Self-checkout monitoring system

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing system that effectively suppresses erroneous determination as much as possible and suppresses the illegal act of not registering a commodity, while simplifying the system. This information processing system comprises: a medium having a chromic layer in a region which includes at least a part of a code attached to a surface; a code reader for reading the code; an imaging unit for imaging the chromic layer; and an information processing device. The information processing device is provided with an imaging acquisition means for acquiring an image captured by the imaging unit, and a determination means for determining whether or not the code has been read by the code reader on the basis of the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

Description

Self-checkout monitoring system

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-checkout monitoring system.

[0002] In a self-checkout system, customers themselves hold up a code reader to read a barcode or other code attached to a product. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized removal of the product. Conventionally, a deep learning-based image analysis method or the like is used to detect information including specific actions such as holding and moving an unpaid product, and by comparing this information with product information obtained by a product information reader, suspicious actions are determined and unauthorized operations are prevented (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 7039084

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for technology that uses a simple system to prevent fraudulent product removal by minimizing false positives, but conventional technology, including that disclosed in Patent Document 1, is unable to meet this demand.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and aims to provide an information processing system that can simplify the system, minimize erroneous judgments, and effectively deter the illegal act of not registering products.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing system of one embodiment of the present invention includes a medium having a chromic layer in an area including at least a portion of a code attached to its surface, a code reader that reads the code, an imaging unit that images the chromic layer, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device includes an imaging acquisition means that acquires an image captured by the imaging unit, and a determination means that determines whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

[0007] An information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are respectively an information processing method and a program corresponding to the information processing device according to the above-described one aspect of the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the system, minimize erroneous determinations, and effectively prevent the illegal act of not registering products.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview of the service to which an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photochromic layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a barcode reader according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system including the information processing device with the hardware configuration of Fig. 4.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to information processing using a code attached to the surface of an article such as a commodity. In this information processing, a chromic layer is provided on at least a portion of the surface to which the code is attached, and this chromic layer has the property of changing color in response to a predetermined stimulus such as light, heat, pressure, or electricity.

[0011] When a code is read by a code reader, a predetermined stimulus is applied to the chromic layer, causing a visible color change in the chromic layer to indicate that the code has been read. The server acquires an image of the chromic layer captured by an imaging unit installed along the path and determines whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the image. This allows visual confirmation that the code has been properly read, via the color change in the chromic layer.

[0012] For example, a photochromic layer can be formed around a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the surface of a product, and by irradiating the code with ultraviolet light or the like when the code is read, the readability of the code can be visualized as a color change. The photochromic layer can also be designed to return to its original color after a predetermined time has passed.

[0013] This configuration makes it possible to determine the code reading status using a simple indicator, the color change of the chromic layer, without using complex processing such as image analysis. Furthermore, since the presence of products whose codes have not been read can be identified at a glance, it is expected to have a deterrent effect against fraud. Furthermore, since the color change of the chromic layer occurs in conjunction with the reading operation by the code reader, it is difficult to counterfeit.

[0014] The present invention can achieve both reliable processing and effective fraud prevention in various information processing using codes, such as product logistics management and product management at the time of sale.

[0015] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") to which an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. This service simplifies the system while minimizing erroneous judgments and effectively deterring the illegal act of not registering products.

[0016] The information processing system of this service includes a server 1, a barcode reader 3, and a surveillance camera 4.

[0017] A barcode 21 is attached to the product 2. The barcode 21 is a code in which a predetermined pattern is arranged one-dimensionally, and is read by scanning a laser beam and detecting changes in the intensity of the reflected light. Note that the present invention is not limited to barcodes, but can also be applied to two-dimensional codes such as QR Code (registered trademark). In the case of two-dimensional codes, reading is performed based on an image captured by an imaging element. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the product 2, but also to slips, tags, etc.

[0018] In this embodiment, a photochromic layer 22 is applied to the surface of the barcode 21. The barcode reader 3 has a function of irradiating the barcode 21 with ultraviolet light when reading the barcode 21. The photochromic layer 22 has the property of changing color when irradiated with ultraviolet light. The barcode reader 3 irradiates the barcode 21 with ultraviolet light simultaneously with scanning the barcode 21 or within a predetermined time (e.g., 0.1 seconds) after scanning.

[0019] The surveillance camera 4 captures an image of the photochromic layer 22 attached to the barcode 21. The server 1 acquires the image captured by the surveillance camera 4 and determines, based on the acquired image, a change in color of the photochromic layer 22. The server 1 determines, based on the color of the photochromic layer 22, whether the barcode 21 has been read.

[0020] The colored photochromic layer 22 has the property of fading when exposed to visible light, and fades within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 minutes). Once colored, the photochromic layer 22 maintains its colored state until the product 2 has been paid for and bagged, and for at least the time it takes for the product 2 to leave the store.

[0021] In this manner, in this embodiment, the reading of the barcode 21 is visualized as a color change in the photochromic layer 22, making it possible to easily confirm whether or not the barcode 21 has been read.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photochromic layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. The photochromic layer 22 in this embodiment is made of a diarylethene-based photochromic material. This photochromic material is transparent before ultraviolet light irradiation. As shown in FIG. 2, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, its molecular structure changes and it becomes colored. Specifically, when exposed to UV light, it becomes colored yellow or magenta and reflects red light. Alternatively, it can be configured to reflect red light by including both a material that reflects yellow and a material that reflects magenta.

[0023] The colored photochromic material fades to transparency when exposed to visible light (VIS). The time it takes for the color to fade depends on the material, but in this embodiment, a photochromic material is selected that has material properties that allow the color to remain colored for the time (e.g., 5 minutes) from when the product 2 passes through the self-checkout, is monitored by the surveillance camera 4, and is bagged, and then fades in about 10 minutes due to store lighting. Even if a product is accidentally scanned, the photochromic material will fade if exposed to visible light for an appropriate period of time, and the product can then be returned to the shelf.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lighting in the retail area of ​​a product store contain visible light that fades the photochromic material. This allows the photochromic material to fade naturally when the product, whose barcode label has been scanned, is returned to the shelf. On the other hand, it is preferable that the checkout area, i.e., the area around the cash register, is not irradiated with visible light that fades the photochromic material on the barcode label.

[0025] The coloring characteristics of the photochromic layer 22 are designed so as not to affect the reading performance of the barcode 21. In barcode scanning, patterns are detected based on the intensity ratio of reflected light from black and white areas, so it is important that this intensity ratio is maintained even after the photochromic material is colored. The reflectance of the colored color to laser light must be the same as that of the color before coloring (generally white) or must differ by a range that does not interfere with barcode detection.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a photochromic material that changes color when exposed to a laser diode (typically a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 650 nm) used for scanning barcodes. In this case, a colored line mark can be added to the barcode label without adding any additional optical components. It is also effective to use a phosphorescent material instead of a photochromic material. Phosphorescent materials have the advantage that their luminescence intensity naturally decays after exposure to light, ensuring that the color fades over time. Therefore, the color fades after a certain period of time without being affected by environmental factors such as store lighting.

[0027] Specifically, if the reflectance of the scanning laser at the white portion of the barcode is A, the reflectance of the white portion after coloring is designed to be A / 4 or greater, preferably A / 2 or greater. Furthermore, if the scanning laser diode of the barcode reader emits infrared light, the colored light has the property of reflecting infrared light and also reflecting red light, which is visible light. Similarly, if the scanning laser emits red light, the colored light has the property of reflecting red light and also being visible. Generally speaking, it is preferable that the difference between the wavelength of the barcode scanning laser diode and the maximum wavelength of the reflection spectrum of the colored light be within 50 nm.

[0028] It is also desirable to provide a coating layer that absorbs ultraviolet rays (wavelengths of approximately 300 nm to 400 nm) contained in sunlight on the photochromic layer 22. This makes it possible to prevent unintended coloring due to sunlight.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a barcode reader equipped with an ultraviolet irradiation mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The barcode reader 3 according to this embodiment includes a laser diode 31 for scanning barcodes, a polygon mirror PM, a motor M, and a photodetector PD. The polygon mirror PM is rotated by the motor M, and the light from the laser diode 31 scans the barcode 21. The light reflected from the barcode 21 is received by the photodetector PD, and the barcode is read based on fluctuations in the intensity of the received light.

[0031] A feature of this embodiment is that an ultraviolet irradiating laser diode 32 is provided adjacent to a barcode scanning laser diode 31. The ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet irradiating laser diode 32 is irradiated onto the barcode 21 using the same polygon mirror PM as for barcode scanning. This ultraviolet light scanning causes the photochromic layer 22 applied to the barcode 21 to change color. As a result, a line that changes color along the scanned line is formed on the barcode label, as shown in the lower part of Figure 3.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although not shown, it is also possible to provide an additional optical system in addition to the polygon mirror PM for irradiating the photochromic layer 22 with a laser. This additional optical system makes it possible to create a specific figure rather than just a linear pattern as the color change in the photochromic layer 22. This makes it more difficult to counterfeit the color change of the photochromic layer 22, and also results in a highly visible figure-like color change pattern, further enhancing the deterrent effect against shoplifting and other fraudulent activities.

[0033] Another effective configuration is to cause the color change of a photochromic material by irradiating it with light from a smartphone. Recently, self-checkout systems have been put into practical use, where a barcode or QR code on a product picked up from a shelf is read using a smartphone camera, without going through a cash register. However, it is difficult to determine whether a barcode or QR code has been read using a smartphone camera using in-store surveillance cameras, for example, based solely on customer behavior patterns.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, the smartphone's flashlight is configured to light up simultaneously with reading the barcode with the smartphone's camera. This flashlight, for example, contains light in the ultraviolet range. This allows the flashlight to light up and color the barcode simultaneously with reading the barcode with the smartphone's camera. Note that the inclusion of ultraviolet light is a typical example, and light of other wavelengths may be used as long as it is possible to color the barcode with the smartphone's flashlight.

[0035] Furthermore, the flashlight is monitored by a surveillance camera, and at almost the same time, an information processing device in the monitoring room monitors whether the barcode is being read by a smartphone. This makes it possible to identify fraudulent activity such as simply flashing a smartphone light.

[0036] This configuration has the following advantages over the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , it is possible to camouflage the barcode label by illuminating it with a simple ultraviolet light. In contrast, in this embodiment, it is extremely difficult to camouflage the precise scanning pattern produced by the ultraviolet-irradiating laser diode 32, which provides a high deterrent against fraudulent activity. In addition, the discoloration is formed as a line-shaped pattern, making it easy for the surveillance camera 4 to detect.

[0037] In this way, in this embodiment, by integrating barcode scanning and ultraviolet irradiation, more reliable reading confirmation and a high level of fraud prevention are achieved.

[0038] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the server 1 that executes various processes related to this service will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 1.

[0039] As described above, the server 1 is configured by a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0040] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0041] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0042] The input unit 16 is made up of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and is used to input various types of information. The output unit 17 is made up of a display, a speaker, etc., and is used to output various types of information as images or sounds.

[0043] The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (the surveillance camera 4 in the example of FIG. 1 ) via a network N including the Internet.

[0044] Removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system including the information processing device having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, an image capturing unit 101, a color detection unit 102, a determination unit 103, and a notification unit 104 function in the CPU 11 of the server 1.

[0046] The image capturing unit 101 captures an image captured by the surveillance camera 4. Specifically, the image capturing unit 101 captures an image including the barcode 21 attached to the product 2 and the photochromic layer 22 provided on the surface of the barcode 21.

[0047] The color detection unit 102 detects the color of the photochromic layer 22 from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 101 .

[0048] The determination unit 103 determines whether or not the barcode 21 has been read by the barcode reader 3 based on the color of the photochromic layer 22 detected by the color detection unit 102. Specifically, if the photochromic layer 22 has changed color, it determines that the barcode 21 has been read by the barcode reader 3, and if the photochromic layer 22 has not changed color, it determines that the barcode 21 has not been read.

[0049] The notification unit 104 outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit 103. For example, if it is determined that the barcode 21 has not been read, a warning signal is output from the output unit 17 (e.g., a warning light) shown in Fig. 4. This makes it possible to prevent the product 2 from being taken out without being paid for.

[0050] This technology can be widely applied not only to the checkout process described above, but also as a system for detecting whether or not a process has been completed as scheduled.

[0051] Furthermore, the code reader itself used in the above-described information processing system can also be considered as one aspect of the present invention. That is, a code reader having a chromic layer color-changing means that can change the color of a chromic layer on a medium, such as the barcode reader 3, on whose surface a code to be read by the code reader is attached and which has a chromic layer in an area including at least a part of the code.

[0052] This code reader allows code reading and color change of the chromic layer to be achieved with the same device, enabling efficient and reliable code reading confirmation. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a separate device for color change, the entire system can be simplified and reduced in cost.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferable that the chromic layer color-changing means changes the color of the chromic layer when the code is read. This synchronizes the code reading operation with the color change of the chromic layer, allowing intuitive visual confirmation of whether the code has been read or not. Furthermore, it becomes difficult to separate the timing of the code reading and the color change, which enhances the effectiveness of preventing fraudulent activities.

[0054] Specifically, an example of such a code reader is the barcode reader 3 shown in FIG. 3, which includes a laser diode 31 for scanning barcodes and a laser diode 32 for irradiating ultraviolet light.

[0055] Even when only such a code reader is used, for example, if a shopping cart that has passed through the cash register contains a product with a code that does not have a color change, it may be visible to nearby shoppers. This makes it obvious to those around you that you are shopping without using a code reader. This may cause shoppers to hesitate to shop without using a code reader. In other words, the code reader has the effect of preventing fraudulent activities.

[0056] In this case, it is possible to omit the surveillance cameras, and installing dummy surveillance cameras is effective in preventing fraudulent activities.

[0057] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention.

[0058] Although the above describes an example in which a photochromic layer is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a thermochromic layer, a pressure chromic layer, or an electrochromic layer instead of the photochromic layer. These variations are described below. When a photochromic layer is used, it is assumed that an ultraviolet laser will be used, but in this case, the effects of ultraviolet light on the human body must be considered. In this regard, the variation in which a thermochromic layer is used, which will be described below, allows the use of an infrared laser, which is relatively safe for the human body, and is therefore more preferable from the perspective of safety.

[0059] First, we will explain a modified example in which a thermochromic layer is used instead of a photochromic layer. The code reader is equipped with an infrared laser heater, which applies heat locally when reading a code, causing a color change. Infrared lasers have less impact on the human body than ultraviolet lasers, making them safer. The thermochromic layer uses a material that changes from colorless to color at approximately 50°C and returns to its original color when returned to room temperature. This has the advantage that the color naturally disappears when the product leaves the store and is exposed to the outside temperature. Furthermore, because the color change occurs due to localized heating, it is difficult to counterfeit and has a high fraud prevention effect.

[0060] Next, we will explain a modified example using a pressure chromic layer. The code reader is equipped with a small pressure application mechanism that applies localized pressure when reading a code to cause a color change. The pressure chromic layer changes from colorless to color at a pressure of approximately 5 MPa and maintains its colored state for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes) even after the pressure is removed. Because pressure-induced color change requires physical contact, this method has the advantage of making it impossible to camouflage the code without contact.

[0061] Next, we will explain a modified example that uses an electrochromic layer. The code reader is equipped with microelectrodes that change color by applying a voltage locally when reading a code. The electrochromic layer has the property of changing from transparent to colored when a voltage of about 3 V is applied, and returning to its original state when a reverse voltage is applied. This has the advantage that the timing of the color change and fading can be precisely controlled by electrical control. Furthermore, since color change due to voltage application requires special equipment, it is extremely difficult to illegally copy.

[0062] Although the information processing device has been described above, it is not limited to a personal computer or a server device, and can be realized as a chip, which is an electronic component, and can be easily incorporated into various conventional devices.

[0063] For example, the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0064] Furthermore, the functional block diagram shown in Fig. 5 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system in Fig. 1 is provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in Fig. 5.

[0065] Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks are not limited to those shown in Fig. 5 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least some of the functional blocks arranged on the server 1 side may be provided in another information processing device.

[0066] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software, and each functional block can be configured by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0067] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0068] The recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also of a recording medium that is provided to the user in a state that is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0069] In this specification, the steps describing the program to be recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually.

[0070] To sum up, the information processing device and information processing system to which the present invention is applied are only required to have the following configuration, and can take on a variety of different embodiments.

[0071] An information processing system (e.g., information processing system S in FIG. 1 ) includes a medium (e.g., product 2 in FIG. 1 ) bearing a code (e.g., barcode 21 in FIG. 1 ) on its surface and having a chromic layer in at least a portion of the code; a code reader (e.g., barcode reader 3 in FIG. 1 ) for reading the code; an imaging unit (e.g., surveillance camera 4 in FIG. 1 ) for capturing an image of the chromic layer; an imaging acquisition unit (e.g., imaging acquisition unit 101 in FIG. 5 ) for capturing an image captured by the imaging unit; and a determination unit (e.g., determination unit 103 in FIG. 5 ) for determining whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer contained in the image. This allows for easy determination of whether the code has been read using a simple indicator, i.e., a color change in the chromic layer. Furthermore, the presence of a product whose code has not been read is visually evident, which effectively deters fraudulent activity.

[0072] Furthermore, in the information processing system S, the code reader may be configured to include a stimulus applying unit (e.g., the ultraviolet irradiating laser diode 32 in FIG. 3) that applies a predetermined stimulus to the chromic layer, and the stimulus applying unit applies the predetermined stimulus to the code when the code is read by the code reader. This allows the reading of the code to be synchronized with the color change of the chromic layer, enabling reliable reading confirmation. It also makes intentional counterfeiting more difficult, improving fraud prevention.

[0073] Furthermore, in the information processing system S, the chromic layer may be configured to contain a material that changes color in response to at least one of light, heat, pressure, and electricity (e.g., the diarylethene-based photochromic material shown in FIG. 2). This allows the optimal color change method to be selected depending on the usage environment and requirements, improving the versatility and practicality of the system. Furthermore, using a material that responds to multiple stimuli can provide a more advanced anti-counterfeiting effect.

[0074] Furthermore, the information processing system S may be configured such that the imaging unit (e.g., the surveillance camera 4 in FIG. 1) is installed on the path along which the code travels, past the location of the code reader. This makes it possible to reliably check for discoloration along the path along which the product travels after the code has been read, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing unauthorized removal and the reliability of surveillance.

[0075] An information processing device (e.g., server 1 in FIG. 1 ) includes an imaging acquisition unit (e.g., imaging acquisition unit 101 in FIG. 5 ) that acquires an image obtained by capturing an image of a medium having a code to be read by a code reader on its surface and a chromic layer in an area including at least a portion of the code, and a determination unit (e.g., determination unit 103 in FIG. 5 ) that determines whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer contained in the image. This makes it easy to determine whether the code has been read using the simple indicator of a color change in the chromic layer. Furthermore, since the presence of a product whose code has not been read is visually clear, this also has a significant deterrent effect against fraudulent activities.

[0076] A code reader (e.g., barcode reader 3 in FIG. 3 ) has a chromic layer color-changing unit (e.g., ultraviolet light irradiating laser diode 32 in FIG. 3 ) that can change the color of a chromic layer on a medium that has a code to be read by the code reader on its surface and has a chromic layer in an area that includes at least a portion of the code. This allows the same device to perform both code reading and color change of the chromic layer, enabling efficient and reliable code reading confirmation. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a separate device for color change, the entire system can be simplified and costs reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, in a code reader (e.g., the barcode reader 3 in FIG. 3), the chromic layer color-changing unit (e.g., the ultraviolet irradiating laser diode 32 in FIG. 3) can also change the color of the chromic layer when reading the code. This synchronizes the code reading operation and the color change of the chromic layer in time, allowing intuitive visual confirmation of whether or not the code has been read. In addition, since it becomes difficult to separate the timing of the code reading and the color change, the effectiveness of preventing fraudulent activities is enhanced.

[0078] 1...server, 2...product, 3...barcode reader, 4...surveillance camera, 11...CPU, 12...ROM, 13...RAM, 14...bus, 15...input / output interface, 16...input section, 17...output section, 18...storage section, 19...communication section, 20...drive, 21...barcode, 22...photochromic layer, 30...removable media, 31...laser diode for barcode scanning, 32...laser diode for ultraviolet irradiation, 101...image acquisition section, 102...color detection section, 103...determination section, 104...alarm section, M...motor, PM...polygon mirror, PD...photodetector

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: a medium having a chromic layer in an area including at least a portion of a code attached to its surface; a code reader that reads the code; an imaging unit that images the chromic layer; and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device comprises: an imaging acquisition means that acquires an image captured by the imaging unit; and a determination means that determines whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the code reader comprises a stimulus applying means for applying a predetermined stimulus to the chromic layer, and when the code is read by the code reader, the stimulus applying means applies the predetermined stimulus to the code.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chromic layer contains a material that changes color in response to at least one stimulus of light, heat, pressure, or electricity.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is installed on a path along which the code moves, after the installation location of the code reader.

5. An information processing device comprising: an imaging acquisition means for acquiring an image obtained by imaging a medium having a code to be read by a code reader on its surface and having a chromic layer in an area including at least a part of the code; and a determination means for determining whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

6. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: an imaging acquisition step of acquiring an image obtained by imaging a medium having a code to be read by a code reader attached to its surface and having a chromic layer in an area including at least a part of the code; and a determination step of determining whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

7. A program that causes a computer to execute control processing including: an imaging acquisition step of acquiring an image obtained by imaging a medium having a code to be read by a code reader attached to its surface and having a chromic layer in an area including at least a part of the code; and a determination step of determining whether the code has been read by the code reader based on the color of the chromic layer included in the image.

8. A code reader, for a medium having a code to be read by the code reader on its surface and having a chromic layer in an area including at least a portion of the code, comprising a chromic layer color-changing means for changing the color of the chromic layer.

9. The code reader according to claim 8, wherein the chromic layer color-changing means changes the color of the chromic layer when the code is read.

Images