JP2012114886A - Image monitoring system by bar code recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image monitoring system realizing an advanced traceability by a system being low cost and easy to be installed, by controlling and recognizing read of a bar code.SOLUTION: A reference numeral 1001 represents a WEB camera connected to a network 1000. A reference numeral 1002 represents a data storage part recording an image from the WEB camera, and constitutes photographing and recording means in cooperation with the WEB camera. A reference numeral 1003 represents a work area where operations are performed. A bar code reader 1004 is provided in the work area. In the WEB camera 1001, under management by a host computer 1007, a photographic parameter is adjusted so as to photograph inside a photographic area 1008 that is set in the work area. The photographed image is configured so as to be recorded in the data storage part 1002 via the network 1000.

Description

The present invention relates to an image monitoring system that monitors a job by using a photographing device, and more particularly to an image monitoring system that recognizes a job and controls shooting and recording depending on whether or not a barcode is read.

Along with the increase in capacity of storage media and storage devices, a system for monitoring work with a video camera is used for the purpose of preventing accidents and crimes in various work.

However, with a conventional surveillance system that continues to shoot free working videos and work areas where work is being performed, let's trace the cause and scope of defects that have been found in business accidents and business related products. Even so, it is a time-consuming task to search for images related to acupuncture from an enormous amount of video data, and it is a problematic system to realize high-level traceability that requires prompt response.

There is a system by the applicant of the present application cited in Patent Document 1 as a system for recording an image while dividing a business sequence by using reading of an RFID tag as a trigger instead of recording an image.
Here, a system that includes an RFID tag attached to a carrier used for pharmacy operations and an RFID reader in which an RFID tag detection area is set in an imaging area is proposed, and the carrier is placed at a predetermined position on a work table. When the RFID tag is detected, the RFID tag is detected, and an image while the RFID tag is detected is recorded, thereby realizing high traceability.
Japanese Patent No. 4276654

However, a system that uses RFID tags and RFID readers is relatively expensive, and it is necessary to prepare a carrier with an RFID tag added for each business. There was a need to provide an image surveillance system.

As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor adds a barcode to an object to be used for work, recognizes the pattern of whether or not the barcode is read, and records / records based on the recognized result. It was found that a system that realizes high traceability by controlling the means can be realized at low cost, and the present invention has been made.

The invention according to claim 1 is a business monitoring system using a photographing device.
1) a shooting / recording means connected to a network for recording an image by setting a shooting range in a work area where work is performed, and shooting still images or moving images continuously at predetermined intervals;
2) A thing provided for the above-mentioned work with a barcode attached thereto;
3) A barcode reading area is set in the work area, and the operation is controlled so as to repeat reading and transmission of reading information regardless of the presence and movement of the object to be used for the work in the reading area, A barcode reader connected to the network,
4) Receiving the reading information from the bar code reader, analyzing the reading information, determining that the bar code information is included in the reading information as one operation is continued, and the photographing / recording means A host computer connected to the network for grouping images acquired while it is determined that the business is being controlled and recording the data in association with information identifying the business as monitoring data related to the one business; It is characterized by providing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the system according to the first aspect, the operation of the bar code reader is controlled by adding the function of the repetitive operation to a control program inside the bar code reader. It is characterized by being.

The invention according to claim 3 is a business monitoring system using a photographing device.
1) a shooting / recording means connected to a network for recording an image by setting a shooting range in a work area where work is performed, and shooting still images or moving images continuously at predetermined intervals;
2) A thing provided for the above-mentioned work with a barcode attached thereto;
3) Set a barcode reading area in the work area, and a barcode reader connected to the network;
4) Send a read request command repeatedly to the barcode reader, receive the barcode reader reading information, analyze the reading information, and the reading information includes the barcode information It is determined that the operation is in progress, and the images acquired while the operation is determined by controlling the photographing / recording means are grouped to identify the operation as monitoring data related to the operation. And a host computer connected to the network for recording in association with the information to be recorded.

The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the object to be used for the work in the inventions of claims 1 to 3 is a document holder for carrying a document related to the work.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the photographing / recording means, to shoot the work to be photographed without omission, and to quickly search for images related to a case of a flaw or an accident, etc. It is possible to provide an image monitoring system that generates computerized monitoring data and realizes high traceability.

Schematic configuration diagram of Example 1 Configuration diagram of barcode reader and document holder Flow chart showing operation of barcode reader Internal configuration diagram of host computer Time chart showing the principle of Example 1 Schematic configuration diagram of Example 2 Configuration diagram of the barcode reader and document holder used in Example 2 Internal configuration diagram of host computer Flow chart showing control operation of bar code reader Time chart showing the principle of Example 2

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to a first embodiment of this invention.
Reference numeral 1001 denotes a WEB camera connected to the network 1000. A data storage unit 1002 records an image of the WEB camera, and constitutes a photographing / recording unit in cooperation with the WEB camera.
Reference numeral 1003 denotes a work area where business is performed, and a barcode reader 1004 is provided in the work area. A worker 1005 who performs a business has a document holder 1006 to which a barcode is added and determines and operates a business procedure so as to enter a work area. The document holder is an indispensable tool for work for holding work instructions for business progress, and is always provided for work.
Here, a bar code is added to the document holder, but the items provided for the work of the present invention are not limited to this, and a container such as a tray for carrying goods for work, a work instruction, etc. It can be adopted as appropriate according to the circumstances of the establishment where the system is introduced, such as by adding to the document.
Reference numeral 1007 denotes a host computer that manages and controls the entire system.

Under the management of the host computer 1007, the web camera 1001 is adjusted in shooting parameters so as to take a picture in the shooting area 1008 set in the work area, and the shot image is stored in the data storage unit 1002 via the network 1000. It is configured to be recorded.
Here, the WEB camera is adopted as the photographing device. However, the photographing device of the present invention is not limited to the WEB camera, and any image photographing device can be adopted as long as it can be connected to a network. Is possible.

In the work area 1003, a reading area 1009 of the barcode reader 1004 is set in addition to the photographing area, and the operator 1005 sets a work procedure so that the document holder is placed in the reading area in a predetermined direction. The barcode reader determines the position and orientation so that the barcode on the document holder can be read at any time during work.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the barcode reader 1004 and the document holder 1006 employed in the first embodiment.
A configuration is adopted in which the barcode 2001 added to the document holder 1006 is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor). Here, the sensor for reading is not limited to the CCD type employed here, and other types of sensors such as a laser type can be appropriately employed. The addition of the barcode is realized by attaching a printed matter such as a sticker on which the barcode is printed on the back surface of the document holder, or printing directly on the document holder surface.

  The barcode reader main body 2000 has a configuration of a barcode reading unit 2002, a control unit 2003, a scanning command unit 2004, and a reading information transmission unit 2005.

The barcode reading unit 2002 scans the barcode 2001, receives the collected light, and converts it into an electrical signal, and a barcode demodulation unit that demodulates the barcode from the output of the detection unit And have.

The control unit 2003 includes a CPU (processor). When receiving a trigger signal, the control unit 2003 starts scanning the optical scanning unit of the barcode reading unit 2002. When receiving demodulated data from the barcode reading unit, the control unit 2003 receives demodulated data of the output unit 2005. The output operation is started.
Some conventional bar code readers stop the operation to prevent double reading when the same reading information is read within a certain period of time. However, in the present invention, the reading operation is not stopped as long as there is a trigger signal. adopt.

The scan command unit 2004 is not included in the conventional bar code reader component. It is a functional block that outputs a trigger signal for starting scanning repeatedly to the control unit 2003 at all times. This is implemented by incorporating a program for outputting a trigger signal at predetermined intervals and a timer for interval control in the control program of the control unit.
Here, the functional block according to the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, a functional block for internally transmitting a trigger signal with reference to a table storing repeated operation patterns and an operation pattern stored in the table. A method of mounting by connecting to the optical scanning start trigger receiving part of the control program can be appropriately adopted.
In the control unit of the conventional barcode reader, the trigger signal is provided with a manual switch that is used for starting the optical scanning by using the article entry detection signal from the separately provided article detection unit as a trigger signal, or a handy type switch. In general, the optical scanning is appropriately started based on the judgment of the operator.
In this way, a bar code reader corresponding to a system in which a function for generating a trigger signal for starting scanning is provided inside a bar code reader so as to add a control program, and a method for controlling the reading at all times is currently known. Not.

(Barcode reader operation)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the barcode reader.
In the scan instruction step 3001, instruction information indicating whether the scan command unit 2004 scans or stops is sent to the control unit by a preset system start procedure or manual input by the system operator. In particular, the content of the instruction is stored in a predetermined memory area (not shown), and the instruction content is determined in the instruction content reference step 3002. If the instruction content is “scan”, a trigger signal is output to the control unit 2003 in the reading step 3003, and optical scanning is started.
At this time, a not-shown interval control timer starts counting. In the count step 3004, the interval control timer is monitored, and after the preset interval is counted up, the instruction content reference step 3002 is repeated.
If the instruction content is still scanned, the reading operation is repeated until the instruction content is changed to stop.

(Host computer configuration)
FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the host computer 1007.
It includes a recognition unit 4001 that communicates with the barcode reader and recognizes read information and a reception pattern of the read information, and a control unit 4002 that controls the photographing / recording unit according to the recognition result of the recognition unit.
The operations of these components are realized by executing a program prepared in advance for the host computer in a CPU (not shown) and controlling various devices. These programs are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, USB memory, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., read from the recording medium by a host computer, and operated by a system operator. Is executed by.

(Operation Principle of Example 1)
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the principle of the first embodiment.
In accordance with the business progress 5000, the document holder 1006 is placed in the reading area 1009. Until the time indicated by 5001, the barcode reader 1004 performs optical scanning as indicated by an upward solid arrow indicated by 5002, and reading information indicated by a dashed arrow 5003 is indicated. Non-detection of has been repeated. After the time point 5001, the detection of the read information illustrated by the downward solid arrow indicated by 5005 is repeated until the time point indicated by 5004.
Then, after the time point indicated by 5004 when the document holder exits the reading area after the work is finished, the barcode reader 1004 does not detect the reading information indicated by the broken line arrow with respect to the optical scanning indicated by the solid arrow pointing upward. Repeated.

In the business progress 5000, the host computer 1007 repeatedly receives the read information from the barcode reader 1004 from the time point 5001 to the time point indicated by 5004 as shown by the downward solid arrow indicated by 5006.
The recognizing unit 4001 of the host computer recognizes that the first read information detection is the start of business, collates the identity of the read information that is repeatedly received, and determines from 5001 to 5004 as reception related to one business. From the start to the end is recognized as one group, and the barcode reading information is referred to generate recognition information.
Further, the control unit 4002 of the host computer refers to the above recognition, sends a shooting / recording start command indicated by 5008 to the shooting / recording unit 5007, starts shooting / recording from the time point 5001, and returns to the time point 5004. Then, a shooting / recording end command 5009 is sent.

The photographing / recording means 5007 performs photographing / recording operation in accordance with the command and the recognition information from the host computer, and recognizes the image of the photographing area 1008 indicated by the downward solid line arrow 5010 as monitoring data of one group. Then, a predetermined business group ID is added and recorded. As this group ID, it is possible to adopt the above-described recognition information or information associated with the recognition information, and it is possible to appropriately adopt it as a data item of monitoring data.
Here, the photographing / recording unit 5007 shows a functional block that functions integrally with the web camera 1001 and the data storage unit 1002 in FIG.

  The monitoring data generated in this way has an effect that when a business accident is discovered later, only an image related to the accident can be extracted and the cause of the accident can be traced.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 6001 denotes a WEB camera connected to the network 6000. A data storage unit 6002 records an image of the WEB camera, and constitutes a photographing / recording unit in cooperation with the WEB camera.
Reference numeral 6003 denotes a work area where business is performed, and a barcode reader 6004 is provided in the work area. A worker 6005 who performs a business has a document holder 6006 to which a barcode is added and determines and operates a business procedure so as to enter a work area.
Reference numeral 6007 denotes a host computer that manages and controls the entire system.
Here, a bar code is added to the document holder, but the items provided for the work of the present invention are not limited to this, and a container such as a tray for carrying goods for work, a work instruction, etc. It can be adopted as appropriate according to the circumstances of the establishment where the system is introduced, such as by adding to the document.

Under the management of the host computer 6007, the web camera 6001 has shooting parameters adjusted so that the shooting area 6008 set in the work area is shot, and the shot image is stored in the data storage unit 6002 via the network 6000. It is configured to be recorded.
Here, the WEB camera is adopted as the photographing device. However, the photographing device of the present invention is not limited to the WEB camera, and any image photographing device can be adopted as long as it can be connected to a network. Is possible.

In the work area 6003, a reading area 6009 of the barcode reader 6004 is set in addition to the photographing area, and the operator 6005 sets a work procedure so that the document holder is placed in the reading area in a predetermined direction. The barcode reader determines the position and orientation so that the barcode on the document holder can be read at any time during work.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a barcode reader 6004 and a document holder 6006 employed in the second embodiment.
A configuration is adopted in which the barcode 2001 added to the document holder 1006 is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor). Here, the sensor for reading is not limited to the CCD type employed here, and other types of sensors such as a laser type can be appropriately employed. The addition of the barcode is realized by attaching a printed matter such as a sticker on which the barcode is printed on the back surface of the document holder, or printing directly on the document holder surface.
The bar code reader main body 7000 has a bar code reading unit 7002, a control unit 7003, a scan command receiving unit 7004, and a read information transmitting unit 7005.

The barcode reading unit 7002 scans the barcode 7001, receives the collected light, and converts it into an electrical signal, and barcode demodulation that demodulates the barcode from the output of the detection unit. Part.

The control unit 7003 includes a CPU (processor). When a predetermined command is received, the control unit 7003 starts scanning of the optical scanning unit of the bar code reading unit 7002, and when receiving demodulated data from the bar code reading unit, the control unit 7003 demodulates the output unit 7005. Data output operation is started.

The scan command receiving unit 7004 receives a command from the host computer 1007 and outputs a scan start command to the control unit 7003.
In the control unit of the conventional barcode reader, the trigger signal is provided with a manual switch that is used for starting the optical scanning by using the article entry detection signal from the separately provided article detection unit as a trigger signal, or a handy type switch. In general, the optical scanning is appropriately started based on the judgment of the operator.
Thus, the configuration for controlling the scanning start of the barcode reader by a command from the host computer is not within the scope of the applicant's investigation.

(Host computer configuration)
FIG. 8 is an internal configuration diagram of the host computer 6007.
A reader control unit 8001 that transmits a scanning start command to the barcode reader in a predetermined pattern, a recognition unit 8002 that recognizes read information received from the barcode reader and a reception pattern of the read information, and a recognition result of the recognition unit A camera control unit 8003 for controlling the photographing / recording unit is included.
The reader control unit is a functional block that constantly transmits a signal including a scan start command to the barcode reader. This is realized by executing an output program that transmits a signal including a scan start command at a preset interval, and is provided with an interval control timer and transmits a signal at the preset interval by reference It has become.
The operations of these components are realized by executing a program prepared in advance for the host computer in a CPU (not shown) and controlling various devices. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, USB memory, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., read from the recording medium by a host computer, and operated by a system operator. Executed.

(Barcode reader control operation)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the barcode reader.
In the optical scanning instruction step 9001, the reader control unit 8001 of the host computer sends a signal including a scanning start command to the barcode reader. At this time, a not-shown interval control timer starts counting. In the signal receiving step 9002, the scanning command receiving unit 7004 of the barcode reader extracts a scanning start command from the received signal and outputs it to the control unit 7003.
In a reading step 9003, optical scanning of the bar code reader is started. If there is a bar code, it is read and read information is sent to the host computer.
In the counting step 9004, the reader control unit 8001 monitors the interval control timer, and repeats the scanning instruction step 9001 after the preset interval is counted up.
In this way, the reading operation is always repeated until the operation of the system of the present invention is stopped.

(Operation Principle of Example 2)
FIG. 10 is a time chart illustrating the principle of the second embodiment.
According to the business progress 10000, the document holder 6006 is placed in the reading area 6009 at a time indicated by 10001, and the business is finished, and the document holder is withdrawn from the reading area at a time indicated by 10004.
The host computer 6007 constantly transmits a signal including a scanning start command illustrated by an upward solid arrow indicated by 10002 to the barcode reader.
The bar code reader constantly repeats optical scanning indicated by a 10003 upward solid arrow in accordance with a scanning start command included in the signal. However, until 10001, the non-detection of the read information is repeated for the optical scanning as indicated by the 10004 downward broken arrow.
After the time 10001, the detection of the read information is repeated as indicated by the downward solid line arrow 10005 until the time indicated by 10004, and the read information is transmitted to the host computer as indicated by the downward solid line arrow 10006. After the time point indicated by 10004, the non-detection of the read information indicated by the broken line arrow is repeated for the optical scanning illustrated by the upward solid line arrow.

The recognizing unit 8002 of the host computer recognizes that the first read information detection is the start of business, checks the identity of the read information received repeatedly, and determines from 10001 to 10004 as reception related to one business. From the start to the end is recognized as one group, and the barcode reading information is referred to generate recognition information.
Also, the camera control unit 8003 of the host computer refers to the above recognition, sends a shooting / recording start command shown in 10009 to the shooting / recording means 10007, starts shooting / recording from 10001, and At the time, a shooting / recording end command 10010 is sent.

The photographing / recording means 10007 performs photographing / recording operations in accordance with the command and the recognition information from the host computer, and recognizes the image of the photographing area 6008 indicated by a downward solid arrow indicated by 10011 as monitoring data of one group. Then, a predetermined business group ID is added and recorded. As this group ID, it is possible to adopt the above-described recognition information or information associated with the recognition information, and it is possible to appropriately adopt it as a data item of monitoring data.
Here, the photographing / recording means 10008 is a functional block in which the web camera 6001 and the data storage means 6002 in FIG.

  The monitoring data generated in this way has an effect that when a business accident is discovered later, only an image related to the accident can be extracted and the cause of the accident can be traced.

The system of the present invention records work in the work area in work requiring careful work, and even if an accident or error occurs, it can quickly search for images related to the accident or error and perform the work. Confirmation is possible at a relatively low cost, and has the effect of expanding the use possibilities in industries where high traceability is strongly required.

1000 Network work area 1001 WEB camera 1002 Data storage means 1003 Work area 1004 Bar code reader 1005 Worker 1006 Document holder 1007 Host computer

Claims (4)

In a business monitoring system that uses an imaging device,
1) a shooting / recording means connected to a network for recording an image by setting a shooting range in a work area where work is performed, and shooting still images or moving images continuously at predetermined intervals;
2) A thing provided for the above-mentioned work with a barcode attached thereto;
3) A barcode reading area is set in the work area, and the operation is controlled so as to repeat reading and transmission of reading information regardless of the presence and movement of the object to be used for the work in the reading area, A barcode reader connected to the network,
4) Receiving the reading information from the bar code reader, analyzing the reading information, determining that the bar code information is included in the reading information as one operation is continued, and the photographing / recording means A host computer connected to the network for grouping images acquired while it is determined that the business is being controlled and recording the data in association with information identifying the business as monitoring data related to the one business; A system comprising: 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the bar code reader is controlled by adding a function of the repetitive operation to a control program inside the bar code reader. In a business monitoring system that uses an imaging device,
1) a shooting / recording means connected to a network for recording an image by setting a shooting range in a work area where work is performed, and shooting still images or moving images continuously at predetermined intervals;
2) A thing provided for the above-mentioned work with a barcode attached thereto;
3) Set a barcode reading area in the work area, and a barcode reader connected to the network;
4) Send a read request command repeatedly to the barcode reader, receive the barcode reader reading information, analyze the reading information, and the reading information includes the barcode information It is determined that the operation is in progress, and the images acquired while the operation is determined by controlling the photographing / recording means are grouped to identify the operation as monitoring data related to the operation. And a host computer connected to the network for recording in association with the information to be recorded. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object to be provided for the business is a document holder for carrying a document related to the business.

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