Information Reading Apparatus for Commodity Code Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information reading apparatuses face challenges in accurately associating information codes with additional information displayed on commodities, particularly in distinguishing and correlating the code with the corresponding visual cues on price-cut or point seals.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a CPU with modules for image data processing, specifying first and second image data, determining correspondence, and extracting information codes and additional information, utilizing a direction-indicating image with a surrounding and extending portion to facilitate accurate association through image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If image processing is performed to read information codes and additional information from photographed image data, then information can be extracted from commodities, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine correspondence between the information code and the additional information when they overlap or are close to each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation extraction accuracyVSAvoidcorrespondence determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data processing into distinct components: first image data specifying section for information code, second image data specifying section for additional information, and correspondence determining section. This segmentation allows independent processing and analysis of each element, making it easier to determine their relationships even when they overlap in the original image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where the correspondence determining section acts as a mediator between the information code extraction and additional information extraction. This intermediary analyzes the spatial relationships and determines correspondence based on positional information, bridging the gap between overlapping elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the information code and additional information are displayed close to each other or overlap on the commodity, then space is efficiently used, but the association between them becomes harder to grasp

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel area utilizationVSAvoidassociation clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional spatial overlap to a different dimensional analysis by extracting positional information and processing correspondence in a separate data dimension. The correspondence determining section analyzes relationships based on coordinates and spatial positions rather than visual overlap, effectively adding a computational dimension to resolve the ambiguity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a computational copy of the spatial relationship information through image processing. Instead of relying on visual inspection of overlapping elements, the system creates digital representations of positions and relationships, allowing accurate correspondence determination without the visual confusion of overlap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If manual determination of correspondence is performed, then accuracy can be maintained, but processing time and labor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrespondence determination accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated image processing where the system determines correspondence between information codes and additional information without human intervention. The correspondence determining section automatically analyzes positional relationships and establishes associations, eliminating the need for manual determination while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical human visual inspection and manual determination process with automated image processing mechanisms. The computer-based correspondence determining section substitutes human operators, using algorithmic analysis of positional information to rapidly and accurately determine correspondences between code and information elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8783554B2Information reading apparatus, commodity sales information processing apparatus, and pasted object

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an information reading apparatus includes a first image-data specifying section, a second image-data specifying section, a correspondence determining section, an information-code specifying section, and an information specifying section. The first image-data specifying section specifies, from photographed image data, first image data corresponding to an information code given to a commodity. The second image-data specifying section specifies, from the photographed image data, second image data corresponding to a pasted object pasted to the commodity. The correspondence determining section determines that the first image data and the second image data correspond to each other when the first image data is located, with respect to the second image data, in a direction specified on the basis of the second image data. The information-code specifying section specifies the information code from the first image data. The information specifying section specifies information from the second image data.