by the imaging unit 12 (step S10). Then, the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S8.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the reading means 1003 reads flag information, it repeats the process of acquiring an image and reading discount information from the image until the reading means 1003 reads discount information. This is because when the reading means 1003 reads flag information, a discount sticker 50 should be attached to the product package 30. However, the discount sticker 50 attached to the product package 30 may peel off for some reason. For this reason, the control unit 100 may repeat the acquisition of the image and the reading of discount information from the image for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, display error information.

[0071] When the reading means 1003 reads the discount information (Y in step S9), the output means 1007 transmits the product code and discount information read by the reading means 1003 to the POS terminal 20 (step S11). Then, the control unit 100 terminates the reading process.

[0072] In step S7, if flag information cannot be read because the code symbol 41 cannot be extracted from the magenta image, or because information cannot be read from the extracted code symbol 41 (N in step S7), the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the product code was read (step S12). If the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S12), the output means 1007 transmits the read product code to the POS terminal 20 (step S13). In this case, the control unit 100 determines that the product in the captured image is not a discounted product, that is, not a product with a discount sticker 50 attached. Then, the output means 1007 transmits only the product code to the POS terminal 20. After that, the control unit 100 terminates the reading process.

[0073] If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S12 (N in step S12), the image acquisition means 1001 acquires the captured image taken by the imaging unit 12 (step S14). Then, the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5.

[0074] Through the above reading process, the reader 10 can read the product code indicated by the code symbol 33 printed by the digital watermark, and the flag information indicated by the code symbol 41 printed by the digital watermark. In addition, the reader 10 can read the discount information indicated by the discount sticker 50 attached to the product package 30.

[0075] (modified version) Next, a modified example will be described. The modified example differs from the previously described example in that the reader 10 reads discount information from a code symbol 41 printed as a digital watermark on the sealing member 40. In other words, it differs from the previously described example in that the second piece of information is discount information indicating the content of the customer's benefit, rather than flag information.

[0076] In the modified version, the configuration of the sealing member 40 is the same as in the example described above, but the information encoded in the code symbol 41 is discount information. It is also desirable that a separate discount sticker 50 be affixed to the product package 30 in the modified version as well, in order to inform the customer of the discount information.

[0077] The reading process performed by the reading device 10 will now be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading process by the control unit 100 of the reading device 10 in a modified example. Note that processes similar to the reading process in the previously described example are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanation may be omitted.

[0078] The process in steps S1 to S4 reads the product code from the code symbol 33 printed as a digital watermark on the product package 30, just as in the example described above. Also, the process in steps S5 to S6 attempts to decode the code symbol 41 printed on the sealing material 40, just as in the example described above.

[0079] The determination means 1006 determines whether or not discount information has been read from the code symbol 41 by decoding by the decoding processing means 1005 (step S21). If the discount information has been read by the decoding processing means 1005 (Y in step S21), the output means 1007 transmits the product code and discount information read by the reading means 1003 to the POS terminal 20 (step S22). Then, the control unit 100 terminates the reading process.

[0080] In the process of step S21, if the discount information cannot be read because the code symbol 41 cannot be extracted from the magenta image, or because information cannot be read from the extracted code symbol 41 (N in step S21), the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the product code was read (step S23).

[0081] If a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S23), the output means 1007 transmits the read product code to the POS terminal 20 (step S24). In this case, the control unit 100 determines that the product in the captured image is not a discounted product, that is, it is not a product to which a sticker member 40 with a code symbol 41 indicating discount information has been printed has been attached, and the output means 1007 transmits only the product code to the POS terminal 20. Then, the control unit 100 terminates the reading process.

[0082] If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S23 (N in step S23), the image acquisition means 1001 acquires the captured image taken by the imaging unit 12 (step S25). Then, the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5.

[0083] Through the above reading process, the reading device 10 can read the product code indicated by the code symbol 33 printed by the digital watermark, and the discount information indicated by the code symbol 41 printed by the digital watermark. This eliminates the need for the operator to align the discount sticker 50 with the imaging window 16, thereby improving the operator's operability.

[0084] As described above, the reading device 10 of the above embodiment includes an imaging unit 12 that images the object to be read, a reading means 1003 that reads the product code indicated by the symbol printed with a digital watermark from the image captured by the imaging unit 12 by a first process, and reads information different from the product code, such as flag information or discount information indicated by the symbol printed with a digital watermark, by a second process different from the first process, and an output means 1007 that outputs the information read by the reading means 1003.

[0085] As a result, the reader 10 can improve operator operability without compromising the appearance of the product, and prevent operators from forgetting to read discount information and other special offer information.

[0086] Furthermore, the reading means 1003 in the reading device 10 of the embodiment extracts symbols printed in a specific color from the captured image by a first process, and extracts symbols printed in a color different from the specific color from the captured image by a second process.

[0087] This allows the reader 10 to easily distinguish between symbols printed with a specific color watermark and symbols printed with a different color watermark. Therefore, even if a symbol indicating a product code and a symbol indicating flag information or discount information are superimposed, the two can be easily distinguished. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the reader from forgetting to read discount information or other special offer information.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first information is a product code that identifies the product, and the second information is flag information or discount information related to the benefits of the product.

[0089] This makes the reader 10 suitable for use in stores that sell products.

[0090] Furthermore, the second piece of information in the embodiment is flag information indicating that a label indicating the content of the bonus is attached to the product, or information indicating the content of the bonus.

[0091] This makes the reading device 10 particularly suitable for mass retailers such as supermarkets that regularly offer discounted prices.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the reader 10 may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program executed by the reader 10 in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0093] 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 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10. Reader 12 Imaging Unit 1001 Image acquisition method 1002 Input means 1003 Reading means 1004 Extraction means 1005 Decoding processing means 1006 Judgment means 1007 Output means [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0095] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-185471

Claims

1. An imaging unit that captures an image of the object to be read, A reading means reads from the image captured by the imaging unit a first information indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark by a first process, and reads a second information which is different from the first information and is indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark by a second process different from the first process, An output means that outputs the information read by the reading means, Equipped with, A reader device in which the first information is product identification information that identifies a product, and the second information is flag information that indicates that a label indicating the content of the benefit is attached to the product.

2. The reading means extracts symbols printed in a specific color from the captured image by the first process, and extracts symbols printed in a color different from the specific color from the captured image by the second process. The reading device according to claim 1.

3. A program for controlling a reading device equipped with an imaging unit that images the object to be read, using a computer. The aforementioned computer, A reading means reads from the image captured by the imaging unit a first information indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark by a first process, and reads a second information which is different from the first information and is indicated by a symbol printed with a digital watermark by a second process different from the first process, An output means that outputs the information read by the reading means, and make it work A program in which the first piece of information is product identification information that identifies a product, and the second piece of information is flag information that indicates that a label indicating the content of the bonus is attached to the product.

Images